The Civil War Page 3 | Presbyterian Historical Society

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Abraham Lincoln's Presbyterian Connections

When war broke out in 1861, the Memphis Presbytery of the Presbyterian Church in the U.S.A. (Old School), along with many other southern congregations and middle governing bodies, left the national denomination in order to form the Presbyterian Church in the Confederate States of America. This resolution, addressed to President Lincoln, explains the Presbytery’s reasons for secession.

Memphis Presbytery's resolution addressed to President Abraham Lincoln. Click to read the full letter. (Image ID: 1980)

In this letter, written and signed by Abraham Lincoln on May 13, 1863, the President thanks Colonel Forney for the “excellent and manly” article in the Chronicle about “Stonewall” Jackson.

Letter from President Abraham Lincoln to Colonel Forney, May 13, 1863. (Image ID: 1981)