There is no man, whatever his views upon the questions that then divided us, but, in view of the marvellous benefits which are disseminating themselves over these States, must also bless God to-day that slavery no longer exists and that the Union of free States is indissoluble. [Cheers.]
What is it that has stirred the public of this great region, that has kindled these furnace fires, that has converted these retired and isolated farms upon which you and your ancestors dwelt into centres of trade and mechanical pursuits, bringing a market close to the door of the farmer and bringing prosperity into every home? It is that we have no line of division between the States; it is that these impulses of freedom and enterprise, once limited in their operations, are now common in all the States. We have a common heritage. The Confederate soldier has a full, honorable, and ungrudged participation in all the benefits of a great and just Government. [Cheers.]
I do not doubt to-day that these would be among the readiest of our population to follow the old flag if it should be assailed from any quarter. [Cheers.]
Now, my fellow-countrymen, I can pause but a moment with you. It does me good to look into your faces, to receive these evidences of your good-will. I hope I may have guidance and courage in such time as remains to me in public life conscientiously to serve the public good and the common glory of our beloved country. [Great cheering.]
[JONESBORO, TENNESSEE, APRIL 14.]
At Jonesboro, the oldest city in Tennessee and the ancient capital of the State of Franklin, the President was the recipient of a most cordial welcome. All the residents of the town seemed to be present. Among the prominent citizens who participated in the greeting were: Mayor I. E. Reeves, Judge Newton Hacker, R. M. May, Col. T. H. Reeves, A. J. Patterson, S. H. Anderson, Capt. A. S. Deaderick, James H. Epps, Jacob Leab, S. H. L. Cooper, Judge A. J. Brown, John D. Cox, E. H. West, J. A. Febuary, T. B. Hacker, R. N. Dosser, Capt. Geo. McPherson, and Chancellor J. P. Smith.
General Harrison's allusion to John Sevier and his struggle to establish the State of Franklin elicited hearty applause. He spoke as follows:
My Fellow-citizens—We tarry but a moment at this ancient and interesting city, whose story goes back, I think, to the establishment of the State of Franklin, of which perhaps not all of you, certainly not these little ones, ever heard, which John Sevier attempted to set up as an independent commonwealth.