Paulists and the Civil War

With the impending outbreak of hostility in 1860, the northern-based Paulists cancelled their southern missions, much to the distress of those many southern bishops who viewed this period of regional tension as a rich time for evangelization. Although national in scope, the Paulists were a diocesan-based religious order under the supervision of Archbishop Hughes of New York. Hughes wanted to appoint Father George Deshon (A West Point classmate of Ulysses S. Grant) as a chaplain to a New York Brigade in formation. Father Deshon declined to serve because of the small number of Paulists.

The Confederate assault on Fort Sumter prompted Father Hecker to write a sermon on the causes of the conflict. In words he never delivered, Father Hecker blamed America's inner hostilities on the internal conflicts present within American Protestantism.

The only Paulist casualty of the war was Father Hewit, who was injured while attempting to disperse a mob during the New York City draft riots of 1863. Walter Elliott, who was ordained into the community in 1872, carried a pocket photo album of family and friends while in combat. He served in the Ohio Fifth Voluntary Infantry and fought in the Battle of Lookout Mountain-Missionary Ridge in November 1863.

Father Elliott retained a sentimental affection for the war all of his life, and regularly participated in veterans' activities. Among his effects was a ring carved by a fellow enlisted while he was interned in a Confederate prison camp during the summer of 1862. The number five engraved on the face of the ring represents Father Elliott's unit (the Fifth Ohio).