Year: 1861

The present startling crisis in the affairs Of Onr
country demands that the Union men of Tennessee
should announce the policy that will guide their f-
ture conduct. 1t is for this purpose that the Union
Executive Committee of Shelby county issue the
following address


In the excited contest through which we have so
lately passed, we boldly and triumphanily main
tanned the loyalty of our beloved State to the Fede
raj Union. In this We acted from honest and patri
Otic convictions of right. SympathiZing with
brethren of the seeded States, yet could
the necessity of their action, and deplored the
they saw fit TO pursue. We believed that all
the evils that have been brought upon our country
might have been avoided by more calm and consid-
crate action. r-


On the other hand, although sectional party that
we abhored. had obtained possession of the Gov
ernmen., still hoped, that the President Of
its choice in view of the awful responsibihts that
rested upon him, would be constrained to pursue
cOnciliatory and pacific policy. We had assurances
of this being his purpose that no occasion would
be given to the seeded States for collision of arms
that the military positions in their borders would
be given up rather than blood should be shed to
maintain them, that force would not be used to col
lect the revenue at their ports. We knew that the
councils of the nation being thus guided fratric
dal war would be avoided, and time being allowed
to soften the angry passions that had sprang up be-
tween contending sections, we yet might hope for
united people.


Our expectations have been disappointed. We
have been deceived by false and treacherous
representations of what would be the policy OF Mr.
Lincoln's administration. Inste d OF peace Delng
his purpose, a cruel coerGive policy has been an
nounced, to carry out which, be has called the
hOrdes of Northern fanatics TO rally to his stand
ard. A Northern army is TO be marched over the
territory of the Southern States that have stood
ioya TO the Union to subdue and chastse our breth
ren.


In view of this state of facts, believing there is
no power given to the Federal Government to CO.
cree severn State there is but one course left for
Tennessee to pursue. When the flag of our common
country becomes the insignia fof hostile iIvssion
of Northern fanaticism upon our soil. We CAN No
LONGER FOLLOW ITS GUIDANCE. We will therefore
turn to the banner of our own gallant State, and
with loyal and true hearts, rally around IT to re
sist any invasion Of our soil. Mr.. Linoon's gov
ernment, pursuing the course that is Indicated we
will feel sbsoyed from all obligations thereto, and
acknowledge fealty ALONE to our own State.


We hope there will now be prompt concert of &C
ton between all the Southern States that occupy
similar position with ours.


The glorious old Commonwealth Of Virginia has
long, and with mothers jealous care, watched the
progress of events and ia prepared to take the ini
tiatVe in whatever course our common safety and
honor demand In this position, whatever it be,
when deliberately taken by her, we know she will
be sustained By all the material and physical power
of Tenne ssee; and sure that the other great
States that hold positions like ours will respond 10
the call of the revered mother Of our Southern nsti
fufons and civilization