The Weekly Perrysburg journal. [volume] (Perrysburg, O. [Ohio]) 1861-1???, 1867-08-30
EXECUTIVE MANSION.
wA.HINoroN. D. Q. Aug. 10, ls6i

w ARLINGTON, ", y, Aug. ~, 1904 T.
GENERAL: ! have received your commu-
nication of the 17th inst, aud thank you Tor
the promptness with which you have sub
mitted your views respecting the assign
ments directed in my order of that date.
When stated in my official note of the l7lh,
that would be pleased to hear any sug-
gestion you might deem necessary upon
tho subject, il was not my intention to ask
from you formal report, but rather to in.
vito verbal statement of any reasons af-
fecting the public interests which in your
opinion, would render tho order inexped-
ent. Tnasmuch, however, in written com
nunication, it is proposed, should make
some reply.
You earnestly urge that the order be not
insisted on, reluarking that it is unmiStaka.
bly, tho expressed wish OF the country that
Gen. Sheridan should not be removed from
his present command. While am cognizant
of the efforts that have been made to re-
lisve General Sheridan in command of the
9th Military District, | am not aware that
tho question has ever been submitted 10
the people themselves for determination.
1t would certainly be unjust to the army
to assume that, in the opinion OF the nation,
he alone is capable Of commanding the
States Of Louisiana and Texas, and that
were he for any cause removed, no other
General in the service of the United States
would be competent to fill his place. Gen.
Thomae, whom designated as his Success
sor, is well known to the country as having
won high aud honorable distinction in the
| field, aud he has since in tho high and re-
sponsiLle duties of Department Commander,
exhibited great ability, sound distinction,
and sterling patriotism. And he has not
failed under tho most trying circumstances,
to enforce tho laws to preserve peace and
order to encourage the restoration of civil
authority and to promote as far az possi-
BILE, spirit Of reconciliation, His admin
istration Of tho Department OF the Cumber.
land, will certainly compare most favora-
bly, with that of General Sheridan in his
military district. There affairs seem 10
be in a disturbed condition, and bitter
spirit Of antag9nism seems TO have resulted
from General Sheridan's management. He
has rendered himself exceedingly obnox.
ious by the manner in which he has exer
oised even the power conferred by Con-
gress, aud still more so, by resort to au.
thority not granted by law or necessary to
his faithful aud eiioient execution. His
rule has in fact been one of absolute ty,
ranuy, without reference TO the principles
tons. The state Of affairs which has re
suited from the course he has pursued has
seriously interlered with harmonious anC
satisfactory, aud speedy execution of the
acts of Congress- and is alone sufficient I,
Justify change, His removal, therefore
cannot be regarded as al effort to deiea
the laws Of Congress, for the object is t.
facilitate their execution through an office
who has never failed to obey the law ant
to exact within hia jurisdiction a like ODE
dience from othern. IL cannot be inter
preted by tho unreconstructed element o
the South, those who did all they could /,
break up this government by arms aad nov
wish TO be the only element consulted as 4
the method Of restoring order, as triumph
for as Intelligent men they must kno " tha
the mere change Gf military commander
cannot alter the law aud that Genera
Thomas will be as much bound by lts r.
qnirements as General Sheridan. Ii can
embolden them to renewed opposition /
: the will Of the loyal masses, believing tha
. they have the Executive with them. 70
: they are perfectly familiar with the ante
oedsnts OF toe President and know that h
has not obstruoled the faithful execution q
: any act Of Congress. No one, as you ar
aware, has higher appreciation, than NY
self, Of the services of Gen. Thomas, aud n
one would be less ineliaed TO assist him I
a command not entirely To his wishes
. Knowing him, as do. | can't think tbs
he will hesitate for moment to obey IN
order, having in view complete Ell
speedy restoration Of the UnioG, in III
n preservation Of which he has rendere
such important aud valuable servic,
! General Hancock is known to tho Who'll
. country az a gallant. able and patriot
soldier, and viii, have no doubt, suslai
i his hugh reputation in any position
n which he may be assigned, II, as you al
o serve, the Department which no will leav
y is u complicated one, feel confident tn,
!. under the guidance and instructions
: General Sherman, General Sheridan vi
i soon become familiar with its necessities
and will avail himself OF the opPortunil
Afforded by the Indian trouble for the di
n PiNy Of tbs energy, enterprise aud dariaI
d which gave him so eNvisbls a reputatio
n during the recent civil struggle.
II In scanning that il ia the expressed VIE
Of the people that General Sheridan shou