The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1867-09-03
President Johnson's Reply.
EXECUTIVE MANSION,
Washington, ID. g., Aug. 10, '67.

. Washington, d. g., Aug. 10, '67.
General Il have received your conmunica-
ton of the 18th instant, and thank you for the
promptness with which you have submitted
your views respecting the ASST gnments directed
10 my order of that date. When | stated in
my unofficial note of the 18th, that would be
pleased to hear any suggestions you might deem
necessary upon the subject, it was not my in
tention to ask from you formal report, but
rather to invite a verbal statement of any reason
affecting the public interests which, in your
opinion, would render the order iuexpedient
1nasmuch, however, as you have embodied your
suggestions in written communication, it is
proper that should make some reply.
You earnestly urge that the order be not in
sisted on, rematking that sit is unmistakaoy
the expressed wish of the country that General
Sheridan should not be removed from his pre-
sent command" While l am eognizant of the
efforts that have been made to retain General
Sheridan in command of the Fifth Military
District, am not aware that the question has
ever been submitted to the people themselves
for determination. 1t certainly would be un-
just to the army to assume that, IN the opinion
of the nation, he alone is capable of command
ing the States of Louisiana and Texas, and that
@erehe for any cause removed, no other general
In the military service OF the United States
would be competent to ell his place. General
Thomas, whom have designated as his sue
cessor, is we'll known to the country. Having
won high and honorable distinction in the field
he has since, in the execution of the RESPONSE
Die duties of department commander, exhibi:
ed great ability, sound discretion and sterling
patriotism. He has not failed, under the most
trying circumstances, to enforce the laws, to
preserve peace aud order, to encourage the res
toration of civil authority and to promote, as far
as possible, spirit of reconciliation. His ad
ministration of the Department of the Cumber
land will certainly compare most favorably with
that of General Sheridan in the Fifth Military
District. There affairs appear to be in dis
turbed condition, and bitter spirit of antason
ism seems to have resulted from Gen. Sheri
dams management. He has rendered himself
exceedingly obnoxious by the manner in which
he has exercised even the powers conferred by
Congress, and still more so by resort to au
thority not granted by law nor necessary to its
faithful and efficient execution. His rule has
In fact, been one of absolute tyranny, without
reference to the principles of our government o,
the nature of our free institutions. The state
of affairs which has resulted from the course he
has pursued has seriously iuterfered with har
monious, satisfactory and speedy execution Of
the acts Of Congress, and is alone sufficient tc
justify change. His removal therefore cannot
"be regarded an effort to defeat the laws oil
Congress-" for the object is to facilitate thei
execution, through az officer who has never
failed to obey the statutes OF the land, aud to
exact within his jurisdiction, like obedience
from others, 1t cannot "be interpreted BY the
unreconstructed element iu the South-those
who did all they could to break up this govern
ment by arms and now wish to be the only ele
ment consulted as to the method of restoring or.
der-as triumph for, as intelligent men,
they must know that the mere change of mill
tary commanders cannot alter the law, and tina,
General Thomas will be as much bound by its
requirements as General Sheridan. 1t canno:
"embolden them to renewed opposition to the
will of the loyal masses, believing that they
have the Executive with them for they are
perfectly familiar with the antecedents of the
President, and know that he has not INSTRUCTED
the faithful execution of any act of Congress.
No one, as you are aware, has a higher ap
probation than myself of the services of Gen
Thomas, and no one would be less inclined tf
assign him to a command not entirely to his
wishes. Knowing him as l do, cannot think
that he will hesitate for moment to obey any
order having in view a complete and speedy res.
toration of the Union, in the preservation OF
which he has rendered such important and val
uable services.
General Hancock, known to The whole COUP