The daily exchange. [volume] (Baltimore, Md.) 1858-1861, 1861-09-02

BNPOES IANI DoCIN MEME,
The Nelson Arrest--His Treatment by the
Confederntes--A a letter TO the Presitent--
Davis Reply--Nelson Advises the Union
Men TO Submit.
The Knoxville Wkig, of the oath, contains the
promised address of Hon. Thomas A. r. Nelson to
the people of East Tennessee. 1t occupies two
columns of the Whig. After stating the causes
which led to his fight, the mode of his arrest the
reasons for his Unionsm, with which the reader is
already familiar, be says
While on the way to Richmond, had some con-
Versation with portion OF the Tennessee delera-
ticn to the Southern Congress- and during my stay
there visited by various members of Congress
and other public men connected with the Sou hern
ConFederacy. The intense solicitude which was
expressed, especially by the most prominent ard
distinguished Of the original secessionsts, who
without any request on my part volunteered their
kind Offices with generous li5eralitv, in regard to
the Cancellation of the people of East Tennessee
and he unusual kindness and consideration with
which was treated as q prisoner, convinced me
that was in error in supposing that the military
power would be exerted FOR any other purpose than
that OF retaining the railroad and Of aggressive
acts on our part.
Acting under this changed conviction, believing
that, il | were retained as prisoner, or punished
with death, under any strained construction of the
treason laws, my friends in East Tennessee would
in either event retaliate by arresting public men of
the opposite party here; that this would lead TO
counter arrests, and that the horrors Of civil war
would Immediately exist among us, | felt that it
was due to you and to myself that | should obtain
my release as soon as possible, on the best terms |
could effect without dishonor and, after various in
formal propositions and consultations, | finally
addressed to President Davis the following
letter
richmond, Aug. II.
To HIS Ercelicncy Je6 Darts, President Of the Con
Tolerate States
Sir : have been arrested, and, as ] learned
since my arrival in this city, upon the charge of
treason, but whether against the State of Tennes
see or the Confederate States, am not advised. |
am conscious OF no act either against the State or
the Confederacy, that will support sustain such
accusation.
| am sincerely anxious to preserve the peace and
quiet of East Tennessee the section OF the State in
which reside, as best promOtive of the peace aud
interest uf the entire State. | ask to be discharged
from vexatous prosecution that | may return
home peacefully, to follow my private interests and
pursuits, assuring your Excellency that will not.
either directly indirectly, by counsel advice or
action, encourage, aid assist the United States
Government to invade attain success in the pre-
sent struggle with the Confederate States, For will
| counsel or advise others to thwart cripple the
Confederate States in the pending contest with the
United States, nor will do SO by my own acts.
In view OF the increased majority in the election
which has just taken place in Tennessee. shall feel
it my duty, citizgn OF that State, to submit
her late action, and shall Teligiously abstain from
any further words acts OF condemn alton or Gp-
position to her government.
The parties arrested with me, with the exception
OF my son, who acted by ny command, were mere
guides, and conductors through the mountain
passes, on my way to my place of destination, and
whatever view may be taken of my own course,
they innocent; in way responsible legally or
morally, and have committed no offence against
tho laws of the Con lederacy or the State of Tenn
essee; aud ask that they also be discharged from
custody by your Exoellency,
Very respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
THOMAS 4 r kPISnS