Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1862-04-04
Andy Johnson's Proclamation
to the People of TennebSeo
-ConciliatOry Words.

Ihave been appointed, In the
absence of the regular and establishes
State authorities, as Military Governor
for the time being, TO preserve the public
property of the State, to give the protect-
ion of law, actively enforced, to her citi-
zens, and as speedil y as may be, to restore
her government to the same condition ~
before the existing rebellion. In this
grateful but arduous undertaking, l shall
avail myself of all the aid that may bs
afforded by my fellow-citizens. And for
this purpose respectfully, but earnestly.
invite all the people of Tennessee. desire
Gus or willing to see restoration Of her
ancient government, without distinction Of
party affiliations, or past political opin-
ions, or action, to unite with me, by counS
sci and cooperative agency, to accomplish
| this great end. l find most, if not ell Of
the offices, both State and Federal, vaca4
ted, either by actual abandonment, or BY
the action Of the incumbents in attempt1
ing to subordinate their functions to =
power in hostility to the fundamental law
OF the State, and subverslve of her ma
tional allegiance. These offices must bo
filed temporarily, until the State shall DO
restored so far to its accustomed quiet
that the people can peaceably assemble at
the ballot-box and select agents Of their
own choice. Otherwise anarchy would
prevail, and no mans life or property
would be safe from the desperate and un-
principIed shall, therefore, as early ~
practicable, designate for various positions
under the State and county governments,
from among my fellow citizens, persons OF
probity and intelligence, and bearing true
allegiance to the Constitution and Cow
ernment Of the United States, who will
execute the functions of their respective
offices until their places can be filled by
the action of the people. Their authority
when their appointments shall have been
made, will be accordingly respected and
observed. To the people themselves the
protection of the Government is extended.
All their rights will be duly respected,
and their wrongs rcdressed when mado
known. Those who through the dark
and weary night of the rebellion have
maintained their allegiance to the Federal
Government will be honored The erring
and misguided will be welcomed on their
return. And while it may become neces-
sary in vndicating the violated majesty
of the law, and in reasserting imperial
sway, to punish intelligent and conscious
treason in high places, no merely retalia.
tory or yndictiye policy will be adopted.
To those especially, who in a private, un-
official capacity have assumed an atti-
tuIe Of hostility to the Government, =
full and complete amnesty for all past
acts and declarations is offered, upon tho
one condition of their again yielding them-
selves peaceful citizens to the just supre-
macy Of the laws. This | advise them
to do for their own good, and for the peace
and welfare of our beloved State, endear-
ed to me by the associations of long and
active years, and by the enjoyment of her
highest honors. And appealing to my
fellow citizens of Tennessee, | point them
to my long public life as pledge for the
OF my motives and an earnest
for the performance of my present and fu-
ture duties. ANDREW JOHNSON.