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The general assembly, while considering every suggestion that would avoid the withdrawal of any of the States from the Federal Union, was not forgetful of the rights of Tennessee, or of its duty to the other States of the South.
Before adjournment it adopted with substantial unanimity a resolution pledging cooperation with the States of the South in case the Federal government should resort to force.
This declaration represented the dominant sentiment of the people of Tennessee, and was responsive to the message of the governor, in which he declared that ‘whatever line of policy may be adopted by the people of Tennessee with regard to the present Federal relations of the State, I am sure that the swords of her brave and gallant sons will never be drawn for the purpose of coercing, subjugating, or holding as a conquered province any one of her sister States whose people may declare their independence of the Federal government.’
In less than two months thereafter, the proclamation of Abraham Lincoln calling for 75,000 troops was issued; the people of Tennessee accepted it as a declaration of war, and with decency and dignity began preparation to meet it.
On the 25th of April, 1861, the governor again convened the general assembly in extraordinary session for the purpose, as stated in his message, of taking ‘such action as will most likely contribute to the defense of our rights, the preservation of our liberties, the sovereignty of the State, and the safety of our people.’
He informed the legislature that President Lincoln had called upon the State of Tennessee to furnish 2,000 troops to aid in ‘suppressing the rebellion,’ and that he had declined to honor the call.
On the 1st of May, 186, the general assembly provided for the appointment of commissioners ‘to enter into a military league with the authorities of the Confederate States, and with the authorities of the other slave-holding States as may wish to enter into it, having in view the ’
Atlanta, Ga. 1899.
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