find this an easy task, as the refractory members sought by every means possible to elude his search.
The following extract from his report gives a glimpse of the ludicrous game of hide-and-seek enacted in different parts of the State:
"I have the honor to report that in compliance with instruction that I should proceed to Hamilton County, and arrest George B. Foster, member of the House of Representatives, I proceeded to Chattanooga on Friday the 13th, 1866, arriving on the morning of the fourteenth, at 2 o'clock; communicated with the Sergeant of the Metropolitan Police, procured a wagon, and, in company with Sergeant Bently, proceeded to the summit of Lookout Mountain, to the residence of Mr. Foster, and was there informed by his family that he had ridden out in the country; carefully watched the premises without result until evening; was informed that he would be home that night; lay up on the mountain all night, awaiting his return. Mr. Foster did not return. I am satisfied that his family on the mountain, at the time of my leaving them, did not positively know of his where-*abouts, although there was a manifest intention on their part to mislead as to his locality. I found it impossible to conceal my business, and destination,—the resolution of the House and order for the arrest of the absentees having been published and otherwise communicated."[1]
Several of the members attempted to resign, but Governor Brownlow refused to accept their resignations. He sent the following response to Mr. Dunnaway, representative from Bedford County: "Sir,—As it is evident the design of your resignation is to reduce the House below a quorum and to break up the Legislature, the same is not accepted."
Exasperated at the repeated failure of the Sergeant-at-arms to arrest the hiding members, Governor Brownlow, on the 14th of July, applied to General Thomas for military
- ↑ Acts of Tennessee, Extra Session, 1866.
