CHAP.XII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.-CONFEDERATE.

and others, who were arrested for treason, and imprisoned in Nashville. They were turned out by Judge Humphreys whilst I was in Nashville.

More than 100 persons have been arrested in East Tennessee, without warrants in some cases, marched great distances, and carried into court on no other charge than that they were Union men. In one case an ole man named Duggan, a Methodist preacher, was arrested, carried 50 miles on foot-he a large, fleshy man,-refused the privilege of riding his own horse, and all they had against him was than is February last he prayed for the Union. If that is a good charge, about two-thirds of the people of the State are liable in the same way, as at that time they voted 62,000 majority for the Union.

I have spent much time this summer and fall in trying to conciliate the people of East Tennessee. I though I had succeeded. Just as the people were quiring down, getting reconciled, raising volunteers, &c., they commenced these arrests, which have gone far to poison the minds of the people against the Government, and if tolerated and persisted in, the people of that end of the State at a critical moment will rise up enemies instead of friends.

You ask me who makes there arrests. As far as I can learn they are instigated by a few malicious, troublesome men in and about Knoxville. I always hear the names of W. G. Swan, William Churchwell, John Grogier, Crozier Ramsey, and a postmaster at Knoxville mixed up with these matters. It is said these man have private griefs and malice to gratify, and they aim to bring down the evening arm of the Government to satiate their passions. Crozier Ramsey is the attorney-general. It is said he in most cases causes the arrests and makes the affidavit. Just thinks of this-an attorney degrading himself by turning an affidavit man.

You may inquire, what is the remedy? I answer, turn out Ramsey. Put some man in Middle or West Tennessee in his place has dignity and character. Turn out the postmaster at Knoxville. If the President will then make it known to all officials that he discountenances all frivolous arrest, thinks will quick down. If, however, he refuses to do this, retains Ramsey, then we may look for great trouble in that end of the State. If the President will write Landon C. Haynes, Senator-elect, and any other respectable men in East Tennessee, he will be at no loss what course to pursue.

I address this to you be certain the President will get it and receive attention.

Very respectfully,

ROBERTSON TOPP.

[Indorsement.]

Referred to the Secretary of War, that such inquiry may be made and acting taken as will prevent, as far as we may, such proceedings as are herein described.

J. D.

HEADQUARTERS,

Knoxville, October 26, 1861.

SECRETARY OF WAR:

General Zollicoffer writes there are 10,000 of the at Rockcastle, and 10,000 more between Cincinnati and Camp Dick Robinson.