'
Have we so formed our Government that in this litigation we must
never be plaintiffs? Surely this can not have been the intention
of the framers of our compact.
"In no respect in which I can view this law can I find just
reason to distrust the propriety of my action in approving and
signing it; and the question presented involves consequences,
both immediate and remote, too momentous to permit me to leave
your objections unanswered.
"Jefferson Davis."
The operation of this law was suspended in the States of Kentucky,
Missouri, and Maryland, because of their occupation by the armies of the
Federal Government. The opposition to it, where its execution was
continued, soon became limited, and before June 1st its good effects
were seen in the increased strength and efficiency of our armies. At the
same time I was authorized to commission officers to form bands of
"Partisan Rangers," either of infantry or cavalry, which were
subsequently confined to cavalry alone. On September 27, 1862, all white
men between the ages of thirty-five and forty-five were placed in the
military service for three years. All persons subject to enrollment
might be enrolled wherever found, and were made subject to the
provisions of the law. Authority was also given for the reception of
volunteers from the States in which the law was suspended. On February
11, 1864, it was enacted by Congress that all white men between the ages
of seventeen and fifty should be in the military service for the war;
also, that all then in the service between the ages of eighteen and
forty-five should be retained during the war.
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