Letter From Mr. A. T. Stewart

Learning that Mr. A T. Stewart, the ïncruhant princo of New York, had tendered the United States government a loan of a million of dollars, a dry goods firra in Merupliis, Tenn., custottiers of Mr. Stewart, addressed him a letter on tho subject, assuring bim that, if he had made such an offer, the Menipliis firui would cancel its inrlcbtedness un til the close of the war. Mr. Stewart repled as füllows : New York, April 29, 1861. Dear Sir - Your letter requesting to know whether or not [ had offered a million of dollars to the govenment for the purpose of the war, aud at the same time iuforming me that neither yourself nor your friends would pay their debts to the ñrm as they matured, has been received The intention not to pay seems to bo universal in the South, aggravated in your case by the assurancethat it does not arise from inability; but whatever may bc your determination, or that of others iu the South, it shall not chance my course. All that l have of position and wealth I owe to the free institutions of the United States, under which in common with all others North and South, protection to life. liberty, aud propertyj have been enjoyed in the fullost manncr.' The government to whieh these blessings re due calis upon her citizens to protect thq capítol of tho Union from threatened assault, and, although the offer to whieh you refer has not in terms been made by me, I yet dedícate all I havo, and will, if need, my lifo to the service of the' country - for to that country I ara bound by tho strongest ties of affection and duty. I had hopcd that Tenncs?ee would bo loyal to the constitution. But, howcver extensivo may bo secession or repudiators, as lonp; as thero are any to uphold tbo sovereignty of tho United States, I shall be with tbem. ounporlinij the flair.