s and wants.

Having no personal interest in this matter, I have felt myself free to
return this bill to the House in which it originated with my objections,
believing that in doing so I meet the wishes and judgment of the great
majority of those who indirectly pay all the salaries and other expenses
of Government.

U.S. GRANT.

EXECUTIVE MANSION, _May 26, 1876_.

_To the House of Representatives_:

I return herewith without my approval House bill No. 1922, entitled
"An act providing for the recording of deeds, mortgages, and other
conveyances affecting real estate in the District of Columbia."

The objection to affixing my signature to this bill may be found in
the communication addressed to me by the Attorney-General, and which
accompanies this message.

U.S. GRANT.

DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE, _Washington, May 23, 1876_.

The PRESIDENT.

SIR: In reply to your note of the 19th instant, in which you request
me to report whether there are objections to your approval of "An act
providing for the recording of deeds, mortgages, and other conveyances
affecting real estate in the District of Columbia," being House bill No.
1922, I have the honor to state that the bill seems to me objectionable
because of indefiniteness and uncertainty as to the time which it
purports to fix when deeds of trust, mortgages, etc., shall take effect
and be valid as to creditors and subsequent purchasers for valuable
consideration without notice. Although there is no constitutional
objection to the act, yet for the reason above stated I hesitate to
advise its approval.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

EDWARDS PIERREPONT, _Attorney-General_.

EXECUTIVE MANSION, _June 9, 1876_.

_To the Senate of the United States_:

I return herewith without my approval Senate bill No. 165, entitled
"An act for the relief of Michael W. Brock, of Meigs County, Tenn.,
late a private in Company D, Tenth Tennessee Volunteers."

The objection to affixing my signature to this bill may be found in the
indorsement (which accompanies this message) by the Adjutant-General of
the Army.

U.S. GRANT.

WAR DEPARTMENT,

ADJUTANT-GENERAL'S OFFICE,

_Washington, June 8, 1876_.

Respectfully returned to the Secretary of War.

The records of this office show that Michael W. Brock, Company D, Tenth
Tennessee Volunteers, deserted November 24, 1864, due United States for
horse and horse equipments, carbine, saber, and pistol, all com