Executive Order

WAR DEPARTMENT, ADJUTANT-GENERAL'S OFFICE,

Washington, June _____, 1887.

Hon. _____ ______,

Governor of ______ .

SIR: Referring to the letter from this office dated June ____, 1887, on the subject of the return to the respective States of the flags now in the custody of the War Department, I am instructed by the Secretary of War to inform you of the withdrawal of the offer made therein, as on a more careful consideration of the legal points involved in the proposed action the President of the United States is of the opinion that the return of these flags is not authorized by existing law nor justified as an executive act, and that any direction as to their final disposition should originate with Congress.

I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

______ ______, Adjutant-General.