The Morristown gazette. [volume] (Morristown, Tenn.) 1867-1920, 1880-09-08
THE MORRISTOWN GAZETTE.
subscription Price, So.
Gen. sherman's Letter.
WRITTEN TO GEN. HANCOCK
IN THE POLITICAL EN-
CITEMENT OF 1861.

IN THE POLEIlCAL EA-
CITEMENT OF 1861.
Saving that he Disliked to haV,
Troops used, but Orders fron
the President Must be Obeyet
Gen. Hancock Pointing Ou
a Danger in the Electoral Com
mission Plan.
The following is the correspond
euce that passed between Genera
sherman aud General Hancock il
the winter of 1867 relative to the
Presidential contest then agitating
the country. and the use of the ar
my:
HEADoUARrERs ARMY or THE UNITED STATES,
washington, d. c., Dec. 4, 1876
To Gen. W. S. Hancock, Commanding Division o.
Atlantic, New York city, NY:
You can take your leave now-the
time is appropriate.
: EsignedI W T. SHERMAN, General
HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE UNITED STATES,
Washington, d. c., Dec. 4, 1876.
Gen. W. S. Hancock, New York city:
Dear General have just received
your letter of the Sd, and have telegraph
ed yeu my consent to your proposed
trip. cannot foresee any objections,
and hope soon that events will admit OF
the return to their posts Of the compa-
Lies detached at the South; but every
time make a move in that direction l
am met by Einsurmountable objections.
Three of the compaies of the First Art
illery from Fort Sill reported at COlum-
bus, Ohio, yesterday, and will be here
this evening. Everything is ready for
them. The last company, suppose,
was detained at Sill to await the relief
on the way. Tell Gen. Fry (Adjutant-
GeneraD that, in case of any orders, L
will have them sent to you at New
York, and he can execute them. The
political orders of Ruger at Columbia |
preferred should 60 from the President
to him through the Secretary OF War.
They were not military. Idislike much
to have our soldiers used in connection
with legislative body, but orders COM
ing from the President have to be obey
ed. They form bad precedent, but
thus far have prevented. collision Of
arms between inf1amed partisans.
trust you will find Mrs. Hancock and
your St. Louis friends well.
Truly yours,
[Signedl w. T. SHERMAN, General.
HEADQUARTERS MILITARY DIVISION OF THE
ATLANTIC,
- NEW YoRH, Dec. 6, 1876,
The Adjutant- General, q. S. Army, Washington.
: SIR: have the honor to inform you
that leave New York this evening for
St. Louis, for short absence, by per-
mission of the General Of the Army.
My Post Office address, while absent,
will be Carondelet P. o., South ST.
Louis, Mo-, and my telegraphic address
will be Care of Commanding Officer, st.
Louis Arsenal, jefferson Barracks, Mo.
Very respectfully, your obedient ser
want.
(Signed) WINFIELD S. HANCOCK
BIaior-General Commanding.
HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE UNITED STATES,
, WASHINGTON, D. G., Dec. II, 1876.
Gen. W. S. Hancock, Jefferson Barracks, Missouri.
MY DEAR GENERAL: Lest your peace
Of mind may be disturbed by the foolish
report, banded in the newspapers,
about your being ordered from New
York, will tell you that there is not a
word of truth in it.
Neither the Presidentnor Secretary of
War has ever intimated to me such a
purpose, and 1 know have never said a
word or written a syllable to the effect.
u see in the Republican, .(of st. Louis)
that not only was the order made, but
that l destroyed it and tore out the
leaves of the record book containing the
copy. The whole thing was, and is, an
invention somebody who wanted to
create a sensation. The same is true
about John Sherman intriguing to be
President of the Senate, that he might
be President ad Interim He has told
me that he has never heard the subject
broached; that be would not accept the
place, as he prefers to be what he is now,
Chairman ofthe sSerate Committee on
Finance. hope you find the family in
good health and spirits, and hope you
win spend with me peaceful and hap
py week of holidays. This letter may
be superfuous, but the emphatic repeti-
tions of wild rumor in the 50. Louis
Rspad9ican suggested to me the propriety
of my correcting an impression, if made
on you.
No serious changes in command arc
being contemplated; and when they are,
you may be sure that will give you the
earliest notice. There are men, on mis-
chief intent, who would gladly sow the
seeds of dissension among us of the
army. Truly your friend,
(signed) W. 7. SHERMAN.
Next in the correspondence comes
Gen. Hancock letter to Gen. Sher-
man Of Dec. %. 1876. which was