"A Lincoln what-if" by Harold Holzer

[RJNorton]

http://www.washingtonpost.com/what-is-th...story.html

After reading Mr. Holzer's article I looked to see if I could find the entire letter from Bishop Chase. Here it is:

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

"State of New Hampshire, Claremont, March 16, 1865 -
To His Excellency, Abraham Lincoln -

'Honored Sir, I beg leave to express to you, the Chief Magistrate of our country, my earnest require and desire that if not inconsistent with your own views or with a decision already made, you will appoint Good Friday, the fourteenth day of April next, to be observed as a day of fasting and prayer throughout the United States. I have reason to believe that day would be agreeable to Christian people of all denominations. Having made this brief suggestion I beg to assure you of the high consideration with which I remain your Excellency's most obedient and trustful servant.

Cariton Chase, Bishop of the Diocese of New Hampshire."