The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1869-07-15
MORE OF THE HIDDEN HISTORY Of THE WAR;

Tho Order for the Removal Of General
Thomas by General Grant-How 1t WINS
Pocketcd Tor Banks-ctted by General Hal.
leck-Thc Battle Of Nashville and Its Hero
General Pope in the saddle.
San Francisco July 81 correspondence OF the Gin.
cinnati GaZette
As general thing one would expect to learn OF
the secret acts OF the War Department during the
rebellion Ia Washington rather than in California,
But the occasion OF General Hailecks departure
from the Pacific coast for the East has accidentally
relieving General George H. Thomas when he was at
tue head OF his army aud before the enemy at Nash
Vile.
Among number OF friends who had called in
san Francisco to say good by to Central Haeck, he
was asked concerning his part in that transaction,
when he gave the following history Of it,
President Lincoln, Secretary stanton and himself,
all had the greatest faith IN General Thomas. They
were anxious to have nim move, but trusted his
judgment Implicitly as he was on the ground. One
morning few days before the battle OF Nashville
the President received request from General Grant
that General Thomas should be Immediately re-
moved. The President took the note over to Mr..
Stanton, saying that 1t was bad business that
he deeply regretted the STEP and but Tor Disregard
ing direct request OF the GeneraiinCbief he would
NOS consent to Il. Mr.. stanton was equally decided
to the impolicy Of the step General Halleck was
called H. and opposed the measure very earnestly
Finally Mr.. Lincoln said he did not feel at liberty
to interfere, but he would like to have the order
snow that herwas not the first mover IN the
matter. General Hallecx then drew an order
covering the case, though not plaslng the
entire responsibility upon General Grant Upon
10
read so as TO snow that It was done by the special
| request of the Chief, and neither Mr.
Lincoln nor Mr.. Stanton were Wiling TO go before
4 tue country on anything less than that. General
| Halleck felt that great military mistake and out
rage was being committed, and that in some way IL
should be prevented. The conference over the mat
ter was a long and earnest one AT length General
| Halleok asked Mr.. stanton II he would report him
for dsooedlence Of orders If he should delay the
publication or this particular one for few days. MI
| stanton said he would not. General Halleck
pocketed the order A few days after General Thomas
mad .ft.na
rebels and defeated them disastrousy As ii rs well
known, the order, SO much talked Of since was
never issued.
| 1t has been the received opinion that General
Logan was the ofrcer designated by General Grant
| TO superseds General Thomas. THIS IL seems Is
| mistake. According To General Halleck the request
| OF General Grant also specified General ScDoneid ~
| the successor and the order, as finally written IA
designate nun ior .ne place. The name Of General
with the change, either on the part OF Grant or 81
the authorities in Washington nor was Genersl
| oehoGed aware Of the request made by Grant
General Thomas army OF iriends-arger now w
many times than the great army he Commander.
| will read this with interest.
| GENERAL PoPE's HEADQUARTERS
! There WAS gentleman present on this occasion In
San Francisco VINO mad the iacts connected with the
order issued by General Pope establishing ms he A.
quarters In the saddle, when afterwards awakened
| 80 much ridcule.
| ment that that order not issued thoughtieaSv
| and as q piece OF Dombast but that none publislkd
| at That time was the subject OF more careful deib-
| Grafton. That McClellan's situation near RIchmohd
| was then most precarons; that the War Department
greatly concerned about 1t and thought il ne,s
sary To do everything IN its power TO create the nm
| preston among the Confederate commanders that
movement OF great strength was To be imrnediaiely
| made In the valley by Pope. AS part OF the man
thts very order agreed upon issued and allowed
" pass at once into the rebel lines. Two years atc
the war the publication OF Official documents showed
| That General Pope was not responsible for the
| despatch announcing the great capture Of prisoner
| and arms below Corinth, and now comes this state
| mcnt Of Secretary stanton 10 vindicate an ordel
which, in the minds OF 80 many. was OF p.cce via
] thcilrsI