Leonidas Polk Family Papers

11 19

papers relating to the objection of The Rev. L. T. Jessup to use the prayer for the President of the U. S. in Trinity Church, New Orleans. 3 items, Mss. and typed. 2 ?

New Orleans April 11, 1864

Lieutenant General Polk Bishop of the Diocese of Louisiana Head Quarters - Demopolis Alabama

Dear Bishop

I address you by permission of General Brown Provost Marshall General Department of the Gulf. It is said that orders have been received from Washington "commanding all clergymen to read the Prayers for the President of the U. States and Congress" - I Know that orders have been issued by order of Major General [unclear]Banks[/unclear] Commanding this department, that the Liturgy of the Protestant Episcopal Church as contained in the Book of Common Prayer should be read in all the Churches - under penalty of placing them in the hands of trustees [unclear]apparintively[/unclear] the Provost Marshall and the trustees selecting Such Rectors as can be found to fill the Pulpit. The former officiating Clergyman of Trinity Church, Rev^d L. T. Jessup has Conciencious Scruples against reading these prayers - and in a conversation with him - I find that with your consent he as well as other Episcopal Clergymen of this diocese are willing to comply with the Military orders --- "Are you willing that all Clergymen within the Federal lines - shall read the liturgy of the Church as Contained in the Book of Common Prayer at Morning and Evening Service" if so please answer immediately -- It is unnessessary and inexpedient to write what I would be glad to communicate in person but would refer you to your Annual address to the Trinity third Annual Convention of the Protestant Episcopal Church of the Diocese of Louisiana - to your pastoral letter of January 30 1861 - to the Clergy and Laity of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the Diocese of Louisiana - and to the report of the Committee