Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1868-09-03
LARGEST CITY CIRCULATION.
Ally Gators Letter.

From the Knoxville Press and Herald
Knoxville. August 20. 1868.
We have had our Convention and II
seems that Planchette was mistaken.
This encourages us a good DEAL
although the times still look squally for
loyal men.
Old Proc aud have had many con-
yersation since the Convention, but our
consultations have not availed us much
so far.
We sent a delegation TO see what Houk
was going to do, authorized to offer him
a place on the supreme bench OF the
State if he would support Maynard and
not attempt to run independently, but be
sent confusion into their ranks by pro-
position to publish the correspondence.
They came back and reported the re-
suit to us.
- ALLY" said old Proc, with a deep
eroan. "The game is up, look out aud
see the fur fly from the skunk skin"
"There isn't any discount on Houk's
loyalty is there2" inquired l with some
anxiety.
II have watched Houk's course with
some interest and always thought he was
as leyal as a man could be who never
drank drop in his life.)
His loyalty is all right" said old
Proc, but If he beats Maynard, as am
afraid be will, ! am fearful that Horace
will take another turn, as he and did
when the war began.
"We must have harmony in the party,
and Maynard being the regular nominee,
must be elected"
/ asked him what he was going to do:
"weIl," be said, II have notified
Houks friends that if they want any
commissions in the militia they must
support Maynard"
"What do they say 2" / inquired.
my son John tells me" he replied,
"that they told him to go to hell with his
militia"
"He won't do It though, will hep
"Not till he has to," gloomily answered
the old man.
In answer TO an inquiry what be
thought of Cooper and his refusal to sup
port the nomination, he said Cooper vas
q last years mullen stalk.
just at this moment Maynard entered.
"What did you say about Mullins
talk ne deheu. nc tuC homA
nation for me, didn't he p :,
"Mr. Maynard" said old Proc, with
an air Of great severity, this is no time
for testing. You have got business on
hand. Houk is going to run against
you. aud if you don't look out he will beat
you"
"Ob, no, Governor, he can't do that"
"Very well, sir. / know the man, and |
/ know / had trouble enough with him |
once, and you will have more.
"But be is the rebels candidate, Gov
rnor."
"Rebels' fiddle-stick. The rebels know
hey can't get anything from Houk.
They only want to see you beaten with
your internal Zadoc Jones stilted ways.
This was pretty plain talk from old
Proc, and Maynard didn't likeit much,
but he had to grin and bear it.
After be had gone / asked him why he
did not 60 for Hcuk instead of Maynard.
ITO tell you the truth, Ally" be re-
piled, I'm sometimes puzzled to know
myself, but cant manage Houk like |
do Maynard"
That is the amount of the story sup.
pose.
Altogether you see matters here are in
a not very satisfactory condition. 1
The reports from Nashville are equally
unsatisfactory.
True they have passed the militia bill
in the House, but the Senate is disposed
to be disloyal.
Iexpect shall have to go up there
and see to things, but | am getting
almost discouraged at the innumerable
obstacles in the way of the triumph of
loyal men. Yours, dismally,
ALLY GATOR.