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and that ‘General Sheridan fails to appreciate him”, are Entirely unfounded. I believe myself to have been the first to suggest last fall a change of the 10th Cavalry from Fort Sill and the sending the 4th Cavalry there in its place and I have that in my mind there was no question of Colonel Grierson in the case. His Regiment has occupied that Post since it was Established - six years - longer I believe thanof any other Cavalry Regiment in service has occupied a Post continuously.

The mere change of stations of the Regiment is not a righful cause of complaint therefor, neither is it a hurtful change, as the Posts it will occupy are not unpleasant ones, and afford good opportunities for legitimate work.

In conversation about this change, I suggested to Gen’l Sheridan that I thought it bad policy to Keep all the Colored troops in the Army in one Department and mentioned that New Mexico would be a good place for a colored Regiment and if the 10th went there, Grierson would have Command of a District for which I thought him well qualified.

My reasons for thinking a change of troops at Fort Sill desirable were, as I have stated already, Entirely independent of any question concerning Col Grierson. I only regret that his Regiment did not go to New Mexico - not that I am not and have not been perfectly satisfied both with Col. Grierson and with his Refiment, but for the reason stated to the Lieut, General Sheridan that I think it a mistake to have all the Colored troops in one Department, and the 10th was in a position to make a change to New Mexico both convenient and useful and would give Col. Grierson Command of a District.

I know Col. Grierson very well and have the Kindest feelings for him, and he need have no apprehensions of any injustice from me. I have no favorites.

Personally I should prefer to 10th to the 8th as I do not know well a single Officer in the latter Regiment, while I know well and have a great regard for nearly all in the 10th, which during the past summer has done most Excellent service.

The troops coming in from their summer Camps have had very severe weather and have suffered a great deal. We have lost too, a great many horses, owing to the impossibility of getting to them a proper supply of forage. But they are all in now. 

The baggage of the 4th Cavalry has started probably before this time. The Companies of the 9th at Concho? will start in a few days to Fort Clark and the 4th start for Sill, on their