But this wily Knight of the Republic set bravely about the work assigned to him, and if his sounding appeal left anybody in doubt as to his earnestness and purposes, it was soon removed by his acts. The cause he came to uphold never languished in his hands for a moment, even in small things. This appeal or proclamation was dated on the 18th of March, and the entire annals of the war furnish few or no equals to it in patriotic, dignified, manly force. One of Governor Johnson's first steps was to call upon the mayor and Council of Nashville to take the prescribed oath of allegiance, which all refused to do except one member of the Council. He then issued a proclamation declaring the offices vacant, and made such appointments as he deemed expedient under the cir cumstances. The rebel citizens were defiant, and every obstruction possible was thrown in the way of organizing the government of the city, and reestablishing the national authority in any part of the State. The rebel army was still in the State, and its friends, constituting a large majority of the people of Nashville, believed it would soon return to drive out the Northern invaders and the minions of their power. But Governor Johnson determined to make his stay in Nashville permanent, and at all events, as effective as possible.

Many of the more officious and offensive rebels were arrested and confined in the penitentiary; one of the Nashville newspapers was suppressed; other papers in other portions of the State, so far as they could be reached, were put under proper control;

and in other ways the Governor's iron hand began to be felt among evil-doers. But with all of Governor Johnson's fortitude and energy progress was necessarily slow. Early in May he succeeded in holding a Union convention in Nashville with a view of promoting organization and co-operation among those willing to stand by the Government in the attempt to restore the State to its former loyal relations. But little was effected in that way during that year. For several months, indeed until after the rebel defeat at Murfreesboro, he was mainly occupied in a struggle to hold Nashville. And as his own circumstances became more pressing, the Governor became more severe in his exactions and mode of dealing with the rebels. The following proclamation well exhibits the general spirit of his administration, as well as the necessities which fostered it :

“Executive Office, Nashville, TENN., May 9, 1862. "WHEREAS, Certain persons, unfriendly and hostile to the Government of the United States, have banded themselves together, and are now going at large through many of the counties of this State, arresting, maltreating, and plundering Union citizens wherever found:

"Now therefore, I, Andrew Johnson, Governor of the State of Tennessee, by virtue of the power and authority in me vested, do hereby proclaim that in every instance in which a Union man is arrested and maltreated by the marauding bands aforesaid, five or more rebels, from the most prominent in the immediate neighborhood, shall be arrested, imprisoned, and otherwise dealt with as the nature of the case may require; and further, in all cases where the property of citizens loyal to the Government of the United States is taken or destroyed, full and ample remuneration

shall be made to them out of the property of such rebels. in the vicinity as have sympathized with, and given aid, comfort, information, or encouragement to the parties committing such depredations.

"This order will be executed in letter and spirit. All citizens are hereby warned, under heavy penalties, from entertaining, receiving, or encouraging such persons so banded together or in any wise connected therewith.

"By the Governor:

ANDREW JOHNSON.

"EDWARD H. EAST, Secretary of State."

The clergymen of Nashville were early objects of his attention, as they were of his detestation. The following interesting extract on this point is taken from the brief diary of the correspondent of the "New York Herald," who spent several months with Governor Johnson, and a part of the time acted as his aid-de-camp :

"June 18th.-The clergymen of this city, with the exception of the Catholic (and even the Catholic Bishop. Wheelan thinks the South never can be brought back into the Union), are almost to a man secessionists. They, unfortunately for themselves, are not quietly so; but preach treason every Sabbath from their pulpits. Having been required by Governor Johnson to step up to the office of the Secretary of State and subscribe to the oath. of allegiance, they obeyed the summons so far as attending the office was concerned, but no further. The interview was interesting, and bears being further described, even to repetition.

"As Governor Johnson entered the room, he shook hands familiarly with two or three of the reverend congregation. Others did not seem inclined to shake hands with him, nor he with them. Although of a religious

turn of mind, and a respecter of the doctrines of an enlarged spirit of Christianity, it was the first time Governor Johnson had had the opportunity of mingling in so influential a class-meeting, one representing such diverse sectarian tenets. Perfectly composed, he entered into the midst of them, and said: 'Well, gentlemen, what is your desire?'

"Rev. Mr. Sehon.-I speak but for myself, Governor; I do not know what the other gentlemen wish. My request is that I may have a few days to consider the subject of signing the paper. I wish to gather my family together, and talk over the subject.

"Governor Johnson.-How long a time will you require? "Rev. Mr. Sehon.—My wife is at some distance, and my family having recently labored under a severe domestic affliction, I would, if you have no objection, Governor, have fourteen days allowed me for the purpose of gathering my family together.

"Rev. Mr. Ford.-That is not to be understood to be the request of all of us.

"Rev. Mr. Sehon.-O no, Governor. We have been conversing on the subject, and I did not know but that it would be desirable to have a mutual consultation before we again met.

"Rev. Mr. Howell.-I did not so understand the brother.

"Rev. Mr. Kendrick.-Nor I. We can come as well singly as together.

"Rev. Mr. Saurie.-I did not so understand the proposition.

"Rev. Mr. Sehon.-It was a bare suggestion, and the object might have been misapprehended by the brethren.

"Governor Johnson.-It seems to me that there should be but little hesitation among you, gentlemen, about the matter. All that is required of you is to sign the oath of allegiance. If you are loyal citizens you can have no

reason to refuse to do so. If you are disloyal, and working to obstruct the operations of the Government, it is my duty, as the representative of that Government, to see that you are placed in a position so that the least possible harm can result from your proceedings. You certainly can not reasonably refuse to renew your allegiance to the Government that is now protecting you and your families and property.

"Rev. Mr. Elliott.-As a non-combatant, Governor, I considered that under the stipulations of the surrender of this city I should be no further annoyed. As a noncombatant, I do not know that I have committed an act, since the Federals occupied the city, that would require me to take the oath required.

"Governor Johnson.-I believe, Mr. Elliott, you have two brothers in Ohio.

"Mr. Elliott.-Yes, Governor, I have two noble brothers there. I have seen them but on occasional visits for thirty-four years. They have been good friends to me. They did not agree with me in the course I pursued in regard to secession. But I have lived in Tennessee so many years that I have considered the State my home, and am willing to follow her fortunes. Tennessee is a good State.

"Governor Johnson.-I know Tennessee is a good State; and I believe the best way to improve her fortunes is to remove those from her borders who prove disloyal and traitors to her interests, as they are traitors to the Government that has fostered and protected them. I think, Mr. Elliott, a visit to your brothers in Ohio will prove of service to you.

"Rev. Mr. Elliott.-I do not know whenever I have been proven disloyal. I am no politician, and never attended but one political meeting, and never but once perpetrated a political joke.

"Governor Johnson.-Perhaps not, sir. But by your