At a meeting in the Representatives Hall of the capitol of Tennessee : on the evening of September 12th, 1864, Col. R.D. Mussey, Judge J.M. Palmer, Dr. R.L. Stanford, and Captain J.F. Rusling were appointed to prepare an address expressive of the sentiments of the meeting. They submitted the following: To the loyal men and women of the loyal states---Greeting: We, officers and soldiers of the armies of the United States, stationed here, desire to join with you in devout ascriptions to the only giver of victory, ... Three years ago, when traitors attempted to destroy our nation, we all pledged ourselves to our country. ... We know that never before were the Rebels so nearly conquered. ... We have victory in our hands. If we fail to clutch it and retain it now, we are criminal, ... Believe not, brothers and sisters, we beseech you, those men, who preach a peace to be gained by our submission. ... Black men have in this war fought bravely for our flag, on the ocean and on the land. They have been true to our cause, and it would be monstrous injustice to allow them ever again to be held as chattels by the perjured traitors who once owned them. ... Brothers and sisters, we spurn the proffered "sympathy" of traitors who have never voted a man nor a dollar towards putting down this rebellion; and, not as partizans, nor politicians, but as patriots, we beg you, ... to elect Abraham Lincoln and Andrew Johnson. ...