Year: 1862

ton Of the United States, Is one Of the funda-
mental conditioas of cur Political existence. by
which every part of the country Is alike bound,
and from which no part can escape, This o5-
legation the National Government is now at
tempting 10 discharge. l have been appointed.
in the absence Of the regular and established
State authorities. as Military Governor for the
time being. to preserve the public property Of
the State, to give the protection Of law active
" enforced 10 her citizens. and. as speedily as
may be. to restore her government 10 the same
condition as before the existing rebellion.


In this grateful but ardoous undertaking,
shall avail myself Of all the aid that may be
afforded by my fellow citizens. And for this
purpoSe l respectfully, but earnestly, invite all
the people Of Tennessee, desirous OF willing to
see restoration of her ancient government.
without distinction Of PARTY affiliations. or past
political opinions, or action, 10 unite with me,
by counsel and CO operative agency, 10 accom-
plish this great end. find most, If not sill Of
the offices, both State and Federal, vacated.
either by actual abandonment or by action Of
the incumbents in attempting 10 subordinate
their functions to a power in hostility to the
fundamental law Of the State. and subversive
of her national allegiance. These offices must
be filled temporarily, until the State shall be
restored so far to its accustomed quiet, that
the people can peaceably assemble at the bal.
lot box ard select agents Of their choice
Otherwise anarchy would prevail, and no mans
life or property would be safe from the despe-
rate and unprincipled.


| shall, therefore, as early as practicable.
designate for various positions under the State
and county governments, from among my fel-
low citizens. persons Of probiiy and intelligence.
and bearing true allegiance to the Constitution
and the Government Of the United States, who
will execute the functions of their respective
offices until their places can be filed by the
action of the people. Their authority, when
their appointments shall have been made, will
be accordingly respected and observed.


To the people themselves the protection Of
the Government is extended All their rights
will be duly respected and their wrongs re-
dressed when made known. Those who, thro'
he dark and weary night Of the rebellion. have
maintained their allegiance to the Federal
Government will be honored. The erriug and
misguided will be welcomed on their return.


And while it may become necessary. IN win.
dicatiug the violated majesty of the law. and
in reasserting its imperial sway, to punish in
telligent and conscious treason in high places,
no merely retaliatory or vindictiye policy will
be adopted To those, especially, who in a
private, unofficial capacity have assumed an
attitude of hostility to the Government, a full
and complete amnesty for all past acts and de-
clarations is offered, upon the one condition Of
their again yielding themselves peaceful citi-
zens to the just supremacy of the laws. This
l advise them to do for their own good. and
for the peace and welfare of our beloved State,
endeared to me by the associations of long and
active years, and by the enjoyment of her high
est honors.


And appealing to my fellow citizens of Ten
nessee, I point them to NY long public life as
a pledge for the sincerity of my motives and
earnest for the performance of my present and
future duties. ANDREW JOHNSON.