 The "Knoxville Register" described the Convention as "a few tory leaders of Knoxville and King Nelson," and accused them of trying to ignite bloodshed by inviting federal soldiers to the region.The "Memphis Appeal" referred to the Convention as "Traitors in Council," and the "Nashville Patriot" derided the Convention's "Declaration of Grievances" as "unworthy a free, just and magnanimous people.