New Orleans daily crescent. [volume] ([New Orleans, La.]) 1851-1866, 1866-05-26
An Interesting PeIee of History Concerning
fiertnin MndicaI Politicians of Tennessee,

a II Interesting F9tGG OF khtsLOEN bAcSE'HAlN
CeTtaiin NadicaI PolitIeinns Of Tennessee.
There is set of politicians in Tennessee who
reyel in the radicaism of Sumner and Stevens, and
who claim to embody all the loyalty Of that State.
They are intensely proscrptive of the people of
Tennessee favormg the most stringent laws of dis
reimbursement, etc. The Nashville Union and
American has given to the public letter of his.
tory relating to these radical gentlemen, with
which the authorities at Washington may not be
acquainted and for the benefit Of them we repro
duce the following article from that paper in our
columns:
1t is said that many of those who are most con-
spicuous in this State in the advocacy of the pros
criptive policy of the radicals-who cling closest
to the system OF test oaths--and who would dis
franchise more than three. fourths of the people of
the State-have not been altogether free from the
taints Of infdelity to the cause of the Union. We
do not profess to know whether these imputahons
are strictly correct to the extent stated but they
have gained such currency that their introduction
into the press could scarcely give them greater
publicity and might be service to the parties by
giving them knowledge Of what is being said Of
them. With this view we give the current allega-
tions against several of them:
"CoL. WIN. SToKEs-lt is said that this gentle
man, in the month of May, 1861, declared that the
time had come to resist the expressions of the
| Federal government--that he commended Gov.
!
| State and resisting Lincoln to the point of the
! bayonet'-that he enrolled his name as aVolunteer
to resist what he then called Lincoln's usurpa-
tons that he opposed, in and out of Congress,
the doctrine of coercion, desired to the South
ern Confederacy recognized, without bloodshed
and was in favor of a military league with the
| Southern ConfedeTaey. II is furthermore alleged
| that after he had attended one or more meetings
| whore volunteer companies We're forming and or
gani7ing, delivered addresses encouraging enlist.
ments, and contributed money to aid in their equip
ment. We desire to know whether these can be
denied with truth
to citizen Of McMinuville, Tenn, in 1861, will
fully substantiate the foregoing:
LIBERTY, May 10, 1861.
Mr. John Duncan, McNnnvile, Tennessee:
Dear Sri have Just learned from a friend
that there is some gross misrepresentation going
the rounds in your section in regard to my posi-
ton in this trying crisis, and for the benefit Of
yourself and others, write this:
/ have been Jealous advocate of the Union NJ
to the time of Lncoln's call for $4,000 troops
that being in violation Of law, and for the subjuga
ton of the South, | commended Gov. Harris fo
his course and for arming the State, and resisting
Lincoln to the point of the bayonet, and have eli
rolled my name as volunteer to resist his usurpa
ton. have, in Congress and out, opposed coer
e0l and all forced measures, believing that it wa
better to recognize the independence of the South
1 ern Confederacy than to attempt to coerce then
back.
have always opposed secession; but claim tn
right of revolution and the right to resist oppres
sion of the federal government, and to throw Of
their allegiance to the same when that oppression
becomes intolerable. That time has now come
t have been, and am now, for standing by the boz
der slave States for they are to be the great sui
ferers during the conflict. lam opposed to bein
tackled on to the Southern COnfederacy at present
Except as military league.) But when peace
restored if the two nations cannot live in peace
let all the fifteen slave States elect delegates NEE
in fraunn tbn constitution and suhui
tito the people for their ratification.
The South ought to be unit during the war, b
2 all means had announced myself as candidat
for reelection, but on seeing Lincoln's proclama
t ton for troops, abandoned the canvass at once
2 and | am no candidate. claim to have done m
, duty in trying to heal our difficulties and restor
? peace. That having failed shall now march fol
2 ward in the discharge Of my duty in resisting Liz
coin regardless of false charges, or what not, b
t those who are trying to put me down. Time wi
tell where we all stand, and who has been faithful
Hoping to hear from you soon, remain your
t truly, .. W. STOKES.