James D. Porter, Confederate Military History, a library of Confederate States Military History: Volume 7.1, Tennessee
Clement Anselm Evans, Ed.

[272] were made from time to time by our Christian President until the close of the strife. A characteristic order of General Lee was one for the careful observance of the Sabbath day, as far as it was possible. The second section of this ‘General Order, No. 15’ is in these words: ‘He [the general commanding] directs that none but duties strictly necessary shall be required to be performed on Sunday, and that all labor, both of men and animals, which it is practicable to anticipate or postpone, or the immediate performance of which is not essential to the safety, health, or comfort of the army, shall be suspended on that day.’ He followed this with orders to all officers commanding to ‘give their attention to the maintenance of order and quiet around the place of worship, and prohibit anything that may tend to disturb or interrupt religious exercises.’

Of all the great leaders in the Confederate armies, it is doubtless true that many persons, North and South, held the opinion that Gen. N. B. Forrest was the most reckless and wicked. The famous cavalier issued a general order from Tupelo, Miss., May 14, 1864, in which he said: ‘The major-general commanding, devoutly grateful to the providence of Almighty God, so signally vouchsafed to his command during the recent campaign in west Tennessee, and deeply penetrated with a sense of dependence on the mercy of God in the present crisis of our beloved country, requests that military duties be so far suspended that divine service may be attended at 10 o'clock a. m. to-morrow by the whole command. Divine service will be held at these headquarters, at which all soldiers who are disposed to do so are kindly invited to attend. Come one, come all. Chaplains, in the ministrations of the gospel, are requested to remember our personal preservation with thanksgiving, and especially to beseech a throne of grace for aid in this, our country's hour of need.’