Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1867-08-30

ment in the South-those who did all they
could to break up this Government by
arms, aud now wish to be the only element
consulted as to the method of restoring
order-as a triumph" for, as intelligent
men, they must know that the mere change
OF military commanders cannot alter the
law, and that General Thomas will be as
much bound by its requirements as Cen
eral Sheridan. It cannot "embol6ien them
to renewed opposition to the will of the
loyal masses, believing that they have the
Executive with them" for they are per-
fectly familiar with the antecedants of the
President, and know that he has not OBJ
structed the faithful execution of any act of
Congress-
No one, as you are aware, has higher
appreciation than myself of the services of
General Thomas, and no one would be less
inclined to assign him to command not
entirely to his wishes knowing him as I
do, / cannot think he will hesitate for a
moment to obey my order having in view
a complete and speedy restoration of the
Union, III the preservation of which he has
rendered such important and valuable SER
vices. General Hancock, known to the
whole country 5 a gallant, able, and pat
rlOtlc soldier, viii, [ have no doubt, sustain
his high reputation in any position to
which he may be assigned. If, as you OBJ
serve, the Department which he will leave
is complicated one, I fell confident that
under the guidance and instructions Of
General Sherman, General Sheridan will
soon become familiar with its necessities,
and Will avail himself of the opportunity
afforded by the Indian troubles Ior the dis
play OF the energy, enterprise, and daring
which gave him so enviable a reputation
during our recent civil struggle. In as
Stunning that it is the expressed wish of the
people that General Sheridan should not
be removed from his present command,
you remark that " this is Republic where
the will Of the people is the law Of the
land )" and ''beg that their voice may be
heard" This IS, indeed, Republic,
based, however, upon written Constitu-
ton. That Constitution is the combined
and expressed will of the people, and
their voice is law when reflected in the
manner which that instrument prescribes.
While one OF its provisions makes the
President COMMUNICATIVE of the army
and navy, another requires she shall take
care that the law is faithfully executed.
Believing that Il change Of command Of the
Fifth District is absolutely necessary for {
! faithful execution Of the laws, have issued
the order which is the subject of this cor
lre8pondence, and il thus exercising
power that inheres III the Executive unde
the Constitution, as Commander-in-C Chic
of the military and naval forces, am dis
charging q duty required of me by the vii
of the nation, d. formally declared in th'
supreme law OF the Land. BY his oath, thu
Executive is solemnly bound, to the best c
his ability, to preserve, protect, and de
! fend the Constitution. Although in times
of great excitement it may be lost to pub
| /:
| the consequence to himself, to hold sacred
and to enforce any and all of its provisions
Any other course would lead to the de
struction Of the Republic, for the Constitu
ton once abolished, there would be no Con
gress for the exercise of Legislative powers
no Executive to see that the laws are faithful
ly executed, no judiciary to afford to the
citizen protection of life, limb, or proper
ty. Usurpation would inevitably follow
and despotism be fixed upon the people
in violation Of their combined and express
ed will. In conclusion, [ fail to perceive
any " military" ''pecuniary," or 'patri
otto reasons" why this order should not b.
carried into effect You will remembe
that in the first instance, [ did not conside
General Sheridan the most suitable Office
for the command Of the Fifth Military Dis
trict. Time has strengthened my convlc
tions upon this point, and has led me t.
the conclusion that patriotic consideration
demand that he should be superseded b.
an officer who, while he faithfully execute
the law, will at the same time give NOR
general satisfaction to the people, whit
and black, North and South.
I am, General, very respectfully yours,
! ANDREW JOHNSON.
General .. S. GRANT, Secretary of War q
interim.