How Did Abraham Lincoln Solve The Pringle Problem?

Cyrus Pringle was one of a group of adherents to the faith of the Quakers, during the Civil War.

The year was 1863 and men were being drafted into the army. Quakers, however, have a firm commitment to pacifism and Pringle refused to fight on the grounds of this belief.

Freedom of conscience, however, was not as developed as it is today and Pringle was forced to join the army, wear a uniform and carry a gun. He continued to protest and refused to clean or use the weapon.

This stance put him at odds with his commanders and he suffered all kinds of brutal punishments. Eventually the news reached the ears of President Abraham Lincoln. Lincoln was much more open-minded on the issue of conscience and he ordered that all the Quakers be allowed to return home.

The Minister for the War, Stanton, disagreed and Lincoln had to go and see him personally before he would give the order for the return of the protesters.

Pringle himself, fell into a delirium for many weeks before he finally returned to normal.

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