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New Orleans
April 19, 1864

Lieutenant General Polk
Bishop of the Diocese of Louisiana
Demopolis Alabama

Dear Bishop

Trinity Church has "Cause to grief", A military order, (a copy of which I enclose) has been addressed to me requiring the prayers for the President of the United
States and for Congress, to be read in the public services of the Church. A Verbal order was given to me, to have it done, or the Church would be placed in the hands of Trustees. I declined, acting and called a meeting of the Vestry. The gentleman composing the Vestry, exclusive of the Wardens, passed the following resolution - "Resolved. That in the opinion of the Vestry it is advisable that the morning and evening Services be read as Contained in the Book of Common Prayer of the P. E. Church in the United States of America".

The Officiating Clergyman Rev. L. T. Jessup, declined reading the Services, or filling the Pulpit, but intimated to me he would do so with your permission. Can you give it? Will you answer at your earliest Convenience.

I write at the request of the Vestry who are all your Warm friends. I Could Say, many things to you that would not be expedient to write. Miss Champlin joins me in kind regards to you and your family.

Very Respectfully Yours
J. W. Champlin
Senior Warden ~

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