taste, as to have become a cause of bad feeling with many
well-disposed citizens.

As you must be aware, the recent tragedy, so awful in
circumstance, and nationally so calamitous, has, as it well
might, inflamed the sensibilities of men and women who esteem
their loyalty only a little less sacred than their religion.

In this state of affairs you will undoubtedly perceive the
wisdom of avoiding, on your own part, everything in the least
calculated to offend the sensibilities mentioned. You will
also perceive the propriety of requiring members of your
congregation, male and female, who may be so unfortunate as
to have been sympathizers with the rebellion, not to bring
their politics into the church.

So profound is my reverence for your truly sacred profession,
that, in the sincere hope of avoiding any necessity for
interfering with the exercise of your office, I choose this
method of respectfully warning you of the existing state of
public feeling, and calling upon you, in the name of our
common Savior, to lend me your influence and energetic
assistance, to be exerted in every lawful way, to soothe
irritations and calm excitements. You know that what I thus
request I have the power to enforce. You ought also to know
that, to save the community from the dishonor and consequences
of a public outbreak, it would be my duty to exercise all the
power I possess, without regard to persons or congregations.

If you feel that you cannot yourself comply with this
fraternal solicitation, or that you are unable to control
evil-disposed members of your flock, I suggest that it is
better, far better, in every respect, that you should close
the doors of your church for a season at least.

I have no fear that the kindliness of my purpose in thus
communicating with you will be mistaken; and that you may not
understand yourself as accused, or specially selected from the
mass of your professional brethren, you are informed that a
copy of this note has been or will be addressed to every
clergyman in the city.

Very respectfully,
Your friend,
LEW WALLACE,
Major General Commanding.

The firm referred to in the following two documents was one of the
largest stationers in the city. Their reputation for disloyalty was well
understood