Fremont journal. [volume] (Fremont, Sandusky County [Ohio]) 1853-1866, 1862-07-11

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ArphBw Jufrsos ann 4 tncEsafoH cHAr-
lam. 81
The Nashville linton rolhlcs lhepartlcu-
lars Of an impressive Interview between
Governor Andrew johnson and Rev. VII.
Wharton, chaplain Of the ppnisonunty At
tba: place. Governor johnson. II win DO
remembered, has ordered ministers 10 swear
allegiance to the United States, under pom
atty Of removal iuto tho sccessicnist desert.
Rev. Mr.. Wharton was the author Of Peni-
teutiary Report, copy Of which falling ~.
to the hands Of tho Governor was the pro-
curing cause Of tho interview.
As the portly clergyman entered, tho
Governor, Informed him that hc was uus-
pected Of hostility to the government To
this the chaplain replied:
"Well, regard myself as loyal mau,
and expect TO DO obedent to the Govern
ment l believe that my very FIRST ternpor-
al allegiance Is due TO Tennessee, and am
ready to 20 whichever way sho goes. But
/ am a citizen Of higher government than
that.
"Governor--What government is thati
"Chaplin--T an cafizen Of HedvenI
"Governor--There are men 10 Nashville
protesting that citizenship who are respon.
sible for the blood Of more Of our couutrymen
than the soldiers who have bayouets in
their hands. You call yourself citizen Of
Heaven. Just look at this document
handing him the following extract with the
name Of VIM. H. Wharton annexed to i0;
81 have witnessed with such satisfaction
the cheerful alacrty and diligence with
which the prisoners Tin the Penitentihryl
havo labored for the state in tho last few
months, 10 preparing the materials Of war,
to which they were stimulated by most
commendable and patriotic ardor; they bave
abored faithfully for their country, and
many Of them, young men placed in con-
| fnment for minor offences, might be judi
ciously selected as being objects Of executive
clemency, who would eDdeavor 10 atone for
the misdeeds of the past by acts Of bravery
and heroism on the battlefield. Commenn-
ing with earnestness tho above suggestion
| to tho authorities.
| al remain most respectfully,
"'WM. H. WHARToE, Chaplain
"1s that your report, sir, and your uamcI
Do you call that the language Of citizen
of Heaven TO advise tho turning loose of
feons from the cells where justice has
placed them, that they may join in work Of
killing loyal men and of destroying tho
best government in the worldi don't be.
Iieve the Almighty approves Of such teach
ing as that.
"Chap.-Well, the first duty is to defend
our state, and thought it was right 10 re.
be- the North when she invaded us. Self
defence is the only fighting l approve Of
"Gov.-Did not Tennessee invade Ken
tuckyl Did not South Carolina invadeth
property of the United States and fire on
our fellow ciizensl You have learned your
facts very incorrectly.
"Chap. Cooking terribly perplexed)--I
don't wish TO argue the case with you, Gov.
ernor. My mission is to preach Christ. /
am no politician, and submit TO whatever
governments may get the power.
"Gov.--But you could urge tho release
of fellons to aid in numbering loyal men,
Do you pretend that your gospel in coniin-
eracYi I always thought its prccepts OF
iOVe ana cDdrlty were Co-eAIeusINc Win tHo
world. You cannot justify your conduct
before man or God.
"Chap.--I had to go with my state and
defend her. That is justifable warfare.
"Gov.--There are rules Of warfare which
Christians and baI bsrians alike observe
You advised the turning loose of felcns and
placing arms in their hands, Did you get
that from your Biblei Docs it tell you
that man may atone for a felony By com
miting tredsons
"Chap.-As said before, l cannot dis
cuss politics--it is not my profession,---
Christ said to his apostles, My Kingdom is
not of this world
"Gov.--Yes, and believe there was
Judas among his disciples. If be were on
earth again there are some of his professed
teachers who would sell him for less than 80
pieces of silver They would belray him
for half the money"
The Governor then directed the chaplain
: to be conducted to the Provost Marshall to
be disposed Of.