The Union flag. [volume] (Jonesborough, Tenn.) 1865-187?, 1865-11-24
Letter from r. Roddie.
MILITARY PRISON,
Eashyillee. Tenn. Aupust Ia.

NHbHNiIIecj lehu', august II, 1900. J
To His Eacellcncy, YIN. G. Browalow, Governor
Tennessee.
HoNoRED Sir owing to rumors and clam
ors that are and have been in circulation in
regard to my character during the rebellion,
both rs Il citizen and soldier, deem it proper,
and in justice to myself, my family and
friends, to ask to transmit to the people of
East Tennessee, regardless of party principles,
through the medium Of the Knoxville Wing,
the facts which in many instances have given
rise to the reports being spread abroad with
a view to malign my name and standing.
In 1861, the State Legislature passed the
ordinance of secession, which bitterly OPP
posed, and did sincerely hope the ordinance
would be defeated, as loved my State, and
wished her to stand as she was.
On the 9Th day of June, 1861, it was sub
mitted to the people for their Ratification"
or Rejection" | voted REJECTION and
was panied when learned the ordinance of
secession was "ratifcd."
did not wish to so with my State into
rebellion, but knowing there was no middle
or neutral ground, and that must either 60
against my State and with her opponents, or
60 with her, was greatly troubled and per-
picked, Tennessee is my native State--l had
been born and reared upon her SOIL and had
been inculcated with the idea from childhood
to manhood, and had taught my family the
same precepts, that her claws and institu-
tons were right" After considering the
matter, came to the conclusion it was my
duty to 60 with my native State, as she had
declared by an overwhelming voice that it
was her will.
On the LIST Of September, I entered the
Confederate service as Captain, and served
one year. | conducted myself rs becomes
the true soldier, treating those came in con-
tact with, whether. n Federal soldier, citizen
or whoever it might be- with the true respect
and courtesy due them; and as Il Confederate
soldier, true 20 the cause had cspouscd.
In August, 1862 resigned and went to
my home in East Tennessee, endeavorng to
live peaccably, as had done before the war
The PORTION of the State whore | resided
was sometimes occupied by the Fcderals, and
at other timer by the Confederatcs. treat.
ed my Union neighbors the same as did be-
fore the war. and in many cases they cane to
me when the Confederates were in possession
and asked me to give them my influence and
aid in obtaining reparaton for property, &c..
that were taken from them by the Confeder-
ate soldiers, which did frequently and by
my influence and personal cxertions my ef-
forts were generally crowned with success.
The above statements made by me can be
substantiatcd by good, reliable Union men.
may have said some hard things to per-
sons residing in my neighborhood, but was
instigated 10 do 50 by utter adherence Of
anything hHpocritcdk The persons to whom
these hard words wero uttered were men
whom considered devoid Of principe-mcn
whom personally know were hypocritcs in
every sense Of the worldwide to-day would
change their principles In poitcs or anything
else for fear or gain, and Tomorrow would
do the same, that 10 change again, But tho
true heightened Union men Of that section,
respect for their fixed principles, and have
theirs in return.
Owing TO tho unsettled condition Of affairs
In Tennessee Joined the rebel service again
in March, 1895, shortly after Lee surrendered.
marched to Mount Sterling, KY, and there
was paroled--took the oath Of amnesty nj
Louisville, KY, In good faith, and have lived
In accordance with the Same since then, and
the same Is my intention ever hereafter
! notice In tho papers communication
dated Jonesboro', Tenn, containing what is
there stated asa black list" signed by
William Stephenson and X. Roddie.p SO
far as nm concerned, the whole thing Is n
fabrication Of the deepest dye. never sign.
cd such q document nor bad anything To do
with promulgatng such list, which can
and will prove. | remain, Governor,
Your obedient servant