Press and daily Dakotaian. (Yankton, Dakota Territory [S.D.]) 1880-1889, 1880-08-28
GEN. sHERMAN's LETTERS.


New York, Aug. 26-The two letters of
Gen. Sherman so frequently spoken of
as having brought forth the recently
published letter of Gen. Hancock, dated
Carondolet postoffice, st. Louis, Mo-,
December %, 1876, are as follows:
Washington, Dec. 4, 1S76.-Gen. w. S.
have just received your letter, the third,
your proposed trip. cannot foresee any
objections and hope soon that events will
admit the return to their post of the
companies detached at the south, but
every time make move in that direc-
tion am met by unsurmountable obiec-
tions. Three of the companies of the
first artillery from Fort Sill reported at
Columbus, O., yesterday, and will be
here this evening. Everything is ready
for them. The last company suppose
that was detailed was at Sill to await re-
lief on the way. Tell Gen. Fry, adju-
tant general, that in case of any orders 1
will have them sent you at New York
and he can execute them. The political
orders to Ruger at Columbus preferred
should go from the president to him
through the secretary of war. They were
not military. l dislike much to have our
soldiers used in connection with a legis-
lative body, but orders coming from the
president have to be obeyed. They form
bad precedent, but thus far have pre-
| vented the collision of arms between in
! famed partisans.
trust you will find Mrs. Hancock and
your st. Louis friends well. Truly yours,
(Signed) w. 7. SHERMAN, General.
| The next letter, dated December II,
1876, is devoted entirely to denying the
story of the st. Louis Republican that
Hancock would be removed from New
York, and to assuring him that no such
step had been mentioned by any mem
ber Of the administration. Also to deny
was intriguing to become president of
the United States.
The answer of Gen. Hancock to these
letters was published in the Western
Associated Press newspapers Of Sunday,
August l..
Gen. Sherman replied:
Washington, Jan. 2, 1877.-Gen. w. S.
Hancock, New York, Dear General: [
did not receive your most interesting
letter of December %, from Carondelet t,
Mo-, till yesterday. am very glad to
have your views in extense upon subjects
of such vital Importance. Our standard
opinions are mostly formed on the prac-
tice of our predecessors, but a great
change was made after the close Of the
civil war, by amendments of the consti.
tuition giving to colored slaves. certain
civil and political rights and empower.
ing congress to make the laws necessary
to enforce these rights. This power is
new and absolute, and congress has en-
acted laws with which all are not yet
familiar and accustomed. (See pages
248, 249 and 250 of the the revised stat.
utes, section 1889, edition lS,734D AS {
matter of fact, dislike to have on
, army used i'll these civil conflicts, bu
$ the president has the lawful right to lis,
the army and navy, and has exercise,
T the right, MS he believes, lawfully an,
rightfully, and our duty has been and i
to sustain him with zeal and sincerity
AS to the presidential election, we ar
in no manner required to take the leas
! action, but recognize him as presiden
whom the lawfully appointed officer
declare to be such person. [ hope an
I pray congress will agree on some metho
! before the hour and day arrives. But i
|. case Of failure to elect by or before til
4th of March, there will be vacancy i
+ both the offices Of president and vic
y president, in which event the presiden
r Of the senate becomes presiden pro ten
g pore, and new election will have to h
held under the law of 1892. (See It'll
8 III, chapter l, pages q, % and %, of til
}. revised statutes) 1t is we'll we shoul
O compare notes and agree before thi
y crisis comes, but sincerely hope W
q may pass this ordeal safely and peac,
fully. I will be pleased to hear frol
you at any time.
II (SigneD w. Il. SHERMAN.
= GEN. HANCOCK's REPLY.
a New York. Jan. 2, lS77.-General: A
"a anonymous communication to the Sc
retary of war, dated Louisville, Ky, d
;, cember, 16, 1876, reached my 'headqua
r. :. ters on the 9th Of that month from IL
= office Of the Acknowledgement of IL
l. army. It represents that. in the contel
y y plated uprising Of the people to enfor,
" the Inauguration Of Tilden and He
bricks, the depot at Jeffersonville is
nj be seized, and is expected to arm NJ
to clothe an Indiana army of democrat
m The Endorsement of this communicate
Id made nt your headquarters, dated u
n cember 25, 1876, is rs follows:
te Official Copy)
Respectfully referred to MAJ .-Gen.
al s. Hancock, commanding the division
10. the Atlantic, who may draw compal
Ag frou, Gan Rnoar cnmmon1iDu tho 4