The Jeffersonian. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1907-1917, 1913-05-01
THE JEFFERSONIAN

lowing correspondence James A. Nesbit brother
OF Hon. Eugenius A. Nesbit, of Macon, Georgia.
and others after the election of Mr.. Lincoln, and
prior to the Secession Convention addressed
a letter to number of prominent men,
some of whom we're then out of the State, asking
their opinion on the question whether it would
be advisable for the Southern States to go out
of the Union separately wait until Conven-
ton of all the Southern States could be called and
then secede from the Union in a body. This let
ter became prominent and known as ''Ihe
Macon Letter, and the Committee was often
spoken Of as 'The Macon Committee am con-
fdent that GOV. Johnson among others had, in
answer to the letter referred to, committed him
self in favor Of the latter roposition,-combined
State Action.
The Convention met in the House of Represen-
tatives at Mi4ledgeville.
The Committee on Resolutions consisted in part
of Hon. Ben G. Yancey, Mr.. Seward, of South
Georgia, Gov. Johnson and Thos. P. saffold.
The Majority report was made by it's chair
man, Mr.. Yancey.
The Minority report was made by Gov John
and he with Safold constituted the Minority
Committee. After the two reports had been read
Mr. Yancey addressed the Convention at consid-
cradle length in favor of the majority report. He
followed by Gov. Johnson who advocated the
adoption of the minority report. My recollection
is that of the provisions of that report was in
favor of combined, against separate State
action and possibly it also favored submitting
the question of Secession to the people,
Gov. Johnson began his address about noon,
the dinner hour For thirty minutes it was
the most eloquent speech [ listened to. He
was large man Of very commanding appearance.
He felt that he facing a storm and stand
ing almost alone. Sitting in the gallery, had an
excellent Opportunity to see and hear him. [ can
him he stood erect, lifting his right
arm with clenched fist above his head, his breast
heaVing with excitement, he looked around
over the Convention and said slowly, but with
marvellous power, Il a Democratic
This short sentence brought the whole
Convention into sympathy with him and
caused tremendous round of applause
4I1
silent, then, his breast still swelling with
emotion as he spoke, throwing his hands together
in front of him and dashing them apart, quoting
from Mr. Yanceys speech he said Il have been
compared to a lion. Would l were lion that I
might tear away from your vision this mOnstrous
net work of error that has been spread out before
you!" Again the Convention burst forth with
loud applause. In a moment there was perfect
silence Again quoting from Mr.. Yancey's Speech
and with uplifted hands, he continued, 81 have
been compared to eagle. Would | were an
eagle that | might bear you upon my wings and
battle you in the pure sunlight of TRUTH Every
utterance followed by bursts of applause.
am sorry cannot give you synopsis of the
speech. In the Of thirty minutes after he
began, he complained of a severe headache and
asked for an intermissiOn. What occurred at din
ner only know from hearsay, and do not credit
all of that In the afternoon his speech was on an
ordinary plane and consisted partly of ridicuIe,
good deal Of which directed at Mr.. Seward
who sat Immediately in front Of him while he
spoke.
l not sure that this celebrated speech was
delivered at the Secession Convention. l am
little confused about it, because the Secession
Ordinance was drawn and offered by Judge Mes
Bit different chairman.
few years ago, my uncle Maj. Mark A.
Cooper, told me that the files of the old Union
and Recorder of Nilledgeville were in the possess
sion Of and owned by the widow of SeatOn Grant
Land at Griffin. He said it was offered to the State
for $4,000 If you can find this file it will doubt
less be of value to you.
is nj tn OF inf
Should | be able to make it more definite, or to
recall any additional facts l will be glad to advise