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97.-Union Convention at Nashville.
Preamble and resolutions, adopted May 12.
Whereas, It is manifest to the most unreflecting that whilst the
State of Tennessee was an integral part of the
Government of the
United States, its citizens were in the enjoyment of the full protection of life, liberty, and property, under the
Constitution of the United States, and the laws passed in accordance therewith, and all of their material and political interests were watchfully and carefully guarded by laws, introduced by Southern men — representatives of our selection, identified thoroughly with all the interests of our people — which laws were decided to be constitutional by the Supreme Court of the
United States, the constitutional tribunal to decide all such questions:
And
Whereas, Because of the election constitutionally of a President of the
United States, who received no support in the
State of Tennessee, and the effort of that
President to maintain the integrity of the
Union, and enforce the laws against armed resistance, our people, in common with the people of other States, were precipitated into a revolution — resorting to the arbitrament of arms for the settlement of our political differences, instead of the peaceable remedies provided by the
Constitution;
And
Whereas, It is evident that the authority of the
Federal Government is now exerted over this part of
Tennessee, and will be in a short time extended over the entire State, and it is the duty of every citizen so to act as to free ourselves from the consequences of internecine war and to return to the
Government which is willing and able to protect us;
Therefore, Be it
Resolved by a portion of the people of
Tennessee in Convention assembled--
1. That the social, political, and material interests of the people of
Tennessee, and the safety and welfare of our friends and relatives now in the confederate army, imperiously demand the restoration of the
State to her former relations with the Federal Union.
2. That all good citizens who concur with us in this opinion are earnestly invited to cooperate in the accomplishment of this object, so vital to our future peace and happiness.
3. That the chairman of this meeting appoint a committee of three, to take into consideration the condition of the prisoners of war from
Tennessee now held in custody by the
Government, and endeavor to obtain their release and return to their allegiance, upon terms alike compatible with the interests of the
Government and the honor of the soldier.
4. That the forbearance, moderation, and gentlemanly deportment of the officers and soldiers of the
Federal army, since their occupation of
Tennessee, challenge our highest admiration.
5. That this meeting most cordially approve of the address made to the people of
Tennessee by his
Excellency Governor Andrew Johnson, dated March eighteenth, 1862, and the policy of his administration since that time.
6. That a committee of five be appointed by the chairman, who shall prepare an address to the people of
Tennessee expressive of the objects of the meeting.
