Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1867-12-25
ST.. ROW, EDITOR AND PROPRIETOR.
CLEARFIELD, Pa, DEC. 25, 1867.
Grants Protest.

Grants Protest.
The Speaker laid before the House, on
Tuesday, Dec 18th, about one hundred pa
ges of written foolscap correspondence relat-
ing to the removal of Secretary Stanton and
Generals Sheridan and Sickles, in accordance
with resolution Of the House. The follow
ing is the much talked of private letter writ
ten by Gen. Grant, which is among the pa
pers, and is now published for the first time
HEADQUARTERS OF THE ARMIES OF o. 8.
WASHINGTON, D. c.. Aug. L, 1867
HIS EXCELLENCY ANDREW JOHNSON, Pres
idcnt of he United States.
SIR: I take the liberty of addressing you
privately ON the subject of the conversation
we had this morning, feeling, as do, the
great danger to the welfare of the country
should you carry out the designs then s: ex-
pressed First, on the subject of the dis,
placement of the Secretary OF War. His
removal cannot be effected against his will
without the consent of the Senate. 1t is
but short time since the United States
Senate was in session, and why not then
have asked for his removal ifit was desired?
1t certainly was the intention of the legisla-
tive branch of the Government to place Cab
met ministers beyond the power of Execu-
tive removal, and it is pretty we'll under
stood that, so far as Cabinet ministers are
affected by the Tenure of Office Bill, it was
intended especially to protect the Secretary
of War, whom the country felt great conf
dence In. The meaning of the law may be
explained away by an astute lawyer, but
common sense and the views of loyal people
will give it the effect intended by it's franz
ers.
On the subject of the removal of the very
able commander of the Fifth military dis
trict, let me ask you to consider the effect it
would have upon the public. He is univer
who sustained this Government through its
trials, and feared by those who would still
be the enimies of the Government.
1t fell to the lot of but a few men to do as
much against an armed enemy as General
Sheridan did during the rebellion, and it is
within the scope of the ability of but few
in this or any other country to do what he
has done His civil administration has given
equal satisfaction; he has had difficulties to
contend with which no other district com
mander has ever encountered. Almost, II
not quite from the day he was appointed
district commander to the present time, the
press has given out that he was to be re-
moved that the administration was dlssat-
opponents to the laws of Congress to oppose
him in every way in their power, and has
rendered necessary measures which other
wise may never have Nen necessary. In
conclusion allow me to sayNas friend deslr-
ing peace and quiet and the We are of the
whole country, North and South, that 1t is
in my opinion more than the loyal people
Il mean those who supported the Govern
ment during the great rebellionl will quiet
ly submit to to see the very man of all others
whom they have expressed confidence in re-
moved. l would not have taken the liberty
of addressing the Executive of the United
States, but for the conversation on the sub
ject alluded to in this letter, and from e
sense of duty, feeling that know am right
in the matter.
With great respect. your obedient ser
want, U. S. GRANT.
This frank and energetic letter, protest
ing against the removal of Secretary Stan
ton, and the supercedure of Gen. Sheridan,
will be read with much interest, and add to
the popularity Of Gen. Grant. 1t is no
bic letter. A more direct and unmistakea-
Bile proof that the General had no sympathy
with the Presidents policy, and that he
was in the main friend of the policy OF
Congress, could not well be given. He cor
rectly defines the intention of Congress in
passing the Tenure of Office act, and puts
the case very pointedly against Mr.. Stan
berry, when he says ''the meaning of the
law may be explained away BY an astue
lawyer, but common sense and the views Ct
the loyal people will give it the effect inten,
ded by its framers.' And in regard to the
removal of Sheridan his letter displays q
warmth of regard-net to say genuine love
for the hero of the Shenandoah, which
does him infinite credit and will endear him
to the loyal people everywhere. And when
he tells the President that they will not
quietly submit to see the very man of all
others whom they have expressed their con-
6dence in removed" he displays the spirit
which the people desire to know animates
the man they propose to make President.
Mr.. Stewards purchase of the Island OF
St. Thomas, waterspouts and eruptions in