Rutland weekly herald. [volume] (Rutland, Vt.) 1859-1877, 1867-12-26
PRIVATE !
PRIVATE
"HRADQ RS ARMIES or THE !
yrTFn MATES WAsurNnToN II 4 Y

bEADN Ms - hAlE rs W IHE A
UNITED STATES, WASHINGTON, D. c.,
August l. 1857.
''Hts Ereslency, Il. johnson, President Of the
United States
"SIR: take the liberty OF addressing
you privately on the subject of the con
versstion we had this morning, feeling
as | do the great danger to the welfare
OF the country, should you carry out the
designs then expressed. First, on the
subject of the displacement of the Secre-
tary OF War. His removal cannot be
effected against his will, without the
consent of the Senate. 1t is but q shOrs
time since the United States Senate was
in session, and why not then have asked
for his removal, If it vas desired. 1t
certainly was the intention OF the legis.
lative branch OF the government to place
the Cabinent Ministers beyond the power
Of Executive removal, and it is pretty
well understood that so far as Cabinet
Ministers are effected by the tenure of
Office bill, it was intended specially to
protect the Secretary OF War in whom
the country felt great confidence The
meaning OF the law may be explained
away by an astute lawyer, but common
sense and the views OF the loyal people
will give TO 1t the eject Intended by it's
trainers. SeCo0d, on the subject Of the
removal OF the very able commander of
the 5th military district, let me ask you
to consider the effect ii would have upon
the public. He is universally and de-
servedly beloved by the people, who sus.
tanned 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 10 do so 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 admins
tration has given equal satisfaction. 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 re-
moved-that the administration was dis.
satisfied with him, &C.
This has emboldened the opponents
20 the laws of Congress within his COM
msnd TO oppose him in every way in
their power and has rendered necessary |
measures which otherwise might never |
nave been required.
"In conclusion, allow me TO say, as 8
friend desiring peace aud quiet, the well
fare of the whole country, North and |
South, that 1t is in my opinion rEore
than the loyal people Of this country (I |
. xx,h,N NFfa Ea
ment during the great rebellion) will |
quietly submit to, to see the very men, |
II all others, in whom they have ex
PRESSED confidence removed. | would |
rot have taken the liberty Of addressing |
.he Executive of the United States thus
out for the conversation on the subject |
alluded to in this letter, aud from q
sense OF duty, feeling that know | sm
right Ia this matter.
With great respect, your o5edient
servsnt, U. 8, GRANT. General"
Among the papers communicated is 8
letter to Gen. Grant from Gen. Sheridan,
lated New Orleans, January 25 1867, il
relation to matters in Texas, aud par
sicuiary referring TO the condition Of
Union men and freedmen in different
parts of the State, which he says is
,ruly horrible. He says the government
denounced, freedmen ale shot, and
gci1u men are prosecuted If they have
The temert.y to express their opjniousr
&C.
This letter General Grant, under date
Headquarters Army of the United States,
January 20, 1867 endorses as follows
Respectfully forwarded to the Secre-
sary of War. Attention is invited TO
shat portion of the within com nunca.
siou which refers to the cODGtLion of
uniou men 10 Texas, aud to the power
iessness uf the military Ia the present
state of Affairs to sG Jrd them pro ectidn
Even thp moral Effect Of the pres' nee OF
troops Is passiug away, aud few days
sgo SQUAD of soldiers on duty was tirsd
On by ciLlzeps in Brownsville. In my
op,aioo The great number Of murders nj