Daily union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1865-1866, 1866-05-25
LETTER no THE RERREsENTATIvE
FROM LINCOLN COUNTY.


FAYETTEVILLE, TENN. May IS, 1S66.-To the
Right Hon. THOMAS KERcHEvGL SIN: 1t is
seldom that man Of your family connection and
social position becomes entirely insensible 10
shame. II is strange and unnatural that crimi-
nal who is safe himself should forget al the ties
that once associated him with companions Of like
nature and feelings. These then arc tho consid-
orations that must excuse for the folly Of writ
ing to one. who, it may be, has forgotten the hO-
nor Of his family and the ties Of friendship. We
do not intend 10 examine in detail the record
of your public actions, but rather suggest how
you may search your own heart and see if il beats
at all times boldly like the heart of an honest
and brave man. Can you then look your old
friends in the face and not feel your insignif-
canoe? Why do you not visit them? Why do
you not return occasionally to the home Of
your childhood and talk with your kiadred
l. innocence afraid Of guilt? Is a self
sacrificing patriot armed in just cause.
afraid Of traitors who are disarmed. pow
erless and obedient? Your old Colonel has
surrendered his sword and abandoned the in
sigma ofhi4office-"no glittering guards surround
him, prompt to do their masters will'-he com
mands nothing. not even his countenanee remains
smile CT contempt lciH culver on his lip. and his
cheeks are wreathed with sorrow to think how
recreant a man may be to his friends and his pro-
LESSONS of sincerity. Why. then. do you fear the
people? You know that the esteem in which your
brother is held. will shield you from corporal in
jury. If you are serving your country and con-
stituents honestly, why do you not come and ex-
plain the wisdom Of the laws you are assisting to
make? We are peaceful, poor and patient. Why
then fear us? Why continue to impoverish US?
If we had threatened you with resistance, an i'm
partial mind might excuse timid caution its
vigor and severity; but we yielded long siEce in
good faith, and have fulfilled every exactiOn that
has been made. We have almost begged that you
would not take the little that has been left. and
said, not my will but thine be DONE" Yet what
has been your course toward this people, whose
legislator you claim TO be? Not only have you
turned states evidence against your accomplices
in treason and dsloyalty, but have insisted in the
prosecution. ..-...
Your constituents-the honest and industrious
people of Lincoln cOunty-readily comprehend
the wisdom of a legislator who has aided to erect
upon a slave aristoeracy. where all white men
were free and equal a pure and constitutional de-
mocracy. where one white man in ten mag vote, and
the nine who do not pay the expenses of their Gov
ernment may not. Not forgetting this your cOnsti-
tuents, if you have yet amassed enough fortune to
place you above want, would respectfully request
you to resign the position you now hold, and per-
NIT them to elect in your stead a loyal man who
may enter the legislative halls Of their State free
from the prejudice and dislike which always at
taches to towards and deserters ESPECIALLY such
prejudice follows the character and influence
Of one who had attained so high a rank as Major.
Can you tell how it is possible for an honorable
and patriotic course of action to make a man
dshdmed-not afraid-to come among the eompan-
ions of his boyhood? What motive could have
prompted you. for the last few years, in injuring,
insulting and enslaying people and community
which never wronged you. it is impossible to con
ceive. Now thatyou have accomplished nearly all
that can DO done, to impOverish and degrade this
people, you ought to quit the position you have so
long abused. No complaints are made of your
loyalty. but of your utter disregard of all consis-
tency and want of forbeara1ce toward those you
led into temptation.
One would think from your sudden conversion
from treason on the one hand to revenseful 10y
atty the other, that. like saul of Tarsus, you
had been changed by vision Of the Goddess OF
Union. exclaiming Why persecuteSt thou me ~
If such were the case, it would better become you
as one of the elect of God. to have more patience
with those to whom it was not vouchsafed to have
visions and dreams. We imagine how miserable
must be the life of a man, who has not only be-
tTayed and ensnared his friends, but is now cry
ing for their blood and earthly goods Therefore,
ifwhat we have recalled to your mind can be OF
any consolation to you in your voluntary exile,
youmay extract from it whatever of comfort you
can. In conclusion. permit us with the profound
est respect for your constant and never-questoned
loyalty, to ask if you can vote and hold Office
under the present Franchise law?