Thomas A. R. Nelson

Released
Full name:Thomas Nelson
Date of birth:19. 03. 1812
Date of death:24. 08. 1873
Age:61† Deceased
Gender:Male
Race:White
Era:1800s
State:Tennessee
Support
Thomas A. R. Nelson

Biography

Thomas A. R. Nelson was a leading East Tennessee Unionist elected to the United States Congress in 1859. Thomas A. R. Nelson was arrested by Confederate cavalry in August 1861 as he tried to make his way north to take his seat. Taken to Richmond, he was released only after publishing an address agreeing to submit to the Confederate government — a pledge he gave under duress to protect himself and the Unionists of East Tennessee. He later served on the defense team at Andrew Johnson's impeachment trial. (Recorded as Thomas Amis Rogers Nelson)

Case

Charges: No formal charges — arrested by Confederate forces as a Unionist congressman-elect
Incarcerated: August 1861
Released: 1861
Sentence: Held at Richmond and released after pledging, under duress, to submit to the Confederate government.

Related Cases

Tilghman Vestal Tilghman Vestal David Fry David Fry R. B. C. Howell R. B. C. Howell William G. Brownlow William G. Brownlow