EXECUTIVE MANSION, _February 25, 1889_.
_To the House of Representatives_:
I herewith return without approval House bill No. 10448, entitled "An
act granting a pension to Squire Walter."
The son of the beneficiary named in this bill enlisted in a West
Virginia regiment on the 28th day of June, 1861.
On the 15th day of September, 1862, while bathing in the Potomac River
near the Chain Bridge, with the knowledge and consent of his commanding
officer, he was drowned.
It is perfectly clear that he lost his life while in the enjoyment of a
privilege and when at his request military discipline was relaxed and
its restraints removed for his comfort and pleasure. His death resulted
from his voluntary and perfectly proper personal indulgence, and can not
be in the least attributed to military service.
The father does not appear to be so needy and dependent as is often
exhibited in cases of this class.