General Hancock was gazetted as Sheridan's successor, but he did not reach his post until late in November, the district meanwhile being under the command, first, of General Charles Griffin, and, second, of General Joseph A.
Mower.

General Hancock's order assuming command, issued on the 29th of November, had a certain political significance.

He expressed gratification "that peace and quiet reign in the Department," and that in his purpose to preserve this condition of things, he regarded "the maintenance of the civil authorities in the faithful execution of the laws as the most efficient under existing circumstances." He said that when insurrectionary force had been overthrown and peace established, "the military power should cease to lead, and the civil administration resume its natural and rightful dominion." "Solemnly impressed with these views," the General announced that "the great principles of American liberty are still the lawful inheritance of the people and ever should be.

The right of trial by jury, the _habeas corpus_, the liberty of the press, the freedom of speech, the natural rights of persons, and the rights of property, must be preserved." General Sheridan had issued an order defining the qualifications of those who might sit on juries during the period of Reconstruction.

One of the first acts of General Hancock was to annul this order.