Marshall County Republican. (Plymouth, Ind.) 1856-1878, 1868-02-13

the whole history of my connection With
The suspension cf Mr. Stanton. From our
conversation and my written protest Of
August list, 1867, against tle removal or
Mr. Stanton, YOU must hqve known my
greatest objection 10 his removal was the
fear that some one would he appointed in
his stead who wOuld by opposition to the
laws relating 10 the restoration of the
Southern States 10 their proper relations 10
the government, emb irrasS the aThy IN the
perform lnce of the duties especially I'M
posed upoa it ly the laws. and thai II was
20 prevent such appointment that 1 accept
al the appointment OF Secretary OF War
C,d interim, and rot for the purpose OF
enabling YOU 10 get rid of Mr. Stanton, by
Withholding from him, in opposition 70 law,
or, net dOin- SO, myself, 10 surrender to
one who, as the statements and assump.
lions in your letter plainly indicate, sought
10 avoid this larger. 1t vast relieve you
from the personal embarrassment in which
Ir. STATIONS reinstatement would place
YOU, that I Urrcd the appointment OF Gov.
Cox, believing It would be agreeable TO you,
and also 10 Mr.. Stanton, satisfied as was
that the good of the coUairy, not the Office,
the latter desired.
Ga the 18Th ultimo, ia the presence oil
General sherman, | stated TO You that
though: Mr. s would resign, but did not
say would advise him to do so. On the
18th did agree with g neral S. to go and
advise him to that course, and on the 10Th
l had an interview alone with Mr.. Stanton,
which led ne 10 the bcIief that any advice
would be useless, and so | informed Gen
eral Sherman before | consented to advise
Mr.. :. 10 resign. | understood from him,
81 fol
on his reinstatement. that il was bis opin-
ion that the act of Congress, entitled An
act 10 temporarily supply vacancies in the
Executive Department in certain cases, "
approved February 20, 1868, was repealed
By subsequent legislation. which materially
influenced nv action. Previous 10 this
time had ne doubt that the law OF 1868
was stu in force, and notwithstanding my
sction, fuller examination of the law
leaves question in my mind whether il is
or not repealed, This being the case
could not now advise his resignation for
fear that the same danger | apprehended
on the first removal might follow.
The course yGuhave understood agreed
10 pursue was in violation of law and or
ders from Won. while the course did pm-
sue ard which never doubted you fully
knew, was II accordance With law, and
not in disobedienee to any orders of my
superior.
And now. Mr. President. when my hon.
or as soldier and integrity as man has
been SO violently assailed, pardon me for
saying | can but regard this whole matter,
from beginning 10 end, as an attempt to
involve me in a resistance oflaw. for which;
You hesitate IN assume the responsibility.
10 order 10 destroy my character before the
country | am. in a measure, confirmed
in this conclusion by your recent orders
directing me to disobey elders from the |
Secretary of War. my superior and your
subordinate. Without having counter !
manded his authority, ! am TO disobey. |
With the assurance. MIR President, that
nothing less than vindication of my per-
sonal honor and character could have in
duced this correspondence on my part,
L have the honor TO b., very respectfully,
your obcdient servant,
L. S. GRANT, General.