ch act of
wrong. There was not the slightest foundation in fact for the
assumption that my relief from command could be based upon my own
request, and no such reason could have been given in an order
relieving me. That assumption could have had no other apparent
motive than to induce my warm friend General Terry to accept the
appointment. As soon as he learned the truth from me, General
Terry went to Washington and exposed the falsehood of which he and
I together were the intended victims. This action of a true friend,
and the correspondence which had passed between General Sherman
and me, sufficed to prevent the consummation of the wrong which
had been contemplated.

After the presidential election was over, and partizan passion had
subsided, I made a formal application, November 12, 1880, to be
relieved from duty at West Point on or before the first of May
following, and to be permitted to await orders until an appropriate
command became vacant. I repeatedly expressed my desire that none
of my brother officers should be disturbed in their commands on my
account, and that no new command should be created for me. I was
entirely content to await the ordinary course of events, in view
of pending legislation relative to retirements for age, and of
retirements which might be made under the laws then existing.

My relief from West Point was effected earlier than General Sherman
or I had anticipated. Before the end of 1880 the following
correspondence passed between me and the general of the army:

"(Confidential.)
"Headquarters, Army of the United States, Washington, D. C.,
December 13, 1880.
"General J. M. Schofield, West Point, New York.

"Dear General: General Drum has just shown me the memorandum for
orders. The President has worked out this scheme himself, without
asking my help, and I am glad of it, for I would not like to burden
my conscience with such a bungle.

"He creates a new department out of Louisiana, Arkansas, and the
Indian Territory, to be commanded by the senior officer present.
. . .

"You are to command the Department of Texas and this new department,
called a division, of what name I don't know.

"Howard is to replace you at West Point. I suppose the order will
issue at once.

"Yours truly,
"W. T. Sherman."

"West Point, N. Y., December 14, 1880.
"General Sherman, Washington, D. C.

"My dear General: I have received your confidential letter of
yesterday, informi