The Nashville daily union. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1862-1866, 1865-09-21

have delayed thus long TO record my
Impressions Of Governor Sharkey, in order
that might arrive at no hasty and IN
Just conclusions, but after this lapse Of
time, am fully prepared to say that have
seen no public man in Mississippi ON whom
the Presidents choice might more wisely
have fallen. That be is truly and thor
oughly loyal, no one, not even our Generals
Of the most radical politics, disputes; and
if further testimony were needed, It is suf-
iiciently given Ny the fact that the over
thrown aud defeated secession politicians Of
the State are hostile to him, without con-
ceaIment. That he has been successful in
fulfilling his appointed task, thus far, viii
be amply attested BY the facls, that since
July 18th he has collected, and now has on
deposit (the greater portion Of it, ST5,000-
a tax which in no case Of importance has
been contested as Illegal, by the taxpayers
has circulated and caused TO be taken and
subscribed, 45,0o0 oaths Of amnesty and
has thus enabled q Convention, lacking only
one Of fully representing the entire State,
to be elected, organized, and adjourned
month in advance Of all the other insurgent
States. He has not exerted himself espe-
cially to procure pardons for excepted reb-
els and from a close observation Of three
weeks, can affirm that he takes 10 counsel
from, and finds no enjoyment in the society
Of that class Of persons. He has, On all I'M
portant measures, consulted with Major
General Osterhaus, before taking action :
and few persons IN Jackson can claim mere
kindness snd cordial relations than exist
between these two officers.
Governor Sharkey was lifelong Whig
il politics, and now stands with the party
calling itself Conservative, il opposition 10
the Constitutionals. The Conservatives are
the only true Onion men in the State, ia-
voring education for the freedmen, the
right Of testifying in the courts, but inilezi-
bly opposed t0 negro suffrage. During the
administration Of President Fillmore, he
was consul to Havana, and in 1881 be was
President Of the Nashville Convention and
was largely influential in securing the
adoption BY that body, Of the compromlae
measures Of Henry Clsy, instead Of The
violent disuaion propositions advocated 1y
the secessionists of that time. For twenty
seven years be was Chief Justice Of the
High Court Of Errors and Appeals (the high
est court Of this staie), having been elected
to that Office in his frst term. He had four
years yet to serve when heresigaed, in 1850.
During that time he delivered numeroas
decisions, which, BY their elearness and
ability. gained an European rsputati0n.
Three or four Of them, especially ths one
adverse 20 State rspudiaiiou, were quoted at
| length in the Court o. hiDE 8 beiichs IA Lon
don. During the rebellion, he was widely
suspected and maligned. Van Dorm, while
ia command here, caused him % BE- ar
rested; but the Gove-ncr, in On able pam
phlei on martial law, inaugurated against
him such an opposition as finally Displaced
| him from Office
Governor sharkey was born August Il,
I79s, in East Tennessee, from which be re-
moved, when four years Of age, 70 this State.
In personal appearance he is dignifeas but
/ entirely afi8ble and 6nassHlning. His height
il fully six feet, and his figure Is sufficiently
/ developed 70 avoid gauniness, without ap-
preaching uneomely pieth0ru. his face
wears kindly expression, and is eiuinsztly
Of contemplstive and Judicial mould, rath-
CT than executive. i bears the ruddinsss oi
vigorous old age, and i sofneEha- Of a
/ triangular east, being very broad la the
forehead, and taperHg ct The chin hair
perfectly white
The weak points of the eovernor's char
acier fas g ruler, not 8s q man, are nat he
hes too great kindae1s Of hear, and IA dis
pfsed e. conide 90 much IN tie goodness
I and honesty 81 others. HE tcnsperameut IS
I ssneaiue. even 10 optimism.
j