Brownlow's Knoxville Whig. [volume] (Knoxville, Tenn.) 1866-1869, 1867-02-27
MeatIng of COIOred citizens.

AT meeting of the colored citizens of McMinn
county, held at their church in Athens, Tenn, for
the purpose of demonstrating to the loyalists of
Tennessee their true position and sentiments.
On motion of Henry Rowley, Rev Robert John
son was called to the Chair, and Abner Hamilton,
and Rev. James Brooks, were appointed Secreta-
ries.
Prayer was then offered by the Rev. Mr.. LeBose
after which the objects of the meeting were explain
ed in a brief address by Henry Rowley At the
conclusion he offered the following Preamble
and Resolutions, which, after some discussion were
unanimously adopted:
WHEREAS, The elective franchise is essential to
10 the education, wealth and general elevation of
our race, and to the prosperity of Tennessee, and
we feel 1t duty to posterty to the loyalists of
the State, and TO God that we show our Just appre
ciation of the united efforts Of the Radical Union
party of Tennessee who recognize astheir chieftan
that champion of liberty and justice, Governor VIM
g. Brownlow, in perpetuating the boon Of freedom
secured TO us by our noble, gallant and patriotic
soidiery, who fought and vanqushed on the battle
field, the foes of our Union and of freedom, and
who are ready and willing to mete out justice to
treason and traitors at the ballot-box. Therefore
ResolUed, That we, the colOred citizens of Nc
MINI county, Tenn. in Convention assembled, in
view of the elective franchise about being extended
70 US, pe0ge ourselves 10 support ana SUSTAIN Lhe
Radical Union party of Tennessee and of the
United States in their efforts to perpetuate this go
rious union of States in the hands of loyal men
only-and TO oppose treason and trators-for among
such we find arrayed those who would forever make
us 'the hewers of wood and drawers of water"
ResotUed That we return our thanks to Almighty
God and the present Radical Congress, for many
blessings we now enjoy and if armed with suffrage
we will support Congress against treason, rebellion
and their twin sister, Conservatism
ResOIued, That We tender our heartfelt thanks to
His EKcelency, Gov. W. G. Brownlow, for his no.
bic and patriotic adherence to the cause of liberty
and political jnstce and that we will give him our
influence, and if allowed the privilege, our hearty
support.
Resolved, That we, part and parcel of these
United States, feel interest in their political well
fare, and as honest, faithful and law abiding citi-
zens, we may be depended upon as favoring the
cause of Republicanism throughout their length
and breadth, and to the great principle of ''only
to the control of the loyal must the affairs of State
or nation be committed" we stand fully pledged.
ReSOLOed, That we recognize no political recon-
struction, except upon the basis set forth by Con-
gress, and that we submit our claims to the Legis-
lsture, knowing they will receive due consideration.
ReSoLVed, That our delegates from this county be
respectfully requested to submit these resolutions TO
the Radical Convention, to be held in Nashville,
on the 22d Of February, 1867, and say, our first
choice for Governor is VIM. G. Brownlow.
On motion Of David Jsrnsgn, the Secretaries
were directed to forward the proceedings of this
meeting to Brownlow's Wing, Nashville Press and
Times, and Jonesboro' Flag with request to pub
lish the same. RoBT. JOHNSON, Chm'n.
ABEEE A1sl blAaIL aAMILTON' (secretaries.