To Edwin M. Stanton1Jump to section
Sec. of War, please make up an order & send to Mr. Guthrie according to the despatches pro & con, in the case of Samuel B. Churchill. A. LINCOLN
May 19, 1863.
Annotation
[1] AES, NHi. See Lincoln to Guthrie, and to Stanton, May 16, supra. Lincoln's endorsement is written on a telegram from Joshua F. and James Speed, May 19, 9:10 A.M., ``Did you get our dispatch of Sunday about Churchill of St Louis The time is so short & we so anxious must be our apology for this message.'' The telegram of Sunday, May 17, is as follows: ``Samuel B. Churchill, of Saint Louis, was arrested in this city by order of General Curtis and taken to Saint Louis. We understand that he with his family . . . are ordered to leave for the South on Wednesday. We know Churchill well, being an old schoolmate and intimate friend to both of us. His father. . . . died a few months ago leaving a large estate and the prisoner one of his executors, with important and indispensable duties to discharge in which many of our and your friends are deeply interested, none of which can be discharged without his discretion. In view of all the circumstances we ask a revocation of this order, and we will hold ourselves bound for the faithful performance of any obligation which may be imposed on him. . . . The duties alluded to in connection with his father's estate are here. If his presence is hurtful in Saint Louis can he be allowed to remain here? If this is granted we will hold ourselves in honor bound to inform on him and arrest him should he do anything wrong. If this cannot be done can a respite be granted till one of us can see you or the Secretary of War?'' (OR, II, V, 631).
Following receipt of Lincoln's note on May 19, Stanton caused Special Orders No. 223 to be issued, allowing Churchill ``to reside at Louisville upon condition that he take the oath of allegiance to the Government of the United States and that the Hon. James Guthrie pledge himself to the officer commanding at Louisville that Colonel Churchill shall be of good behavior and do no act of hostility to the United States and communicate no information nor give any aid or comfort to the enemy. . . .'' (Ibid., pp. 663-64).