Mr. ELIOT. The gentleman declines to say how he received thisinformation. I know, but I shall not say if he does not. Mr. Speaker, I have seen that letter, and I take it upon myself to say that the Gentfrom NewYork has not stated its contents correctly. It is no purpose of mine to cast aslur upon the motives of anybody; and if the gentleman had known me better he would have withheld what he has seen fit to say upon that subject. The letter to which he refers does an ertake to state what were the motives or intentions of the distinguished general in making the order which is known as Special Order No. 15; and it may hereafter be well enough for this House to determine whether the motives of that general in his action in this case are so much to beregarded as to what he did. It is the order that concerns us, not the motives of the general who made it. In that letter it is stated that the order mnking allotments was not intended to operate permanently. This bill does not assume that it was designed to operate permanently, but only until some other order should interfere with it or until legislation should be had; and by this bill we seek to consummate the legislation which was contemplated in that order. As to the statement that GenlSherman , in his letter or by his order, repudiated the idea that there were to be upon those allotments men who were not aged or infirm, that, according to my recollection, is not correct. GenlSherman did state that there were young and ablebodied men who it was desirable should be in the Army of the U.S. as soldiers. So it is stated in the order; by that order they are invited to enlist, and under it they did enlist. GenlSherman does state in is letter that it was supposed that these allotments were many of them to be for the benefit of the old, the infirm, and of women while their husbands or male friends were absent in the service of the countr. So the order states. ButIrespect fully sa t iat it is not correct to adirin that GenaalSherman in his letter places upon his former action such a construction as to bring it in conflict. with the provisions of this bill.