The Portland daily press., 1882-01-06
FITz JOHN PORTER.

Gen. Grant Changes His Opinion in the
Case.
WASHINGTON, Jan. 4.-The following Is
Gen. Grants letter to President Arthur on the
Fitz John Porter case:
New YORK, Dec. %, 1881.
To the President, Washington. ID. g.:
Dear Sir-At the request OF Gen. Fltz
John Porter have recently reviewed his trial
and testimony furnished before the Schofeld
court of inquiry held in 1879, giving to the
subject three full days careful reading and
consideration and much thought in the inter
vening time. The reading of the whole OF this
record has thoroughly convinced me that for
these nineteen years s9gas IN 1s-
tee IN thought and sometimes in speech. 1
feel it is incumbent upon me now to do what
ever lies in my power to remove from him and
his family stain upon his good name. feel
this more incumbent upon me than l should if
had been a corps commander only or occupy
ing any other command in the army than the
one did. But as General had it possibly in
my power to have obtained for him the hear
ing which he only got at a later day and as
Presidents / certainly had the power to have
ordered that hearing. In justification for my
injustice to General Porter I can only state
that shortly after the war closed his defence
was brought to my attention but L read 1t IN
connection with sketch of the field where
his offences were said to have been committed,
which 1 now see, since perfect maps have been
made by engineers of the department of the
whole field, were totally incorrect as showing
the position of the two armies. l have read it
in connection with statements made on the
other side against General Porter and am
afraid possibly with some little prejudice IN
the case although General Porter was man
whom personally knew and liked before, but
got the impression with many others that
there was half-hearted support of Geneal
Pope in his campaigns and that General Por-
er, while possibly not more guilty than the
other happened to be placed in position
where he could be made responsible for his in
difference and that his punishment was not
severe one for such an offence. / am now con-
WINGED that he rendered faithful, efficient and
intelligent service, and the fact that he was
retained in command of corps for months Of
ter his offences were said to have been COM
mitted, is in his favor.
What would ask in General Porter's behalf
from you is that if you can possibly give time
that you give the subject tn Q same study and
thought as have given it and then act as
your Judgment may dictate. But feeling that
you will not have time for such investigation
(for it would take several days time) L would
ask that the whole matter be laid before the
Attorney General for his examination and
opinion.
Hoping that you will be able to do this much
for an officer who has suffered for nineteen
years punishment that never should be in
flicted upon any but the most guilty,
am Very Truly Yours,
U. S. GRANT.
An Apology from Gen. Terry.
The following is the letter of Gen. Terry to
Gen. Porter also submitted to the President:
ST. PAUL, Aug. 26, 1879.
Dear General
Soon after publication of the report of the
Schofeld board you wrote to me thanking me
as one of the board for our action in your case
intended to reply to your letter at once but
Just then Gen. Sheridan desired me to accom-
pany him on visit to some points in my de-
partment and I delayed my reply until my
return to st. Paul. Then in the multitude of
things to which I had to attend 1 forgot to
make it. / write now to say that tits not
thanks but pardon which L should ask from
you. For years did you wrong in thought
and sometimes wrong in speech. 1t is true
this was through ignorance but had not the
right to be SO ignorant. 1 might have learned
something at least of truth had diligently
sought it. If you find anything in my action
as a member of the board which you can ac-
cept as atonement for the wrong did you 1
shall be more than gratifed. With great
respect and admiration,
am yours most sincerely,
ALFRED FL. TERRY.