Nashville union and dispatch. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1866-1868, 1868-07-21

earnestly hoping al along that you would
be the first Of the Republican Governors
of the South that would move forward
boldly and magnanimously in the direction
Of amnesty and rs-eafruachiseHasat This is
now Impossible; the bigh-spirlted, noble
minded Governitr Of Alabama has already
set the first erar!ple WilIyou not at least
be the second 10 this race of moral glory ?
can hardly give expression to the graf
ifcatiou which l felt few DAYS ago at
eafning through a well kaown friend Of
yours, and one, too, who ] believe had
lately met you in Rockville, that your
message was already drawn 10, and had
been read to several of your friends, and
that il was calm and moderate in its tone,
free from all acerbity and unkindness, and
replete with humane, generous and char
liable sentiments. God grant that there
msy be no mistake abont this ! have been
assured also from a similar quarter that
yau have come to the conclusion not 10 re-
commend the setting 90 foot OF large militia
~ force Of coloredsoldiery this summer, pre-
ferring to rely upon the ordinary civil au-
thorities for the maintenance of peace and
order, and the general laws hpporting spirit
Of our citizens. Be assured, my dear sir.
that il this intelligence turn cut 10 be true
aud l sincerely trust it may, sud you shall
pursue the liberal and manly course al
ready indicated, thousands and tens Of
thousands of those who now hate you and
denounce you, will become your fIiends
and your commanders. -i7
Before conclude, let me venture to say
toyou, that am con fdent Won cannot he
at all surprised that our disfranchised fel
low-citizens should be exceedingly desirous
of voting in the coming Presidential cleo.
ton. They feel an intense interest in the
welfare of their country, and believe that
BY voting they may aid in warding off
great evils now menaced. They feel that
TO exclude them whilst all others, without
regard to color, race, or lineage are
allowed to participate in the election
is permanetly to disgrace them. Be.
aides they really believe, and be-
lieVe too, after fall examination of
the question involved, that they have a
Constitutional right to vote for President and
Nice President of the United States. They
are clearly of opinion that a Presidential
election is one which is to be held under
Federal Jurisdiction exclusively that il il
not in the power of the local Slate author
tiles to take away that right, to impair it,
or obstruct its exercise. They know thai
the State of Tennessee. has been formally
declared by Congress aeuer 10 hare ooae out
Of the Union they are satisfied that even
II they had Incurred forfeiture of Federal
franchises, they have been fnlly re-
stored by the Presidents amnesty
Proclamation. They therefore claim the
right to vote. They are not willing 10 be-
lieve that an attempt will be made in the
bosom Of this State, by military force, to
obstruet their voting. They are of opinion
thatit Is the duty OF the General Assembly,
on the contrary, to facilitate, as far as in
their power, the enjoyment of this right.
For one, ] confidently look to you
In this exigency. If any one shall doubt
the patfdity Of any particular class of votes
offered to be given, let his objection be
presented but let the challenged votes be
received, subject to the ultimate decision of
Congress, who can alone settle this matter.
Wishing you many years of health, re-
pose, and publicusefulness, 4 havethe honor
to be, very respectfully and cordially, your
Trend and obedient servant, 80 sl-.rs
E.aE ,f.t EsE @ III. s. FooTE
July IS, 1868. I'D. ID. s-sh9