Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1867-12-25
Generals Grant and Sheridan.


LETTERS IN RESPECT TO THE REMOVAL OIL
SHERIDAN
At the time of the removal of Genera
Sheridan from the command of the Fifth
Military Department last summer, letter
written by General Grant to President
johnson, and the latter's reply, were pub
lished. 1t stated at that time that
Grant addressed another letter to the Presi-
dent which was not published, and the Sen
ate the other day asked for the whole Of the
correspondence relative to the removal Of
Sheridan. General Grant has answered the
request and sent in all the letters. The fol-
lowing is the principal part of the CORES
pOndence not heretofore published
Private.
HEADQUARTERS ARMIES or THE UNITED
STATES, WASHINGTON, DC, Aug. IL. 1867.
HIS Erceliency Andre,c Johnson, President of
the United States
SIR | take the liberty Of addressing YOU
privately on the subject of the conversation
we had this morning. feeling az | do the
great danger to the welfare of the country
should you carry out the design then ex-
pressed.
First-On the subject of the displacement
Of the Secretary of War. His removal can
not he effected against his will without the
consent Of the Senate. 1t is bat a short
time since the United States Senate was in
session and why not then have asked for
his removal if it was desired. 1t was Ger
tainly the intention of the Legislative branch
Of the Government to place Cabinet Min
lister beyond the power of the Executive re-
moval, and it is pretty well understood that
50 far as Cabinet Ministers are effected by
the Tenure of Office bill, it was intended
specially to protect the Secretary of War.
whom the country felt great confidence in.
The meaning of the law may be explained
away by astute lawyer, but common sense
and the views Of loyal people will give TO it
the effect intended by its trainers
Second-On the subject of the removal of
the very able commander of the Fifth Mill
tary District. Let me ask you TO consider
the effect it would have upon the public.
He Is universally and desesrvedly beloved by
the people who sustained this government
through its trials, and cared BY those who
would still be enemies of the government.
Ii fell to the lot of but few men to do n
much against an armed enemy as Gen. Sher-
idan did during the rebellion, and it is with
in the scope of the ability of but few in this
or any other country to do what he has.
His civil administration has given equal sat
sfaction. He has had difficulties to contend
with which other District Commander
has encountered. Almost, if not qnite from
the day he was appointed District Com
mander, to the present time the press has
given out that he to be removed. that /
the Administration dissatisfied with I
him. This has embOldened the opponents Of
avs of Congress within his command to op-
pose him in ever way in their power, and has
rendered necessary measures which otherwise /
may never have been necessary. In conclusion /
allow me to say, as friend desiring peace and /
quiet, the welfare of the whole country /
North and South, that it is in my opinion more /
than the loyal people of the country q |
mean those who supported the Government /
during the great rebellion), will quietly sub .
nit to- to see the very man Of all others (
whom they have expressed their confidence in /
removed. | would not have taken the liber-
ty of addressing the Executive of the United .
States thus but for the conversation on the
subjsct alluded to in this letter and from a
sense of duty. feelug that I know | am
right in this matter.
With great respect.
Your obedient servant.
(Signed) [. ). GRANT. General.
\ letter of Gen Sheridan respecting af-
fairs in Texas was sent to the President with
this endorsement
- Respectfully forwarded TO the Secretary
IF War. Attention Is invited to that por-
ton of the within communication which re-
fers to the condition Of Union men and I
freedmen in Texas and to the powerlessness
Of the military in the present state of af-
fairs to afford them protection. Even the
moral effect of the presence OF troops is
passing away, and a few davs ago a squad of .
soldiers on duty was fired on by citizens in
Brownsville. In my opinion this great num-
Der If murders of Union men and freed
men in Texas, not only, as a rule. I'M
punished, but uninvestigated constitute.
practically, a state Of instruction and be
licving it to be the province and duty of ev
cry good government to afford protection 10
the lives Liberty, and property of her citi-
zens, | would recommend the declaration
Of martial law TO secure these. The necessity
for governing any portion of our territory
BY martial law is to be deplored. If resort
ed to it should be limited in its authority,
and should leave all local authorities and
civil tribunals free and unobstructed until
they prove their inefficiency or unwillngness
to perform their duties. Martial law would
give good security, or comparatively 80. to
Ill classes of citizens, without regard to
race, color. or political opinions, and could
be continued until society was capable of
itself, or until the State is re-
turned to it's full relation with the Union
The application of martial law to one of
these States would be Il warning to all. and,
f necessary. could be extended To others.
L. :. GRANT, General" N