New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1867-12-18
GEN GRANTS TIEWs ON THE PRESIDENTS
REMOVALS.

THE - PRIVATE LETTER PROTESTING AGAINST
THE SUSPENSION OF SECRETARY STANTON
GEN. SHERIDAN ENDORSED, AND MARTIAL
LAW FOR TEXAS RECOMMENDED.
WASHINGTON, Dec. 1.-THE Speaker laid befors
the House to-day a communication from Gen. Grant
nclosing the correspondence relating to the removal
of the Hon. Edwin NJ Stanton as Secretary Of War,
and also the removal of Gems. Sheridan and Sickes
Nearly all the correspondence has heretofore been
published but the following is the private letter 10
to the President from Gen. Grant about which 80
much curiosity has been expressed.
Private
UENDoU ARTERS ARMY OF The UNITED sTATEsl
WAsHINGToN, d. c., Aug. II, 1857.
To His Ercelieney ANDREW JOHNSON, President Of re
United States
SIR: take the liberty Of addressing you privately on
the subject of the conversation which had this morn
ing, feeling do, the great danger TO the welfare
the country should you carry the designs then eK
pressed:
First On the subject Of the displacement Of tho secre
tary Of War; his removal cannot be effected against h,
will without the consent OF the Senate IL but
short time the United states Senate in session.
and why not then have asked for his removal fit was
desredi II certainly the intention OF the legislative
branch OF the Government TO place Cabinet Minister be-
yond the power OF the Executive remoyal and 1t IL
pretty well understood that far Cabinet Minister.
affected by the terms OF the Office BILL 1t was in.
tended specially to protect the Secretary Of War whom
the country felt great confidence in The meaning Of ths
law may be explained away by an astute lawyer but
common and the views Of loyal people will give %
1t the effect Intended by its trainers.
Second On the subject Of the removal Of the very abs
Commander Of the Fifth Military District let ask you
consider the effect it would have upon the public Tia
is universally and deseryedy beloved by the people who
sustained this Government through It's trials and feared
by those who would still be enemies Of the Government
IL fell the lot OF but few to do much against
armed enemy Gen Sheridan did during the Rebellion,
and it Is within the scope Of the ability OF but few IN this
any other country 20 do what ne has. HIS civil
administration has given equal satisfaction He has had
difficulties to contend with which other District Com
mander has encountered Almost, II not quite from tho
day he appointed District Commander to the presen,
time the press has given out that he TO be removed
that the Administration dissatisfied with him. This
has embodened the opponents OF the laws OF Congress
within his command to oppose him in every in their
power and has rendered necessary measures which
otherwise might never have been necessary In con
cusiOn allow me to say a friend desiring peace and
quiet the welfare OF the whole country North and South
that il is in my opinion more than the loyal people o.
this country those who supported the Govern
ment during the great Rebellion will quietly submit 20.
70 see the very man OF all others who they have
pressed their confidence In removed would not have
taken the liberty OF addressing the Executive OF tho
United states thus, but for the conversation on Che
subject alluded TO this letter. and from Of duty
feeling that know am right IN this matter with great
respect your obedent servant L. e GRANT, General.
Among the papers is letter to Gen. Grant from
Maor-Gen Sheridan dated New-Orleans, Jan q.
1867 in relation TO matters in Texas particularly re-
ferrng to the condition Of Union men and freedmen
in different parts Of the State, which he says Is truly
horrible He saws the Government Is denounced.
freedmen are shot, and Union men are prosecuted If
they have the temerity TO express their opinion
This letter Gen. Grant under date Headquarters
Army of the United States Jan 20 1857 indorses as
follows:
"Respectfully forwarded the Secretary OF War At
tention Il invited to that portion OF the within cOmmun
cation which refers TO the condition OF the Union mon and
Freedmen in Texas and the p0wereSsness OF the mill
tary in the present OF affairs to afford them proteo
ton Even the moral effect OF the presence Of troopsis
passing away and few days ago squad Of soldiers on
duty was fred on by citizens Brownsville. In my
opinion the great number Of murders Of Union men and
freedmen in Texas not only as rule, unpublished but
uninvestgated. constitute, practically, state OF insur-
recton and believing II be the province and duty or
every good Government to afford protection to the lives
liberty and property Of her citizens would recommend
the declaration OF martial law in Texas 20 secure these
The necessity for governing any portion OF our teI
tory martial law is TO be deplored II resoTted TO-
Local authorities and civil tribunals free and unob
structed until they prove their lneciency or unwng
10 perform their duties Martial Jaw wou9 t give
security Tor comparatively sOl 20 all classes OF citzen
without regard color or political Opinions ana
could be continued until society was capable or protect
ing itself or until the state is returned 10 us fu relation
with the Union The application Of martial law TO one
OF these states would be warning 70 all, and, II neces
'"''' %" ~ U. S. GRANT, General"
No action was had by the civil authorities upor
the foregoing recommendation.
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