Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1853-1862, 1861-07-07
July 4. 1861.
DecIenslon OF Judge Caruthers.

DeclensiOn of Judge Csruthers.
To the Editors of the Union and American
/ fad in your issue of yesterday, a second or
third mention of my name a suitable person to
represent this District in the Provisional Congress
of the Confederate States. This together with a
recommendation made at public meeting held in
this county yesterday, would seem to require some
expression from me, without delay, as the time in
which the people have to make their selection is so
short.
] have advanced the sentiment and yet entertain
it. that in times like these man. without the very
best reasons, should refuse to serve his country
and the South is our coltry-in sny position to which
he may be called by the people those in author
ity. have also said in this connection, that if it
appeared by general expression of the people Of
the whole District, that my services were required,
would not hesitate to make any sacrifice to yield
to their wishes. But at the same time l said that
l was not vain enough to believe that such would
be the case in the face of my expressed disincinaS
tion at this particular time to change my position
and enter into politics. have no evidence that the
other counties of the District demand my services.
lam sure that there are others more worthy of the
high position, and who would, perhaps, be more
acceptable 10 the Whole DlSLflCL lIlluk II IkeIS
that the active part have taken in the cause Of
Tennessee independence and Southern rights, IN
this county, during the last canvass has directed
attention here to me, in preference to Others who
are more competent.
therefore feel at liberty to pursue my own feel
ings and inclination, and decline the invitation to
become a candidate for Congress at the ensuing
election.
l shall ever be grateful to my friends for this
additional evidence OF their confidence. must beg
them to believe that my present course is not
prompted by any want Of respect for their wishes,
or indifference TO the great and just cause in which
our country is engaged. 1t is contest which in
wolves the most sacred rights of man. 1t is a con-
test for freedom and independence, against the
most fragrant usurpOtiOn, tyranny and oppression,
In such struggle patriot can feel Indifferent.
No matter what honest differences of opinion may
have heretofore existed among US as to the time,
the mode and measures of resistance to aggressions
Gpon ourrghts, actual and prospective there should
be no divisions among US, butthe whole South should
and will stand forth as one in the protection of
her common rights and most sacred interests.
That conflict of opinion which appears TO exist be-
tween the divisions Of our own State is greatly
be regretted but it originates in honest differ
ence as to the true interest of the State, and duty
of the people, it will soon be harmonously recon-
ciled by patriotic considerations. know the peo-
pie of East Tennessee too well, and have known
them too long, to entertain any serious apprehen-
sions that they will resort to the extreme measures
indicated by some of the leaders. The people will
do right that the excitement has subsidized and
soboP raason rasuulad ito control lot Taprassoa
present an undivided front to the common enemy,
and maintain her former glory the battles of her
country. May peace soon smile upon our country,
and the two great republics, into which we are
destined to be divided, take up their rival, but
friendly march to a prosperity and happiness
heretofore unknown, in this, or any other age or
country. ROBERT L. CLRUTdERs.
LEBANON, July 2, 1861