ave been slow in answering. I had
forgotten what my letter to you said but did remember that you
spoke of the probable course the Ewings would take, or something
about them which you would not probably want published with the
letters. The fact is, general, I never wanted the letters published
half so much on my own account as yours. There are a great many
people who do not understand as I do your friendship for me. I do
not believe it will make any difference to you in the end, but I
do fear that, in case I am elected, there will be men to advocate
the 'abolition of the general' bill who will charge, in support of
their motion, lack of evidence that you supported the Union cause
in the canvass. I would do all I could to prevent any such
legislation, and believe that without my doing anything the confidence
in you is too genuine with the great majority of Congress for any
such legislation to succeed. If anything more should be necessary
to prove the falsity of such an assumption the correspondence
between us heretofore could then be produced.

"I agree with you that Sheridan should be left alone to prosecute
the Indian War to its end. If no treaty is made with the Indians
until they can hold out no longer we can dictate terms, and they
will then keep them. This is the course that was pursued in the
northwest, where Crook has prosecuted war in his own way, and now
a white man can travel through all that country with as much security
as if there was not an Indian in it.

"I have concluded not to return to Washington until after the
election. I shall go very soon after that event, however. My
family are all well and join me in respects to Mrs. Sherman and
the children.

"Yours truly,
"U. S. Grant.
"Lt. Gen. W. T. Sherman, U. S. Army."

In the spring of 1871 there was a good deal of feeling against
Grant, and some opposition indicated to his renomination for the
presidency. Several influential papers had recommended the nomination
of General Sherman, who then, as always afterwards, had resolutely
announced his purpose not to allow his name to be used in connection
with the office of President. This suggestion arose out of the
feeling that injustice had been done to General Sherman by the
Secretary of War, Mr. Belknap, who practically ignored him, and
issued orders in the name of the President, greatly interfering
with the personnel of the army. This led to the transfer of General
Sherman from Washing