Rebellion Record: a Diary of American Events: Poetry and Incidents., Volume 5.
Frank Moore, Ed.

Nashville, Tenn., April.--A very entertaining dialogue occurred some days ago in the Governor's office, between Gov. Johnson and two rebel ladies of this city, who came to complain of the occupation of a residence belonging to the rebel husband of one of the ladies by a United States officer. The conversation was substantially as follows:

Lady.--I think it is too dreadful for a woman in my lonesome condition to have her property exposed to injury and destruction.

Gov.--Well, madam, I will inquire into the matter, and if any injustice has been done, will try to have it corrected. But your husband, you admit, has gone off with the rebels, and you abandoned your dwelling.

Lady.--My husband went off South because it was to his interest to do so. You mustn't find fault with anybody for taking care of himself these times. You know, Governor, that all things are justifiable in war.

Gov.--Well, madam, it appears to me that this broad rule of yours will justify taking possession of your house. According to your maxim, I don't see any reason for helping you out of your difficulty.

Lady.--Oh! but I didn't mean it that way.

Gov.--No, madam, I suppose not. I will try to be more generous to you than your own rule would make me. I do not believe in your rule that “all things are justifiable in time of war.” But that is just what you rebels insist upon. It is perfectly right and proper for you to violate the laws, to destroy this Government, but it is all wrong for us to execute the laws to maintain the Government.

The rebel ladies looked around in various directions, and seemed to think that they had opened a knotty argument on a dangerous subject, with a very hard adversary. Heaving a long sigh, they retired, to become, we earnestly hope, “wiser and better men.” --Nashville Banner.