The General Who Refused to Work Sundays

General Ihrie, a veteran who served on General Grant’s staff during the war, has been dismissed from his position as deputy collector of customs at Port Townsend. His removal followed a heated dispute over his refusal to perform Sunday labor. General Ihrie was reportedly assigned night duty, which required him to clear vessels on the Sabbath—a task he felt violated his principles. He was expected to remain on duty from 6 p.m. to 8 a.m. each day, and on Saturdays, to work from 6 p.m. until 8 a.m. Monday, a stretch of 41 hours. General Ihrie, a man of strong convictions, protested these hours, asserting that Sunday labor was no part of his required duties. When a steamer and a schooner arrived needing clearance last Sunday, he flatly refused to touch the work. Consequently, his superior, Mr. Bradshaw, demanded his resignation. Ihrie refused, citing the lack of just cause, leading to an exchange of heated correspondence. Ihrie has stated he will carry his appeal to the President, maintaining that his dismissal by Bradshaw is solely due to his religious objection to working on the Sabbath.