Letter from U.S. Grant to Benjamin F. Butler

On June 17, 1864, Lieutenant General U.S. Grant wrote to Major General Benjamin Butler asking him to withdraw his special order relieving Major General Quincy A. Gillmore of his command of the Tenth Army Corps under conditions that Grant would relieve Gillmore "at his own request."

Headquarters Armies of the United States,
City Point, June 17, 1864.

Major-General Butler:

If you have no objection to withdrawing your order relieving General Gillmore, I will relieve him at his own request. The way the matter now stands, it is a severe punishment to General Gillmore, even if a court of inquiry should hereafter acquit him. I think the course here suggested is advisable, and would be pleased if you agree to it, though I do not order or insist upon it.

U.S. GRANT
Lieutenant-General.

Written by Harry Searles