Near Monterey Ten.
May 11th 1862
MAG. GEN. H. W. HALLECK
COMD.G DEPT. OF THE MISSISSIPPI,
Since the publication of Special Field Orders No 35
relieving me from immediate command of any portion of the Army in the Field I have felt my position as anomylous and
determined to have it correct, in some way, so soon as the present impending
crisis should be brought to a close. I
felt that sensure was implied but did not which to call up the matter in the
face of the enemy.
Now however as I believe it is generally understood through
this army that my position differs but little from that one in arrest, and as
this opinion may be much strengthened from the fact that orders to the Right Wing and the Reserve, both nominally under my command, are transmitted direct
from General Head Quarters without going through me, I deem it due to myself to
ask either full restoration to duty, according to my rank, or be relieved
entirely from further duty.
I cannot, do not, believe that there is any disposition on
the part of yourself to do me any injustice, but my suspicions have been
aroused that you may be acting under instructions, from higher authority, that
I know nothing of.
That there has been a studied persistent opposition to me by
persons outside of the army, and it may be by some in it, I am fully
aware. This I care nothing for further
than it is calculated to command.
In conclution then General I respectfully ask either to be
relieved from duty entirely or to have my position so defined that there can be
no mistaking it.
I address you to direct instead of through the A. A. Gen. because
this is more a private matter, and one in which I may possibly be wrong, than
on official business.
I am Gen. very respectfully
Your obt. svt.
U. S. GRANT
Maj. Gen.
SOURCES: John Y. Simon, Editor, The Papers of
Ulysses S. Grant, Volume 5: April 1-August 31, 1862, p. 114-5; John F. Marszalek,
Editor, The Best Writings of Ulysses S.
Grant, p. 24
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