Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1876-12-15
MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT.
Infoi nation in Regard to Request
cfSenate.
The Prfsiden: Doubts that the Presence
OF Troops at a Polling Place Deter
red Voter from Casting his Vote.
THE MESSAGE Is 4
REPORT FROM GEN. SHERMAN AND
LETTERS FROM A UNITED STATES
ATTORNEY AND SECRETARY
OF WAR.

| WASHINGTON, December II The following i,
| the Presidents message read by the Senate to-
| day;
| To the Senate of the United States
In answer to the resolution of the Senate Of the
| 9Th inst, requesting information as to whether
troops OF the United States, stationed at the
| city of Petersburg, in the state of Virginia on
the 9Th OF November, 1876 and if so, under what
authority and for what purpose, submit the en-
closed letter from the Secretary of War, to whom
the resolution was referred, together with the re-
port OF the General of the Army, and accompany
ing papers. These enclosures will give all the
information called for by the resolution and con
tidenty believe will justify the action taken.
1t Is well understood that the presence OF United
States troops at the polling places never prevented
full exercise OF the franchise by any citizen of
whatever political faith. If then they have had
any effect whatever upon the ballot cast, it ha.
been to insure protection to the citizen casting it
IN giving 1t to the candidate of his unbiased
choice, without fear, and thus securing the very
essence of liberty.
1t NAV be that the presence of the twenty four
L nited States soldiers, uuder the command of
captain and lieutenant. quartered in the custom
house at Petersburg. on the 7th of Nov. at a con
siderable distance from any polling place, without
any Interference on their part whatever and with
out going near the polls during the election may
haze secured diFereHt result from uhdt Wouid
hare been obtained If they had not been there. TO
MAINTAIN the peace in case of rot on tie face Of
ne returns. But II such is the case, 1t Is only
proof that in this one Congressional District i'm
the state of Virginia, the legal and constitutional
voters have been able to return a. elected the can
ddates of their choice.
(Sgnedl L. 5. GRANT.
Executive Mansion, Dec. lIth 1877.
The letter of the Secretary of War is dated
December II, 1876, and encloses the report of the
General of the Army, and a communication with
lis enclosures received from the Attorney Gener-
al The letter of the latter encloscs copies of pa.
pers on file IN his office containing information
which he states shows the necessity for sending
troops to Petersburg, Va, on the 7th of Novem-
Der last, the day of the election.
The following Is Gen. Sherm an report
Headquarters Army of the United States. }
Washington, ID. e., Dec. g. (
Hon. j. ID. Cameron Secretary of War:
Slr-ln compliance with your reference of the
9TH inst, of the resolutions of the Senate calling
for report whether troops of the u nited States
were stationed in the city of Petersburg in the
State of Virginia, on the eth of November 1876
and If so under what authority and for what pur-
pose" | have the honor to report that Capt.
Breckenridge Of the ID United States artillery
was posted at Petersburg, Va, from Nov. 4th to
Nov. 18th, when It was recalled TO its proper sta
ton, Fort Foote, Md.
To more complete understanding Of the case
will add that on the I'd day of November gen
teman came to me from the Attorney General,
representing that there was reason to apprehend
a breach OF the peace at Petersburg, Va, aud
asking that detachment of troops be sent there
You being then absent saw Judge Taft in per
SEQ, and he advised that company of soldiers be
sent to Petersburg If practicable, and the next
day being in New York city saw Gen. Hancock
IN person, and after some inquiries as to the
troops available. | ordered him to send the
above desi mated company to Petersburg, to re-
main during the election of Nov. 9TH, and then to
return to its post. | enclose copy of his orders
also copies of general orders was 81 and &c.
which include all orders and instructions made to
the troops arriving in districts where dsturban-
ces were apprehended.
| have the honor to be
Your obedient servant
w. I. SHERMAN, General.