The Nashville daily union. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1862-1866, 1862-10-29

Army Of the Ohio, Naslville, Tenn:
CApTAIN,-
was not aware that it was designed
to change the name of the defenses con-
structed under your supervision, in and
about Nashville, from those acquired by
their location, until copy of your letter
to General Negley upon the subject was
forwarded 70 me. That letter is as fol
lows
In running over the list of names,
find the Notifications or defenses of the
Capitol have been, out of compliment,
infer, to my self, named "Fort Andrew
Johnson"
As thei skillful, 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 afIixing
his 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 deserve it. My adopted State has
conferred upon me every honor that a
Estate can confer upon one of her citi-
zens, and in this the measure of my am
bition has been filled. | certainly am
not entitled TO il for any military service
or prowess, and such compliments should
only be awarded to those who are EMIT
led to them. / would rather an enquir-
ing public would ask why my name was
not given, than to ask why it was. IL
is not safe at all times and in all in
stances TO 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 defenses Of
the Capitol, than that Of one whose merits
have not passed through that trial in
which all the living are TO 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 the preservation of the Govern
ment, and who, during his own admins
stration, extended the boundaries of the
Union and thereby the area of freedom,
would, ii seems TO me, inspire the hearts
Of our soldiers to make such a strong
hold impregnabble though assailed by
fearful odds
II 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 Of the sacred cause of Liberty and
Union, and history will proclaim Hot
man, officer on private, entitled to the
honor which you have assigned me.
have never sought honors, in mill
tary point of view, nor il it my desire
to do so now. War is not the natural
element Of my mind, Ihaye always en-
deayofed to cultivate the arts of peace,
and have therefore not pursued mil
itary life. For my part, / would
Rather wear upon my garments the dust
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 TO
see the sword and bayOnet laid aside,
and the soldier restored TO his peaceful
avocations Heaven grant that ere long
peace and good will may be restored TO
a misguided and divided people.
In conclusion / will state that | feel
more than flattered at 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 toiled for The peo-
pie,
Accept assurances of my high esteem
and sincere respect,
ANDREW JOHNSON. 4