Western Reserve chronicle. [volume] (Warren, Ohio) 1855-1921, 1867-12-25
Gen. Grants Private Letter,

Inc opc1ker AaLN oSAOAC tue lou
to-day a standardization from Genera
Grant enclosing the Correspondence,
relating to the removal of Stanton 4
Secretary of War, and also the remoya
of General Sheridan and Sickles-
Nearly all the correspondence has here
tofore been published but the follow
ing is the private letter to the Presi
dent from General Grant about which
50 much curiosity has been expressed
I%PR1YATE
H~EApoUARTERs, Armies Of the u. 81
washington. D. C.. Aug. 18th. 1851. !
His EreeHsney Andrea Johnson,
President Of the United States:
SIN. l take the liberty of addressipO
YOU privately on the subject Of the con.
y~ersation which we had this morning.
feeling, as | do, the great danger 70
the welfare of the country should you
carry out the designs which you then
expressed. First, on the subject of
the displacement of the Secretary of
War. His removal cannot be effected
against his will without the consent of
lhe Senate. 1t was but q short time
since the United States Senate was In
session, and why not then have asked
for his removal, if it was desired? 1t
certainly was the intention of the leg
i~slatiTe branch of the government 10
place a Cabinet Minister beyond the
power OF the executive : 'moTal, and Il
is pretty well underssoot % far as the
Cabinet ministers are Elected by the
terms Of the office bill that it was in
tended epeci .iIy 10 protect the Score.
tary of Wa, whom the country felt
great confidence in. The meaning of
the law nay be explained by an astute
but common sense and the views
loyal people will give TO it the effect
intended by its trainers.
On the subject of the removal of the
very able conmalder of the Fifth
Military Dist let, let ma ask YOU to
consider the effect it would have upon
he public. He Is universally and dc
'ervedly believed by the people who
ustslned this Government throughout
Is trials, and feared by those who
would still be enemies to the Govern
nent. It fell 70 the lot Of but few 10
10 as much against an enemy IS did
General Sheridan during the rebellion.
nd it was within the scope of the
but few in this or any other
ountry TO do what he has. HIS civil
administration has given equal salts
action. He has had difficulties to con-
end with which no other District Com
has encountered. Almost. if
OF quite from the day he was appoint
d District Commander to the present
inc, the press has given out that ne
as to be re moved-that the admins
ration was dissatisfied with him
his has emboldened the opponents of
ne laws of Congress within his CON-
and to oppose him in every way in
leir power, and has rendered neces-
Try, measures which otherwise might
ever have been necessary.
In conclusion. allow me to say, as a
lend desiring peace and quiet. and
le welfare of the whole country, North
i'd South, that it is in my opinion
ore than the loyal people of this coun-
v l ear those who supported the
'vernment during the great rebellionl
ii quietly submit TO seethe very man.
all others, who they have expressed
Ieir con6dencein in, removed. | would
It have taken the liberty of address
G the Executive Of the United States
us, but for the conversation on tb a
bject alluded 10 in this letter. I'D
I'm a of duty, feeling hat 7
io@ / am right in this matt ar With
respect, your obedi ant %servant
o.o'teRANr, General.
1mong me paps. S is a letter to Gen
u Major General Sheri-
N9 lew Orleans, January 25,
- - iation to matters in Texas, par
I referring to the condition of
: = MON men and freedmen in differ
{ parts of the State, which he says
truly horrible He says the govern
emit is denounced, freedmen are shot
i'd Union men are prosecuted if they
the temerity to express their
This letter General Grant, under
tie Of Hesdqusrt Ms of the Army of
nited States, January %, '67, en-
as follows:
Respectfully forwarded to l. :
Of War:
Attention is invited to that portion
the within communication which
fers to the condition o. the Union
IN and freedmen IN zes and 20 :
Q powerlessness of the A..1tary in the
esent state of affairs C afford them q
1tection. Even the moral effect of q
3 presence Il the troops is passing
ay, and : lew days ago a squad OF
diers o.. duty was fred upon by citi-
IL in Brownsville. In my opinion the
at number of murders of Union men
/ freedmen IN Texas no. only as a Z
g unpublished but uninYestigate6, !
practically a state of insuI- .
ton, and, lelievingi it 70 he theprov- 2
e and dut5 of every go'od govern t
Mt to afford protection to the lives. /,
eriy and property of he citizens, I |
lld recommend the declaration of D
rtial law in Texas to secure these s.
e necessity for governing any portion
our territory by martial law is to
.deplored. II resorted to IL should
limited in its authority, and should
We all local authorities and civil tri-
lals free aud unobstructed until they
Ye their ineficiencl Or unwilling
5 to perform their du ties. Martial
would give security, or compare
,ly so. to all classes of citizens with
regard to race, color or political
ions, and could be continued until :
ETY. was capable of pr o.ecting itself,
Until the State is returned to its full
ton with the Union. The applica- n
Of martial law to one of these !
les would be a warning to all, and
ecessary can be extended to others.
Signed U. S. GRAFT, General A
o action was had by the civil au-
upon the foregoing commune HI