Keowee courier. [volume] (Pickens Court House, S.C.) 1849-current, 1880-08-12
WALHALLA, SOUTH CAROLINA, Thursday AUGUST I2 1880

Supeflors at tho scat OF government, who
woro nearer to him in timo and Distance
than I was, hc deemed it unnecessary.
AS Gen. Rugcr had the ultimate rosponsi-
bility of action, aud had really tho greater
danger to confront in the final action in tho
matter, did not venture to cmbarrass him
by suggestions. He was department. com-
mander aud tho lawful head of tho military
administration within tho limits of tho
department. But, besides, I knew that ho
had been called to Washington for consul.
tatlon before taking command, and was
probably aware OF the views of the admin
lstraton as to the civil affairs in he com.
mand. l knew that he was in direct COM
munioation with my suporiors in authority
in reference to dcliuate subjects presented
Tor his consideration, or had ideas of his
own which ho believed to bo sufficiently in
accord with tho views of our common su.
pcriors to enable him to act intcllgcutly
according to his judgment and without sug.
gcstions from those not Oh tho spot and not
as fully acquainted with the facts as him
self. llo desired, too, to be free to act, as
he had eventually the greater responsibility,
and SO the matter was governed as between
him aud myself.
AS have been writing thus freely to
you, l may still further unbosom myself by
stating that have not thought it
LAWFUL OR WISE TO USE FEDERAL TROOPS
in such matters as have trauspircd East of
the Mississippi within tho last few months,
save so far as they may he brought into action
under the article of the Constitution which
conscmpatcs meeting armed resistance or
lnVaslons OF State moro powerful than tho
State authorities can subduo by ordinary
processes, and then only whon requested by
the Legislature, or, if it could not be con-
vcncd in season, by the Governor. And
when the President of tho United States
lntcrvcnes in that manner it is state of
war, not peace.
The army is aboring under disadvantages,
and has been used uuawfully at times in
the judgment Of the people, Gin mine Ger.
tainly,) and we have lost great deal of
kindly fucling which tho community at
large once felt for u.s. at is time to stop
arl unload" Officers in command Of
troops often find it difficult to act wisely
md safely when supcriora 10 authority have
different views Of law fron theirs, and when
legislation has sanctioned action seemingly
in conflict with tho fundamental law, and
they generally defer TO the known judg.
mcnt of their snpcriors.
Officers OF the army are so regarded in
such great crises, aud are held to such
respens!oility, especially those nt or near
the head Of it, that it il necessary on such
momcntons occasions
TO DARE TO DETERMINE
for themselves what is lawful and what is
not lawful under our system, il the military
authorities should be invoked, os might
possibly be the ease in sue. exceptional
times, when thcrc existed such divergent
views as to the correct result. The army
will suffer from its past action if it has urtcd
wrongfutIy. Our regular army has little
hold upon the affections of the people of
to-day, and its superior officers should
certainly, as far as lies in their power,
legally and with righteous intent aid to
defend tho right, which to us is tho law,
and the institutions which they represent
1t is well meaning institution, aud it
would be well if it should have an opponus
nifty to be recognized as bulwark in
support Of tho rights of tho people and of
The law.
ain truly yours
WINFIELD S. HANCOCK.
To Gen. W. II. Sherman, Commanding
Army Of tho U United States