The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1875-01-13
OBITUARY..

THOMAS Z BRAMLETTE, EX-GOVERNOR OF KEN
TUCKY.
Thomas E. Bramlette. Ex-Governor Of the State
OF Kentucky, died at his residence in Louisville,
yesterday afternoon, after an illness OF several
weeks duration, produced by an attack Of rheum-
atism OF the heart. Mr.. Bramlette was Governor
ofKentucky during the closing years Of the war,
but has not since taken an active part In politics.
He was regarded as one OF the abest and most
prominent lawyers at the State Bar and q short
time since acted importantly as Judge OF the Fed.
eral Court during the absence OF Judge Ballard.
On the subject OF negro recruiting in Kentucky
the deceased ex-GovernOt-then Governor-wrote
as follows on the l4th OF December, 1863 dating
ut Frankfort. He addressed the letter to "Cap.
tain Edward Canul recruiting colored troops"
and saids-"YOu do not inform me by what
authority you come to Kentucky to recruit
free colOred men, I know OF no act
of Congress requiring such service, nor have I
see any order from the War Department direct.
ing 1t. On the contrary, am well assured that IN
Difference TO our peculiar position and to avoid
unnecessarily aggravating the troubles OF the
colored mem in Kentucky. We are reaoy to
OF Kentucky. We Will unhesitatingiy comply
with the requisition for men to defend our
government cs we CLAIM me right TO furnish rom
and who are ready to comply with the require
ments Of duty. The duty Ofdefence devolves upon
those who enjoy the benefits OF our government.
From sucn we will fill the call upon us. We pre-
sumo that white men who owe the duties OF ale
glance to the government will be accepted IOr its
defence. we will furnish them. II, therefore,
you came to recruit 'coOred mem for the benefit
OF Kentucky. we decline your services"
In reply to letter oil General Brisbin asking him
to advise legislation adapted to the altered condl-
ton OF slavery in the state, he SAID :-Slavery Is
regarded by the masses as the fruitful source OF all
our woes, and as lnmlCal 20 our future peace and
unity. This revolution cannot 60 pack
ward. AS men OF prudence and patriot
ism, we must accept the logic OF events
and recognize existing facts. That slavery must
end, accept as one OF the facts ordained by tails
revolution wrought out BY rebellion. That 1T
should end as speedily as possible is a corOllary
which practical wisdom and prudent common
sense must deduce from the demonstration OF our
experiences. Our whole labor system IS broken
up and utterly demOraiZed. Slavery has be-
come an incubus upon our energies, burden to
our advancement and negative to our pros
perity. IL Is, therefore, In my judgment, the
requirement Of wisdom and OF a prudent regard
to our best interests and highest prosperity, as
well as the mandate OF an exalted patriotism, that
we should conform, as readily and speedily as
practicable. to this decree OF revoution-fore-
ordained by rebelliOn--and now sealed with the
unalterabe judgment or the American people,"
The Ex-Governor was advanced in years. He was
always regarded as man free In his expression
OF opinion. honest according to his political con-
vIctions, OF great quality as gentleman and
citizen, and q warm and steadfast friend.