Rutland weekly herald. [volume] (Rutland, Vt.) 1859-1877, 1867-08-29
Correspondence between she Prcsi'
dent and Gen. Grant ON the ne
m0val of Gen. Sheridan.

dent and Cen. Grant ON the ne
moval of Gen. Sheridan.
EXECUTIVE MANSION, WASHINGTON,
Aug. l7.-Dsar Sir Before you issue
instructions to carry into effect the en-
closed order, / would be pleased to hear
any suggestions you may deem neces-
sary respecting the assignments TO which
the order refers. Truly yours,
ANDREW JOHNSON.
To Gen, u 5. Grant, Secretary Of War
ad interim.
II .DauARTs RS ARMIES OF THE UNITED
SrATfS, WAsHlNGToS, Aug. 10, 1851
His EScellency Andrew Johnson, Presi-
dent u the United States-Sir: l am
in receipt of your order OF this date d.
recting the assignment OF Gen. q. II.
Thomas to the command OF the Fifth
military district, Gen. Sheridan to the
department OF the Missouri, and General
Hancock to the department OF the Cum-
berland also your note OF this date en-
closing these instructions, saying "Be.
fore You issue instructions to carry
into effect the enclosed order, would be
pleased to hear any suggestions you may
deem necessary respecting the assign
ments to which the order refers" am
pleased TO avail myself Of the invitation
TO urge earnestly, In the name OF pa
triotic people who have sacrificed humid
reds OF thousands of loyal lives and
thousands of millions OF treasure to pre-
serve the integrity and union. of this
country, that this order be not insisted
on. 1t is Enthusiastically the expressed
wish OF the country that Gen. Sheridan
should not be removed from his present
command. This is Republic where
the will OF the people is the law OF the
land. beg that their voice may be
heard. Gen. Sheridan has performed
his civil duties faithfully and intelligent
ly. His removal will only be regarded
as an effort to defeat the laws of Con-
gress. 1t will be interpreted by the I'M
reconstructed element in the South
those who did all they could to break up
this government by arms, and now wish
to be the ouly element consulted as to
the method OF restoring order,-as q
triumph. IL will embolden them TO re-
newed opposition to the will OF the loyal
masses believing that they have the
Executive with them. The services of
Gen. Thomas in battling for the Union
entities him to some consideration. He
has repeatedly entered his protest
against being assigned to either OF the
five military districts, and especially to
to being assigned to relieve Gen. Sherl-
dan. Gen. Hancock ought not to be re-
moved from where he is. His depart
ment Is a complicated one which will
take new commander some time to be-
come acquainted with. There are mill.
tAry reasons, pecnnisry reasons, and,
above all, patriotic reasons why this
order should not be insisted on. beg
TO refer to letter marked "private, u
which l wrote to the President when
first consulted on the subject OF the
change In the War department. 1t bears
upon the subject Of this removal, and /
had hoped would have prevented it. l
have the honor to be, with great respect
your obedient servant,
US. GRANT,
General U. 3. A., and Secretary OF War
ad interim.
EXECUTIVE MANSION, WASHINGTON, D
c., Aug. 10, 1868.-General! have re
ceived your communication of the It'll
instant, and thank you for the prompt
ness with which you have submitted
your views respecting the assignments
directed In my order of that date. Wher
stated in my unofficial note OF the It'll
that would be pleased to hear any sug
gestions You might deem necessary upol
onh int 4,
ask from you formal report, hut rathe
to invite a verbal statement of any rea
sons affecting the public interests whicl
in your opinion would render the orde
inexpedient. Inasmuch, however, a
you have embodied your suggestions i
. written communication, 1t Is prope
that | should make some reply. Yo
earnestly urge that the order be not In
sisted on, remarking that 1t Is unmis
takably the expressed wish of the coun
try that Gen. Sheridan would not be re
moved from his present command. Will
am cognizant OF the efforts which hav
been made to retain Gen, Sheridan i
command OF the Fifth Military Distric
am not aware that the question hs
ever been submitted to the people then
selves for determination. 1t certain.
would be unjust to the army to assum
that in the opinion of the nation he alor
is capable OF commanding the states
Louisiana and Texas, and that were /
for any cause removed, no other gener,
in the military service of the Unite
States would be competent to ill h
place. Gen. Thomas, whom have d.
signated as his successor, is well know
in the country, having won high an
honorable distinction in the field he h,
since in the execution OF the responsib
duties of department commander e.
hibited great ability, soucd dlscretio
and sterling patriotism. He has not fai
ed under the most trying circumstanc,
Is enforce the laws, to preserve peace ar
order, to encourage the restoration
civil authority, and to promote as far {
possible spirit Of reconciliation. FL
administration o. the department OF Il
Cumberland will certainly compare mo
favorably with that OF Gen. Sheridan
the Fifth Military District. There affai
appear to be in disturbed condition
and bitter spirit of antsgonism seen
20 have resulted from Gen. Sheridan
management. He has rendered himse
Il