Daily union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1865-1866, 1866-03-04
SECRETARY FLETCHER's SERVICE
IN THE REBEL CAUSE.

The most unprincipled men are generally |
the most Inconsistent. A wrong minded |
person, pursuing honest convictions, Ii apt
10 follow a straightforward path. In Illus
trasion Of this fact we took occasion recently
20 refer to the part played in the recent
rebellion BY Mr.. Fletcher and his CO.
labsrers in the Legislature, who are now
pursuing the great mass Of the people Of
Tennessee with merciless persecution
seeking to impose upon them an act Of dis
reimbursement, under which but few now in
the State could vote, Of any party, except
those who would be willing TO perjure them
selves to obtain influence and power. We
charged Mr.. Fletcher with the dishonest
part of having been applicant at Richmond
for commission to raise regiment for the
Confederate service; an allegation which, If
true. would show that he could not himself
vote under the law which he is now seek
ing TO impose upon Others, without
perjury. IL was grave charge
and one that we would not have made
without being well fortified. II was
not based, as he supposes, upon the
authority Of members to the recent Conven-
ton, though generally known and asserted
by many Of them, but upon Information OF
one Of the Oldest and most reliable citizens
Of Fast Tennessee, consistent Union man
through all the troubles. We knew that
there was no escape for Mr.. Fletcher. He
exhibits, however, much ingenuity in card
published over his signature in yesterdays
issue of the Press and Times in which he
admits The facts, but pleads as an excuse that
he was playing false to the Confederate
that he intended TO deceive them-that,
after getting commission from the rebels,
and having raised his regiment, his purpose
was TO play traitor and desert. He says in
40 many words: My own intention was
10 raise the regiment and march it over the
mountains Inder the flag Of my country.
This intention / communicated fully to such
men as could confde in" Miserable sub
terfuge. Most ignoble confession. How
much truth there is in this feature of the
defence, we are not non prepared to say.
But the most remarkable part of this dis
graceful dodge Is the effort to break the force
Of the odium which properly attaches to
such duplicity, by duplicating Judge Pat
terson, one Of our present Senators, and
Judge Samuel Milligan, in the transaction.
They, he says, o,ncocted the scheme with
him and gave it their approval. We have
no information from either of the gentlemen
on the subject, but we do not believe a word
Of il, IN the light ard spirit in which the
facts are stated in this case. Our acquaint-
ance with Judge Patterson is limited, but we
believe him 10 have been one Of thai class OF
Union men who never dishonored themselves
in the support Of their principles. Judge
Milligan we know we'll We never doubted
his integrity OF ceased to respect him at any
time during our unhappy differences
While, therefore, we are not authorized ia
deny the statement with which Mr.. Fletcher
has coupled his name as some protection tC
his own character, it is our business TO dis
credit the dishonorable imputation. w,
will not believe word Of il, until other and
better evidence is afforded.
Il is not our purpose TO discuss with Mr.
Fletcher the horrors and unhappy differences
OF the past. We have no denials TO make o.
our past course. We have made amends t.
the proper tribunals. Our business is with
the present and the future. Our desire is IL
cooperate with all good and honest men O
every party in healing up the wounds thai
have been made--no matter by whom OF
how--in quieting the discord tina, hoe boo'
-----S~.sd, ., -ass~--ias fSatSrnal relation
among kindred people who are destined Il
be cf one government, and in advancing thu
good and perpetuity of that government. 1
is only against bad men and persisten
ueechiefmakers, like himself, that We hav'
aught 20 say.