The beneficiary named in this bill filed an application for pension in June, 1873, alleging as his disability a fracture of his right arm.
In a subsequent affidavit filed in 1883 he alleged deafness, which appears to be the disability upon which the special act proposed for his relief is based.
The records establish that he enlisted July 27, 1861, that he deserted April 25, 1862, and returned February 20, 1863, after an absence of about ten months, and that he deserted again April 30, 1864, and returned prior to August 31, 1864. I am informed that his record shows two enlistments and desertion during each. He was discharged December 31, 1864.
An application to remove the charge of desertion against him was denied.
Without especially discussing the question of disability chargeable to military service, it seems to me that a soldier with such a record should not be pensioned.
GROVER CLEVELAND.
EXECUTIVE MANSION, January 31, 1889.
To the Senate:
I return without approval Senate bill No. 3264, entitled "An act granting a pension to Mrs. Ellen Hand."
The husband of the beneficiary named in this bill enlisted August 22, 1862, and was mustered out with his company July 10, 1865.