James A. Seddon to W. P. Miles, February 10, 1804

Hon. W. P. MILEs, Chairman Military Committee, House of Representatives:

Sir: As the session approaches its close, will you pardon me for asking the special attention of yourself and the Committee on Military Affairs to the recommendation in my report of further legislation to authorize the appointment of quartermasters and commissaries to divisions, corps, and armies in the field? The necessity of these officers has been felt by generals commanding to be so imperative that it has led to the detail of officers of a lower grade from their appropriate commands, and has been the cause of confusion and irregularity which the Department from like conviction of the necessity of the ease has been unable appropriately to prevent and correct. I trust the importance of authorizing such appointments will be recognized and appreciated by Congress, and that the regularity and efficiency of the service may be attained with the requisite complement of officers with appropriate rank selected for the position, and not as now be imperfectly selected by temporary or irregular detail.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,