Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1867-12-18
Gen. Grants PrivateLetter.

4 The Speaker laid before the House, yester-
day, a Communication from Gen. Grant, en-
closing the correspondence relating to the re-
movalof Hon. Edwin NJ Stanton, as Secreta-,
ry of ar and also tie removal~of Generals
Sheridan and Sick les. Nearly al the cores
pondence has heretofore been published ex:
ceptthe following private letter Of General
Grant 10 the President, about which 50 much
curiosity has been expressed: 49,,
HEADQUARTERS ARMIES OF THE u. S.
5E WASHINGTON, D. c., Aug I, 1867. |
His ErceUeucy 4 Johnson, President Of the
United States:
SIR: take the liberty of addressing you
privately on the subject of the conversation we
had this morning, feeling, as il do, the great
danger to the welfare OF the country, should
you carry out the designst then expressed. First,
On the subject of the displacement OF the Sec
rotary of War. His removal cannot BE- effect
ed against his will, without the consent OF the
Senate. Iii but short time since the u. 5.
Senate was in session and why not then have
asked for his removal, il it Was desired. 1t
ce rtainly was the intention Of the leglsa-
tive branch of the Government to place
Cabinet Ministers beyond the power or
Executive removal, and it is pretty, well
understood, that 81 far as Cabinet Minis
ters are affected by the tenure OF office bll, It
was intended specially to protect the Secretary or
War, whom the country felt great confidence
in. The meaning OF the law may be explained
away by an astute lawyer, but common sense
add the views Of loyal people will give to 1t
the effect intended by its trainers. Second. :
On the subject OF the removal OF the very able
commander of the Fifth Military District, let
me ask you to consider the effect it would have
upon the public He is universally and deser:
vedly beloved by the PEOPLE, VINO sustained
this Government through its trials, and feared
by those who would still be enemies OF the
Government 1t fell to the lot Of but few men
to do as much against M armed enemy as Gen.
Sheridan did during the rebellion, and it is
witbin the scope Of the ability of tut few in
this or any other country to do what he has. -
His civil administration has given equal salts
faction. He has had difficulties to. contend
with which no other district commander has
encountered Almost, if not quite, from
the day he was appointed district COM
mander to the present time, the press has given
out that he was to be removed, that the ad-
minstralion was dissatisfied with him, &c,
This has emboldened the opponents to the laws
Of Congress within his command to oppose him
IN every way IN their power, ana mas reHutleu
necessary measures which otherwise may never
have been necessary. .-...... .... ....,......,.
In conclusion, allow me TO say, as friend,
desiring peace and quiet, the welfare ct the
whole country, North and south, that it is, IN
my opinion, more than the loyal people of this
country mean those who supported the Gov
crnment during the great rebcllion) will quietly
submit to, to see the very men, OF all Others,
who they have expressed confidence in, re-
moved. | would not haze taken the liberty of
addressing the Execu i've OF the u. 5. thus
but for the CONVEX alton on the subject alluded
to in this letter. and, from sense of duty,
feeling that know am right in this matter
With great respect, your obedieut servant,
u. S. GRANT, General.