The Athens post. [volume] (Athens, Tenn.) 1848-1917, 1861-04-26
TO the Citisons of McMinn county,

Whereas, report has boon induslriously circu-
lated in various portions of this county, that the
Union men of Athens aud vicinity have abandon
cd their fcalty to the Union and the Constitution
and joined the Observation-Disclosures we. the
undersigned residents Of Athens and vicinity,
take this method of denying the reported change,
aud warn the people mol to credit such stat,mui,ts
in the future. We moreover caution ON friends
in the country not 10 believe tho gensation items
which arc constantly publi-hod for the purpose Of
exciting the citizens OF tho Border States, arc
satisfied very many things have been telcgraphed
which had not the sbnlow Of foundation IN truth
We believe now, NJ we have always thought, that
secession IS no remedy for any Of the evils COM
planned of hy its advocates. We regard 1t as the
worst step Tennessee could take under existing
circumstances. We believe it would precipitatc
our State into tho vortex of bloody revolution
and entail upon ourselves and children untold
evils, inevitable ruin and desolation. In conclu
sion, we appeal 10 The friends of peacc--those who
love order and desire to avert from their own fire.
sides tho fearful consequences Of an internccinc
war, drafts and heavy tnXuton, the walls of heart
ronling anguish from helpless and unprotected
women and chillren--to stand firm, whatever
course politicians Office seekers or excited ia
patics may he pleased to take. Should our Legig-
laiurc. contrary to the wishes Of or without sub
hitting il to the people. pass IN ordinance of Sc
cession--which would be, in our judgment, nm UNI
warranted usurpation Of power--we shall jealous
~ oppose the suicidal policy. advocated by some
OF the dlsunton leaders in our midst, OF suhccting
ourselves to the cotton olgorchy now under the
control of n military d9'potsm. The charge of
utilization with the Aboltonists preferred against
Union men. is rs unjust as ii is ungenerous. and
is sufficiently rcfucd by the well known character
and position of various individuals in this and
other communities, who arc interested in the ''pc-
cuinr insiuticn," including the largest slave
holders in the country. and who arc the most I'M
wavering dcyotees of our present form of Gov
eminent.
[Sgned,1 W. VI. sehorn, VIM Burns, NJ. y.
| Anderson, G. W. Kinder. Gcor. W. Ross A. g.
| Tlohcson, J. S. Knox, s. IIexter. D. p York, Il.
| T. Renfro, David Cate James Turner. Charles
Cate. Jas. Baker. J. W. Gilbert, r. 7. Eneledow,
George Wnitles norniprt Gilbert Jr., b. Gilbert,
flames II. Rider. Tnos Caldwell. Geo. ". Bridges,
| r. VI. Fisher, Hiram overly, Joseph Hamilton,
| G. F. Gibson, Rob't y. McEwcn, ]. Gruhh, John
| I, slower, Lon BLIZZARD, Thomas L. Fuqua, Ed
win A. Alice, r. y. Rumpc, John A. Gibboncy,
| NJ. II. May, s. G. Runvan w. S. MoGnuehcy,
| VIM. II. Howard, John L. Atlec A. McKcldiu. j.
| A. Armstrong, T.. Dndeon, W. II. Ruld. II. Hen
/ -iucar. Il. Reynolds. VIM ". Alexander John
| D. A ,axander. +. Brown. n. ". Rider, Thomas
| Martin, =. W. Elliott. J.. l.. Sansbcrrv. c. NJ.
Keith, L. Wa 'kor. ". Il. Rider. r. J. Grcrr, A.
| T.. Henderson, D"vii pcarcc. In. p. Wilson,
John Rose. W. NJ. Cate, Hcnry Rice WIN. Rull.
James IT, uornshy. David c'eare' John Cn'hort-
son. Parker Rudd, Andrew Calbe.'son, jesse Gil
| bprl.