Speech #500085670

As a member of the Committee on Invalid Pensions I gave very careful and conscientious consideration to this case. A bill had passed the Senate pensioning this man at the rate of $30 a month. the Committee on Invalid Pensions felt that the Senate had perhaps gone rather far. and were willing to have the bill amended so as to simply give him a pensionable status. and leave him to prosecute his claim before the Department. It is in evidence. the proof is indubitable to any one who wishes to view this question fairly. that this man went all over Tennessee at his own expense. paying out his own money. giving his own time while undertaking to organize from the refugees of that State and elsewhere a regiment under the orders of the President of the United States. It is indubitable that be raised. if not an entire regiment nearly an entire regiment. expending his time and money in that work. It is a fact that he became sick while engaged in the performance of this duty. under the authority of the President of the United States.