Gallipolis journal. [volume] (Gallipolis, Ohio) 1837-1919, 1867-12-26
Stanton and Sheridan--Grant C
Protest Against their Removal.

The press and people have for
some time expressed great curiosity
to get hold of private letter Of
Gen. Grants to the President, relat-
ing to the removal Of Stanton and
Sheridan. The letter. with some
other correspondence from the War
office, was sent to the House on the
18th. 1t is strong and patriotic
letter, and will have the effect to en-
dear the writer to the loyal people
of the country, more than ever
THERE'S no copperheadism about this
letter--it shows Gen. Grant to be
true and loyal. Here it Isl
PRIVATE
HEADQUARTERS ARMIES OF THE
UNITED STATES,
WASHINGTON, D. C. Aug. IL, 1867.
HIS Ercellency Andrew johnson, Pres
ident of the United States:
SIR:-I take the liberty of address
ing you privately on the subject of
the conversation we had this morn
ing, feeling. as do, the general dan
ger to the welfare of the country
should you carry out the designs
then expressed.
Eirst-On the subject of the dis
placement of the Secretary Of War.
His removal can not be effected
against his will, without the consent
of the Senate. 1t was but short
time since the United States Senate
was in session, and why not then have
asked for his removal, if it was de-
cided? 1t certainly was the intention
of the Legislative branch of the
Government to place Cabinet Minis
ters beyond the power of Executive
removal, and it is pretty we'll un
derstood, so far as Cabinet members
are affected by the Tenure of Office
bill, that it was intended to protect
the Secretary of War, whom the
country felt great confidence in
The meaning of the law may be ex
planned away by an astute lawyer,
but common sense and the views of,
the loyal people will give to it the
effect intended by its framer
Second-On the subject of the re-
moval of the very allie commander
of the Fifth Military District, let me
ask you to consider the effect it would
have upon the public He is univers-
ally and deservedly beloved by the
people who sustained this Govern
ment throughout 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 the enemy as General Sheri-
dan 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. His civil ad
ministration has given equal satisfac-
ton. He has had difficulties to con-
tend with which no other District
Commander has encountered. AL
most, if not quite, from the day he
was appointed District Commander,
to the present time, the press has
given out that he was to beremoved;
taat the administration was dissatis-
fed with him. This has emboldened
the opponents of the laws of Con-
gress within his command to oppose
him in every way in their power, and
has rendered necessary measures
which otherwise might never have
been necessary.
In conclusion, allow me to say as
friend, desiring peace and quiet,
and the welfare of the whole coun-
try, North and South, that it is, in
my opinion. more than the loyal
people of this country { I mean those
who supported the Government dur
ing the great rebellion J, will quietly
submit to, to see the very man of all
others whom they have expressed
their confidence in, removed.
l would not have taken the liberty
to address the Executive of the Uni
ted States thus, but for the cenver-
sation on the subject alluded to in
this letter, and from q sense of duty,
feeling that know l am right in this
matter.
With great respect,
your obedient servant,
[Signed] U. S. GRANT, General.