The Nevada Democrat., 1862-08-21
A scene ln NashvllIe--Andrew johnson
nildl q secessLonlsL ChapInIn.


A scCne Ia NashviIIe--Amdrew johnson
aud n SecessiOnist Chaplain.
The Nashville Union relates the particu-
lars of an impressive interview between
Governor Andrew johnson aud Rev. w. III.
Wharton. chaplain of the penitentiary at
that place. Governor johnson. IL will be
remembered, had ordered ministers to swear
allegiance TO the United States, uuder pen.
atty of removal into the secessionist desert.
The Rev. Mr.. Wharton was the author of u
Penitentiary Report, copy OF which fall
ing into the hands of the Governor was the
procuring cause of the interview.
AS the portiy clergyman entered, the
Governor informed him that he was suspec-
ted of hostility to Government To this
he chaplain replied: "Well, regard my.
'elf as loyal man, and expect to be Obedi.
ent to the Government. l believe that my
very first temporal allegiance is due to
Tennessee, aud am ready to 60 whichever
way she goes. But am citizen of high
or government than that"
Governor-What Government is that?
Chaplain--I am citizen of Heavenl
Gov.--There are men in Nashville pro-
tessing that citizenship who are responsible
,or the blood of more of our cOuntrymen
than the soldiers who have bayOnets in
The r bands. Yon call yourself citizen of
Heaven-just look at this document-(hand-
ing him the following extract with the name
of William IL. Wharton annexed to iD:
81 have witnessed with much satisfaction
the cheerful alacrity aud diligence with
which the prisoners (n the Penitentiary)
have labored for the State in the last few
months, in preparing the materials of war,
to which they were stimulated by a most
commendabe and patriotic ardor; they
have labored faithfully for their country,
and many of them, young men placed in
confinement for minOg otfenses, might be
iudiciously selected as being objects of Ex-
lcutive clemency, who would endeavor to
atone for the misdeeds Of the past by acts
of bravery aud heroism on the battle field
Commending with earnestness the above
suggestion to the authorities,
remain, most respectfully,
WM. Ii. WHARTON, Chaplain"
Is that your report, sir, and your name?
Do you call that the language Of ''ctizen
# Heaven" to advise the turning loose of
elous from the cells where justice has
placed them, that they may join in the work
Df killing loyal men and of destroying the
Iest government ia the world? | don't be-
lieve the Almighty approves of such teach.
ing as that.
Chap--Well, the first duty Is to defend
Jur State, and thought it was right to re-
oel the North when she invaded us. Self
defense is the only lighting approve of.
Gov.-Did not Tennessee invade Ken
fucky? Did not South Carolina invade the
property of the United States and fire OH
ur felOw-ctizens? You have learned your
acts very incorrectly.
Chap.-(Lookiug terribly perplexed)-I
sOn't wish to argue the case with you, Gov
'rnor. My mission is to preach Christ. |
M no politician, and submit to whatever
overnment may get the power
GOv.-But you could urge the release of
Ions to urge in numbering loyal men! Do
"a pretend that your gospel is confined to
limits of your Southern Confederacy?
ways thought its precepts of love and
iarity were coextensive with the world.
Ou cannot justify your conduct before
an or God.
Chap had to go with my State and de-
I'd her. That is justiliabe warfare.
GOv.-There are rules of warfare which
hristians aud barbarians alike observe
Ou advised the turning loose of felons ard
acing arms in their hands. Did you get
lat from your Bible? Does it tell you that
man may atone for felony by committing
easOn?
Chap.-As said before, cannot discuss
nitics-it is not my profession. Christ
i'd to his apostles, "My kingdom is not of
lis world"
Gov.-Yes and believe there was Ju-
.s among his disciples. If he were on
arth again there are some of his professed
sachers who would sell him for less than
5irty pieces of silver. They would betray
I'm for half the money.
The Governor then directed the chaplain
u be conducted to the ProvOst-Marshal to
ie disposed of.