Joseph S. Fowler to Richard Yates

Comptroller's Office

Nashville Tenn.

July 22nd 1862

Gov. R. Yates

Dr Sir:

I have just read your letter to President Lincoln and can assure you that it meets the approbation of the loyal men of this state. I regret to say that the cause of the country has gone back since the evacuation of Corinth.

Treason must be struck in its most vital points and with the same spirit that a man trikes for his life when assailed by the robber. If the government intends to subdue this rebellion it must impoverish traitors and render the cause odious. The administration must select its the friends of the nation & intrust to them the duty of executing its wishes. We are by no means in a safe condition. Our state is overrun with prowling bands of the enemy's cavalry. They come within a few miles of the capital capture our pickets and are off in a few hours. We are without the means of pursuing. Rebels now feel secure under the protection of the Federal government whilst true men alone are in danger.

Your letter has taken the proper view of the present crisis. Unless more celerity & determination more honesty and earnestness can be brought to bear, the war will last for years. If it is struck fiercely and in its vital points, the fall campaign will in a good degree do the work. If the present armies are overthrown, no more can be raised. The cotton states have all their force in the field. In Virginia the Confederate force greatly outnumbered the Federal.

East Tennessee is the key to Federal power here. Put those mountains in loyal hands and we are safe. The loyal people there will soon make that region a unit when they are released from rebel tyranny. Their sufferings have been immense. Many of the best citizens have already perished. Among the number O. P. Temple has perished in the prisons of Tuscaloosa. No finer or nobler man has lived or died. We lament his loss. I hope your letter will meet with the same response from the country that it meets in Tennessee. Yours respectfully

Jos. S. Fowler

James S. Fowler

Comptrollers Office

Nashville Tenn. July 22d 62

Gives statement of affairs in Tennessee and, throughout the South. Thinks nothing but a vigorous policy should be adopted. Endorses heartily Governors Letter to the President.

Send Fowler Pamphlet Copy of my speech when published