[House Bill No. 311.] 
 
 HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Dec. 30, 1864.— Read lirst 
 and secoud times; to be printed. 
 
 [By Mr. Norton, Committee on Military Affairs.] 
 
 A BILL 
 
 To jyrovide additional Clothing and Privileges to Trooj/s in the Field. 
 
 1 Whereas the armies of the Confederate States of America, 
 
 2 unawed by the powerful combinations of our enemies, or the 
 
 3 fearful depreciation of the national currency, continue to pre- 
 
 4 sent an instance of lofty patriotism and self-sacrificing fidelity, 
 
 unexampled in the history of wars: and whereas it is the duty 
 
 6 of this government to extend to all its actual defenders alike 
 
 7 every respect and consideration, and to provide them with every 
 
 8 personal comfort not incompatible with the interests of the 
 
 9 public service: Therefore, 
 
 1 Section 1. The Congress of the Confederate States of Ame- 
 
 2 rica do enact, That the non-commissioned officers, musicians and 
 ii privates of the confederate armies in the field, exclusive of re- 
 4 serves, details, and those absent without leave, 'shall be provided 
 ^ each with one complete suit of uniform clothing, to be presented 
 
 6 them by the government, in addition to their present pay and 
 
 7 allowances, as an expression of the gratitude of the nation for 
 
2 
 
 ^ their gallantry, their sacrifices and their unflinching devotion to 
 
 9 the country. 
 
 ] Sec. 2. All officers and soldiers of the Confederate States 
 
 ■i armies, who volunteered previous to the passage of the con- 
 
 3 scription act, April 16th, 1862, and who have since been cou- 
 
 4 tinuously in tlie army, except while absent on leave, or because 
 -3 of sickness or disability, or when detained by imprisonment, 
 
 6 shall be entitled to wear, in consideration of their long service, 
 
 7 such distinguishing mark or badge as the President or Secretary 
 ^ of War shall designate.