Collected Works of Abraham Lincoln. Volume 7 [Nov. 5, 1863-Sept. 12, 1864].

Annotation

[1]   ALS, DLC-Stanton Papers; LS copy, DLC-RTL. The circular letter of November 30, 1863, signed by Edward D. Townsend by order of the Secretary of War, is as follows:

``To the Generals commanding the Departments of the Missouri, the Tennessee, and the Gulf, and all Generals and officers commanding armies, detachments, and posts, and all officers in the service of the United States in the above mentioned Departments:

``You are hereby directed to place at the disposal of Rev. Bishop Ames all houses of worship belonging to the Methodist Episcopal Church South in which a loyal minister, who has been appointed by a loyal Bishop of said church, does not now officiate.

``It is a matter of great importance to the Government, in its efforts to restore tranquility to the community and peace to the nation, that Christian ministers should, by example and precept, support and foster the loyal sentiment of the people.

``Bishop Ames enjoys the entire confidence of this Department, and no doubt is entertained that all ministers who may be appointed by him will be entirely loyal. You are expected to give him all the aid, countenance, and support practicable in the execution of his important mission.

``You are also authorized and directed to furnish Bishop Ames and his clerk with transportation and subsistence when it can be done without prejudice to the service, and will afford them courtesy, assistance and protection.'' (Edward McPherson, The Political History of the United States . . . During the Great Rebellion, p. 521).

According to McPherson, the Reverend John Hogan, acting for the loyal

Methodists of Missouri, brought the matter to Lincoln's attention and procured an explanatory order to General William S. Rosecrans from Townsend on February 13, as follows:

``I am directed by the Secretary of War to say that the orders from the Department placing at the disposal of the constituted Church authorities in the Northern States houses of worship in other States, is designed to apply only to such States as are by the President's Proclamation designated as being in rebellion and is not designed to operate in loyal States, nor in cases where loyal congregations in rebel States shall be organized and worship upon the terms prescribed by the President's Amnesty.'' (Ibid., p. 523).

See further Lincoln's endorsement to John Hogan, February 13, infra.

[2]   Lincoln originally wrote: ``Is this supposed order genuine? And if so, what is to be done about it?'' It appears deleted in both the ALS and LS copy.