The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1867-12-19
General ssrnm,,s Record.

celebrated private letter addressed to him oy
General Grant concerning the removal Oh
Stanton and Sheridan. This letter Is all tna'
the most radical of Grants ADMIRERS nave
claimed for it, and more "hen ne hau
written It he had as fully committed
himself IN Radicalism as he could possibly
have done by the most formal declaration of
allegiance to the Republican party. There
can no longer be any wonder at the Presidents
reluctance to part with this particular COM
munication, though the whole press of the
country has been clamorous for it for months
Gen. Grants letter is as follows: u r5.
-aot1su (pRIvATE.] So ,s5 -ss-,-
HEADQUARTERS ARMIES UNITED STATES
WASHINGTON, d. c.. August II, 1867.
His Ercettency Andretu johnson. President of
the United States. iff buf Gl O.
Sir.-I take the liberty of addressing you
privately on the subject of the convversatlon
we had this morning, feeling as I do the great
danger to the welfare of the country shouid
You carry out the designs then expressed ,
First, on the subject of the displacement OF
the Secretary of War: HIS removal cannot De
of the Senate 1t was but short time since
the Senate was in session, and why not then
have asked for his dismissal if it was desired?
1t certainly was the intention of the legisla-
tive branch of the government to place cab
met minister beyond the power of the execu-
tive removal, and it is pretty well understood
that SO far as cabinet ministers are affected
by the terms of the tenure-ot-ofice 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 explain
ed away by an 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 Military
District: Let me ask you to consider the effect
it would have upon the public. He is univer-
sally and deservedly beloved by the people
who sustained this government through its
trials, and feared by those who would still be
the enemies of the government. 1t fell to the
lot of but few men to do as 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 administra-
ton 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 commander to the present time, the
press has given out that he was to be removed,
that the administration was dissatisfied with
him. This has emboldened the opponents of
the laws of Congress within his command to
oppose him in every way in their power, and
has rendered necessary measures which other
wise might never have been necessary. In
conclusion, allow me tn say as a friend desr-
ing peace and quiet, and the welfare of the
COuHtIy NOTbu duQ SoOuIn, lQaC IL is IN my
opinion more than the loyal people of the
country-I mean those who supported the gov
eminent during the great rebellon-will quiet
ly submit TO, to see the man of all others they
have expressed their confidence in removed.
would not have taken the liberty of address
ing the Executive of the United States but
for the conversation on the subject alluded to
in this letter, and from sense of duty, feel
that know am right in the matter.
teA With great respect, ai9A
YOur Ohe0IPut servant
.aee5 r-ff 1sd+ U. 5. GRANT, General.
The following is the endorsement, dated
January 10Th, 1867, made by General Grant,
on letter written to him by Major-G General
Sheridan, dated at New Orleans, January 10Th,
1867, in relation to matters in Texas, particu-
larry referring to the condition of the Urion
men and freedmen in different parts of the
State, which he says is truly. horrible He
says TIE government is denounced, freedmen
are shot, and Union men are prosecuted if they
have the temerity to express their opinion:
Respectfully forwarded to the Secretary of
War. Attention is invited to that portion of
the within communication which refers to the
condition OF the Union men and freedmen in
Texas, and to the powerlessness of the militia
~, in the present state of affairs, to afford
them protection. Even the moral effect of
the presence of troops is passing away, and a
fred on by citizens of Brownsville. In my
opinion the great number of murders of Union
men and freedmen in Texas, which not only
as a rule are UNPUBLISHED, but unnvestigated,
constitute practically q state of Instruction;
and believing it to be the province and duty
of every good government TO afford protection
to the lives, liberty and property of its citi-
Gems, would recommend the declaration of
martial law in Texas to secure these. The
necessity for governing any portion of our ter
ritory by martial law is to be deplored II re-
sorted TO- it should be limited in its authority,
and should leave all local authorities and civ
il tribunals free and unobstructed until they
prove their ineficiency or unwillingness to
perform their Duties Martial law would give
security, or comparatively so, to all classes of
citizens, without regard to race, color or polt-
ical opinions; and could be continued until
society was capable of protecting itself, or I'M
til the State is returned to its full relation
with the Union. The application of martial
law to one of these States would be q warning
to all, and, If necessary, can be extended to
others. aF'Ffli u. s. GRANT, General.