Chaplains

“Detached Memoranda” by James Madison, 1817

May 27, 2017 Religious Freedom Archive Comments 0 Comment

James Madison January 1, 1817 In 1946, this amazing document was found in the files of Madison’s earliest biographer. explaining his views on a wide variety of issues – especially religious freedom. In this “Detached Memoranda,” thought to have been written between 1817-32, Madison gave his reasoning for his positions and actions on a variety of church-state issues including his opposition congressional chaplains, military chaplains, his vetoes of religion-related laws. The danger of silent accumulations & encroachments by Ecclesiastical Bodies…

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Autobiography of James Madison

May 27, 2017 Religious Freedom Archive Comments 0 Comment

James Madison 1831 Madison sketched a thin autobiography in response to a request from a would-be biographer. He writes in third person. He is over 80 years old at this point, and it’s noteworthy that he devotes significant space in this 12-page treatise to his work on religious freedom. At the age of 12 years, he was placed by his father under the tuition of Donald Robertson, from Scotland, aman of extensive learning, and a distinguished Teacher,in the Countyof King…

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Letter from George Washington to the Continental Congress, July 8, 1777

May 24, 2017 Religious Freedom Archive Comments 0 Comment

George Washington July 8, 1777 Washington opposed a proposal from the Continental Congress to appoint chaplains on a brigade level, instead of based on smaller regimental groups, a system that would have made it less likely that the chaplain would represent the denominations of the soldiers to which he was ministering. Such an approach, he explained, “would compel men to a mode of Worship which they do not profess.” Instead, having chaplains matched to local sensibilities was “founded on a…

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George Washington, General Orders, March 22, 1783

May 23, 2017 Religious Freedom Archive Comments 0 Comment

George Washington March 22, 1783 Washington orders his soldiers to observe the Sabbath. Parole Ghent. Countersigns Holland, Ireland. For the day tomorrow Major Ashley. Brigd. Qr. Master 3d. Massa. Brigade. For duty the 2d. Massachusetts regiment. In justice to the zeal and ability of the Chaplains, as well as to his own feelings, the Commander in chief thinks it a duty to declare the regularity and decorum with which divine service is now performed every sunday, will reflect great credit…

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George Washington, General Orders, July 09, 1776

May 23, 2017 Religious Freedom Archive Comments 0 Comment

George Washington July 9, 1776 George Washington announces the new policy of providing military chaplains. Head Quarters, New York, July 9, 1776. Parole Manchester. Countersign Norfolk. John Evans of Capt. Ledyards Company Col McDougall’s Regiment–Hopkins Rice of Capt. Pierce’s Company Col Ritzema’s Regiment having been tried by a General Court Martial whereof Col. Read was President and found guilty of “Desertion,” were sentenced to receive each Thirty-nine Lashes. The General approves the Sentences and orders them to be executed at…

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