Year: 1867

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GRANT'S" LETTER.


The following is the private letter
to the President from Gen. Grant,
about VIII G.. so much curiosity has
been expressed:


(Private.)


HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE
UNITED STATES, WASHINGTON, D..
c., August II, 1S67.-His Erceltency
Andrew Johnson, President of the
United tStates-SIR: / take the liberty
of addressing you privately on the sub
ject of the conversation we had this
morning, feeling as l do tho great
danger to the welfare of the country
should you carry out the designs then
expressed.


First, on the subject of the displace-
ment of the Secretary of War; His
removal cannot be effected against his
will without the consent OF the Senate.
1t was but short time since the
United States Senate was in session,
and why not then have asked for his
removal if it was decided upon. 1t
certainly was the intention of the leg
islative branch Of the Government to
place Cabinet Minister beyond the
power of the Executive removal, and
it is pretty well understood, so far as
Cabinet Ministers are affected by the
terms of the Tenure of Office bill, that
it was intended especially to protect
the Secretary of War, in whom the
country felt great confidence. The
meaning of the law may be explained
away by an astute lawyer, but COM
mon sense and the views of the loyal
people will give to it the effect intend
ed by its trainers.


Second, on the subject of the removal
of the very able commander of the
Fifth Military District. Let me ask
you to consider the effect it would
have upon the public. He is univer-
sally and descrvedly beloved by the
people who sustained this Government
throughout its trials, and feared by
those who wouldstill be enemies of the
Government. 1t fell to the lot of but
few men to do as much against an
enemy as Gen. Sheridan did during
the rebellion, and it is within the
scope of the ability of but few in this
Or any other country to do what he
has done. His civil administration
has given equal satisfaction. He has
had difficulties to contend with which
no other District Commander has en-
countered. Almost, if not quite, from
the day he was appointed District
Commander to the present time, the
press has given out that he was to be
removcd-that the administration was
dissatisfied with him. This has en-
boldened the opponents of the laws of
Congress within his command to op-
pose him in every way in their power
and has rendered necessary measures
which otherwise may never have
been necessary. In conclusion allow
me to say, as friend, desiring peace
and quiet, the welfare of the whole
country North and South, that it is
my opinion the loyal people of this
country-I mean those who supported
the Government during the great re-
bellion-will not quietly submit to see
the very men of all others who they
have expressed their confidence in re-
moved. l would not have taken the
liberty of addressing the Executive of
the United States thus, but for the
conversation OH the subject ALLUDED to
in this letter, and from sense of duty.
Feeling that know am right In this
matter,


With great respect,


Your obedient servant,


[Signed.] U. S. GRANT.


Among the papers is letter to
General Grant from Major General
Sheridan, dated New Orleans, January
25, 1867, in relation to matters in
Texas, particularly referring to the
condition of the Union men and freed
men in different parts of the State,
which he says is horrible. He says
the Government is denounced, freed
men are shot, and Union men are per-
secuted if they have the temerity to
express their opinion


This letter Gen. Grant, under date,
Headquarters Army of the United
States, January 20, 1867, endorses as
follows Respectfully forwarded to
the Secretary Of War. Attention is
invited to that portion Of the communi-
cation which refers to the condition of
the Union men and freedmen in Texas,
and to the powerlessness of the mill
tary in the present state Of affairs to