General Phil Sheridan to Throckmorton, March 29, 1867

"Little Phil" Sheridan was one of the top Northern heroes of the Civil War. On March 19, 1867, he assumed command of the Fifth Military District, which included Texas and Louisiana. General Charles Griffin was his chief subordinate with command over Texas.

Sheridan believed that government and politics in Texas needed to change drastically. He severely limited voter registration for former Confederates and removed many civilian officials who resisted Reconstruction, appointing staunch Unionists and Republicans in their places. In this telegram, just ten days after he assumed command, Sheridan makes it clear to Governor Throckmorton that he expects his cooperation.

Throckmorton failed to meet Sheridan's expectations and the general removed the governor from office on July 30, 1867, as an "impediment to the reconstruction of the State." Within a month Sheridan himself was transferred from the Fifth District, on the orders of President Andrew Johnson.

"War, Ruin, and Reconstruction"

"War, Ruin, and Reconstruction"

General Phil Sheridan to Throckmorton, March 29, 1867, Records of James Webb Throckmorton, Texas Office of the Governor, Archives and Information Services Division, Texas State Library and Archives Commission.