/

Document

Story written for Noah Brooks
December 6, 1864

Document

On thursday of last week two ladies from Tennessee came before the President asking the release of their husbands held as prisoners of war at Johnson’s Island. They were put off till friday, when they came again; and were again put off to saturday. At each of the interviews one of the ladies urged that her husband was a religious man. On saturday the President ordered the release of the prisoners, and then said to this lady “You say your husband is a religious man; tell him when you meet him, that I say I am not much of a judge of religion, but that, in my opinion, the religion that sets men to rebel and fight against their government, because, as they think, that government does not sufficiently help some men to eat their bread on the sweat of other men’s faces, is not the sort of religion upon which people can get to heaven!”

Join Our Community
of Teachers

Teaching American History provides more than just the best programs and resources available for teachers. We provide a vibrant community of practice that is there for you at every stage of your teaching career.

Ideas, resources, & opportunities to engage

Subscribe to our eNewsletter.