As president, Bill Clinton sent a number of letters to the United Daughters of the Confederacy, the society of female descendants of veterans of the Confederate army.
The organization, founded in 1894, has sponsored a number a Confederate memorials throughout the south, including memorials to General Robert E. Lee and General Thomas Jonathan "Stonewall" Jackson in the National Cathedral. In the past, articles in the group's magazine argued that the "glorious blood-red Confederate Battle flag" is "an emblem of Freedom."
"I am delighted to honor the United Daughters of the Confederacy as you celebrate your 100th anniversary," read a letter printed in their magazine in 1994 from the then-president.
"One of the most rewarding of human experiences is the coming together of people to share common experiences and interests," wrote Clinton.
"For 100 years, the United Daughters of the Confederacy has maintained and built upon the wonderful legacy of your founders. The strength of your organization today is a testament of the vision of your founders and to your commitment to your shared goals."
"I congratulate you on your achievement, and I extend best wishes for many years of continuing success," he concluded.
A 1996 version of the magazine also cited a letter from then-President Bill Clinton. In 2008, the website Black Commenter found several other letters attributed to the then-president that ran in the magazine.