Keowee courier. [volume] (Pickens Court House, S.C.) 1849-current, 1867-09-07

OF any reasons affecting the public interests,
which, inyour opinion, would render the or,
der inexpcdicnt. Inasmuch, however, as you
have embodied your suggestions in written
communication, it is proper that should make
some reply
You earnestly urge that the order be not
insisted on, remarking that cit is unmsta
kably the expressed wish of the country that |
General Sheridan should not be removed from |!
his present command" While am cogni-
zant OF tho efforts that have been made to re-
Fifth Military District, am not aware that
the question has ever been submitted to the
people themselves for determination 1t ccr-
tanly would be unjust to the army to assume
that, in the opinion of the nation, he alone is
capable of commanding the States of 1Iouisi.
ana and Texas, and that, were he for any
cause removed, no other General in the mill
tary service of the United States would be
competent to fill his place. General Thomas,
whom | have designated as a successor, is well
known to the country Having won high and
honorable distinction in tho field, he has sincc,
in the execution of tho responsible duties Of
a department. commander, exhibited great
ability, sound discretion and sterling patriot.
ism. He has not failed, under the most try
ing circumstances, to enforce the laws, to pre-
serve peace and order, to encourage the rcsto.
ration Of civil authority and to promote, as
far as possible, spirit of reconciliation. His
administration of the department. Of the Cum
bcrland will certainly compare most favorably
with that of General Sheridan in the Fifth
Military District These affairs appear to be
in disturbed condition, and bitter spirit Of
antagonism seems to have resulted from Gen.
eral Sheridan's management. He has rcn.
dercd himself exceedingly obnoxious by the
manner in which he has exercised even the
powers conferred by Congress, and still more
SO by resort to authority not granted by law
nor necessary to its faithful and efficient exc
cution. His rule has, in fact, been one of
principles Of our Government or tho nature
which has resulted from the course he has
monious, satisfactory, and speedy execution
of the Acts of Congress, and is al,nc su(i
cent to justify change. His removal, there
fore, cannot @ be regarded ao an effort to dc
feat the laws Of Congress - for the object
is to facilitate their execution, through an Of
fcer who has never failed to obey the statutes
of the land, and to exact, within his jurisdic
ton, like obedience from others. 1t cannot
"be interpreted by the unrcconstructed Gle
mcnt in the South--thosc who did all they
could to break up this Government by arms,
and now wish to be the only element consul
ted as to the method of restoring order as a
triumph; )" for as intelligent men, they must
know that the mere change Of Military Com
manders cannot alter the law, and that Gene.
f raj Thomas will be ms much bound by it's re-
quircmcnts as General Sheridan. 1t cannot
emboldcn them to renewed opposition to the
will of the loyal masses, bclicvin. that they
have the Executive with them !" for they arc
Q perfectly familiar with the antccedcnts of the
r President, and know that he has not obstruc
( No one, as you arc aware, has a higher an.
probation than myself of services of General
Thomas, and no one would be less inclined to
assign INN to command not entirely to his
I wishes. Knowing him MS I do, | cannot
think that he will hesitate for moment tc
obey any order having in viewa complete and
speedy restoration of the Union, in the pres
ervation of which he has rendered such i'm.
portant and valuable services
General Hancock, known to the whole coun
try os gallant, able and patriotic soldier will.
have no doubt, sustain his high reputation
in any position to which he may be assigned.
II, as you observe, the department. which he
Will have is a complicated one l feel conf
dent that under, the guidance and instruction
OF General Sherman, General Sheridan will
soon become familiar with its necessities. and
will avail himself of the opportunity afforded
by the Indian troubles for the display of the
energy enterprise and daring which gave him
SO cnyablc reputation during our cccnt civ
il struggle.
In assuming that it is the expressed wish
of the people that General Sheridan should
not be removed from his present command
you remark that I" this is republic, where
the Will OF the people is the law of the land"
and beg that their voice may be hcard."-
This is indeed republic, based, however, up.
on written Constitution. That Constitution
is tho combined and expressed will of tho
people, and their voice is law when reflected
in the manner which that instrument pre.
scribcs. While one of, its provisions makes
the President commandcr-in chief of the ar.
my and navy. another requires that "hc shall
take care that the laws be faithfully execu
ted" Believing that change in the com.
mand of the Fifth Military District is abso.
lutciy necessary for faithful execution of
the laws, have issued the order which IS the
subject of this correspondence; and in thus
exercising power that inheres in the Execu.
tive, under tho Constitution, as commander
in'chicf of tho military and naval forces, |
am discharging a duty required of me by the