The Middlebury register. [volume] (Middlebury, Vt.) 1850-1882, 1867-09-03

removal of Gen Sheridan, removes all
loubis, ifany remained, as to the pulit-
cal opinions of Gen. Grant, on the i'm
bortant issues of the day. lie had main-
aimed rigid silence on all these mooted
questions, until dragged, by the short sight
ed occupant Of the White House, against
his will, into position which demanded
action. We now apprehcnd no unhappy
results from these differences which have
been developed. 1t is conflict Of op-
pinion rather than of authority. The diff
ferences are, of course unreconcilable, but
Gen. Grant is soldier and too wise and
self possessed TO act rashly, or, to disobey
his superior in any lawful command,
though as he has Just shown, he has the
courage to obey under protest.
The history of these diilcnlti,s in
brief, seems to be this. The General
objected to his own substitution in the place
OF Secretary Stanton expires sing himself
clearly and emphaiicaly. The President
overruled his objections and placed him
in position which called for an express
ion of opinion in every issue.
The first issie which came up was the
removal of Gen. Sheridan. Grant, true
TO his convictions and courageous in the
discharge of his duty protested against the
order as unwisc, unpatriotic and opposed
TO the wishes of the people. johnson
was indignant and sent him a singing
reply, insisting upon his order in it, most
Objectionable features, perhaps, for the
purpose of provoking the General INTO
some unwise and hasty action. But
Grant, having discharged his duty. coolly
pocketed the indignity, issued the order
and said nothing. Then came an order
fer the removal of Gen. Sickles. Grant
again protested and obeycd. Thus the
matter stanl. The letter of Gen. Grant
TO the President will be read with interest
by every one, and we append ii:
EXECUTIVE MANSON, WAsIIINGroN,
Aug. IL Deor Sir: Before you issue
instructions to carry into effect the en-
closed order, | would be pleased TO hear
amy suggestions you may deem necessary
81, al
order refers. Truly yours,
ANDREW Johnson.
To Cen. US Grant, Secretary of War
al mt7qm
headquarters ARMIES OF TIE l..
s., Washington, dug. 10. 1S67-Hs
Excellency Andrew johnson, President
Of the United S,ates-Sir: 7 am in
receipt OF your orier of this date direct
ing the assignment of Gen: G.. II. Thorn.
as TO the command of the Fifth military
district, Gen Sheridan to tue department
of the Missouri, and General Hancock TO
the department Of the Cumberland also
your note of this date enclosing these in.
struciions, saying: "Bcrore YOU issue in
structions to carry irto eject the enclosed
order, would be pleased TO hear anv
suggestions you may deem necessary re.
speeding the asst gnmcnts TO which the
order refers" am pleased TO avail nv
self OF the invitation TO urge earnestly. in
the name OF patriotic people who have
sacrificed hundreds of thousands of loynl
lives and thousand, of millions of treasure
to preserve the integrity and union of tbi.
country, that this order be not insisted
on. 1t is Enthusiastically the expressed
"iSh OF the county that Gen. Sheridan
should not be removed from his present
command. This is a Republic where the
will Of the people is the law of the land
beg that their voice may be heard
'ien. sheridan has performed his civil
duties faithfully and intelligently. His
renewal will only be regarded rs an effort
TO defeat the laws of Congress. 1t will
he interpreted by the unreconstructcd cl
ement IN the SoutlI,-tbose who did nil
they could to break up this government
10y arms, and now wish to be the ONLY
element consulted as to the method of re-
storing ordcr,-as a triumph. 1t will
embolden them to renewed opposition to
the will of the loyal masses. believing that
they have the Executive with thcm. The
services of Gen Thomas in battling for
the Union entities him to some consider.
alton. lie has repeatedly entered his
protest against being assigned to either of
the five military districts, and especially
10 being assigned to relieve Gen. Sheri-
dan. Gen Hancock ought not to be re-
moved from where he is His department
IL a complicated one which will take
new commander some time to become
acquainted with There are military
reasons, pccuniary reasons, and, above all
patriotic reasons why this order should
not be insisted on. beg to rcferto letter
marked 'private," which wrote TO the
President when first consulted on the sub.
.lect Of this removal, and J had hopel
would have prevented it. | have the
honor TO be, with great respect, your
obedient servant,
L. S. GRANT.
General L. S. A and Secretary of War
di mteiim.
cTAll the cabinet officers have fire..
IL