Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1866-08-01
They Take the Oath.

The following is part Of the proceed
ings of the Lower House of Congress on
Friday last. We place it on record for
future reference:
The House proceeded to consider the
Senate Joint resolution in relation to the
admission of David T. Patterson to a
seat in the Senate.
Mr.. Maynard addressed the House IN
advocacy of the resolution.
Mr.. Shellabarger opposed the JOINT
resolution, setting forth that if this step
was taken there would be no retreat,
and the men who furnished trains to the
rebel army, and had held office under 1t,
would come here and assume the re-
sponsibilities of American legislators.
He could not and would not, till his
diving day, vote for such resolution.
Mr.. Taylor, of Tennessee, followed in
support Of the joint resolution, asserting
that there was not within the United
States a man who could present clearer
record of devotion to the country than
Judge Patterson.
Mr.. Stokes, of Tennessee opposed the
Joint resolution, declaring that he re.
garded the test oath as the salvation oil
the Union men at the South and OF the
North, and he would rather freeze in has
chair than have the test oath repealed.
Applause on the floor and in the gale
ries. He could not vote for the resolu'
ton. He was committed against it. he
did not think Congress should modify
any part of the test oath If Judge Pat
terson could take the oath conscien'
tiously, the Senate could admit him.
Mr.. Eldridge asked the gentleman from
Tennessee if be would allow him to send
to the Clerk desk and have read letter
purporting TO have been written by the
gentleman himself
Mr.. Stokes consented.
Mr.. Eldridge thereupon sent to the
Clerks desk and had read letter from
Mr.. Stokes TO John Duncan, Of McMinn
vile, Tenn, dated Liberty, May 10, 1861
in which the following passage occurs:
have been a jealous advocate for the
Union up TO the time Of Lincoln's cal
for IS, 900 troops. That being in viola
ton of law, and for the subjugation Of
the South, commended Gov. Harris for
his course, and for arming the State and
resisting Lincoln at the point Of the
bayonet, and rendered my name as q
volunteer to resist his usurpatiou.
have in Congress and out opposed coer
cion and all forced measures, believing
that il was better to recognize the indie
pendence Of the Southern Confederacy
than 10 force them back. am now for
standing by the border slave States. !
am opposed to being tucked into the
Southern Confederacy at present, except
as a military league. shall now march
forward in the discharge Of my duty in
resisting Lincoln, regardless Of false
charges.
Mr.. Stokes admitted that that was q
genuine letter. Every word Of It wa
written by him.
Mr.. Eldridge would then Ike to know
how the gentleman, in the face Of thai
letter, could take the oath be took, ant
suggested whether it would not be bettei
for him, in order TO take the oath without
violation Of conscience, for Congress e
modify the test oath. Laughter in thu
galleries.
The Speaker directed the assistant
doorkeeper 10 remove from the galleries
all persons who made manifestations o
appreciation or disspprobation.
Mr.. Stokes said that while be ADMITTED
that he was wrong when be wrote tina
letter, there was not 3 word in It IN tavoi
Of secession or separation. BE went OF
70 rehearse, rather discursively, th'
events Of 1861 in which be took part
ending with bis being commissioned
Colonel by President Lincoln DE ce
'clared solemnly in conclusion that p
would never vote 10 repeal or modify th'
test oath in any particular, de would
maintain it and protect the loyal men o
the South