The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1886-02-28
GRANT AND HALLECK.

Letters and kilograms Showing the Rela-
tions Between the Two Generals.
NEW YORK, Feb. 27-The North American
Review for March will contain some interesting
and hitherto unpublished correspondence be-
tween Generals Grant and Halleck. They are
introduced as follows
Recent discussions have aroused widespread
interest in the question Of the real relations
which existed between Generals Grant and Hal
leck during the war. The controversy has been
precipitated by the acknowledge friends of
Grant. These rest their whole case upon the
reports which General Halleck felt obliged to
send to Washington in regard to General Grant
Immediately after the fall Of Fort Doneson.
Friends Of General Halleck are understood to
take the ground that TO have done anything else
than he did do would have been grave neglect
of duty; that Immediately afterward, instead of
seeking to make trouble for General Grant, he in
terfered actively to save him from trouble; and
that their relations were very friendly subse-
quently and throughout the war; Friends of
General Halleck known to hold, further.
that General Grants final belief that General
Halleck had been unfrendly to him at that time
was created by subordinates who, for purposes
of their own distorted the contents of the official
RECORDS. IL
no true friend of General Grant can contemplate
with pleasure discussion which, if continued,
must, and should result in establishing the ex-
act facts of the whole situation during tie ten
days following the fall of Doneson."
The letter books which contain the original of
the private correspondence which passed be-
tween these two generals during the war have
been examined by a writer in the North Ameri-
can Review. When General Grant was still
FESTIVE under his anomalous position of second
- nd oft al Hall IL
wrote him.
MONTEREY, Miss. May 1, 1862.
am very much surprised, General that you should
find any of complaint in the recent assignments
which your rank entities you. Had given you the
right wing only, it would have been re-
duction rather than increase of command, and could
not give you both without placing you in the position
you now occupy You certainly will not suspect me
of any intention to nure your feelings reputation
do you any injustice; if so, you will eventually
change your mind this subject For the last three
months have done everything in my power to ward
off the attacks which made upon YOU IF you be-
lieve your friend, you will not require explana-
ton If not explanations my part would be of little
avail.
Fifteen months later the correspondence
shows the existence of most cordial relations.
The following letter from General Halleck is in
teresting in the friendliness OF its address and
in the wish expressed at its close to be back with
Grant in the field. It further shows that Hal
leck suggested the letter from Grant in which
he so cordially recommended Sherman and Nc
Pherson for promotion, WHILE at the same time,
Grants warm friendship for these comrades
shines out in every line of his compliance with
Eallecks wish:
HEADQUARTERS OF THE ARMY
WASHINGTON, d. c., July H. 1863.
Majors general Grant. vicksburg, Miss:
NY Dear General--Gen. George G. Meade has been
appointed brigadiergenera in the regular army, at
the same time that you made major.genera.
There is still vacant brigadier-generalcy, and
retired, making three vacancies. The most
prominent persons as candidates for brgadiergenera
in the regular army w. Il. Sherman Mcpherson
G. H. Thomas Sedgvick and Hancock. / am of the
opinion that Sherman and Mcpherson have rendered
the best service and should come in first. If you
think so write official letter to that effect urging
their appointment to the first vacancy State their
services pretty fully, and mention the battles they
have been in under your command The feeling is
very strong here in favor of your generals.
We anxiously awaiting to hear of the
fall of Port Hudson, and the entire opening of the
Mississippi river. The President viii then issue a
general order congratulatng the armies of the East
and West their recent victories. This considera
ton has prevented me from issuing myself for
your army. Ipreferred that it should from the
President.
Meade has thus far proved an excellent genera the
only in fact who has fought the army of the
Potomac well. He seems the right man In the right
place. Hooker was more than failure. Had he re-
manned in command he would have lost the army and
the capital Give my kindcst regards to my old