The Morristown gazette. [volume] (Morristown, Tenn.) 1867-1920, 1880-09-08


printed in the GAZETTE few weeks
| ago. To this Gen. Sherman replied
HEApoUARTERs Army OF THE UNITED STATES,
WASHINGTON, D. c., Jan. 2, 1877.
Gen. ". S. Hancock, New York:
DEAR GENERAL: [ did not receive
your most interesting letter of Dec. %
from Carondelet, Mo-, till yesterday.
am very glad to have your views IN eU
tense upon subjects of such vital impor-
tance. Our standard opinions are most
ly formed on the practice of our prede
cessors; but a great change was made
after the close of the civil war, by the
amendments of the Constitution giving
to the freed slaves certain civil and poll.
tical rights, and empowering Congress
to make the laws necessary to enforce
these rights. This power is new and
absolute, and Congress has enacted laws
with which we are not yet familiar and
accustomed. See pages 348, $40, and $50.
Revised Statutes (section 1 1,989), Edition
1894.
As matter of fact, dislike to have
our army used in these civil conflicts,
but the President has the lawful right to
use the army and navy, and has exercis-
ed the right, as he believes, lawfully and
rightfully, and cur duty has been, and
is, to sustain him with zeal and sinceri-
ty.
As to the Presidential election, we
are in no manner required to take the
least action, but to recognize him as
President whom the lawfully appointed
officers declare to be such person. l
hope and pray that the Congress will
agree on some method before the day
and hour arrive. But, in case of failure
to elect by or before the 4th of March,
there will be vacancy in both offices
of President and President, in
which event the President Of the Senate
becomes President pro tempore, and a
new election will have to be held under
the law of 1892 See Title III, chap. l.,
pages 81, %, and 90, Revised Statutes.
1t is we'll we should compare notes
and agree before the crisis is on US; but
surely hope we may pass this srdeal
safely and peacefully.
l will be pleased to hear from you at
any time. (Signed) w. 4. SHERMAN.
HEADQUARTERS MILITARY DIVISION OF THE
ATLANTIC,
NEW YORK, Jan. 2, 1877.
Gen. W. T. Sherman, United States Army, Wash
ton, D. C.
General: An anonymous communica-
ton to the Secretary of War, dated
Kentucky, Dec. 16, 1876,
reached my headquarters on the 9th of !
that month, from the office of the Adiu-
,ant General of the army.
1t represents that, sin the contempla-
ed uprising of the people to enforce the
Inauguration of Tilden and Hendricks, {
he depot at Jeffersonville is to be seized,
md is expected to arm and clothe the
indiana army of Democrats.
The endorsement on this communica-
ion, made at your headquarters, dated
Dec. 90, 1876, is as follows:
"Oficial copy respectfully referred to
Major General w. s. Hancock, Com
handing Division Of the Atlantic, who
nag draw company from Gen. Ruger,
Department of the South,
md post it at the Jeffersonville depot,
With orders to protect it against any
langer."
The terms of the endorsement imply
In exercise of discretion on my part,
which leads me to write you before ta-
king action.
In my judgment there is no danger of
he kind the anonymous communication
3ets forth, or other kind, at jefferson
Vile depot to justify movement of
troops to that place. Such movement
It seems to me would involve unneces-
yary expense, and would create or in
grease apprehension for which there is
40 real danger.
There are no arms or ammunition at |
the Jetfersonville depot, and if such a
force as is referred to could be raised for |
rebellious purposes it is not likely that
it would begin by seizing depot of ar
my uniforms; and, therefore, if there are
grounds for action of the Government,
[ see no danger in the delay which will |
result from this presentation of the sub
ject to yeu.
If, however, in your better judgment, |
d company should be sent there, it shall |
be promptly dore as soon as you notify !
me to that effect. AS have already said
do not act at once, because in your in
structions you say l mag send a compa- |
ny there, which construe as leaving it |
discretionary with me.
returned on the 31st December, 1876, |
from st. Louis. | am very truly yours,
(Signed) WINFIELD S. HANCOCK,
Major General Commanding
New YORK, Jan. o, 1877.
Gen. W. T. Sherman, Commanding U. S. Army,
Washington:
My Dear General have been intend
ing to write to you in acknowledgement |
Of your two recent notes, but l have
been so much engaged in hunting place
Tor the winter and gathering" up my
affairs of business as well as personal |
matters, owing to my recent absence,
hat have deferred doing so.
Now write to enclose you copy of
/ letter I addressed yesterday 20 the edi- |
10 Of the rNew York World, in reference
% an article Especial disoateh) which ap- |
oeared in that paper on Sunday, the 9TH. /
The World corrected the matter in its !
ssue of this morning. ] would have
preferred the publication of my letter, |
- N I orn-rn tl,n- nditnr lntit1ndn ns "a |