Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1880-08-27
Gen. Sherman,s Letter.

contains his correspondence Win General Sler-
man, OF December. 1876, and January, 1871 In
the course of which the letter already given to
the public, written at Carondelet, NO., Deem
Der 2sth, was addressed to General Sherman.
The letter wrote December 4th, granting Gen.
eral HaLcockS application for leave OF absence
to so to Carondelet and in his letter made the
fol owing allusion (the only one) to political
affairs. Referring to the orders sent by the
President to Gen. Ruger. commanding the De-
paltment OF the South, Gen. Sherman said:
1.-The political orders to Ruger at Columbia
through the Secretary Of War; They were not
military. / dislike much to have our soldiers
used In connection with the legislative body.
but orders coming from the President have to be
obeyed They form bad precedent, but thus
far haveprevented collision of arms between
1nflamed partiSans."
Hancock (mentioned In the latter's letter from
CaroRdelet published some time ago) is as fol-
lows:
"WAsHINGToN, December II, 1876.
"Mg Dear GereTal:-Lest your peace of mind
may be disturbed by the foolish report banded
IN the newspapers about your being ordered
word of truth in 1t. Neither the President
nor Secretary Of War has ever intimated to me
such purpose, and know have never said q
word or written syllable to that effect / see
in the Republican of st. Louis that not only
was the order made but that destroyed it, and
tore out the leaves OF the record book contain
Ing the copy. The whole thing was and is an
invention by somebody who wants to create a
sensation. The same is true about John Sher-
man Intriguing to be president of the Senate
mat ne might be President ad interim. He has
Droached; that he would not accept the place.
as lie prefers to be what he is now chairman Of
the Senate committee on finance
The letter concludes: mo serious changes in
command are being contemplated, and when
they are you may be sure that will give you
the earliest notice. There are men on mischief
intent who would gladly SOW the seeds Of dis
sension among US OF the army
This letter is followed by the Carondelet let
ter. from Gen. Hancock, TO which Gea. Sher-
man replied as follows:
''WAsHINGToN, January 21. 1871
"DeGT Fffend-I did not receive your most
interesting letter Of December 2Sth from Caron-
delet Mo-, until yesterday. l am very glad to
have your views in extenso upon subjects OF
such vital Importance. Our standard opinions
are mostly formed on the practice of our prede-
cesso1s; but great change was made after the
close or the civil war by the amendments Of the
Constitution, giving to The freed slaves certain
civil and political rights. and empowering Con-
gress to make 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
34s 349 ana $50, Revised Statutes (section 1885,
eoliion o OF ls.s-4;l AS matter OF TACT 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 exercised the right
as he believes, lawfully and rghtfully and our
duty has been, and is. to sustain him with zeal
and sincerity. AS to the presidential election,
we are IN no manner required TO take the least
actlon. out to recognize him as President whom
the lawfully appointed officers declare to be
such person. l hope and pray that 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 a va
cancy in both offices of president and vice preS-
dent, in which event the President of the
,tea a1e becomes mes president pro tempore. and new
1892. [See title 8. chapter /, pages 21 20 and %,
Revised Statutes 1t is well we should compare
notes and agree before the crisis is on u.s. but
surely hope we may past this ordeal safely and
peacefully. / will be pleased to hear from you
at any time"
The next letter published is from Gen. Han
COCK 70 Gen. Sherman, dated New York, Janu-
aTy %. 1t is as follows
Gene,ol:-An anonymous communication to
the Secretary OF War, dated Louisville KY, De-
cemDer 10th, 1916 reached my headquarters on
the 9th OF that month from the Office of the
adJutant general Of the army. 1t represents
that '.1n the contemplated uprising of the peo-
PIE to inforce the Inauguration OF Tilden and
Hendricks, the depot at JefTerSonville is to be
seized and is expected to arm and ciothe the In
diana army Of democrats" The endorsement
on this communication, made at your head
ferred to % General w II. S. Hc Hancock, com. M
manding division of the Atlantic, who my
draw company from General Ruger, COM
mandlng the department of the South, and post
1t at Jeffersonvile depot, with orders to protect
it against any danger" The terms of the
endorsement imply an exercise of discretion on
my part which leads Inc to write you before
taking action. In my Judgment there is no
danger OF the kind the anonymous communica-
t1on sets forth, or other kind at Jeffersonville
Depot to justify movement OF troops to that
place. Such movement, it seems to me, would
involve unnecessary expense, and would create
or increase apprehension for which there is no
real foundation. There are no arms or anmu-
milton at the JefTersonvlle Depot, and il such
force as is referred 10 could be raised for rebel
lious purposes, 1t is not likely that it would be-
gin by Selling OF depot OF army uniforms; and
grounds n a
government, see no danger In the delay which
win result from this presentation OF the subject
TO you. IT, however, in your better Judgment. q
company should be sent there, it shall be
promptly done as soon as you notify me to that
elect. AS have already Sald do not act at
once, because In your Instructions you say
MAJ" send company there which con-
strue as leaving 1t somewhat discretionary with
me.
On the 18th of January General Hancock
wrote TO General Sherman that he had been SO
busy that he had mot yet written as he in-
tendeo' in reply to the acknowledgment OF his
letter from Carondelet. He says: 81 wished to
states, and one or two other points In a brief
way. ! will do so yet, but not To- day, as ! am
house hunting"
The proposition for joint committee insures
peaceful solution Of the presidential question,
If II becomes law; and in my opinion, gives
to General Hayes chances he did not nave
before. ] have considered that Mr.. TIlden's
chances were tmpregnable; not SO with Mr..
Hendricks. Now, it seems to me that Governor
Hayes has something more than an equal
chance; but the definite results cannot be fore
shadow ed. Fortunately, trouble need not be
provided against by the use OF the army, should
The bill become law. If the bIll passes and
General Grant vetoeS 1t, MI. Tilden'S chances
Will be stronger than before-certainly, II he
and his friends supported the measure Public
opinion will strengthen his position. The danger
IN the compromise question. or joint committee
plan, Is that the defeated candidate might
appeal to the Supreme Court on grounds or
Illegal (uncOnstitutionaD decisions.
General Sherman writes the closing letter or
tne correspondence. as published IC Is dated
Washington, January 90. He said:
'Ihe passing OF the bill for counting the cleo
toral vote, approved by the President, ends, In
my Judgment, all possible danger Of confusion
or disorder in connection with the presidential
lmbroglio. feel certain that the dual govern
ments In South Carolina and louisiana VIII oe
decided by the same means which determines
VINO is to be next President OF the United states.
Therefore, with the consent and approval OF tne
secretary or War, now absent want 10 return
the troops temporarily detached back as soon as
possible TO the posts occupied before lne eiec-
Ilon, with this exception, that tWelve collpanles
(nOW th1rteeD), or the equivalent or regiment,
Iemaln here in Washington for a uin7.
Sporting Notes.
The Charter Oak PARK races yesterday were
attended by at least 5 600 spectators. The con-
tesT tetween Charley Ford and HannlS, In the
2l9 class, was very exciting. Ia Ine zoo Class,
purse OF 81, 900, Wilbur +. won, Nancy second;
fr,n 0.ot1