The Plymouth weekly Democrat. (Plymouth, Ind.) 1860-1869, 1867-09-05

CHcTIuan. UeucIdl IlduCOCh Hdu uOt
ought to be removed from where he is
His department. Is 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 refer
to letter marked private, which wrote
to the President when first consulted on
the subject of change in the War De-
partment. 1t bears upon the subject of
the removal, and | had hoped wculd have
prevented it. | have the honor to be,
with great respect.
Your obedfent servant,
u. s. GRANT,
General United States Army: and Secre-
tary Of War I'D interim.
EXECUTIVE MANSION,
WASHINGTON, Aug. 10, 1867.
GENERAL-I have received your COM
munication Of the llth inst, and thank
you for the promptness with which you
have submitted your views respecting the
assignments directed in my order of that
date. When | stated ia my official note
of the 18th, that I would be pleased to
hear any suggestions you might deem nee
essary upon the subject, it was not my in
tention to ask from you a formal report.
but rather to invite a verbal statement Of
any reasons affecting the public interests
which in your opinion would render the or
der inexrodent in rs much however, in
written communication. 1t Is proper that
| should make some reply. You earnest
y urge that the order be not insisted on,
remarking that it is unmistakaby the ex-
pressed wish of the country, that General
Sheridan should not be removed from his
present command While | am cognizant
of the efforts that have been made to re-
licve General Sheridan Of the command
of the Fifth Military District, l am not
aware that the question has ever been sub
mitted to the pcop.e themselves for de-
termination. 1t would certainly be MUST
to the army, to assume that in the opinion
Of the nation, that lie alone is capable of
commanding the States of Louisiana, and
Texas, that were he Tor any other cause re-
moved, no other General in the military
service of the United States, would be
competent to fill his place.
General Thomas, whom have designed
as his successor, is well known to the coun-
try, having won high and honorable dis
tinction in the field He has, since the
execution OF the responsible duties OF Il
department commander exhibited great
ability, sound discretion and sterling pat
- r.. i 1.
most trying circumstances to enforce the
laws, to preserve peace and order, to en-
courage the restoration OF civil authority,
and to promote as i.1-as possible a spirit
of reconciliation. His administration of
the Department Of the Cumberland will
certainly compare most tavorably with that
of General Sheridan in the military dis
trict. There affairs appear to be in Il dis
turbed condition, and bitter spirit Of an
taeonism seems to have resulted from Gen
eral Sherdans management. He has
rendered himself exceedingly obnoxious
by the manner in which he has exercised
even the powers conferred by Congress,
and still more SO by 4 resort to authority
granted by law, not necessary to his faith
full and efficient execution. His rule has
in fact been one OF absolute tyranny, with
out reference to the princi pies of our Gov
ernment or nature of our free institutions
The state or affairs which has resulted
from the course he has pursued, has seri
ously deferred and interfered with a har.
monious and satisfactory, aud a speedy ci-
ccution of the laws Of Congress, is alone
sufficient to justify change, and his re-
mOval, therefore, cannot be regarded aS al
effort to defeat the laws of Congress. iol
the object is to facilitate Their execution
through an officer who has never failed Il
obey the law. and to exact within his ju
risdiction a like obedience from others
1t cannot be interpreted 5y the unrecon
structed element Of the South, that those
who did all they could to break up thi
Government by arms, aud now wish to b,
the only element consulted as to the meth
cd of restoring order as u triumph; intellI.
gent men must know tha. the mere chang,
of military commanders can not alter th'
law, and that General Thomas will be rs
much bound by its requirements as Gen
eral Sheridan. 1t can not embolden then
to renewed opposition to the will Of th'
loyal masses, believing that they have tn,
Executive with them, for they are per
fectly familiar with the antccedents of th'
President, and know that he has not ob
structed the faithful execution of any ac
of Congress. No one, as you are aware
has higher appreciation that myself, OF
the services of General Thomas, and ne
one would be less inclined to assist hin
to command not entirely to his wishes
Knowing him as do, | can not think h,
will hesitate, for a moment, to obey my or
der, having in view complete aud speedy
tion of which he has rendered such import
ant and valuable service.
General Hancock, known to the who'll
country as a gallant, able and patriot,
soldier, will, have no doubt, sustain hi
high reputation in any position to which
he may be assigned. If, as you observe
the department he will have is complica
ted one, l feel confident that under tn
guidance and instructions of General Sher
man, General Sheridan will scon becom
familiar with its necessities, and will avail
himself of the opportunity afforded by tn
Indian troubles for the display OF the en-
ergy. enterprise aud daring which CAV
him so enviabie a reputation during the re
cent civil struggle.
In assuming that it is the exprcsse,
/ wish of the people that General SheriIa
, should not be removed from his presen
command, you remark that this is a repub