The Van Buren press., 1867-09-06
Gen. Rousseau, in his letter to Gen.

Gen. Rousseau, in his letter to Gen,
Grant says, :" So much Of Gen. Sheridan s
charges alleging that ] visited his COM
mand and interfered with his duties, is
false. AS to suggesting his removal, |
did say, in answer to telegram from
Washington, enquiring how things look
ed in Louisiana, that the state Of affairs
were gloomy, that the people were much
depressed, and any change would almost
universally he acceptable. This telegram
referred to matters and things in general,
and was intended as such, including Gen.
Sheridan in the scope. If this was sug-
gesting that officers removal, all well
and good but his name was not men
toned. Whilst claim the right, in com
mon with all others, to criticize ~ much
Of Gen. Sheridan's administration as is
not purely military, and which solely
concerns the civil policy Of the country,
yet, on my late visit to New Orleans, |
scrupulously refrained doing so, and so
far as know and remember expressed
no opinion against his policy to anybody
in his district had no purpose or mo-
tive so to do, and my recollection think
is as distinct about this matter as it usual
ly is or can be about anything"
The following is the order removing
General Sicklcs:
EXECUTIVE MANSION.
Brevet Major General Edward X. S.
Candy is hereby assigned to the command
of the second military district, created
by act of Congress March 27, 1866, and
military department OF the South, en-
bracing the States of North Carolina and
South Carolina. He will, as soon as
practicable, relieve Major General Dan
Sickles, and on assuming the command to
which he is hereby assigned, will, when
necessary to the faithful execution of the
laws, exercise any and all powers con
ferred by acts of Congress upon district
commanders, and any and all authority
pertaining to officers in command OF
military departments. Major General
Dan +. Sickles is hereby relieved from
command of the second military district
The Secretary of War ad interim, will
give necessary instructions to carry this
order into effect.
(Signed A. JOHNSON.
New YORK, Aug. q.
The order assigning Hancock to Sher
idan's place is as follows:
EXECUTIVE MANSION,
Washington, Aug. 26, 1861
In consequence of the unfavorable con-
dition of the health of Major General G..
II. Thomas, as reported to you in Sur
geon Hanson's dispatch Of the 2lst, my
order dated August 18th is hereby modi-
fed 50 as to assign Major General Win
field S. Hancock to the command of the
fifth military district, created by an act
Of Congress passed March I'd, 1867, said
military department comprising the States
Of Louisiana and Texas.
On being relieved by Major General
Sheridan from the command of the de-
partment Of Missouri, Major General
Hancock will proceed directly to New
Orleans and assume the command to
which he is hereby assigned. lie will,
when necessary to the faithful execution
Of the laws, exercise any and all powers
conferred by acts of Congress upon the
district commanders, and any and all au-
thority pertaining to officers in command
of military departments.
Major General Sheridan will at once
turn over his present command to the of.
ficer next in rank to himself, and pro
ceeding without delay to Fort Lawrence
Kansas, will relieve Major General Han
cock of the command Of the department
Of Missouri.
Major General G.. II. Thomas will, till
further orders, remain in command Of the
department Of the Cumberland.
Very respectfully yours,
A. JOHNSON
To Gen. U. S. Grant, Secretary Of Wal
ad interim
III. In compliance with the foregoing
instructions of the President of the Uni
. ted States, Maj Gen. p. II. Sheridan will
? on the receipt Of this order, turn over hi
present command to Brevet Major Gen
eral Charles Griffin, the officer next il
rank to himself, and proceed, without de
lay, to Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, and
will relieve Maj Gen. Hancock in com
mand of the department Of the Missouri
Ill On being relieved by Maj. Gen
Sheridan Maj. Gen. Hancock will pro
ceed, without delay, to New Orleans, La.
and assume command Of the fifth military
district and of the department composed
Of the States Of Louisiana and Texas
~. Maj. Gen. Geo. II Thomas viii
continue in command Of the department
Of the Cumberland.
: BY command of General Grant.
Official: Il. D. TOWNSEND, A. A. G..
i FoRT HAYS, August 20.