HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT
OF THE MISSISSIPPI,
Monterey, May 12,
1862.
Major-General GRANT,
Commanding, &c.:
GENERAL: Your position, as second in command of the entire
forces here in the field, rendered it proper that you should be relieved from
the direct charge of either the right wing or the reserve, both of which are
mainly composed of your forces. Orders for movements in the field will be sent
direct from these headquarters to commanders of army corps, divisions,
brigades, or even regiments, if deemed necessary, and you will have no more
cause of complaint on that score than others have.
I am very much surprised, general, that you should find any
cause of complaint in the recent assignment of commands. You have precisely the
position to which your rank entitles you. Had I given you the right wing or
reserve only it would have been a reduction rather than increase of command,
and I could not give you both without placing you in the position you now
occupy.
You certainly will not suspect me of any intention to injure
your feelings or reputation or to do you any injustice; if so, you will
eventually change your mind on this subject. For the last three months I have
done everything in my power to ward off the attacks which were made upon you.
If you believe me your friend you will not require explanations; if not,
explanations on my part would be of little avail.
Very respectfully,
your obedient servant,
H. W. HALLECK,
Major-general.
SOURCE: The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of
the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volume
10, Part 2 (Serial No. 11), p. 182-3
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