Another speech from Governor (?) Andy Johnson.
--The Third Minnesota regiment, now stationed near
Nashville, paid a visit on the 17th instant to the
Capitol, and was welcomed by
Andy Johnson in a short speech, of which the following is an extract:
He said it was his purpose soon to visit the regiment at their camp, when he would address them, as citizen soldiers, on the affairs of the country, but he could not on the present occasion refrain from thanking them for their visit, and congratulating them on the favorable prospects of the cause.
He was proud to meet such a representation of the intelligence and patriotism of
Minnesota.
He knew they were proud and spirited men, who would court danger in the discharge of their duty.
He esteemed the visit as a compliment to
Tennessee, and he assured them that his noble State was at heart sound for the
Union.
The people of his State had been tyrannized over by one of the most insolent, domineering, and cruel foes that had ever usurped power.
They had been disarmed, but the time was near at hand when the
Union sentiments of Tennesseeans would be fully expressed.--He spoke in severe terms of the rebel leaders, whose pestilent ambition had brought so much woe upon the country.
No better Government than ours ever existed.
The Constitution handed down from
Washington was worth making sacrifice for. It should be preserved at all hazards.
The war for the
Union was not sectional, and the just and praise worthy conduct of the
Union army showed they appreciated the real merits of the great questions at stake.
He referred to the increased respect for the country which was becoming manifest in foreign nations.
We should come out of this contest one of the greatest powers on earth, with a destiny all the more glorious for our heroic sacrifices.
He concluded by complimenting the regiment on its appearance and reputation for discipline.
He considered their visit as a tribute from
Minnesota to
Tennessee.
