Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1853-1862, 1861-12-01
The case Of James Britton, If.
From tho Knoxville Register, Nov. ..


This gentleman, Representative in our Legisla-
ture from the counties of Greene, Hancock, Haw-
kns and Jefferson, was brought beior the Confed-
crate Court yesterday, and bonds required by the
District Attorney and Clerk in the sum of twenty
thousand dollars, for his appearance to answer at
the term of the Court, on the Sd Monday in Decem.
Der. OF the specific charge against him we are not
coguizs ant; but the following letter, which we are
permitted to COPY, may throw some light upon it.
Mr.. Britton, like most of the Greene county pOlti
clans, brought up in the Andy Johnson school,
seems to believe In the efficacy of praying on both
sides of crying, Good Lord--gOod devil" Mr..
Britton is fair type of very mschevous class of
leaders in East Tennessee, who very good South
ern men when the prospect Of having their bread
butterred on the other side looks dubious. The
sturdy and, at heart, patriotic yeomsnry Of the
country are finding them out:
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.
Nashville, Oct 18th, 1861.
L. B.iHEADRIGK, Esq.-Dear Sir: Your letter of
the 18th inst. came to hand this morning, and as
guess this TO be SabbathSday, from the calculation
of time brought with me, the ringing Of the bells
and the adjournment of the Legislature, There be-
ing no other evidences here, have concluded
to occupy portion Of the day in writing to
you, and give you q few of the more important
items that have occurred since my arrival here,
(Which the newspapers failed to notice.
We East Tennessee boys just concluded on ar
irving here after some little consultation, just to
put on the harness, crack our whips and go ahead
for the Southern Confederscy. We could in fact
no other way. l took the oath with great deal
of reluctance not because had any conscientious
scruples, for do not think it binding in LGlo or
Moral but my objection originated ii dispositIo
to obey the viii of my constituents, when knew
what that will was. / do not believe, however,
that there is in the four counties that rep
resent that would not have done just as have
in this, however, may be mistaken.
suppose by this time you have heard all about
the organization Of both Houses. We have most
excellent officers in our house, and in voting upon
every proposition they have got your humble ser
want in the lead, as head the list. do not care
though, for God being willing intend to vote my
sentiments, uninfuenced, upon every proposition
that comes up. Up to this time, have fortunately
led out in way that the East Tennessee members
generally voteG. We have quite number of gassy
members in the House, and this may protrsct the
alone knows how this will be. l
hope we will get away from here as soon as posi-
sible for any man that would aspire to q seat In
the Legislature in such times as we have fallen
upon ought really to Be bored for the SimpIes, and
qratted Nth cdfS brains. think in times Of peace
and quiet should not have SO much objection, but
even then there would be neither money nor honor
in the position. / do not expect to spout much-I
am afraid to do 30, for could not well talk with
out expressing Union sentiments and the papers
here say that the tongue of treason should not
be heard in the Legislature" Exactly what theg
mean do not know, but suppose they refer to Ua-
ionisn. 1 can only say, God save the country out
tide the city of NashviIle-it will require man of
stronger and holder faith than me to pray for this
,ity. Write to me-give all the news.
Yours &C., JAMES BRrrToN, il.