Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1866-05-23
HEADQU ARTERS
ARMIES OF TIE UNITED STATS.
u a,hington, ID. T.. MAY IL. 1866.

Hon E. vi. Stanton, Sec. of Var:
SIR In view of the long delay in the lower
House OF Congress in agreeing upon plan for
The reorganization of the army, suitable to our
present requirements, and the urgent necessity
Tor eariy action, | am induce to present the
matter you officially, and 10 ask the atten-
ton Of Congress to 1t, believing hat VIXEN they
have the matter fairly before them they will DO
what should be done speedily.
At the present time settiements are spring
ing up With unusua! rapidty 10 toe district OF
country between the Mis.outl river and the
PAcihc Ocean, where h.ie,oiore the Indian.
we're left IN undisputed possession. Enlgrants
are pushing TO those settlements and TO the
god fields of the Rocky Mou1t ains by every
Available highway. Inc people hockIng TO these
regions are citizens OF he United States, and
are entitled to the protection OF the govern
ment. They developing the resources OF
Tue country 10 its grea, advantage, thus making
it the interest we'll as Inc duty OF the gov
ernment TO give them military protection. InIs
makes a much greater force west Of ths Missis-
.lupi than was ever heretofore required. A
small military force is required in all the States
lately 10 rebellion, and it Cannot be toresesn that
this force will not be required for some time to
CINE.
Ii is 10 be hoped that this force will not be
necessary 10 enforce the laws, either State or
national but The difference of sentiments en-
rendered by the grea, war which has ragged for
four Years will make the presencs of q military
force necessary 10 give feeling OF security to
the people. All Classes disposed TO obey the
laws OF the country will feel this alike. 10
main tain order, the government has been COM
PEELED TO retain volunteers. All white volun-
cave become dissatisfied, and claim that the
contract with them has been violated, Dv re-
aiming them after the war was over. BY yea
son OF this dIssa sfSc lon they are no longer OF
use, and every one now no" remaining Ia the
service might as we'll be discharged at once.
The colored volunteer n1s 60 Ial right to CLAIM
hi. discharge, bat yet be mas not dons SO.
How long vii! existing laws authorize the re-
tent.on OF This force, even II they are content
to remain
The United States Senate passed promptly a
hill tor The Reorganization OF the army which IN
my opinion is d tree from objection as any great
measure could possibly be, aud It would supply
the minimum requisite torcs. Il gives but a
few Thousand additional men over the peisent
organiz,tiCn, but gives a large lumber OF adol-
tonal battalions ind companies. The pubic
s.Ivce, guarding routes over the plains, and
giving protection in the Southern States, de-
mands the occupation OF a great number oil
posts. For many of them small company il
lust as .ticieut one with MOI mon III II
would De. me Oil OtlOIt LOuSIccS, VI Ouc
that has passed the Senate, gives an increased
number of companies by diminishing the num-
Der OF rank and file of each company. 1t lie an
exceedingly appropriate measure IN this pariic-
uar, for 1t provides for the increase when occa-
sion requires more men. The company is the
smallest unit of organization that can be used
without materially ipjuIlDg discipline and eth
cheney.
The belief that Congress would act promptly
on this matter if their attention called to it
ha. induced me to respectfully ask your atten
ton to it. Ii you agree with me III this N atIer
| would also aski if you deem it proper, thai
this, with such Endorsement you may b.
be pleased to make, laid before Congress
shrough the Speaker of the House.
Very respectfully,
| Your obeoient servant,
U. S. GRANT, Lieut.. Gen.
| We are pleased to see, from this letter, tina
| Gen. Grant so far understands the temper o
the Southern people as to comprehend that tn
late rebels must be kept in awe Of the milltar.
| for .on,e t:rne IN come Oui,e likely the Sen