Year: 1866

FELLow-CITIZENs-The Gov ernor has convened
the Legislature for the purpose of ratifying the
Amendments of the Federal Constitution, recently
passed by very large majority of both Houses Of
Congress. This is National matter of q general
character. Sanctioned by over two-thirds vote of
the loyal representation of the nation and as be-
long to the party that is endeavorng to restore the
Government upon sound basis and as the great
majority of the loyal people of the United States
by their representation in Congress, deems these
amendments TO the Constitution of urgent necessity
in the change Of our system of Government caused
by the late rebellion and for the purpose of keeping
the rebeious element from having any part or voice
IN the administration Of national concerns. deem
1t duty which L owe TO the State Of Tennessee and
TO the whole country, TO aid il every way rAtfy
the act far the State of Tennessee is concerned
l. Is evident that there is great mistake existing
in certain high official quarters in regard TO the peo
pie OF the States lately rebellion TO their views
and feeling towards the Government or the loyal
citizens found among them; and it is obvious to
every one acquainted with these things, as they
really exist that the feelings Of these rebels, or
great majority OF them, (men and women,) are as
hostile as they in 186l-both towards the Gov
eminent and towards Union men. And with these
facts fully demonstrated every day. and the neces-
sty of the presence Of the military in many sections
of the territory of those States recently in rebellion
1t remarkable that these disloyal and refractory
people should receive Countenance and succor from
quarter that is bound by every obligation to sup
press the spirit of insurrection.


1t may be that the clemency manifested in cer-
tain quarters towards that class still hostile towards
the Government Of the United States, arises from
strong zeal to unite people under the Federal head
This however, will be hard to do so long as the re-
belous element claim to rule over the loyal people
that have maintained the Government in the hour
of peril.


II any class of men have the right TO govern, it
Is those who have made bare their bosoms and with
strong arms have subdued the enemy, and preserved
the Unlon-and so long as l have voice in the
law-msklng power of Tennessee this class only shall
be protected and have their franchise Hoping that
the scales may fall from the eyes of President John
son, and that he may things they really exist
and that he may retrace his steps and take his for
mer position IN the Government and the affections
of his loyal friends is the wish of all who have sus
tained MIN in the path of right and while he was
found IN the ranks Of the great majority of the
friends of the Government but we regret TO say
that when he parts company and we find him advo-
eating principles that gives animation TO a spirit
that has attempted once TO overturn the Govern
ment OF our fathers, We can no longer stand with
him.


concede nothing to party but that which the
of my own mind dictates to me is right
am dlvested of all eXtraneous influences; men in
nigh positions have no control with me apart from
ny own opinions nor will | regard the views of |
hose whom l represent apart from my own judg-
nent. L desire only the general wefare-I have no |
nster object to accomplish in the Senate the Gen
9ral Assembly of Tennessee. 1 shall support the
'ct OF the great majority of Congress in the amend
nent to the Federal Constitution, and if my imme-
late constituency do not approve my course they |
nave remedy Most respectfully,


j. POWELL