2006-03
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 2/28/2006
Printed ballot used by a Tennessean, James M. Goodbar 4th Tennessee Cavalry, to register his vote for secession. 3-1/2"x2-1/2", June, 1861. Front printed "Southern Rights Ticket. SEPARATION. REPRESENTATION." signifying that Goodbar was submitting his vote for Secession and Representation in the Confederate Government. Signed on verso "Jas M. Goodbar 301 Main St. Memphis, Tenn." Show through, else Fine. On April 25, 1861, Governor Isham Harris of Tennessee asked the General Assembly of that state to adopt an Ordinance to declare Tennessee independent of the Union. On May 6, the legislature passed the ordinance and put to a vote of the people not only a declaration of independence but also the issue of adopting the provisional constitution of the Confederacy. In the election held on June 8, Tennessee voters would vote for 'Separation' or 'No Separation' as well as for 'Representation' or 'No Representation,' referring to representation in the Confederate government. The voters, who three months before had voted overwhelmingly against leaving the Union, now changed their stance and voted to dissolve their pact with the Federal Government. In a move to encourage that people vote in the proper manner, Pro-Secession officials made it difficult for voters to register a no vote by urging people who were voting for separation to turn in their ballots unfolded. This would result in others to be branded as traitors and undoubtedly suffer repercussions from their fellow citizens. The above ballot was surely one of the tools used by these officials to encourage Confederate voters and discourage dissent.
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