Newspaper Page Text
liCtlc from Colonol Iu'xtcr"Jio. 4.
IMton of the Chronicle :
You will And below tlio extract from my let
ter to General A. S. Johnson, written on the 4th
'day of April, 18G2, ns follows:
"Sih: I liavo already informed yott (by n
short letter proviously written) of my arrest and
detention here, as I understand, by yuur order,
and requested an early investigation of tho
charges to be preferred against me.
I arrived in this city on tho evening of tho 'ioth
ultimo, coming directly from home on legiti
mate privato business. On tho evening ot tho
31st, I was arrested and committed to, thin pris
on, where I havo ever since been detained, ex
cluded from frionds, and without information, I
nm loft to conjecture tho cause of my arrest. I
tako it that this action of yours is not based on
any misconduct of mino coming under your own
observation. It must, therefore, bo predicated
on tho suggestions of others.
"Allow mo to say, sir and I do so in no vain
nnd bonstful spirit that, let your information
come from what Kodrco it may, and let tho im
putation bo what it may, if pullleicnt to justify
my arrest and imprUonincnt, it is groundless,
nnd without proot to support it : and all I uk is
tho privilege of being informed what tho impu
tation is, from whom it emanates, and tho right
to confront my cowardly accusers.
"This is, perhaps, ns much as 1 am now called
on to say. It does not become mo to defend my
self against an unknown charge. I'll go farther
it is not incumbent upon mo to defend at all
until & prima facie caso is mndo bv competent
proof. Nevertheless, I will waivo this conceded
right and present you with tho history of my
political action for tho past twelve months:
"I was earnestly opposed to the action of Ton
iicssco in severing iicr connection with the Fed
oral Government. "With my strong convic
tions (strengthened by subsequent events) of tho
impropriety and danger ot secession, 1 have
thought tliatmy willingness to acquioseo in tho
rebellion was quite a concession to tho popular
will. About the middle of last ,Juno(18il) 1 at
tended a convention of Union men at (ireene
ville, whero I found a majority of delegates fa
vorable to the organization of a Provisional
Government for East Tcnnence, with an Exe
cutive, Legislative and Military Di-pnrtincnth.
Tho unanimous judgment of the Convention
pointed to mo as general commander of their
forces. Sir, 1 was not blind to the personal ad
vantages which such a position would havo con
ferred. 1 saw nt a. glance, ad comprehended,
tho wholo situation. "With the recommendation
of a Convention representing IIO.OOO Unionists of
East Tennessee, I could Imve gono to "Washing
ton, had their recommendation conlirmnd, ob
tained money, procured arms, with all otlicrno
cessary supplies for an army, returned to tho
northern border of East Tenncec, took posi
tion in Kentucky, and rallied to tho Federal
i-tandard from li,000 to 10,000 East Tennessce
ans; and, aided by tho Federal Government, if
I had not commanded absolute success, 1 could
have made such n demonstration in would havo
weakened the Confederate army at other
pointn, and by this means by hindering tho
transit of Con fed era to troops through East Ten
nessee inscribed victory to tho Federal arms on
other battle-tields.
"At this period of time, the foregoing, may
appear to you extravagant. Jtut you will re
member that tho contest has cinco increased in
magnitude. Many things which might have
been done then would not bo practicable now.
" I havo reasons for believing that tho Federal
Government desired an Ea.t Teiniossecaii to
command her forces near that locality. This
position, through tho recommendation of that
Convention, I could have secured. Thero was
nothing for mo to do but to havo quietly gono
througn the lines at that time an easy task
and appropriated it. Had 1 done so, as preten
tious as tho claim may appear to you, tho Con
federate Government would havo been made to
feel tho ctlect of my blow, success would havo
secured mo tho full measure of fame, while a
failure could havo worked no injury to vie; and
if I were as mean and as unprincipled as tho
persons to bo hereafter referred to, who hold po
sitions under, and possess tho confidence of, tho
(Jontederato uoTCrninem, i couio navo easily
managed to havo provided ample means out of
tho monies passing through tho hands of statl'of
ticors to bo appointed by myself, to retire upon
into some favored locality in tho North, thero
to enjoy the luxuries of wealth and the honors
duo to one who had nobly eacritiecd his homo
and property in dcfor.so of tho integrity of tho
National Constitution. The fact is, sir, but few
men havo had presented to them such an oppor
tunity as was then thrusting ilsolf upon me. The
temptation, I am well satisfied, would havo se
duced and overcomo tho boasted patriotism of
any one of my corrupt and infamous revilcrs.
" Hut with a full appreciation of the pcroonal
advantages which tho opportunity offered, and
with a strong prcdiliction in favor of maintain
ing tho Federal constitution. 1 declined tho rich
and s-eductivo invitation. And 1 did this be
causo I apprehended what has since been real
ized, that the' Federal Government, in the pride
of its power, would attempt to crush out the re
bellion by some harsh and vigorous policy,
which I, as a Southern man, could never sanction,
ily lioart and affections were then, ivs they aru
now, in favor of maintaining tho Federal Con
stitution. 1 have never failed to look upon the
pending war as an unnatural and unnecessary
one, and I havo never yet Been the day when I
would not, (if I could have" done so,) interfered
with tho kindness of Moses, and said, 'Yo aro
brethren, why strive yo?'
"To our present fearful danger, wo luivp been
dragged by.ambitious men of the two sections of
our country struggling against each other for po
litical power. The property of the South, the
equality and sovereignty of the States and the
constitutional liberties of both sections are en
dangered by this most unnatural contest. This
is strong language, but I writo deliberately, and
mean what 1 write. Uut tho evil is upon us;
tho people of tho North and South havo so
willed it, and it behooves every patriot to oct
honestly with himself and witli Ins country, and
to support the men and measures which will
most probably conduct this national aflllction to
an early and favorable conclusion."
?
"Why, then, am I suspected, arrested and
imprhoncd as dangerous character? Simply
bec:iue I cannot or will not believe that this re
bellion was necessary in its origin, wiso in its in
ception, and successfully and properly conduct
ed. This is tho plain truth, and plainly spoken,
and if deemed sufficient to justify you in re
straining mo of my liberty t it will but verify my
worst fears.of tho tendencies of this revolution,
nnd your oppression will be submitted to with
as good a grace as any man of proud spirit and
positlvo character over-submitted to injustice at
tho hands of tyranny. will speak the truth
though the heavens fall. Governments can law
fully take no cognizance of thought, and Gov
ernments profesing to have beon established by
n. free nnmiln nnd Amenable to nuimlnr oninion.
ought not to abridgo or restrict tho freedom of
speech. Tho views hero expressed aro my hon
est convictions, and I could not change them if
I woiuu. iv iniiy no loniie wain ui j unguium
on my part to comprehend tho iues involved.
It is immaterial from what cause theso opinions
ariso; they are mine, and it will be for tho fu-
..... .1-1 !.-- ...1 '! 1 . . .1. . ..
lure I" ucicrmiuu wnuuiur i am riguv or w rung.
"Hut, Sir, I am hunted down for another Ma
son. Thero is n combination in Kast Tennessee,
with its head in Knoxvillo. who aro unworthy
of the confidence cither of tho people or of your
government, i propose, wiiu your indulgence,
to ilrnir them boforo tho Mib'lc ira.e. and ad
minister to them the rebuke which they havo so
lone? deserved. Tliovliavoonnrossodund tvrun-
izod over their f "Uow-citizcns long ouough, and
it is timo to arrest their infamous career
'Tho chief among tliesorcc&oorera in politic
was oiicoau Attorney General of Tennesscc.find
now sits as a member of the Confederate Con-
KNOXVILLB
gress.' Tills clique, bankrupt In character, has
managed, through 11 noisy protestation of dovo
tlon to the rebellion, aided by military oppres
sion and an unscrupulous press under its imme
diate control, to secure some influence with tho
authorities of the Confederate States, which thoy
havo Used for dishonorable nnd revengeful pur
poses, They havo scrupled at nothing, however
corrupt, to overthrow political opponents."
Hero follows an account of.tho forged cor
respondence with Amos Lawronce, and similar
infamies, which, for good reasons, I will reserve
for future use.
Sir, I will writo without reserve. His my
cutom to do so. t havo no secrets and ambus
cade no man's character, and make no clandes
tine nilnehsnw nnv hinn a rntintntinn. I nm nliln
and It will afford me pleasure to sustain In
proof everything which 1 hern my.
"This combination of yitKKliDoTKRst havo been
successful in clothing unprincipled partisans
with military power, through whom they have
attempted to suppress the freedom of thought and
of speech, and tho free exercise of tho elective
franchise." At their instance, a general system
of oppression of Union men began about the
first of last September. Under nnu in pur,suanco
of their policy, many men from dill'crent parts
of Hast Tennessee, were arrested and imprison
ed in our own and in distant prisons, for no
other reason than tho entertaining by them of
honest opinions avorso to the rebellion. The
men thus arrested, taxed with costs, and driven
about by force, folt, nnd not without causo, that
this Southern structure, called tho Southern
Confederacy, howuvcr beautiful to others, was,
to them, a despotism, depriving them of proper
ty and por.-onal liberty. One of their captains,
ncting out their policy, arrested from fifty to
one hundred citizens Union men and under
threats ot sending them to distant military pris
ons, extorted from 'Jo to $100 each, according to
their t-CTcral abilities, and then cavo them certi
ficates of loyalty. All this, was dono in ono
irciuy. Winers, wearing tne insignia ot military
power and honor, havo been enriching them
selves by pretending to seize private property
for the C'onfedcratc Government, and appropri
ating it to themselves; or, by forping sales at
inadequate prices, and then selling at a profit
for their private benefit. The foregoing are but
Mimplcs of thocvil nnd wanton oppressions
which have been inflicted upon tho people who
have been disarmed and left by both govern
ments, without the means of sell-defense."
Against such oppression! havo constantly in
veighed; 1 have denounced it frequently, open
ly, and boldly, and labored to bring the offend
ers to condign punishment. And, henco it is,
that I havobecomo the object of their concen
trated malice. Let ine go whero 1 will, their
wilfull misrepresentations follow mu; their
hired press assail me; my opinions aro distorted,
my business misrepresented, and my local in
fluence exaggerated, in order to make tho gov
ernment belicvo that 1 was the most dangerous
man in the South, resulting, in this instance, in
my arrest and imprisonment.
"Certainly their is no inconsistency in my in
terfering for the protection of the community
in which I reside, against tho machinations and
onnrrssions of tliec men. and tho professions of
acquiesenco and submission which 1 have so
frequently made. Thero is no conflict between
these nositious. Can nnv action of mino bo con
strued into active hostility against your govern
ment or "tho cause," unless theso men ot whom
I have spoken aro true exponents of your gov
ernmental policy. Generals Fain and Gillespie,
Senator Ilaynes, Judges McKinney iind Tur
loy and a host of others, who havo given
strength ana rcspcctauinty.to tno aouincrn par-
.....1 )' (.,, 1...,.,. .,,. nmnlr..
I.J 111 llltlk Villi VI 1UU JllllV. 1.11 tu .IV. VI vu.ltllv-
mmccd tho abuses to which 1 havo called your
attention, and which has so frequently provoKeu
my indignant denunciation.
''Among tho many other despicable traits of
character posscsscil by these jrceoooters, is
cowardice. On two dillerent occasions, by their
willful misstatements right, down Jyng they
havo endeavored to excite largo bodies of boldiors
to mob me ; and by similar misrepresentations,
they have twice before, as 1 understand, endeav
ored, through telegrams, to havo 1110 arrested
whilo I was traveling on private business, away
from home."
Here follows a graphic account of tho stam
pede of leading Southern men from Knoxvillo,
upon the receipt of intelligence of tho fall of
Fort Donaldson, which 1 know your readers
would enjoy; but as it would subject a good
many men not parties to tho combination
fighting me to moro or less ridicule, and perhaps
contempt, I will forego the pleasure which it
would otherwise givoinc to publish it. 1 will con
tent myself with ono more extract. Speaking
of tho same set of men, I said to General John
son: "They never have, and never will bo worth
cither in political inllucnce, in counsel, or in
martial valor ono cent to the rebel causo ; and
though hero a prisonor by their instigation, I
writo of them more in contempt than in angor.
If your government will insist on patronizing,
ana listening to, and acting 011 the suggestions
of these men, let it do so. If the urmy of tho
Confsdorato States is to be used to avengo their
malice, let this be so. I will not fraternize with
them, nor will I bocomo subservient to their in
terests and wishes, let tho consoquencos to mo
and to my family bo what they may. With
forgery on their .fingers, and perjury upon their
lips, and frauds besmearing thorn all over, I'll
havo nothing to do with them; and if they aro to
bo made the truo exponents of tho Confederate.
Government, Jpray God that it may soon be over
thrown. Fur one, I have resolved not to be sub
jugated either by the Yankccsorby tho Knoxcitle
clique.
"After writing this much, which isbuta titho
of what might bo said, I repeat that 1 nm inno
cent of any crimo which will justify my deten
tion by you. I havo ever been frank and candid
in my political tenets; been at all times what I
professed to be; have no hostility to tho South,
and contemplate no injury to her people. 1
havo never at any time entertained a thought
hostile to wht 1 conceived to be her true inter
est. I may havo been mistaken as to tho course
best calculated to strengthen herpowcr, develop
her wealth, nnd secure peace and constitutional
liberty to her people; but my earnost desiro has
always been to protect her honor and promote
her prosperity. The liberties of her pcoplo are,
in my opinion, undungert-d from within and
from without. Tho military is displacing, at a
fearful rate, the civil authorities. Under tho
plea of 'military necessity,' all the safeguards
of civil liberty are being ovorslaughed. It is
these tendencies that I oppose, and not tho
South; and if you givo 1110 the opportunity, and
afford ino facilities for enforcing tlio attendance
of witnesses, I am prepared to maku good all 1
havo written as against others or in my own de
fence." Kespcctfully, &c,
JjfO. JlAXTKIl.
The roliel bayonets were itciitisl in tho flection of
Attorney Oeneraland oilier officers In this Circuit la
1SC2,
, "
EXCITEMENT AT RlCKVI 1,1.1!. Wo leant
Unit the neighboring villago of RIccvlllo
Is somewhat exulted over recent discove
ries indicating n denos.it of coal in its immediate-vlelnlty.
Preparations nro mak
ing for a thorough test, and ishould the
result prove favorable, wo shall no doubt
soon havo lively times in that direction.
AVe wero before advised that galena and
silver existed In considerable quantities in
the neighborhood of Hleoville, witli inex
haustible beds of marble not far off; but
this last discovery of coal- rather aston
ished us. Aihcnx l'u-t,
WEEKLY CHRONICLE, WEDNESDAY,
VGllIGULTUllAL IMPLEMENT DEPOT.
48- 1
GEORGE S. R Xr B L E ,
Oltnttaiiooyrii, TenneHHcc,
OKNKltAIi SOUTHERN AGENT FOlt
RUSSELL & CO.'S
Celebrated Improved Double
iSclf-Ilakingiind Dropping Jteapers, Mowers, and Agricultural Implements of Kvery
neseription irom a Garden Heed Planter to a Ten-Horse Thresher.
DEALERS IN
Mill Furnishing Goods and Mill Machinery, the best now manufactured, Cook's
hvnporntors, Sorgo Mills, &c, &c. My stock of PLOWS aro unsurpassed by
any in the btnte. Kcpairs for MACHINERY constantly on hand.
For tlin better arrninraodMlnn of mr Hist Tennessee patrons, I have csfiihU.-lic.rnn asency nt Knoxvillo
through Messrs. 1IOUUH k CIIUKCU. All orders to them will receive prompt ami enrcful nttontlon.
-o-
TN ADDITION TO THE A HOVE, WE KEEP CONSTANTLY IN STOCK A
JL full line of Grass, Grains, and all manner of Farm Seeds, of the best varieties,
fresh and pure. We make a specialty of POTATOES, and keep jn store a choice se
lection of the very best varieties of both
IltlS II A. IV 13 SWEET,
From the Earliest to the Latest, nnd all warranted true to name. It is true tiiat tlio
best is the cheapest, always. We keep none hut tho best. Heniember the place.
IIOL'UII OHUItClI, rnrniei-M loot.
uprilffl-ly McOhoo's Klock. (Jay Street. KuoxUIlc.Tcnn.
Drugs, Medicines, &c.
CHAMBERLAIN & ALBERS,
D E U Gr Gr I S T S
AT TlIM
"Old Drug Store,"
KNOXVILLB, TENN.
Wo keep a full supply of everything in tlio
DRUG LINE,
Together with
Indigo, Madder, Aniline, Copperas,
Alum,
Ami everything needed in Dyeing.
Paints, Paints, Paints.
OILS, OILS, OILS!
We pride oiirselrw on keeping the purest
materials for Painting of any house in
Knoxvillo. Our
Is not excelled by any and equalled by but
few.
Pure Wines and Liquors
Alwnys on Hand
PROPRIETORS-OF
MRS. WINSLOW'S WORM CANDY,
Itioillc's Itch Cerate
SYMPHIX.
arl 13tf
JOHN L. MURPHY,
ATTORNEY AT LAW,
SOLICITOR IN CHANCERY,
U. Si Commissioner and Notary Public.
ffii'i;
JUDGE TEMPLE'S Old met on GAY BTIIKET,
llet. .Main ond Hill Streets,
Knoxvlllc, Tcnn.
5-rartIcular nttmition paid to tho settllnz up of
Estates, perfecting Titles to Ileal Ketatc, Ac.
april C tf
M. & N. STERN,
DKALKRS IK
Dry Goods, Ready-Made Clothing
AM) FURNISHING GOODS,
(luy Ntrcet, Jtiioxvlllc, Tennessee.
(Opposite Cowan, McClung & Co.)
Iluvim; u Resident Tartncr In New York, who buys
for cash, our J'ucilitlcjt cnablo us to sell aheaper tuun
those vrho purchase ouly every season. up 63m
JUNE 15, 1870.
-59
- Fan Threshing Machine,
(;i:on(;i: s. iiiiilk.
MONITOR,
For Coal and Wood, tho only Stovo in this market with
ma ?oapsionc uacK.
HOXSIE & DE PUE,
No. 106, Gay Street,
DI-lLKllS IN
STOVES, GRATES,
Marbelized Mantles,
FRONTS, FEEDERS,
PTJJIPS,
FOR CISTERNS AND WELLS,
Galvanized and Wrought
IEON PIPE,
Hollowwaro and Castings of all kinds
Japanned and tin wake,
Pressed Ware of all Kinds,
ROOFING & GUTTERING
Done at uliort notice.
Wo now hare the larxcst stock of STOVES ever of-
lereu in mis marnel.
Also, the celebrated Cook Store
FASHION,
The beat Store for burning wood ever offered in thU
market.
We are also manufacturinc the celebrated Step Storo
" SOUTHERN STAR,"
Which we offer to the Trado at Prices "that defy compe
tition. All StOTc-s guaranteed to giro satisfaction.
Our House Furnishing Department
Is now complete, having- Just received a New Stook,
which was purchased at panic priucf.
C05IE AM) SEE FOR YOURSELF.
april Stf
Dr. P. II. CAKDWEIili,
SURGEON DENTIST,
(Omen : Corner of Church and State Streets,)
TJESPECTFUMiY ANNOUNCES THAT. IN VIEW
Il of the -treat fall in cold, ho will furnlxh full ot
of TEETH, on-the Vulcanite Rase, for tho small sum of
FIFTY DOLLAIIS.
A akiglo Upper or Lower set for
t , , THIRTY DOLLARS
OS-All other charges in proportion to tho above.
Satisfaction guaranteed in all Dental operations.
apl-5 70-tf
JOSEPH II. WILDS,
ATTORNEY AT LAW
AND
Solioitoi in Olmiioei-y.
J-Particular attention paid to Collecting,
april 20-tf Or net: No. 1, rear of Court Houic-
3
EO,miTAIIIi E
LIFE ASSURANCE SOCiETY
OF THE UNITED STATES.
INo. 110, llS,IJ0,12a nnil 1st, llromlvfiiy,
NEW YORK.
Cash Assets, $13,000,000.
Annual Cash Income over $0,000,000.
PURELY MUTUAL. ALL PROFITS ANNUALLY
J. divided umong Policy Holders. $1,212,450.00 in
dividends paid to ltd policy holders in 1j9.
Amount Iimirnl fur ISO!), 103,011.00.
Active AdENTS WANTED In each county In East
Tennessee. Apply to
I.. II. liOWMJN,
(lencral Agent for EastTenncssoc,
Oflico No. 1, Court lloujo, 'Xkoxtillk, Tehk.
Da. .T. M. 110YD, 1 Modlcal Examiners
Da. JAS. RUDUKRS, i for Knoxvillo.
april Ctf
L C. SHEPARO, .
General Undertaker,
KKKPS CONSTANTLY FOR VSK
Thc Finest of Silvcr-Itlouutctl Caskets.
Etcry description of BIctallc Cn-tca, from Plain to
Elaboratcl Silver-Mounted,
As well ns every description of RoKe-Tood, Walnut,
Velvet-Covered or Poplar OiflinH, and any varloty of
Trinuninirs or Finish, cither Plain or Silver-Mounted;
fine Cntliolic, Masonic and other Emblematical Trim
mini's, nnd a
FIRST CLASS HEARSE.
Furnishes Carriages, procures Interments and Disin
terments at the shortest timo nnd as cheap as anybody.
, Oflico at RENSHAW A- If ACKER'S. House, three
doors west of Court House, Main street. np 13-tim
EAST TENN,LAND AGENCY,
CHARLES SEYMOUR,
REAL ESTATE BROKER,
Attorney t IjitTV
AND
Commissioner or Deeds ftr the States of
Ohio, Micliigau, Georgia, &c
OFFICE: Ovkk Exchange and Deposit Bans:.
GAY STREET,
linoKvlllo, TcsincMMec.
ATTENDS TO THE PURCHASE,
Sale and Exchange of Real Estate of
every description.
Especial attention paid to the organiza
tion of Companies and Colonies for tho im
provement of large tractfl of land.
Rents collected and taxes paid in all
parts of East Tennessee.
Abstracts of title carefully made and con
veyancing lu till it branches, drawing of
Deeds, Mortgages, Ac, &c, dona in a
thorough manner.
ion SAiit:.
30 Famw in Knox county. 300 Farms
in East Tennessee.
Valuable city property, improved and
vacant lots, from $100 to S10,000 In price.
100 vacant lots, Home of them exceed
ingly desirable, in Hardee's and the Rail
road Addition. Several choice and well
improved lots in Dendcrlck'n and McGhee's
Addition.
A large and handsome residence on Pat
ton street, East Knoxvillo.
I'nrms on tho Cumberland l'lutcuu.
All wishing to buy or sell will find it for
their advantage to call and look overllste
of property for sale. aplC-tf
C. M. McQHEE,
President.
JOS. R. MITCHELL,
Cashier.
People's Bank of Knoxville
AND
STATE DEPOS1TOIIY,
Oi'riCK; Ocoeo Bank Building-, (Jay Street,
KNOXVILLE, TENNESSEE
Will transact a dcner-al Banking and Brokorugo Bu
siness, receive Deposits, issue certificates of Deposit,
deal in Kxchanxe.lmy ("old and Silver, Bunk Notes,
Bonds nnd Stocks.
We prefer that Collectors of Revenue should come in
person or send funds by an accent Instead of by mall or
expreu. JOS. R. MITCHELL.
npl 27-tf Cashier.
OHAS. H. BROWN,
AOEST YOU TUB
liiman Line of Trans-Atlantic
) STEAMERS,
Plying bet-Teen New York and Liverpool, and the (
Anchor Line,
Between New York and Glasgow.
BOTH ARE FIRST CLASS LINES, THE Fobmkb
carrying the Mails. Tickets us low as by uny other
Lines. Further Information cheerfully given on ap
plication. Havo for sale Sight Drafts on all the principal cities
of Europe.
A4A general Notary business also transacted.
UtllCO iu lilCIUNUK AND UEfOStT HANK,
aplCtf
Knoxvillo. Tenn.
For Sale.
Ofv ACRES OF LAND ON THE RUTLED0.E
&) ' Turnpike, miles from tho court house.
Terms libera). np 13 (f V, II. CARD WELL,
0 0
