The Louisiana Democrat. [volume] (Alexandria, La.) 1845-1918, 1867-09-04
General Rousseau's Reply.
ST. JAMES HOTEL,

j ANVV Iva ~ANG' ~~~s ~NS''r J nsI
General: The New York papers to-day
publish what purports to be, and what !
take for granted is an official letter from
Major General Sheridan to yourself, in the
course Of which he says: II regret that ]
have to make the charge against Brig. Gen.
D. Fl. Rousseau, U. s. A., of visiting my
command and without exhibiting any au-
thority, interfering with my duties and sug-
costing my removal"
So much of the above charges as alleges
that l visited Gen. Sheridan's command and
interfering with his duties, is false. As to
suggesting his removal; did say, in an
swer to a telegram from Washington inquir-
ing of me how things looked in Louisiana,
that the state of affairs was gloomy, and
that the people were much depressed that
any change would be almost universally
acceptable.
This telegram referred to matters and
things in general and was intended as such,
including Gen. Sheridan in the scope. Il
this was suggested the removal OF that Of
fcer, all right, but his name was not men
toned.
Whilst I claim the right, in common
with all other citizens, to criticise SO much
of General Sheridan's administration as is
not purely military, and which solely con-
Germs the civil policy Of the country, yet on
nv late visit to New Orleans, ! scrupu-
lousy RETAINED from doing so, and so far
as now remember expressed no opinion
for or against his policy to anybody in his
district. had purpose or motive to do so
and my recollection, / think is as distinct
about this asst usually is, or as it can be
about anything.
As I know there is no sufficient evidence
on which to base this charge, I cannot con-
ceive how it is possible for General Sheri-
dan to make it. I am therefore reluctant
" forced to the present conclusion, that it
has no better foundation in his mind than
conjecture or suspicion, ] concur with Gen.
Sheridan in his regrets. l am really sorry
that so inconsiderable man as myself; was
not permitted to visit New Orleans with
out being made the medium for any sort o.
sensation wherewith to thrill the public
pulse, and it seems as unnecessary as it is
unfortunate, that it fell to my lot to be
made such medium in the hands OF Gen
Sheridan, who now, on what is universal
| " declared to be his conspicuous merits
fills go large space in the nations admira
ton.
Gen. Sheridan might have let me pass
think no harm would have followed my
escape from the collision which has forcet
this letter.
In order, totally, to relieve Gen. Sheri
dams mind, let me, in word, explain NJ.
late mission to New Orleans:
Ordered to command in very distan
department, and having also to 60 into on
Russian possessions, l thought that befor
SC long a journey, I would go to the Soutl
and say goodbye to part Of my famil,
and to many Of my kindred who are in Ne,
Orleans, Baton Rouge and Pass Christian
| took my last chance to pay that visit, an
was so much interested and occupied in
that even declined all outside social call
at the request Of many hospitable friend
and when got through with that domestl
mission / left.
have the honor to be, General,
Very Respectfully,
L. H. ROUSSEAU
, To Gen. Grant, Commanding U. 5. A.,
P. S.-As these charges have reache
the ears of the President l have taken Ii
! liberty to send him a copy Of this reply.
L. Fl. Rousseau.