1862 May 11 Head Quarters Army of the Tennessee

Hd. Qrs. Army of the Tenn.  May 11, 1862
Since the publication of Special Field Orders No
relieving me from the immediate command of
my portion of the Army in the Field I have
felt my position as anomylous [sic] and determined
to have it corrected, in some way, so soon
as the present impending crisis should be
brought to a close.  I felt that censure
was implied but did not wish 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 of
one in arrest, and as this opinion may be
much strengthened from the fact that orders
to the Right Wing, and Reserve, both nominally
under my command, are transmitted direct
from Head Quarters, without going through me
I deem it due to myself to ask either full
restoration to duty, according to my rank, or to
be relieved entirely from further duty with
this Department. I cannot, do not, believe that
there is a 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

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I know nothing of.  That there has been a studied
persistant [sic] 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 weaken confidence in me
by with those whom it is necessary for me to command
In conclusion then general I respectfully ask either to be relieved
from duty entirely or to have my position defined
so that there can be no mistaking it.
I address you direct instead of through the
Adjt. Gen. because this is more a private
matter, and one in which I may possibly be wrong,
than public.

Signed  U.S. Grant

MSS 10645