Brownlow's Knoxville Whig. [volume] (Knoxville, Tenn.) 1866-1869, 1868-01-08
Glen. Grants Remomstrnnee Against
the ReniOEaiS OF Secretary stanton
and Gen. Sheridan.


and Gen. Sheridan.
The Speaker laid before the House communica-
ton from Gen. Grant, uclosing The correspondence
relating 70 the removal Of Mr. Stanton as Secretary
Of War, and also the removals Of Gems. Sickes and
Sheridan. Nearly all The correspondence has been
heretofore published but The following is the pri-
vste letter 20 the President fros Gen. Grant about
which so much curiosity has been expressed
Private.
HEADouARrERs U. S. Army,
Washington, Aug. IS 81.
Hts E1ceLlSacy A1sdfe'C johnson, President Of he
United States
SIR: take the liberty Of addressing you pri-
vately, on the subject Of the conversation we had
this morning feeling, as / de- the great danger TO
the welfare Of the country should you carry out the
designs then represented.
First, on the subject Of the displacement of tbs
Secretary Of War. His removal cannot be effected
against his will without the consent Of the Senate
It was but short time since The United States Sem
ate was in session. and why net then have asked Tor
his removal It was certainly the intention of the
legislative branch Of the government to place the
Cabinet ministers beyond the power OF the Execu-
tive removal and il is pretty we'll understood that
so far AS the Cabinet ministers affected by the
tenure Of oice BILL it was intended to protect me
Secretary Of War in whom the people Of the co1n-
try feel great confidence The meaning Of the law
may be explained away by lawyers, but common
sense and the views of the loyal people will give to
it the effect intended BY its trainers.
3 On the subject of the removal Of the very able
commander of the Fifth Military District, let me
ask you to consider the eject it would have upon
the public. He is universally and deservingly be-
loved by the people who sustained this government
throughout its trials and feared by those who would
be enemies OF tho government It fell to the lot Of
but few men TO do as much against the enemy du-
ring She rebellion, and it is within the scope Of tho
ability Of few in this or any other country to do
what he has His civil administration has riven
equal satisfaction. He has had difficulties TO con-
tend 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 mGst be re-
moved that the administration was dissatisfied
with him. This has emboldened the opponents of
the laws Of Congress within his command TO oppose
him in every way in their power, and has rendered
necessary measures which otherwise might never
have been necessary.
In conclusion, allow me 10 say as friend desir-
ing peace and quiet and the welfare of the whole
country, North and South that ]. is my opinion
that the loyal people Of this country-I mean those
who supported the government during the great re-
belon-will not quietly submit to see the man who,
above al others, they have expressed their conf
dence in, removed.
would not have taken the liberty OF addressing
the Executive of the United States but for the
versation on the subject alluded to in this letter. and
from sense of duty, feeling that l know am
right in this matter
With great respect, your obedient servant,
U. S. GRANT, General.
Among the papers is letter to Gen. Grant from
Major General Sheridan dated New Orleans, jan
uary, 1881 relative TO matters in Texas paFticu-
larly referring to the condition of Union men and
freedmen in the different parts Of the State, which
he says is horrible. he says the government is de-
nouneed, freedmen are shot and Union men are per-
secuted if they have the temerity to express their
opinion.
This letter Gen. Grant, under date aHeadquar-
tors Army Of the United States Jan. 90 1861, in
dorses as follows Respectfully forwarded 70 the
Secretary Of War; whose attention is called to that
portion Of the within communication which refers
to the condition Of the Union men and freedmen in
Texas and to the povFeressness of the military, IN
the present state Of affairs, to afford them protee
ton even the effect of the presence Of the troops
is passing away, and few days ago a squad Of sol-
diers, on duty was fred into by the citizens Of
Brownsville.
ain my opinion the great number Of murders Of
Uuion men and freedmen in Texas which not only
rule UNPUBLISHED, but uninvestigated, constitute a
state Of Instruction; and believing it to be The
province and duty Of every good government to af-
ford protection to the lives liberties and property
of her citizens, would recommend the deolara-
ton of martial law in Texas The necessity for
governing q portion Of territory by martial law
Is to be deplored. If resored to it should DO imi
ted in its authority, and should leave all local au-
thorties and civil tribunals free and unObstru cted
until they disapproye their duties. Martial law
would give security to all classes of citizens, with
out regard to race or color, political opinions;
and should be continued until the State viii return
to its full relation to the Union. The application
Of martial law to these States would be a warning
to all, and, if necessary, can be extended to the
others. U. S. GRANT, General
No action was had by the civil authorities on the
foregoing recommendation.