[444] resolutions, recommending that I be court-martialed and that the Secretary of War be directed to take steps to recover money disbursed in aid of “churches, religious associations and educational institutions not in pursuance of law.” The Aadoption of the majority report eliminated this one. This minority utterly ignored the Acts of Congress which had empowered me as commissioner to cooperate with all the bodies and associations referred to by them in the work of the support and education of refugees and freedmen. It had become a political party matter, and one of the minority when asked to join with the majority, said frankly: “I cannot leave my party.”
Surely, I was gratified at the result, though so long delayed. I had been brought under severe charges and bitter accusation before the House of Representatives. After a long and tedious investigation, the House awarded me, instead of censure, a happily worded vote of confidence and thanks.
