New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1862-07-04
THE IMPRISONMENT OF CLERGYMEN I'M
NASHVILLE.


TIL. Ngs1riHe Union of the Doth ut. gives the
following Of an interview between Governor john
son the Rev. w. II. Wharton, Chaplain OF the Peni-
Tertiary:
Among the clerQymen of this place who were re-
quied to appear before the Governor on yesterday,
wss the Rev. W. II. Wharton, Chaplain OF tne
Penitentiary. Father Wharton seems TO be over ~
years Of age. Hard study, intense sohcitude ior
the spiritual welfare OF sinners, with mucn prayer
and modification of the flesh, while they
usually reduce the flesh OF the devotee, and I'M
part pale End cadsverous hue to his countensnce,
have nOt produced these effects on the good Chsp'
lain. He is quite portly and sedae-looklng gen.
tlemen. He is the author OF certain Penitehtaty
report, which will give him name co extensive
with the country; said report advising hing Hsrrls
to release certain felons from the Penltentisry 10
Join the Rebel army.
We eIhumed portion Of the Report on yesterday,
and bave thus given it wider notoriety than the
pious author ever dreamed Of Genius never apPre-
oates its own performances, and we doubt whetner
Father Wharton actually realized the fact that no
was linking bis name to document that will make
him remembered long after his prayers and noIniiies
are forgotten. On entering the Executive ChanDer,
a dialogue Of the following pnrport ensued:
Ch0pla,n-(iovernor, am present at your requl'
siton.
time has arrived when the Government must know
ito friends and put down its euemes. You are sus-
pected of being hostile to the Government whose
agent i am.
Chapiain--Well, regard myself as loyal man,
and expect to be obedlent TO the government De-
We that my very first temporal allegiance ID due 10
Tennessee, aud am ready to go whichever way she
goes. But I am citizen Of higher government
than that.
Gorernor-What Government is that
Chopidtn-I am citizen OF Heaven.
GorernOr-Ihere are men in Nashville protesting
that citizenship who responsible for the blood OF
OF our countrymeD than the soldiers who have
bayonets in their hands. You call yourself citizen
OF heaven. Just look at this document handing
him the following extract with the nalne OF N. ii.
Wharton annexed TO it,
have w,nessed with much sassction' the cheerful
alscr,y and encs with which the prisoners lin the Pen
easry) oorei or the State in the last few months In
preparing the material OF whch they stimulated
by most commeLdso.e and patriotic ardor they have Ia
placed in confinement for minor ohense. might be ju
dcoa,ly rejected objects OF Executive clemency who
would endesvo to atone for the Of the past oy aes
OF bravery and heroi.n the battlefield. Commencing
with the shove suggestions the authorities
'' ''''' "%M H. WHARTON Chaplain"
Is that your report, Sir and your name1 DO
you call that the language OF a" citizen OF Heaven,
TO advise the turing loose Of ieons IRON the cells
where justice has placed them, that they may JON 10
the work Of killing loyal men and destroying the
best Government in the world! do MT believe the
Almighty approves OF such teaching as that.
ChGpiain-Well, the first duty is 10 defend our
State and thought II was Tlght 10 repe tbe Norln
when she invaded u.s. Seltdeiense Is The only h9ht'
ing approve Of.
Gorernor-Did not Tennessee invade Kentucky
Did not South Carolins invade the property OF tue
United States and fire our fellow-cii zens fOu
have learned your facts very incorrectly;
Chaplain looking terribly perIleNed)-l don't
wish TO argue the case with You, Governor. MY
mission is TO preach Christ. | an no politician, ana
submit 10 whatever Governmen, may get the power.
Goreraor-But YOU could urge the release oil lei
ons to aid in numbering loyal men. DO you pretend
that YOUR gospel il confined 10 the limits OF your
Southern Coniederacyl always thought its pre-
ceIt OF love and charity were coextensNe win Tue
world You cannot justify your conduct before man
OF God. :,
a CAaDidin-T had 70 90 with my state and defend
ter That is justiiable warfare.
Gor,rnor-'Ihere are rules Of warfare which
Christians and barbarians alike observe lou al
yised the turning loose Of feons and placing arms IN
their hands. Did you get that from your BiDie
Does il tell you that man may atone JoT Je'0"y
6v committing Treason
Chaplain--As I ssd before, | canno. discn.s
pojuc.-it is not my profession chrls' said 10 MS
spo,tles, "my Kingdom is not OF this world
GorernoT-Yes, and believe there WAS Judas
among his disciples. IL lie were on earth again
there are some of biz professed teachers who would
sell him for lees than thirty pieces of silver. They
would betray him for half the money.
The Governor then directed the chap laIn 20 be
conducted 70 The Provost Marshal TO be dsposet OF.
TIC names OF the clerical scoundrels cent TO the
Pententisry are a. follows:
The Rev. r. Is. G.. Howell. DR.. Sehon, DIR. Ford,
Dr. Sawre, DE- Baldwin, and the Rev. W. ii.
Wharton.