I would sooner have replied to the Act of Congress of the 11th instant, if I had not been prevented by other business, which required immediate attention. The Act recites a representation to Congress, that certain parts of the army retired on furlough have not received the pay, &c. I will not contest the truth of this representation. But when I come to state such facts as are within my knowledge, I shall appeal to the candor of Congress how far that representation will warrant a censure against me. I am directed to complete without delay the same payment to the officers and soldiers of the Massachusetts line which were ordered to be paid to the army at large. Congress will be pleased to observe, that they have passed no particular order to which the above resolution can refer. The general Acts which relate to paying our army from the _authority_ on which the payment alluded to was made. Supposing, however, that by the resolution is meant three months' pay, in notes payable at six months from the date; I must take liberty to remind Congress, that completing the payment to any part of the army is not the business of my department, but of the Paymaster General. All which can depend on me, is to put those notes into his hands when called for, and this has been done as fast as was possible. I am directed to report the reasons why the troops lately furloughed did not receive a part of their pay previous thereto. Not being able, Sir, to make so full report on this subject as I could wish, I have written a letter to the Paymaster General, of which the enclosure, number one, is a copy. The answer to this letter shall be transmitted as soon as received. The facts relating to that matter which are within my knowledge are the following.