Ellen G. White: The Progressive Years: 1862-1876 (vol. 2)

Governor Blair's Reply

The delegation carried back with them the governor's reply, brief and to the point, but adequate: 2BIO 101.2

I am satisfied that the foregoing statement of principles and practices of the Seventh-day Adventists is correct, and that they are entitled to all the immunities secured by law to those who are conscientiously opposed to bearing arms, or engaging in war. 2BIO 101.3

Austin Blair

Governor of Michigan

Dated, August 3, 1864.

The next step had to be taken in Washington. For this important mission, J. N. Andrews, armed with appropriate documents, was sent as the church's emissary. Reported James White in the Review of September 6, 1864: 2BIO 101.4

Brother J. N. Andrews left for Washington, Monday [August 29], well endorsed from the highest military authority in this city. He will report through the Review as soon as possible. May it be favorable for those who have enlisted to serve under the Prince of Peace. 2BIO 101.5

Two weeks later the Review carried Andrews’ Washington, D.C., report, dated September 1: 2BIO 101.6

Brother White: In obedience to the instructions of the General Conference Committee, I have visited the Provost Marshal General.... He ...stated that the exemption clause of the enrollment law was not construed by him to mean Quakers merely, but to apply to any religious body who hold noncombatant views. He has issued orders to all deputy marshals in accordance with this construction of the exemption clause. 2BIO 101.7

September 18, 1864.

After noting some details of the course that a drafted Adventist should follow, Andrews closed his report on the hopeful note: “I believe that this course of action, which is very plain and simple, will meet the case of all our brethren and will enable them to avail themselves of the provisions of the exemption clause.”—Ibid. 2BIO 101.8

Andrews brought back with him from Washington a communication of major import: 2BIO 102.1

Respectfully returned to Rev. J. N. Andrews: Members of religious denominations, who have been drawn in the draft, and who establish the fact before the Board of Enrollment that they are conscientiously opposed to the bearing of arms, and are prohibited from so doing by their rules and articles of faith, and that their deportment has been uniformly consistent with their professions, will be assigned to duty in hospitals, or to the care of freedmen, or shall be exempt on payment of $300, to such persons as the Secretary of War may designate. 2BIO 102.2

By Command of the Provost Marshal General, Theo. McMurtrie, Capt. & A.A.A.G.—Ibid. 2BIO 102.3