Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1853-1862, 1861-04-27
RoIfe 5. sanders TO the People of Men,
Dhi6.

1t has already been announced, through the pub
lie press, that have been appointed postmaster of
this city. Recent events of q most fearful and mo-
mentoGs character render it necessary that should
state to the public fully and distinctly my position.
very different state of affairs exists now from
that which surrounded US at the time of my appoint
ment. A vacancy had occurred in the post Office
by the resignation of Colonel Galloway. The post
office is public necessity, position which some one
must fill. The whole country then in a state of
peace. new Administration had but Just been in
augurated, promising and Pleading itself to pursue
peaceful policy. Every assurance made by
Mr. Lincoln and his Cabinet to various Southerners
who approached them on the subject that the mis-
sion object and end of the Administration was to
preserve and perpetuate the peace of the whole
country 1t was under these circumstances, and
such assurances, and faith in their being carried
out that was willing to accept the position. But
in all these calculations we have been basey mis-
led and most treacherously deceived The prom
ises have all been falsied and every pledge broken
The events which have lately been inaugurated
at the Federal capital, fully develope the perfdy
ard treachery of the Administration, and well
calculated in their nature to cause Southern
munity to regard its every act with suspicion, if
not with feelings of absolute detestation, abhor-
renee and contempt Hal forseen, or known, or
suspected such results, there is earthly con-
sderation that could have induced me to accept this
any other position at the disposal of Mr.. Lincoln
Nv appointment. in the first instance was made by
and in accordance with the earnest recommends
ton of the Union members of Congress from Ten
nessee, all of whom were my personal friends; and
it exceedingly gratifying for to the very
general, and might add, the almost dnIvers al
satisfaction gave the citizens of this city, DO tn
among my political friends and those who were
then opposed to me; and l now deem it due to
myself and the public. since these startling
changes have come upon the country, to state
distinctly the conditions upon which l am will
ling enter upon The discharge of the duties of the
office. In no event will | ever do so against the
will and wishes of any considerable portion of my
fellow citizens If il be in accordance with their
wish-whch think should alone be consulted and
govern in crisis like the present. am willing 10
enter upon the duties of the Office as soon as my
commission is received; and propose 10 deposit in
bank subject 10 the order of the Financial committee of
the city, the entire proceeds of my salary Postmaster,
for the defense and protection Of Memphis That
amount shall be appropriated to that purpose so
long as the war lasts, the mails continued,
may hold the office; and whenever the citizens of
Memphis signify their preference for any substi-
tnte, viii instantly resign and place it at their dis
posal for do not desire to occupy it day longer
than it is their wish.
have seen it reported in several newspapers
that 1 am a Northern man. Here in Tennessee
where am known, it is unnecessary to correct
such error. l am Southern mana TeDnessean
by birth, education, inclination and attachments
of the tenderest and most endearing nature. All
my relatives are in the South and the bones of
both my grandfathers, who fought through the
Revolutionary war, one as an officer of high rank
and distinction mingle with Southern. The senti-
ments of my heart that office, means, and, If ne
cessary, the life of every of Tennessee should
be sacrificed before Northern army should
be permitted TO march over for theipurpose of sub
jugation and waging war against our brethren of
the South and as a Tennessean, stand ready at
any time to ''suit the action to the word
MEMPHIS, April q, 1851. RoLFE 5. SANDERS.