The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1867-12-20

Below v he found the letter of Gem
erul Grant to Mr.. Johnson relating to the
removal Of Sec. Stanton, and about which
there has been 10 much curiosity. The
letter Is marked private and was furnished
by General Grant upon the reques, Of Con
gress. Hereafter there ought to DO no doubt
Of the political convictions Of our next
President:
HEADQUARTERS ARMIES or rnE uSIrEn srAIIs,}
WAsHIssroS. ID. C.. Aug. II, 1867.
His ETcelleney .4nirep Johnson, President
ofthe United States:
SIR: | take the liberty Of addressing you
privately on the subject Of the conversation
we had this morning. feeling, ns | do, tho
great danger to the welfare of the country
should you carry out the design then ex-
pressed.
First, On the subject of the displacement
OF tho Secretary Of war. His removal cnn.
not he eflscted against his will without the
consent Of the Senate, AMI it was hut short
time since the United States Senate wns IN
session and why not then have asked for
his removal fiji was desired. II certainly
was the intention of tho Legislative brunch
Of the Government 10 place Cabinet Min
lister beyond the power ot tho Executive
removal, and II Is pretty well understood
that, so far as Cabinet Ministers arc effect.
ed by the Tenure Of Office hill, II was enact.
ell sperialIy TO protect the Secretary Of War
whom tho country felt grent confidence in.
~. r. al In vv,av In ovnlainnb
awny by an astule lawyer, but common
sense and tho views Of loyal people will
give to it tho effect intended by its irnmerS.
Second, On the subject Of the removal Of
the very able commander Of the Filth Mill
tary District. Let mo ask you to consider
the effect II world have upon the public.
tie il universally and deseryefly beloved
by the people who sustained this governs
Inent through its trinls. and feared by those
who would still he enemies OF tho govern
ment. II fcllto the lot Of hut few men to
do as much against m armed enemy ~
Gen. Sheridan did during the rebellion. ami
il is within the scope Of tho ability Of hut
few in this or any other country 10 do what
he has. His civil administration has given
eaunl satisfaction. lie has had difficulties
10 contend with which no other district
commander has encountered. Almost, if
not quite from the day he was appointed
District Commander to the present time the
press has given out that he was to be re
moved, that the administration was dissat
isfied with him. This Inns emboldened the
opponents of the laws Of Congress within
his command to oppose him in every way
in their power, an.l has rendered necessary
measures which otherwise may never have
been necessary. In conclusion allow me to
say, as n friend desiring peace and quiet,
the welfare Of the whole country, North
aud South, that it is in my opinion more
than loyal people of the country u mean
those who supported the Government dur
ing the great rebelllon) will quietly submit
to, see the very man Of all others who
,hoy have expressed their confidence in no.
moved. would not have taken The liner
" Of addressing the Executive Of the u.
). thus hut for the conversation on the sub.
iect alluded to in this letter and from a
sense Of duty. feeling that know ] am
right in this matter.
With great respect,
Your Obctient servant,
(Signcd) U. 5. GRANT, Gen.