Stone, E. J. (1819-1887) to Francis H. Pierpont
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02233.38 Author/Creator: Stone, E. J. (1819-1887) Place Written: Wheeling, West Virginia Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 13 April 1864 Pagination: 3 p : docket ; 23.5 x 19.5 cm. Order a Copy
Reverend Stone appeals to Governor Pierpont for aid in obtaining the position of Chaplain of Wheeling prison and hospital. Believes he is best suited for the job, since he has been praying with the prisoners for many years, while others who seek the job are only doing so because it is now an official paying job. Autograph note signed by Pierpont on verso, endorsing Stone for Chaplain, citing the same reasons Stone himself gives. "I believe every word of this….I have no faith in the efficacy of those who only pray for money…"
Excerpt: "…he (I believe) made the prisoners believe I was one of your spies and consequently they acted coldly & I left then until another sett of prisoners came & the judge left…I have been here I have preached, both in the Prison & the Hospital and visited the sick almost daily…Now Governor, I would not say a word against these brethren in the ministry, only that when there was no prospect of getting pay. They never visited either prison or hospital to preach or pray with the unfortunate. The Love of Christ did not constrain them. But when there is a chance to get a few Green Back's from Uncle Sam. So they are anxious for the appointment…I was the first man in Wheeling that started the merchants movement which resulted in the citizens man meeting & that with other meetings helped to make West VA."
Francis H. Pierpont was the Governor of the Union occupied parts of Virginia during the Civil War. Also played a major role in the founding of West Virginia, and after the war served as Governor of all of Virginia. Elijah J. Stone was a prominent citizen and Methodist pastor in Wheeling, West Virginia.
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