ect matter of such contracts, especially in the purchase of arms for future delivery, has adopted a policy highly injurious to the public service, and deserves the censure of this House."
Congress will see that I should be wanting equally in candor and in justice, if I should leave the censure, expressed in this resolution, to rest exclusively or chiefly upon Mr. Cameron.
The same sentiment is unanimously entertained by the heads of departments, who participated in the proceedings which the House of Representatives has censured.
It is due to Mr. Cameron to say that, although he fully approved the proceedings, they were not moved nor suggested by him, and that not only the President, but all the other heads of departments, were at least equally responsible, with him, for whatever error, wrong or fault was committed in the premises.
Abraham Lincoln.
Washington, May 26th, 1862
On motion of Mr. Holman, of Indiana, it was referred to the Committee of the Whole House.
