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military punishment, and, I humbly submit, a subject upon which it was not proper for them to decide.

Third. It will moreover be seen that the military authorities are dealing with me not as a citizen, but distinctly and formally as a minister of the Gospel. They commanded me to" cease from this date the functions of" my "office in the State of Missouri." Now, my office as a minister of the Gospel, I do not receive from the State but from the church of Christ, and its functions can only be suspended by those from whom I received my office, and it seems to me that the military authorities should not sit in judgment upon that office, that they should only know me as a citizen, and only deal with me as such.

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to ask that the church may be left to her liberty, that the military authorities be not permitted to judge and decide between me and the members of my church, upon purely ecclesiastical questions; that they be not permitted to as sume authority over the government and worship of the Presbyterian church.

Let this be done and I am prepared to show, by patient endurance, the kind and degree of obedience, which, as a Christian citizen, I am ready to render to the "powers that be."

As for the rest, I shall calmly but confidently leave my character and my innocency to be vindicated by that Divine Providence before whom even a sparrow does not fail unobmil-served, and who can make all things work together for his people's good.

Fourth. It will be further seen in the order that the itary authorities take command not only of the church edifice, but of the books and papers, i. e., the church records, and order them to be given into the hands of three individuals, who, while they are members of the church, and one of them an elder, are not the persons to whom the church has or would commit them if permitted to declare her will; and further still it will be seen from this order, that these same three individuals are appointed by the military to fill the pulpit, and determine what kind of religious instruction the church shall have. All this is not only done, but it is published to the world in an order which will be read through the country.

I have felt it to be my duty, not only as a minister of the Gospel, but as a good citizen, to call the distinct attention of the Government to this matter, and ask if this order is not in accordance with the Constitution, laws, and usages of the United States, that such steps may be taken as shall be necessary to correct it. In the meantime I design to render implicit obedience to all these orders, for while I cannot admit that my ministerial office, or the government and worship of the church, is under the direction of the civil or military authorities, yet I feel it my duty to set an example of obedience, and to wait the correction which I feel convinced will be made by those having the uitimate decision of the matter. And it is, in my esteem, a happy circumstance that I find in the legal adviser of the Government one, who, at the same time, is so well acquainted with the nistory and constitution of the church in which I am a minister.

I have said nothing of what I consider the cruel personal wrong which is done to me by this order. It can be considered as nothing less than an official endorsement of a etter which appears in the St. Louis Democrat, (newspaper) Dec. 13, 1562, signed by the three individuals to whom Gen. Curtis hands over the church to which I minister, which letter I regard as a most shameless and false assault upon my character, so that if this order is permitted to remain, the whole influence of the Government, to which I have a right to look for protection, sends me out branded with crimes which I contemplate with horror, and which I indignantly deny that I have committed.

The only offence, if offence it be, which malice itself can charge against me, is, that being a minister of the Gospel, I have aimed to stand aloof, not only in public, but in private, from the exciting discussions of these unhappy times, and to devote all my energies to the distinctive duties of my calling. But while this has been the course which I have thought proper and becoming me as a man set apart by the church of God, to deal with men about their highest interests, I have at the same time, not forgotten my duty as a citizen. In a formal paper read before the General Assembly of the Presbyterian church, and which is upon its records, and was published through the country, I declared "that true allegiance and lawful subjection and obedience to the civil Government, as an ordinance of God, are among the highest duties of religion," and more recently still, in the public prints and over my own signature, I declared that as a citizen, I hold it to be a most important and indispensable part of my duty to God, to obey law, to submit to the authorities, to pray for them, to render them the honors due their several stations, and to promote peace and quietness," and what is more, I have not only taught this in words, but by my example, I have declared the same thing, by the quiet but unhesitating manner in which I have gone forward in the discharge of every civil duty enjoined upon me either by the word of God or by the laws of the land, and especially by voluntarily taking the following oath, enjoined by the State Convention of Missouri, June 10th, 1862, upon those who solemnize the right of matrimony. [Here the oath was inserted.]

But while I feel that it is hard for a course like this, that I should be driven as a criminal from my home into a climate unfriendly to my impaired health, and among strangers who are by an official paper warned to suspect me, I say, while I feel all this to be a great wrong, I do not come make any personal plra. If the good of the State requires that a quiet and peaceful family should be banished, that an innocent man should be treated as a criminal, let it be done. The man is not worthy the name of a man who is not willing to suffer even wrongfully for the public good. I come

What is proper to be done in this matter is not for me to decide, but I most earnestly and respectfully request that the subject may receive such attention as is proper.

The only personal request I make is, that if the sentence of banishment is carried out, that I may have sufficient time allowed me to make reasonable preparation for my departure, and that I may be permitted to choose what locality I prefer in "the loyal States," or to go to a foreign country, if I shall so elect. Very respectfully,

SAMUEL B. MCPHEETERS.

MODIFICATION OF THE order.
OFFICE OF THE PROVOST MARSHAL GEN'L,
DEPARTMENT OF THE MIssouri,
ST. LOUIS, MO., Dec. 28, 1862

Rev. S. B. MCPHEETERS and WIFE:

The order made against you on the 19th of December, is modified until further orders, to this extent: that you are not required to leave the State.

By order of Major General Curtis :

F. A. DICK,
Lieut. Col., Provost Marshal General.

LETTER OF THE PRESIDENT TO GEN. CURTIS.
EXECUTIVE MANSION,
WASHINGTON, January 2, 1863.

Major General CURTIS:

MY DEAR SIR: Yours of December 29th by the hand of Mr. Strong is just received. The day I telegraphed you suspending the order in relation to Dr. McPheeters he with Mr. Bates, the Attorney General, appeared before me and left with me a copy of the order mentioned. The Dr. also showed me the copy of an oath which he said he had taken, which is indeed very strong, and specific. He also verbally assured me that he had constantly prayed in church for the President and Government, as he had al ways done before the present war. In looking over the recitals in your order, I do not see that this matter of the prayer, as he states it, is negatived: nor that any violation of his oath is charged, nor in fact that anything specific is alleged against him. The charges are all general, that he has a rebel wife, and rebel relations, that he sympathizes with rebels, and that he exercises rebel influence.

Now after talking with him, I tell you frankly, I believe he does sympathize with the rebels; but the question re mains whether such a man of unquestioned good moral character, who has taken such an oath as he has, and can not even be charged of violating it, and who can be charged with no other specific act or omission, can with safety to this government be exiled upon the suspicion of his secret sympathies. But I agree that this must be left to you who are on the spot; and if, after all, you think the public good requires his removal, my suspension of the order is withdrawn, only with this qualification, that the time during the suspension is not to be counted against him. I have promised him this.

But I must add that the United States Government must not, as by this order, undertake to run the churches When an individual, in a church or out of it, becomes dangerous to the public interest, he must be checked; bat let the churches, as such, take care of themselves. It will not do for the United States to appoint Trustees, Supervisors, or other agents for the churches. Yours very truly,

A. LINCOLN.

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LETTER FROM GEN. CURTIS TO DR. M'PHEETERS. I think I see them. But this I think I have a right to ex

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE MISSOURI, ST. LOUIS, March 28th, 1863. Rev. S. B. MCPHEETERS, St. Louis: Restraint having been imposed on your exercise of public unctions because of supposed disloyalty, some of your riends have traversed the fact of your being disloyal, and desire my personal intervention. With a view of ascertaining your sentiments, I submit to you the following interrogatories for your answer:

1st, Do you wish the rebellion crushed, and are you in favor of the restoration of the national authority over all our territory?

2d, In the conflict of war now existing do you desire the success of the federal and the defeat of the rebel forces? I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

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Commanding the Department of the Missouri: GENERAL: I have the honor of acknowledging the receipt of your favor of the 28th instant, the Sabbath intervening between its date and reception.

Allow me, General, to express my thanks for the kind manner in which you received and heard certain friends of mine, and for your further kindness in reviewing your decision in my case.

Under other circumstances than those in which I find myself placed, it might be proper and becoming in me to express freely and tuily, both my desires and opinions, as far as I have desire or have formed opinions in relation to our sad national calamities; but the position in which my seemingly hard fato has placed me is peculiar and embarrassing, and my answer to your interrogatories must be determined in view of all the circumstances surrounding me and my conviction of duty. I do not mean that I have or that any citizen ought to have any difficulty in acknowledging his allegiance. Certainly no such difficulty is in my way. When in the General Assembly of my church it was charged that I was "disloyal," defining that word according to the standard authorities, I promptly and thoroughly repelled the charge before the whole country; and when the Convention of this State, by ordinance, required a most carefully prepared oath of allegiance to be taken by those who solemnize the rites of matrimony, in obedience to the teachings of my church on that particular matter, (Iirectory of Worship, chap. xi, 1,) and from a sense of duty, I voluntarily subscribed and filed it, as required. And in this connection allow me to say, that one of the things which I have found it hardest to bear in the course of the authorities toward me, is that I have not only been treated as if I had taken that oath without honor of conscience, but whatever influence my office or character give me, is made to encourage and sustain those who are shaking the very foundation of all society by deuying the solemn and binding obligations of an oath. But I torbear. I have said so much as due to myself and to my friends who have interposed in my behalf.

As to the particular interrogatories propounded, they are of the same import as those which certain members of my church and congregation demanded that I should answer. I denied their right to require me to give any answer to ench questions, and in doing so used this language: "And this position I take, not from any disposition to stand out captiously upon an abstract question of right, nor from any disposition improperly to conceal my views on political questions, but from a conscientious conviction that I cannot yield the thing you claim without, to the full extent of my example, compromising the rights of every minister, and endangering the peace of all the churches." When I refused to answer the questions of the members of my church, they made appeal to the public, and directly or indirectly to the military authorities; the result was that Military Order No. 152 was made and issued, which, for my silence and refusal to answer these gentlemen, banished me from my pulpit, and, as originally made, from the State. This order is, in express terms on its face, based on my position above quoted, taken with these members of my church.

If I was right then, it cannot now be proper that I should give an answer which I then declined on principle, a principle on the maintenance of which I then and now believe depends in a great degree the peace, the purity and the spiritual power of the church. I do not expect you, General, to see all the consequences of the precedent which my answer to the questions proposed would establish, as I

pect, that you will see that, believing as I do, I cannot answer the questions which you propound, under the circumstances in which they are propounded, without abandoning my religious convictions and wounding my conscience. I dare not, then, whatever be the consequences to me personally, make such a reply to your letter as you probably expected.

But I trust I have said enough to satisfy you that all charges of disloyalty against me are without foundation. In this connection I may be pardoned for quoting from your "Circular letter" defining loyalty. You say: "Prima facie, an oath of allegiance is evidence of loyalty, and when men have taken upon themselves such obligations, and have lived and acted consistently with them, they should be regarded as loyal." I have taken the oath voluntarily and conscientiously; I have lived in consistency with it; your own words declare the rest, I should be regarded as loyal." Under your order, and with any construction that can be put upon it, I would be allowed to buy and sell, to practice medicine or to plead law. Why not to preach the gospel?

But I will not weary your patience. I have not believed that in anything that has occurred, you have designed to do me injustice, and I hope that you will see your way clear to remove the hindrances to my returning to my work and calling. In any event I shall try and so live and act, that those who know me will be constrained to confess that I am not a bad, much less a dangerous citizen. I have the honor to be, General, Your obedient servant, SAML. B. MCPHEETERS.

LETTER OF DR. M'PHEETERS TO MAJOR GENERAL SCHOFIELD.

To Major General SCHOFIELD,

ST. LOUIS, June 2, 1863.

Commanding the Department of the Missouri: GENERAL: The Presbytery of St. Louis, of which I am a member, stands adjourned to meet in this city on to-morrow to hear and consider certain matters in relation to the Church of which I am the pastor. The matters that will be then discussed are of deep personal interest to me. Special Order No. 152, issued on the 19th of December, 1862, prohibits my exercising the functions of my office in the State of Missouri during the present war. One of the functions of my office, as a minister of the Gospel, is to sit in ecclesiastical courts, and my object in addressing you is respectfully to request that under the circumstances which I have stated, you will so far suspend Order No. 152 as not to hold me guilty of its violation if I attend this meeting of my Church court and participate in its deliberations. I deem it but proper to say that when Presbytery held its meeting in this city on the 15th of last month for the same purpose, that I made a verbal request through Brigadier General Edwards of General Curtis to be allowed to sit in Presbytery without offence to the military authorities, and it was not granted. This I felt to be hard, as my only object in asking a temporary suspension of the order was that I might have an opportunity to defend my ministerial character and conduct before the ecclesiastical court to which I am amenable.

I have the honor to be, General, your obedient servant,
SAMUEL B. MCPHEETERS.

REPLY OF GENERAL SCHOFIELD.
HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE MISSOUri,
ST. LOUIS, June 3, 1863.

Rev. SAMUEL B. MCPHEETERS:

SIR: I am directed by the Major General commanding to say that you have permission to attend the meeting of the Presbytery of St. Louis for the purpose of defending your ministerial character, but not to act as a member of such body.

I am, sir, very respecfully, your obedient servant,

A. V. COLBURN,

4. A. G. LETTER OF DR. M'PHEETERS TO GOV. GAMBLE. ST. LOUIS, December 3, 1863.

To Governor GAMBLE: DEAR SIR: As your time is necessarily occupied by your official duties, it is with reluctance that I trouble you with any matters relating to myself. I know, too, that the removal of the grievance under which I labor is not immedi ately in your hands. What I wish to ask of you, however, is only your kind offices in suggesting anything that it may be proper for me to do, and any assistance in the premises which you may be disposed to give me. I flatter myself that my intercourse with you in years past has left the im

pression on yon that I will not knowingly make any statement which I do not my self believe to be true.

LETTER OF PRESIDENT LINCOLN TO 0. D. FILLEY.
EXECUTIVE MANSION,
WASHINGTON, December 22, 1863.

0. D. FILLEY, Esq., St. Louis. Mo:
I have just looked over a petition signed by some three
dozen citizens of St. Louis, and the accompanying letters,
one by yourself, one by a Mr. Nathan Ranney, and one by s
Mr. John D. Coalter, the whole relating to the Rev. Dr.
McPheeters. The petition prays in the name of justice
and mercy that I will restore Dr. McPheeters to all his
ecclesiastical rights.

This gives no intimation as to what ecclesiastical rights are withheld. Your letter states that Provost-Marshal Dick, about a year ago, ordered the arrest of Dr. McPhee ters, Pastor of Pine Street Church, prohibited him from officiating, and placed the management of the affairs of the church out of the control of the chosen Trustees; and near the close you state that a certain course" would insure his release." Mr. Ranney's letter says: Dr. Samuel B. Mepreach the gospel!!!" Mr Coalter, in his letter, asks: "Is it not a strange illustration of the condition of things, that the question who shall be allowed to preach in a church in St. Louis shall be decided by the President of the United States ?"

My case is this: On the 19th day of December, 1862, a military order was issued containing a three-fold sentence. 1st. Myself and wife were to be banished to specified limits in the Northern States. 2d. While I remained in Missouri I was prohibited the exercise of my functions as a minister of the Gospel. 3d. My Church was taken from the control of its ecclesiastical officers, and given in charge of a commission who are directed to provide a preacher and conduct the services. By a subsequent order, dated December 28, 1862, the sentence of banishment was suspended. By a third order, dated March 4, the control of my Church was returned to the church officers. From these several orders (copies of which I inclose, marked A, B, and C) it will be seen that the only part of the original order against me that remains in force, is that which forbids me the exercise of my distinctive functions as a minister of the Gospel. So true is this, that it is known to the entire community that for nearly a year I have been in the full and uninterrupted enjoyment of every right of a citizen, except my ecclesias-Pheeters is enjoying all the rights of a civilian, but cannot tical and religious rights. Refusing to receive a salary from my congregation for services I was prevented from rendering. I have been forced to turn to secular pursuits. For many months past I have found employment in a law office. In this position I have not only prepared, but, in person, presented and passed claims before a commission appointed by the President of the United States. If prepared, I might practice law; if disposed, I might publicly lecture on history, art, or science. I have voted without challenge or objection. In short, there is no secular calling which is not as open to me as to any other citizen, and yet it would be a military offence for me to preach a sermon, to administer the Lord's Supper, to officiate at a funeral, or to sit in an Ecclesiastical Court! The simple naked fact is, that as matters now stand, the military authorities have deposed me from the Gospel Ministry, and this is the only grievance under which I labor and from which I seek to be relieved. I could give a very rational explanation of this strange, not to say absurd issue of my case, but it would require more space than I think proper to occupy. Suffice it to say that it is manifest on the face of the original order that it was no part of the purpose of the military authorities, at the time the order was issued, to prohibit the exercise of my ministerial functions for a longer time than the ten days which were to elapse between the order and the banishment. When the order of banishment was suspended it was so worded, however, as to leave the ecclesiastical sentence in force. And there matters have stood to this time. I think I have a right to assume, if there was any valid ground why I should have been punished, that it would have come to light in a year, and I am confident if there had been any If, after all, what is how sought, is to have me put Doeevidence against me I would not have been permitted to tor M. back over the head of a majority of his own con remain in the State. The truth is, Governor, that the origi-gregation, that, too, will be declined. I will not have connal sentence was hastily issued upon the representation of trol of any church on any side. one or two misguided and prejudiced men, and was pronounced without my having any examination or trial whatwhatever. This I have always regarded as hard treatment. For some months before the order was issued, hearing that charges and insinuations were being made against me privately, I went in person to both the District Provost Marshal and to the Provost Marshal General, and made special Rev. SAMUEL B. MCPHEETERS, D. D., St. Louis, Mo.: request that if charges of any kind were preferred against me that I might have a hearing before sentence was passed. And if this, as it seemed to me, reasonable request had been granted, I firmly believe that no order would ever have been issued. It is most certain that the order of December 19 could not be obtained against me now. I believe that those who asked and procured it then, would not ask it to-day. I am much mistaken if they are glad to-day of what they did a year ago.

I have not, up to this time, presented my case to the General now commanding this Department, nor asked him to review it, mainly for two reasons:

1st. It was a case decided by his predecessor.

Now, all this sounds very strangely; and, withal, a little as if you gentlemen, making the application, do not understand the case alike; one affirming that the doctor is enjoying all the rights of a civilian, and another pointing out to me what will secure his release. On the 2d of January last, I wrote to General Curtis in relation to Mr. Dick's order upon Doctor McPheeters; and, as I suppose the Doctor is enjoying all the rights of a civilian, I only quote that part of my letter which relates to the Church. It was as follows: "But I must add that the United States Government must not, as by this order, undertake to run the churches. When an individual, in the church or out of it, becomes dangerous to the public interest, he must be checked; but the churches, as such, must take care of themselves. It will not do for the United States to appoint Trustees, Supervisors, or other agents for the churches." This letter going to General Curtis, then in command there, I supposed, of course, it was obeyed, especially as I heard no further complaint from Doctor McPheeters or his friends for nearly an entire year. I have never interfered, nor thought of interfering as to who shall or shall not preach in any church; nor have I knowingly or believingly tolerated any one else to so interfere by my authority. If any one is so interfering, by color of my authority, I would like to have it specifically made known to me.

Yours respectfully,

LETTER OF ATTORNEY-GENERAL
M'PHEETERS.

A. LINCOLN. BATES TO DR.

WASHINGTON, December 31, 1863.

REV. AND DEAR SIR: Governor Gamble transmitted to me (in his letter of December 21) your letter to him of Dec. 3, which contains a lucid statement of the condition in which you suppose yourself to be left, by the various military orders, copies of which accompanied your letter.

Before the receipt of Gov. Gamble's letter I had received a petition in your behalf, adressed to the President, by some twenty or more, among whom 1 recognize some of the worthiest men in St. Louis. That petition, with several letters of individuals, which were sent with it I laid before the President. He seemed much surprised to find that you were still laboring under any clerical or pro2d. Friends in whose judgment I relied, thought that in fessional disability, in consequence of those ill advised the condition of things in Missouri, it was better for me military orders, which, in all their personal and civil bearpatiently to wait. I feel that I have now waited longings had been superseded long ago." And he answered Mr. enough, and I think something should be done in my case. I am the only minister, of any denomination in the city, prohibited by the military authorities from preaching. I appeal to you as one acquainted with this community, and acquainted with me, if such a distinction against me makes the impression upon respectable citizens that this sentence is just and right! The question I wish to submit to you is, what should I do to bring my case before the proper authorities? If the sentence can be removed by a simple reversal, giving no reasons, and going into no explanation, I have no objection. If a trial is necessary, then I ask, as a matter of justice, that it may be full and searching, and that I have a fair opportunity of thoroughly vindicating

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O. D. Filley (who wrote one of the letters, above referred to) in a manner which he supposed, would end the ques tion. Again, I brought the matter to his notice, by exhibiting the documents first mentioned in this letter. The President, in substance, answered that it was always bis wish and purpose to hold individuals responsible for their own acts, without any reference to the fact that they hap pened to be members or officers of particular churchesthat the fact of being a member or pastor of a church was no excuse for personal misdemeanor. But that he never intended to assume or permit his subordinate officers to se sume, any power to govern or control the churches, or in any manner to determine who may or who raay not preach and minister in them. You say that you are in the full fruition of your civil righ's, and the President consiliers you as free in the enjoyment of your ecclesiastical rights.

I write this with the express permission of the President, and I presume to advise that you quietly resume the exercise of all the rights, duties, and functions of your I remain with great respect, your friend and servant, EDWARD BATES.

office, as if no interruption had occurred.

THE CHARGE OF THE CHURCH EDIFICE.

the

sist. The Assembly refused to sustain complaint of Dr. McPheeters, 47 voting to sustain, 2 to sustain in part, 117 not to sustain, and 1 excused from voting.

THE ANDERSON CASE.

DERSON, D. d.

Upon the issue of the order of December COURT MARTIAL AND SENTENCE OF 8. J. P. AN19, 1862, the session, (Elders John Whitehill, William T. Wood, Alexander Marshall, David K. Ferguson, and William W. Greene, present, and Martin Simpson, and George P. Strong, and the Pastor, absent.) at its meeting, Dec. 20, 1862, passed these resolutions unanimously:

1. By the standards and Constitution of the Presbyterian Church, the government and discipline of the Church is in the Session of the Church, composed of the Pastor and Elders, chosen and elected by the people; and the Session only has, or can have, the rightful custody and control of the church edifice, and books and papers of the Church. 2. The Constitution of the Church provides for the selection of Pastors and Ministers, and only in the modes provided can a Pastor or Minister be appointed, or elected, for any church or congregation. All power and control in the selection of Pastors and Ministers, is by our Constitution denied to the civil or other government, or other human power outside of the Church.

3. As members of this Session, we are under solemn vows to obey and maintain the Constitution of the Presbyterian Church, and whilst we yield obedience to said military order, and surrender, so far as we have possession and custody, our church edifice, books and papers, to the control of the individuals indicated, to wit: George P. Strong, James M. Corbitt and John M. Ferguson, a sense of duty constrains us to record our convictions, that the necessary effect of the order is to suspend, while the order is in force, organized church action.

4. We earnestly urge and entreat all the members the of Church not to suffer this sore affliction to scatter our little flock, but to maintain steadfastly their present relations with Pine Street Church, and in faith and trust and Christian patience, await the return of the day when in God's providence, the possession and control of our church edifice, and the government and discipline of the Church, shall be restored to us, to be used and exercised in accordance with the Constitution and Standards of the Presbyterian Church.

5. We know not on what evidence the military authority acted, as their order affects onr Pastor, the Rev. Samuel B. McPheeters, and intend no impeachment of their action; but adhering to our Pastor as we do, and as our solemn Vows require of us, a sense of duty impels us to bear our testimony to his rare talents and efficiency as a minister, and to his faithfulness as a Pastor. We have been on terms of most familiar intercourse with him. We believe more than four-fifths of the church and congregation would unite with us in this utterance. We commend him to the sympathy and affection of God's people, wherever he may go or sojourn in his involuntary wanderings from the people of his charge, whom he so much loves.

6. We have no purpose in these resolutions to criticise the order of the military, referred to; our only aim has been to declare our views of our powers and duty as a church session in the circumstances that surround us.

REVOCATION OF THE ORDER.
HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE MISSOURI,
OFFICE OF THE PROVOST MARSHAL GEN'L,
ST. LOUIS, March 4, 1863.

Special Order No. 25.]
Special Order No. 152, paragraph II, of date of 19th De-
cember, 1862, relating to the Pine Street Presbyterian
Church, is hereby further modified as follows:

It appearing that Messrs. Strong, Corbitt, and Ferguson have not taken charge of the church edifice, books and papers, so much of said order as directed them so to do is how rescinded.

By command of Maj. Gen. S. R. Curtis.

F. A. DICK,

Before a military commission which convened at St. Louis, Missouri, pursuant to Special Orders No. 97, series of 1863, from Headquarters St. Louis District, and of which Colonel John F. Tyler, 1st regiment of Infantry, M. S. M., is President, was arraigned and tried Rev. S. J. P. Anderson, citizen of St. Louis, Missouri, on the following charge and specifications:

Charge.-Disloyalty to the Federal Government. First Specification.-Uttering disloyal expressions, and expressions of hostility to the Government of the United States, and manifesting sympathy with rebels and their cause. In that, he has asserted and maintained, avowed and admitted, that rebellion is not a sin; that the South is right; that the war against the rebellion is wrong and unwarrantable; that the South is justified in its course, and that it cannot be subdued by Federal arms; using, also, other language and expressions of similar import and tendency.

Second Specification.-In that he has openly justified the attack on and capture of Fort Sumter, in April, 1861, and at sundry times prior to June 1, 1863.

Third Specification.-In that he did, at his residence at St. Louis, display, or permit to be displayed from his house, the rebel colors, and erect, or permitted to be erected, or to be continued on his premises, a mound or miniature fort or fortification designated as "Fort Sumter," and bearing the rebel flag a considerable time in the spring of 1861.

Fourth Specification.-In that he denounced the capture of Camp Jackson by the Federal forces as a violent outrage on the sovereignty of the State.

Fifth Specification.-Having openly approved of the firing on United States soldiers in the streets of St. Louis on or about the 11th and 13th days of May, 1861, and denounced these soldiers as "home butchers," "murderers," and words of like import.

Sixth Specification.-Evincing pleasure and gratification in rebel successes and Federal reverses, thus signifying his approval of the rebellion.

Seventh Specification.-Openly stating and avowing that the war against the rebels is wrong and unwarrantable, and that he could not pray for its success on the national fast day of September 30, 1861.

Eighth Specification-At a meeting of several clergymen, held in the city of St. Louis, to concert a union of their several churches in the observance of a national fast day, appointed by the President of the United States for the 30th day of September, 1861, he conditioned his joining in such observance on this, that the success of the Federal arms should not be prayed for, and he refused to join in such observance of a fast day because his conditions were rejected.

Ninth Specification.-That on and after a meeting of the Church Extension Board of the so-called Old School Presbyterian Church in the city of St. Louis, in conversation, argued and spoke in favor of the rebel cause, and against the efforts of the Government of the United States to put down the rebellion, averring that the South was in the right, and could not and ought not to be conquered.

Tenth Specification.-That, as a clergyman and a pastor, he has openly cast his influence in favor of the rebellion, and against the Government of the United States, by his public and private conduct, language and demeanor, in this wise-that he has averred the South to be right, and the Government of the United States to be wrong, in the present conflict, and that rebellion is not a sin; that it could not be put down by the Government of the United States; that it ought to succeed and would succeed; and that loyalty had nothing to do with the qualification for membership in the church, Synod, and other religious

bodies.

Eleventh Specification.-In that he had arms concealed in his house for the purpose of resisting the Federal troops known as Home Guards, and which were designated by him as "Dutch rule," and also saying that he would use these arms if his liberties were attempted to be interfered with by them, and using words of like import, intimating that he intended resistance to military law.

Lt. Col. and Provost Marshal General. The case of Dr. McPheeters was before the last General Assembly of the (Old School) The Commission, after mature deliberation and reflecPresbyterian Church, on an appeal. A body tion, have found the prisoner guilty of all the above specificlaiming to be the Presbytery of St. Louis dis- cations, and also the charge, and have therefore sentenced solved the pastoral relation between Dr. Mc-him to be sent south of the lines of the Federal army at as Pheeters and the Pine Street congregation, and early a day as practicable. on his resuming service, requested him to de

The proceedings have been disapproved by the Commanding General, on account of a defect in the orders convening

the Commission. The number of members in this case was reduced below the minimum prescribed in paragraph 2, in General Orders No. 1, series of 1862, from these headquarters.

The proceedings are therefore inoperative and void.

ORDER RESPECTING RELIGIOUS
CONVOCATIONS.

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE MISSOURI,

ST. LOUIS, MO., March 5, 1864.

COLONEL In the opinion of the General Commanding, the interests of the country require that due protection should be given within the limits of this department to religious convocations, and other religious assemblages of persons whose function it is to teach religion and morality to the people. But at the present time he deems it expedient that the members of such assemblages should be required to give satisfactory evidence of their loyalty to the Government of the United States as a condition precedent to such privilege of assemblage and protection.

The Major General Commanding desires that you take such steps as in your judgment will best secure these objects.

I am, Colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

O. D. GREEN.
Assistant Adjutant General.
To Col. J. P. SANDERSON, Provost Marshal General, Depart-
ment of Missouri.

EXPLANATORY LETTER FROM GEN. ROSECRANS.
HEADQUARTERS DEP'T OF THE MISSOURI,

ST. LOUIS, MO., April 29, 1864.

DEAR SIR: Assured by your letter of the 25th that the members of the Presbytery, which were to have met at Booneville, are loyal, I am quite satisfied that nothing but a proper understanding of the origin and purposes of the or der is necessary to cause it to meet their hearty approval. My respect for your body, and for the principles of ligious freedom, require that I should give an explanation to you and the religious public.

I regret to say that, while I have abundant evidence of their satisfaction, I know of very few who have complained of it who have been remarkable for loyalty. Most of them bave been remarkable for their sympathy with the rebellion, and now live in our mist croaking, fault-finding, and even rejoicing in the nation's struggles and reverses, like the impious son of Noah, who uncovered and mocked at the nakedness of his father.

It is very easy to see that such persons injure the cause of religious freedom, as they do that of the country.

From what has been said, it is manifest that the order, while providing against public danger, protects the freedom and purity of religion, on the one hand, from disgraceful complicity with treason, and, on the other, from an irk some surveillance, which would otherwise become necessary in time of public danger. W. S. ROSECRANS, Major General To the Rev. J. B. FINLEY, Stated Clerk, Westchester College, Fulton, Missouri.

THE DEPARTMENT OF MISSISSIPPI,
1864, June 18-Col. B. G. Farrar, command-
ing at Natchez, issued this order:

ORDER OF COL. B. G. FARRAR.
HEADQUARTERS U. S. FORCES,
NATCHEZ, MISS., June 18, 1884.

[SPECIAL ORDER, No. 31.]

Extract.

II. The Colonel commanding this district having been officially notified that the pastors of many churches in this city neglect to make any public recognition of allegiance under which they live, and to which they are indebited for protection, and further, that the regular form of prayer for "the President of the United States, and all others in re-authority," prescribed by the ritual in some churches, and by established custom in others, has been omitted in the stated services of churches of all denominations, it is hereby

Loyal church members, both lay and clerical, called my attention to the fact that many assemblages of ministers and teachers of religion of various denominations were to convene during the spring and summer, in which would doubtless be many persons openly and avowedly hostile to the National and State Governments; that in one most of them would be open enemies to the Union. They also prayed me to take such measures as that those assemblages should not be used to concoct treason or injure the pational cause.

What was to be done? If all who claim to meet for religious purposes can do so without question, a convocation from Price's army, under the garb of religion, may assembie with impunity and plot treason in our midst.

If, on the contrary, religious assemblies, really such, are scrutinized with the same freedom as, political meetings of unknown and doubtful character, not only would it be necessary to inquire into the ministerial character of its members, but their public and private proceedings must be so watched that treason could not be perpetrated without detection and punishment, which would occasion a most irksome interference with personal privacy and the freedom of religious action.

Ordered, That hereafter, the ministers of such charches as may have the prescribed form of prayer for the President of the United States, shall be read at each and every ser of other denominations, which have no such form--shall ca vice in which it is required by the rubrics-and that those like occasions pronounce a prayer appropriate to the time, and expressive of a proper spirit toward the Chief Magie trate of the United States. Any minister failing to comply with these orders, will be immediately prohibited from exercising the functions of his office in this city-and reder himself liable to be sent beyond the lines of the United States forces-at the discretion of the Colonel commanding, The Provost Marshal is charged with the execution of this order. By command of B. G. FARRAR,

Colonel Commanding, JAMES E. MONTGOMERY, Capt. and Asst. Adj. Gen.

PROTEST OF THE BISHOP OF NATCHEZ. To Col. B. G. FARRAR, Commanding at Natchez: RESPECTED SIR: Returning to Natchez from a portion of As the General commanding this department, my duty to my visitation, I have had communicated to me your Special the country and the people of the State required me to pro-Order No. 31, dated June 18th, requiring all pastors of tect them from the machinatious of enemies, who, under churches to make public recognition of their allegiance to the cover of the freedom of religion, should attempt to conthe government under which they live, and to which they cal plans and counsels opposed to the interests, peace, and are indebted for protection; to pronounce a prayer appro safety of the State and the nation, while, as a Christian. I priate to the times, and expressive of a proper sparit felt bound to secure religion from the danger and disgrace towards the Chief Magistrate of the United States. I have of being used as the cloak of malice, and its freedom from had some personal interviews with you in reference to this a surveillance freely exercised over political meetings. Order, and so has the Vicar General, Very Rev'd M. Grig To fulfil these duties the Provost Marshal General was We both take the occasion to express our thanks fr instructed as follows: [See order above.] the politeness we have experienced from you on all these occasions.

Upon these instructions the Provost Marshal General isgued the orders to which your letter alludes

In that order, as now enforced, he protects those meetings, and dispenses with surveillance of the members or proceedings, on the simple and easy conditions that the members will, individually, assure him of their loyalty in either one of the following ways:

First. By certifying ou honor that they have sworn to support the Constitution and Government of the United States, and provisional government of this State, as required by the laws thereof, to enable ministers to solemnize marriage, each at the time and place set oppos te to his name. Or,

Second. By taking an oath of the form prescribed in that order.

I am quite sure that, upon proper understanding and reflection, the friends of religion and its freedom will thank me as much as do the friends of the Union for this order.

non.

Indeed, the intercourse of our clergy with the Commanders at Natchez, and the officers associated with them, has been generally agreeable, and we all offer our thanks I must mention in particular Major General Crocker, for one conspicuous act of his, directing the entire restoration of the fence around our cemetery when it had been destroyed. Our orphans, likewise, have experienced their goodness in receiving supplies from the Commissary stores. It is true that the presence of the army was the very cause of their needing this assistance, because it closed the ordinary channels of their resources; but this does not cancel our obligations of gratitude towar is the Commanders here, and the administration at Washington, for thus alleviating the miseries of war towards those helpless children, and the good sisters and others who have kindly come here to take care of them. Their prayers are offered up every night for

all their benefactors.

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