The Nashville daily union. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1862-1866, 1862-10-30
Id. lienernl
very respectfully,
Your obedient serv't,
JAS. ST.. c. MORTON,
Chief Eng'r Army of the Ohio

In running over the list Of names, !
find the Notifications or defenscs of the
Capitol have been, OUT of compliment, i
inler, TO myself named "Fort Andrew
Johnson"
As the slIillful, talented and efficient
officer, under whom the military defenses
of Nashville have been so well and ener-
getically constructed, has, from his in
nate mOdesty, no doubt, declined alIixing
bis own name to any of them, ! may be
permitted to say that, while thankfully
acknowledging the compliment implied,
doubt the propriety, under all the cir
cumstances, of having my name bestowed
upon this important stronghold. / am
sure as a citizen and public man, do
not desire IL. My. adopted State has
conferred upon me every honor that a
State can confer upon one Of her citi-
zens, and in this the measure of my am
bition has been filled. ! certainly am
not entitled 70 il for any military service
or prowess, and such compliments should
only be awarded 10 those who are EMIT
led TO them ] would rather an enquir-
ing public would ask why my name was
mol given, than 20 ask why it was. 1t
is not safe at all times and in all in
stances 70 name children, cities, forts,
| &c, after the living, for the bestow-
al-is often regretted and repented,--
There are names Of Tennessee's illus
trious dead, now resting within the pro-
lection of your works, far better and
more appropriate, from patriotic and in
spring associations, for the defcnses OF
the Capitol, than that Of one whose merits
have not passed through that trial in
which all the living are 70 be tested
! The name Of JACKSON, the champion OF
/ the Federal Union" in one Of the dark
est hours Of its peril, and Of Polk, who
stood by him during his mighty strug-
! Gle for tho preservation Of the Govern
ment, and who, during his own admins
| stration, extended the boundaries of the
Union and thereby enlarged the area OF
freedom, would, IL seems to me, inspire
the hearts Of our soldiers TO make such
a stronghold impregnable though assail-
ed by fearful odds.
1t may be, that in the shock Of battle
some devoted one, now unknown, may yet
! pour out his hearts blood upon the mas
sive altar-stones of our Capitol as, liba-
| ton to the sacred cause of Liberty and
Union, aud history will proclaim that
man, officer on private, entitled TO the
honor which you have assigned me.
| have never sought honors, in a mill
tary point Of view, nor is il my desire
TO do so now. War is not Che natural
element Of mymind. have always en-
deavoed TO cultivate the arts OF peace
tand have therefore not pursued a mill
itary life, For my part / would
rather wear upon my garments the dus;
Of the field and the dinge Of the shop as
badges of the pursuits of peace, than all
the insignia Of honorable and glorious
war My heart would swell with joy tC
sec the sword and bayonet laid aside
and the soldier restored 20 his peaceful
avocations, Heaven grant chat ere long
peace and good will may be restored tC
a misguided and divided people.
In conclusion I will state that ] fee
more than llattered az the compliment
conferred, but a consciousness of duty
performed is my present remuneration
and the only reward ask in the Future
is the lowly inscription of my name with
those who loved and toied for the peo-
! Pile
Accept assurances OF my high esteem
and sincere respect,
ANDREW JOHNSON.