It appears from the records of this office that Alexander Burtch, Company H, First Indiana Artillery, enlisted July 24, 1861, for three years, reenlisted as a veteran January 1, 1864, and deserted at Fort Gaines, Ala., September 25, 1865, and was a deserter at large at date of muster-out of his company, January 10, 1866.
This Department emphatically objects to this bill becoming a law upon the ground of its great injustice to every soldier who served honorably until his services were no longer required by the Government.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
WM. W. BELKNAP,
Secretary of War.
EXECUTIVE MANSION, February 12, 1875.
To the House of Representatives:
I have the honor to return herewith House bill No. 2352, entitled "An act granting a pension to Lewis Hinely," from which I withhold my approval for the reasons given in the accompanying letter of the Secretary of the Interior.
U.S. GRANT.
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,
Washington, February 11, 1875.
The PRESIDENT.