The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1886-08-22

ment 1t fell to the lot Of but few men to do as
much against an armed enemy az General Sheri-
dan did during the rebellion, and IL Is within the
scope of the ability Of but few in this or any
other country to do what he has his civil ad-
ministration has given equal satisfaction. de
has had difficulties TO contend with which
no other district commander has encountered
Almost, if not quite from the DAY ne was ap-
pointed district commander to the present time,
our press has given out that ne was TO De re
moved that the administration was dissatisfied
with him, etc. This has emboldened the OPP
ponents 70 the laws of Congress within his com
mand to oppose him in every way in their
power. and has rendered necessary measures
which otherwise may never have been neces-
sary."
Grant had, however little idea that his pro-
test would change the intention Of the Presi-
dent and directed one Of his officers to write to
Sheridan as follows
General Grant wishes me to write to You to
tell you that President johnson has made up his
mind to. remove You and also the Secretary Of
War He eeEt for General Grant yesterday, and
told him this. The General said all proper for
him to say against such a course, and when he
came back he put his views in writing and sent
them to Mr.. johnson. send you copy OF his
letter. The General wishes me to say to you to
go your course exactly as If this communica-
ton had not been sent to you, and without fear
of consequences. That so long as you pursue
the Same line of duty that you. have followed
thus far in the service you will receive the en-
tire support of these headquarters"
On the 18th of August the order was posi-
lively issued, and Grant again protested urgently
and eloquently In letter which has already
been given to she world. General Thomas was
designated to relieve Sheridan, but that officer
was unwilling to assume the position, and was
excused on the ground of illhealth Sheridan,
however, was directed to turn over his command
at once to the officer next in rank In his district.
he was not to be allowed to remain under any
circumstances His orders were to proceed to
Fort Leavenworth and relieve Hancock, who
was in turn to supsrsede Sheridan at New Or
leans.
On the 9th Of September the faithful chief
wrote again to his friend:
''By my dispatch to you to turn over your COM
mand to the officer next in rank to yourself as
soon as you relieve General Hancock, and to
come to Washington, / did not mean to hasten
your arrivalin this city, but meant it as order
for you to come here at your leisure. / want to
see You. When you leave Leavenworth how
ever, make such visits as suit your convenience,
only do not return to Leavenworth before COM
ing to Washington.
~ feel that your relief from command of the
Fifth district is heavy blow to reconstruction.
MOI that Grinn Will not carry out the law TaiCn-
fully, and Hancock too when he gets there,
but that the act of government will be
interrupted in an effort so defeat the law
and will encourage opposition to it So
again in the Second district, I do not know
what to make of present movements in this cap
ital but they fill me with alarm. In your own
personal welfare you win not suffer from these
changes except as one Of the thirty-fve millions
of inhabitants Of the Republic, but may be the
gamer as far as personal comforts are concerned.
/ felt it my duty, however. to do all could to
keep you where you were until the laws you
were executing so faithfully were carried
through, and your district restored to the Union
All l can say now is that | have sustained
your course, publicly, privately and officially,
not from personal feeling or partiality, but be-
cause you were right. You are entitled to a
little rest and know such welcome awaits
you as will convince you that republics are not
always ungrateful."
Thus Sheridan, also. was taken from the duty
In which he had hithereto supported Grant De-
prived now of his two coadjutors, without either
Stanton rs friendly superior or Sheridan as a
loyal subordinate, Grant was left to bear the
whole brunt Of the battle with the President.
committed to him by Congress and the people
whom Congress represented. The prospect was
arduous and he felt the loss Of his faithful
allies. but girded himself for the task.