Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1868-01-01
political.
GENERAL GRANTS PRIVATE LETTER
TO THE PRESIDENT.

TO THE PRESIDENT.
The correspondence sent to Congress, in res
ponse to a resolution, embodies Gen. Grants pri-
vate letter protesting against the displacement Of
Secretary Stanton and the removal OF General
Sheridan. This letter is published herewith aud
speaks his earnest opinions and exhibits in
strong light the thorough sympathy of Gen. Grant
with the loyal people Of the country and his earn
est support Of the reconstruction policy, and its
tone produces the happiest effect throughout the
country. The value Of these publications at
time when the opposition are making the whole
country ring with their clauors cannot be overes-
timated. The letter is an unprompted declaration
covering the whole ground Of doctrine and duty,
showing that the writer has been conducted 10 this
broad ground by the stern road Of practical ex-
periencc, founded upon clear convictions, give the
Republican party assurance that in Grant they
have a candidate who will lead them to victory and
will administer the government in the interests Of
common humanity and in the spirit Of the
fathers:-
[PRIvATE
"Headquarters armies Of The
UNrrED STATES. WAsuNGToN, ID. G
August T. 1867
His Erceilency, 4. johnson, President of the
limited States -
"SfR 81 take the liberty of addressing you
privately on the subject Of the conversation we
bad this morning. feeling ! do the great danger
Of the welfare Of the country, should you carry
out the designs then expressed.
FiRsr, on the subject Of the displacement OF
the Secretary of War. His removal cannot be
effected against his will. without the consent Of
the Senate. 1t is but short time since the Unit
ed States Senate was in session, and why not then
have asked for his removal il it was desired. IL
certainly was the intention Of the Legislative branch
OF the government to place the Cabinet Ministers
beyond the power Of Executive removal, and it is
pretty well understood that far as Cabinet Min
isters are effected by the tenure of office bill. il
intended specially TO protect the Secretary Of
War, in whom the country felt great confidence.
The meaning Of the law may te explained away
by an astute lawyer, but common sense and the
views Of the loyal people will give to it the effect
intended by its trainers.
SECOND, on the subject of the removal Of the
very able commander OF the 9th military district,
let me ask you consider the effect it would have
upon the public. He is universally and deserved
ly beloved by the people, who sustained this gov
ernment Though its trials and feared by those
who would still be enemies Of the government.
Il fell to the lot of but few men to do much
against armed enemy as General Sheridan did
during the rebellion, and It is within the scope Of
the ability of but few in this any other country
to do what he has done. His civil administration
has given equal satisfaction. He las had difficult
ties to contend with which no other district COM
mander has encountered Almost, II not quite,
from the day he appointed district command
er to the present time, the press has given out
that he was to be removed-that the administra-
ion was dissatisfied with him, &c.
This has emboldened the opponents to the
laws of Congress within his command TO oppose
hum in every way in their power, and has rendered
necessary measures which otherwise might never
have been required.
=" In conclusion, allow me to say, as a friend
desiring peace aud quiet the welfare Of the whole
country. North and South, that it is in my opinion
q mean those who supported the government
during the great rebellion) will quietly submit to-
10 sec the very men. of all Others in whom they
have expressed confidence removed. / would not
have taken the liberty OF addressing the Execu-
tive Of the United States thus but for the CONVEX
sation the subject alluded to in this letter. and
from sense Of duty, feeling that ] know l am
right in this matter.
" With great respect, your obedieut servant
u. S. GRANT, General
Among the papers communicated is a letter to
Gen. Grant from Gen. Sheridan, dated New Or
leans, January IS. 1867, in relation to matters in
Tex ~, and particularly referring TO the condition
OF Union men and freedmen in different parts of
the state, which he says is truly horrible. He
shot, and Union men are prosecuted if they have
the temerity to express their opinions, &c.
This letter Gen. Grant, under date Headquart-
Army OF the United States, January 20, 1867 ;
endorses follows -
- Respectfully forwarded 10 the Secretary of
War. Attention is invited to that portion OF the
within communication which refers 10 the condi-
ton Of Union men in Texas, aud to the powerless-
ness Of the military in the present state of affairs
to afford them protection. Even the moral effect
OF the presence of troops is passing away, and
few days ago squad OF soldiers on duty was fred
on by citizens in Brownsville. In my opinion the
great number Of murderers of Union men and
freedmen in Texas, not only as a rule uupunished,
bat uninyestigated, constitute practically state
of insurrcction and, believing it to be the PROV
ince and duty OF every good government 10 afford
protection TO the lives, liberty and property of its
citizens | would recommend the declaration Of
martial law in Texas to secure these ends. The
necessity for governing any portion of our terri
tory by martial law is TO be deplored II resort
ed to, it should be limited in its authority, and
should leave all local authorities and civil trbu-
mails free and unobstructed until they prove their
inefhcieney or unwillingness to perform their du-
ties.
Martial law would give security, or compara-
lively so, to all classes OF citizens without regard
to race color or political opinions, and could be
continued until society was capable of protecting
itself until the State is returned to its full re-
latlons with the Union.
"The application of martial law to one of these
States would be warning TO all, and, if necessa-
ry, could be extended to others.
U. S. GRANT, General"
We have published this endorsement of General
Grant as it is equally satisfactory to his friends,
giving strong assurance that their confidence in
him has not been misplaced, and make apparent
the Characterization COURAGE honesty and uatriot-