uary 15, 1877_.

_To the House of Representatives_:

The joint resolution authorizing the Secretary of War to supply blankets
to the Reform School in the District of Columbia is before me.

I am in entire sympathy with the purpose of the resolution, but
before taking any action upon it I deem it my duty to submit for your
consideration the accompanying letter, received from the Secretary of
War, embodying a report, made in anticipation of the passage of the
resolution, by the Quartermaster-General of the Army, in which, among
other facts, it is stated that--

The appropriation for clothing for the Army for this fiscal year is much
smaller than usual, and the supply of blankets which it will allow us to
purchase is so small that none can properly be spared for other purposes
than the supply of the Army.

If it be thought by Congress worth while to cause the supply of blankets
for the institution referred to to be procured through the War
Department, it is respectfully suggested that provision to meet the
expense be made by special appropriation.

U.S. GRANT.

EXECUTIVE MANSION, _January 19, 1877_.

_To the House of Representatives_:

At the request of the Attorney-General, I have the honor to transmit
herewith a report in answer to the resolution of the House adopted
on the 1st of August, 1876, relative to certain matters occurring in
the administration of the provisional government of the District of
Columbia, and chiefly affecting the Commissioners and the late board
of audit.

U.S. GRANT.

WASHINGTON, _January 20, 1877_.

_To the Senate of the United States_:

Herewith I transmit a report from the Secretary of State, with
accompanying papers, relating to the Court of Commissioners of Alabama
Claims.

U.S. GRANT.

EXECUTIVE MANSION, _January 22, 1877_.

_To the House of Representatives_:

In answer to the resolution of the House of Representatives of the 8th
of December last, inquiring whether any increase in the cavalry force of
the army on the Mexican frontier of Texas has been made, as authorized
by the act of July 24, 1876, and whether any troops have been removed
from the frontier of Texas and from the post of Fort Sill, on the Kiowa
and Comanche Reservation, and whether, if so, their places have been
supplied by other forces, I have the honor to transmit a report received
from the Secretary of War.

U.S. GRANT.

EXECUTIVE MANSION, _January 22, 1877_.