Page:The Presidents of the United States, 1789-1914, v. III.djvu/27

 ANDREW JOHNSON 9 others. He urged the holding of Union meetings throughout the state, and frequently attended them in person. It was chiefly due to his courage that Nashville was held against a Confederate force. He completed the railroad from Nashville to Ten nessee river, and raised 25 regiments for service in the state. On December 8, 1862, he issued a proclamation ordering congressional elections, and on the 15th levied an assessment upon the richer southern sympathizers, &quot;in behalf of the many helpless widows, wives, and children in the city of Nashville who have been reduced to poverty and wretchedness in consequence of their husbands, sons, and, fathers having been forced into the armies of this unholy and nefarious rebellion.&quot; On February 20, 1863, Gov. Johnson issued a procla mation warning the agents of all &quot;traitors&quot; to re tain their collections until some person should be appointed to receive them for the United States. During the term of his service, Gov. Johnson exer cised absolute and autocratic powers, but with singular moderation and discretion, and his course strengthened the Union cause in Tennessee. The Republican convention assembled in Balti more, June 6, 1864, and renominated Mr. Lincoln for the presidency by acclamation. There was a strong sentiment in favor of recognizing the polit ical sacrifices made for the cause of the Union by the war Democrats, and it was generally conceded