New-York tribune., 1870-05-23
THE RECENT ARMY CHANGES.
WHY GEN. HANCOCK WAS NOT APPOINTED
THE DEPARTMENT OF THE PACIFIC.

WHY GEN. HANCOCK WAS NOT APPOINTED TO
THE DEPARTMENT OF THE PACIFIC.
WASHINGTON, May 22.-On the 18th of April
last MajorGen. w. s. Hancock addressed the following
telegraphic dispatch to Gen. w. T. Sherman dated 81.
Louis:
"n my rank win not entitle me to DIVISION and the
changes in departments are such to make practica-
ble would prefer this t Loui) station. leave at
once for St. Paul" The next day the following telegram
sent I'm reply: --- ..,
WASHINGTON, April IA, 1870
Gen. W. s. HANCOCK, Commencing Department ot
Dakota Your dispatch from st. Louis has been received
and / will answer you by mail. In the contemplated
changes your post will not be altered vn,v corsr,,
HDQRs. ARMIES OF THE UNITED STATES,
WASHINGTON, d. C., April IA, 1870
GEN w g. HANCOCK-Generat: have laid your dis
patches Of the 18th from St Lous before the %
who to I sy naa gDar OF the military d.
vision OF the Pacific made vacant by Gen. Tholnass
h Departmnt OF the Missouri in case change
OF its Commander, also known to him, but ne has
TO YOU that it belongs his office to select the Com
manding Generals of Divisions and Departments, ana
that the relations you chose to assume toward him OF
caily and privately absOlve him from regarding your
order announcing these changes will he made pnb-
lie in very few days, and they will not touch the De
partment OF Dakota, Military Division OF the Mis-
''ui'' "'"' "''H W. T. SHERMAN, General.
HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF DAKOTA,
To GEN. W. T. sHERMAN-General: Your letter has been
received
NV claims to more important command should not be
regarded intended by my dispatch to ask for dvslon
II the existing divisions were all contlnued Otherwse
changes made IL practicable not a favor, but
claim to command to which thought my rank entitled
As the President leads me to believe that because I
have not his personal sympathy my Tor com
sha1 n"t again open the subject but will add in
sion that think it is unfortunate precedent to estab
sh that military rank in time OF peace especially III the
assignment OF general officers to commands OF divisions
departments shall not have the
Id Sni n nj,
servant, WINFIELD s. HANCOCK, Maor-Gen u 5. A.
The above correspondence has been copied from the
kilograms and letters file In the War Department and
1t will be perceived that the following words recently at
rbuted Gen. Sherman do not appear in the letter OF
this gentleman: am requested by the President to
inform you there is nothing in personal rela-
tions to Gem Grant, your Official relations &c his
administration, that could Justify your promotion now,
or lead you to expect it hereafter"
The reference In Gen. shermans letter to the rela
him he President officially and privately" and absoy-
ing the President from regarding Gen Hancocks per
acts were put in operation Gen Hancock
tine Of as s to
Chief modified revoked one OF Gen. Haneocks orders
S Which ss SS % ss ss.Gns
was assigned TO the command Of the Division OF the A.
but instead calling upon him personally
simply registered his name which was unusual ana con-
Cen Grant having no knowledge apprehension that
Gen Hancock offended with him. meeting him on on
way: Good morning, Hancock" To this Gen. Han
cock made verbal response, but merely touched his
hat and passed Some time subsequent, the two met
at a wedding party when Gen. Hancock turned his back
onhirn. Gen Grant also informed that Gen Han
cock had boased his discouresy to him the street
When Gen Hancock issued order for the removal OF
certain persons in New-Oreans correspondence took
place between the two Generals on the subject when
Gen Hancock used language which was considered dis
respectful, and nsubordnate to his superior officer
Gen Hancock is now a Major-General, in command Of
department. When Gen. Thomas died, there were left
four who had been on the Pa
u
who was offered the command successor to Thomas,
hut without change OF rank, preferred remaining IN
Philadelphia Thus the choice lay between Hancock
and Schofeld The matter submitted 10 the Presi-
dent who simply directed that schoeld should be sent
namely in command OF Of the most important mill
tary departments in the country.