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THE GOSPEL IN THE AILMY.
To gratify the general desire for infor
mation of the progress of religion in the
army, and give direction to the thank
offerings of the churches, we publish to
clay an extra Supplement, giving full
details of the work of the Christian Com
mlsAon—the only national organization
which proposes as its object the salva
tion of the bodies and souls of our sol
diers and sailors.
The President's Proclamation, calling
us to thanksgiving for the mercies of the
year, suggests the selection of thank
offerings appropriate to the nature and
importance of the occasion. The peace,
security, and prosperity for which we
give thanks, are so manifestly owing to
God's heroic grace bestowed on our
brave defenders, that every Christian
pm riot instinctively turns towards them
with his thank-offerings. No Christian
doubts the imperative necessity of con
veying to them not only relief for their
bodily sufferings, but consolation also
for the sorrows of the soul. For man
(loth not live by bread only. We must
not merely relieve their sufferings, but
lead them to improve them as the moni
tions of our Heavenly Father's love lead
ing- them to repentance and salvation.
Any thing short of this will fail to satisfy
our desires or God's designs in our great
national conflict. And we should, if pos
sible, follow the footsteps of our great
Master, whose miracles of mercy pre
pared the hearts of men for his words of
love.
The United States Christian Commis
sion fully satisfies the demands of the
Church as the agency for conveying both
bodily relief and spiritual blessings to
our soldiers and sailors.
1. It possesses the full confidence of
the Government, and every allowable
privilege of access and transportation to
our armies and navies.
2. Its delegates, with wagons, steam
tugs, touts, cooking-wagon, stores, books,
the Scripture's, aud religious papers, are
established in each of our armies; and
its work is in successful progress, from
Fortress Alouroc to Fort Vancouver.
3. In our Western Reid and post hos
pitals, the diet kitchens, under the care
of the ladies of the• Commission, prepare
delicate food for invalids unable to live
on the ordinary fare cooked by the sol
dier nurses, and are being extended to.
our Eastern armies, by the request of
many surgeons, and the Special Order,
No. 362, of the War Department, ap
pended below. In that, at Chattanooga,
236,408 dishes were cooked in the mouth
of September.
4. Our famished exdhanged prisoners
from Richmond and Savannah are ten
derly received by its delegates—was bed,
clothed, comforted, and nursed. They
counsel and pray with the sick and
dying; advise their friends by telegraph
or letter, and carefully transmit their
relics to the mourners at home.
5. In the trenches before Richmond,
with the ambulance and wagon trains
of wounded in the valley of the Shenan
doah, and even on the battle-field, the
delegates are now cheering the weary
sufferers, giving them cordials, warm
tea, chicken soup, and biscuit; and thus,
as our surgeons testify, saving thousands
of lives of our brave soldiers, and often
those of our wounded enemies. The
cooking-wagon has furnished hot coffee to
the battle-worn men of a whole division,
under a shower of bullets. After the
battles of Mine Run, Gettysburg, the
Wilderness, and Spottsylvania, large
numbers of our wounded were abso
lutely dependent on the Christian Com
mission for every mouthful of food and
drink, and for whatever dressing their
wounds received, for several days.
.6. In the existing deficiency of ehap
lains, a large proportion of the regiments
In the field, and almost all our field hos
pitals, are dependent on the Commission
for the ordinances of religion. The chap
lains look to it for chapel-tents, Testa
ments, Hymn-books, tracts, and papers,
to make their services effective. Libra
ries for gun-boats and hospitals are now
in preparation. 01' the standard reli
gious newspapers, over 400,000 are dis
tributed monthly; and of Testaments,
1,000,000 have been distributed; Psalm
and Hymn Books, 1,000,000; besides
millions of pages of tracts, and sheets of
paper, envelopes, and postage stamps.
The number of delegates who have
volunteered their gratuitous services for
these ministrations is over 3000. This
number will be greatly increased during
the'ooming winter, A majority of them
are ministers of the gospel; many_ of
them surgeons, physicians, and lawyers,
whose professional services would have
brought them thousands of dollars; and
merchants, leaving important business,
to nurse our noble soldiers, without fee
or reward. Most of the work of the.
Commission is performed, gratuitously
by the railroad and telegraph companies,
so that ninety-five cents of every dollar
expended by the Christian Commission,
goes into the soldiers' hands.
The donations of the Christian Cora
mission go directly to the men them
selves, the delegates generally giving
them with their own bands, thus not
only ascertaining, that the cordials go
down the right throats, but preparing a
favourable reception for the words of
comfort and counsel by which they al
ways accompany them. This Commis
sion is no respecter of persons; the pri-
vate soldier suffering in defence of our
common country, being always esteemed
by its delegates as worthy, and general
ly more needy than the officer; who,
however, is never neglected.
Daily religious services are maintain
ed by its delegates at every station, end
the ministerial delegates of ill the evan
gelical churches preach frequelitlydur
lug the week, as well as on the Sabbath:
thus displaying the unity of all who love
our Lord Jesus, and holding up Christ
for the salvation of our sons. and bro
thers, who may so soon be called to his
judgment-bar.
The usual baneful influences of war
upon the morals of the soldiers have, by
these means, been greatly mitigated, and
the prevalence of profanity, gambling,
and debauchery, in many regiments,
greatly abated; while the effusion of
God's converting grace has caused some
to shine as lights amidst the darkness.
Where sin has abounded, as it always
did in armies, God's grace has much
more abounded. Nations have• often
given thanks for victories on the battle
fields, but powerful revivals in an army
are unprecedented causes for thanks
giving; assurances that the Lord is with
us, and encouragments to look foe a
work of converting grace in all our• regi
ments, similar to that narrated by Chap.
lain F. B Rose, in the 14th New .Ter
sey volunteers; in which out of a regi
ment of six hundred men, two hundred
and fifty men were converted, not one
of whom swerved from his profes
sion. The blessed revivals of last win
ter at Camp Convalescent, Warrenton,
Brandy Station, Knoxville, Chattanoo
ga, Look-out Mountain, Dalton, and
those now in progress at Camp Distri
bution, and City Point, are in no re
spect inferior to those of 1858. Could
all our armies be brought under such
blessed influences, all •our cities and vil
lages would speedily catch the heavenly
influence. We cannot, alas, say • that
all, or even a majority of our soldiers,
have become religious men; but we can
affirm, that at every station where tract
distribution, prayer-meetings, and the
preaching of the gospel have been regu
larly carried on, general niorality has
been prorraited, and numerous conver
sions have been granted. God has given
the harvest wherever the Church has
sown the seed. •
The cost of all these expenditures for
the past mouth is, $127,424 from the
Central office, that of the branches added
increases it to over $180,000; or six
thousand dollars per day. But we have
not yet reached all our soldiers, nor done
for any of them all we are in duty bound
to do. The field and post-hospitals must•
be supplied with large print testaments,
and hundreds of thousands of pocket
scriptures and hymn-books must be fur
nished to the new levies, and to the
brave men who have lost their copies
in marches and battles. The friends of
the Bible should see that the American
Bible Society is supplied with - funds for
this large demand. Then the soldiers
ask eagerly for the regular religious
newspapers; and the Commission is
making arrangements to treble their
present army circulation. But a copy
of a paper weekly - to each man in the
pay of the United States—and surely to
men who 'seldom have any other read
ing whatever, this is little enough—will
demand one million of dollars per an
num. Chapel tents, so greatly blessed
as the scenes of the revivals last winter,
must be provided, and should be in each
brigade. They will cost $6OO each.
The impending conflicts at Richmond,
Charleston, and Mobile, will make sud
den and extensive demands for battle
field stores. As we write, extensive
shipments are going forward for the re
lief of the heroes who have cleared the
enemy out of the valley of the Shenan
doah, under Sheridan, and for the naked
and fam:ished exchanged prisoners at
Savannah. UnexpeCted contingencies
are continually arising.
To meet the expenses of the winter's
work, the Comm iss ion needs not less than
ONE .MILLION of Dollars.
The amount is trifling, compared with
the outlay of the nation in this.war ; be
ing less than a single day's expenditure.
The Chwr . ch is amply able to give it.
Let. every gospel hearer only contribute
the amount of his taxes. The plan pro
posed, of a liberal thanksgiving collec
tion in. every congregation. in the land,
will raise that sum, even although the
amount from many congregations should
be small. Last year, though only a few
days' notice could be given, $60,000 were
contributed.
Christian ministers and people this
work is yours. These soldiers are your
brothers and your sons, lighting for your
country and your God. It is high time
for you wake up to an earnestness like
theirs, who are giVing their blood, their
lives, for you. Soon they may be in tht:
deadly strife, and smitten suddenly down
on the battlefield. 01 let not your tears
for them be embittered by the gall of
regret, that you neglected an earliest
effort for their soul's salvation. Next
month may he too late. God is honour
ing our army by the presence of his
Spirit as never was an army honoured
before. Let not customary trivial con
tributions throw their slight upon such
Pentecost. The universal revival of
our army would be the universal revival
of all the churches, and villages, and
cities of our land, to which our con
verted soldiers would carry the holy fire.
Rise then, we beseech you, to the mag
nitude of this great occasion, by a sup
ply of means to work while the war
lasts. Make a thank-offering worthy of
your gracious God, your loving Saviour,
your great country, and her brave de
fenders.
We know you will; for we have faith
in the outpouring of the Spirit of God
upon the Church of Christ, no less than
on her soldiers. The $900,000, which
you have contributed since the first of
January, are a pledge of still larger
donations.
Please rear] this Circular to your con
gregation on the Sabbath before Thanks
giving day; and on that day give your
people' an opportunity of subscribing,
each according to his ability, even al
though you may have recently taken up a
contribution for the Commission, Unite
in this blegsed communion of saints,
with your' brethren in all parts of the
land, who will on Thanksgiving-day
unite in this thank-offering for Christ
and our country.
GOVERNMENT APPROVAL
AVM .Th-esident Lincoln.
Ex gewrivu MANSION,
WASIIINGTON;Dee. 12, 1861
Mr Dena. SlR—Your letter of the 11th inst.,
and accompanying plan, both of which are
returned as a convenient made of connecting
this with them, have just been received
Your Christian and benevolent undertaking
for tho bencit of the soldiers, is too obviously
proper and praiseworthy to admit any differ
once of opinion. I sincerely hope your plan
may be as successful in execution as it is just
and generous in 'conception. •
Your obedient servant,
A. LINCOLN
GEo. }L STUART,
Chairataa Chrigian Commission
.Philadelphi, Pa.
Front the Secretary of War.
Letter from Uon. K. M. Stanton to Rev. Dr, Dyer, Y
Branch U. S. C. C.
WAR DRP/RTWENT,
WARITINOTON . , D. C., April 16,1864.
DEAR Stn—Amoug the benevolent associa
tions organized by patriotic and charitable
men, during the present war, none have Sur
passed, and few, if any, have equalled the
Christian Commission in seal, energy, and
disinterested devotion to the huthane objects
of their institution. Their efficient labours in
the field, in the hospital, and in the camp,
have been felt by soldiers and officers, and
have frequently been brought to the notice of
this Department. It is not only.a pleasure,
but I regard it' s an official duty, to commend
the Christian Commission to public confidence
aud,respect, as an institution whose labours
cannot fail to contribute greatly to the welfare
of our armies.'
Yours, truly,
BowIN M. STANTON,
Secretary of' irar
OM the Assistant Semrelav of War.
WAR Drsr,trtrajENr,
WASHINGTON CITY, Oct. 97, 1564.
DE AR have read with great interest
the report of the doings of the Christian Com
mission during the year 1883, which you have
so kindly sent me. Some of the facts which
it narrates I had myself witnessed, but the
comprehensive view of your noble enter
prise, which the Report presents is deeply
interesting. God bless the Christian Com
mission, and may its efforts be as successful
as they are admirable.
Yours, faithfully,
C. A. DANA.
GEORGE U. S'ruAwr, Esq.
Special Order of General Grant.
HEADQUARTERS MILITARY DIVISION o
TEE MISSISSIPPI, IN TUE FIELD, AT
TANOOGA, TENN., Dee. 12, 1863.
Special Orders, No. 32, Ex.
All officers holding commands in the mili
tary division of the Mississippi, are hereby
required to extend every facility, not-incon
sistent with the public service, to all delegates
of the United States. Christian Commission,
and aid them by every legitimate means in
their power to the accomplishment of the be
nevolent and charitable purposes of the Com
mission.
Permission will at all times be granted by
the proper military authorities to such dele
gates to pass to all parts within the lines,
without hinderance or molestation.
The • Commissary department will at all
times sell to such delegates, upon certificates
similar to those given by officers, such stores
as they may need for their own use.
Military telegraph lines will transmit for
such delegates all messages relating to the
business of the Commission
The Quartermaster's Department will, upon
application, furnish such delegates and their
stores free transportation upon all government
steamers and military.railroads to and from
such pints within the military division, as
their duties may require'them to visit.
By order of Major General U. S. GRANT.
GEO. K. LEET,
ARsistant Adjutant General
Rev. E. P..Siamr, General Field Agent
U. S. Christian Com.
From Rear Admiral Foote, Chiefqf the Bureau
of Equipment and Recruiting.
BURK kU OF EQUIPMENT AND RECRUITING.,
Washington, February 18, 1863.
Anutaai,:—This Bureau has been charged
with the duty of attending to the requisitions
of the Christian Commission of the army and
navy, so far as the navy is concerned. It is
the wish of the department to have forwarded
moral and religious works, with hospital deli
cacies, etc., to the different squadrons, in vessels
bound to these squadrons.
You will please, therefore, have the beneficent
object of the Christian Commission in view, and
afilird it every possible reasonable accommoda
tion consistent with the public interest, and
forward such articles as it wishes fur the tem
poral and spiritual welfare of those engaged in
the naval service.
Please refer to the Bureau applications for
passage, which must be made and indorsed by
some one in connection with the association.
The officers of the society are gentlemen of
the highest standing in New York.
Respectfully, etc.,
A. 11. Foora, dhief of Bureau.
Rear Admiral llts.am PAULDqG,
Commandant Navy Yard, New York.
COMMUNICATIONS" AND CONTRIBUTIONS
For the UNITED STATES CHRISTIAN COMMISSION,
may be sent to any of the following places, as may b e
most convenient., addressed to the persons designated,
PIIILADELPIIIA.—Letters to Rev. W. E. Board
man, Rev: Lemuel M 099, or Rev. Bernice D.
Ames, 11 Bank street; Money to . Joseph Pat
terson, at the Western Bank; stores to George
H. Stuart, 11 Bank street.
NEW YORK.—Letters and supplies to Nathan
Bishop, 30 Bible souse; money to James M.
8r0wn,59 Wall street.
BOSTON.—Letters to Charles Demond, 4 Court
street; money to Joseph Storey, 112 Tremont
street; stores to li. P. Roland, Tremont Temple.
PITTSBURGH.—Letters to Robert C. Totten;
money to Joseph Albree, 71.1y00d street; stores
to W. P. Weyinan, 79 Smithfield street.
(JINCINNATI.—Letters to Rev. J. F. Marbly;
money and supplies to A. E. Chamberlain,
Rooms of the Christian Commission; tit Vine
street.
N DIA NAPOLlS.—Letters to C. N. Todd; money
• to James M. Ray; supplies to G. W. Olippin
ger.
;;lllCA.Go.—Letters to B. F. Jacobs, P: O. Box
5S01; money to John V. Farwell; supplies to
Rooms Young Men's Christian Association, Me
thodist Church Block.
UILWAUKIE.—Letters to D. W. Perkins; money
to John A. Dutcher; stores to Walter S. Carter,
care Dutcher, Ball I Goodrich, 103 East Water
street.
.3T. LOUlS.—Letters to J. H. Parsons, Rooms of
the United States Christian Commission; money
to Edward Ticknor; supplies to Isaac S. Smyth,
Christian Commission Office, under Lindell
Hotel. •
.DETROlT.—Communications and money to C. F.
Clarke; and supplies to B. C. Walker.
BALTIMORE.—Letters to the Rev. J. Menton;
money to Rev. G. P. Hays; stores to G. B. Grif
fith, 89 and 91 West Baltimore street.
BUFFALO, N. Y.--Communications to Rev. S.
Haut; money to F. Gridley; supplies to John
D. Hill, M.D.
TROY, N. Y.—Letters and money to F. P. Allen;
supplies to J. H. Willard.
HARRISBURG, PA--Communications, money,
and supplies to Rev. T. H. Robinson.
ROCHESTER, N. Y.—Communications, money,
and supplies to Oliver D. Grosvenor.
WASHINGTON, D. C.=Communications' money,
and supplies to William ffallantyne,4:9BSeventh
street, or Rev. J. J. Abbott SUO LE street.
LOUISVILLE, Hr.—Communications, money,
and supplies to J. Edward Elardy, care of J. G.
Dodge & Co., 225 Main street.
PEORIA, he—Money-to Theo. Higbee; commu
nications and supplies to William Reynolds.
FREDERlCK.Mo.—Communications,money,and
supplies to Gideon Bentz.
HAGERSTOWN, Mo.—Communications, money,
and supplies to Rev. Mr. Evans.
PORTLAND, Me..-Communications and supplies
to Thomas R. Hayes; money to C. Sturtdivant.
BANGOR, Me.—Communications, money, and
supplies to T. G. Stickney.
PROVIDENCE, R.I. —Money to John W. Vernon ;
communications and supplies to Deacon W. J.
Icing.
BROOKLYN, N. Y.—Communications to Rev. J.
B. Waterbury,: D. D.; supplies to W. S. Griffith;
money to Samuel B. Caldwell.
ALBANY, N. Y.—Supplies to Thomas W. Oleott;
letters to Levi Dedriek; money to Willinin
McEIroy
hAMBERTVILLE, N.J.—Supplies and money to
J. A. Anderson; letters to C. Pierson.
ATHEELING, W. Y.—CommunicationS, money,
and supplies to R. Crangle.
‘JLEVELAND, 0.:-Letters to Rev. L. F. Mellen;
money to S. H. Mather; supplies to Stillman.
Witt.
ST. PAUL, MlNN.—Letters to H. M, Knox; money
to D. D. Merrill; supplies to D. W. Ingersoll.
FRANCISCO, CAL.—Letters to Rev. E. Tho
mas. 711 Mission street; money to P. Sather,
(Sather a Co.;) supplies to J. B. Roberts, 215
California street.
SACRAMENTO; CAL.—Letters to the Rev. J. S
McDonald.; money to Dr. R. H. McDonald; sup
plies to Rev. N. R. Peck.
PORTLAND. OREGON.—Ladd A:: Tilton.
ittc (11ItriMinn OottTUltisSiott in
Mashington.
‘g Carleton" thus graphically describes
the work and location of the Commissionin
the Capital.
Clerical Uniform and Work.
"Come up to our rooms and see us," was
the kind invtation of Rev. Mr. Thurston,
of Newbury,' in charge of the Christian
Commission Rooms at Washington: I ac
cepted the invitation and reached the small
one story britik house at the aorner of I and
Ninth streets. A wagon stood before the
door. I peeped in and saw some cans of
prepared milk, bottles of jellies,
oranges,
lemons, syrups, wines, cordials, shirts,
drawers, slippers, newspapers, magazines,
and hymn Woks. Entering the rooms of
the Commisslion, I found twenty or thirty
men. They piad on woollen shirts, old
clothes, and qtraw hits, Some - were lifting
boxes; one was diving to the. bottom of a
barrel, fishing, for a bundle of tracts. Some
were unpacking bottles from casks, and
were covered,with hay and straw. They
did not look like ministers. I did not see a
white neck-tie or a nice black broadcloth
coat, or kid gloves. They were more like a
party of stevedores and waiters than men
from the pulpit.
Rations
It was the dinner hour, and I went down
With the delegates into the cellar, through
a bulkhead. The Commission does not
dwell in ceiled houses. Its rooms are not
capacious or gorgeous. There was a joint
of mutton, soft bread, apple-sauce, potatoes,
tomatoes, farina, tea, coffee, and water—no
wines for dinner; in, simple, wholesome
fare. There was no ceremony, no sitting
after dinner, for there was no time to spare.
Each man was up from the table and at his
work, unpacking boxes just arrived—select
ing parcels needed for afternoon use, and
then away to,the hospitals. They had been
their morning. rounds, and were off for the
afternoon: in that unostentatious manner,
in four small rooms, the Commission car
ries on its operations at a very small ex
pense, and on a rigid system of edonomy—
not niggardly, but measuring means with
ends. The *legates sleep in a large chapel
tent on Tenth street. The Commission has
taken firm hold upon the hearts of the pea
ple. It is seen that the ministrations reach
the soldier. its supplies go where they are
needed. The Surgeon-General has - entered
heartily into its work. General Grant,
General Meade, General Patrick, (the Pro
vost Marshal of the army,) General Burn
side, General Hancock, General Butler, and
other commanders, have given their testi
mony in its flivour. General Burnside called
upon the„ field agent - in his Corps,Mr.
Shearer, and thanked him personaly for
what-the Commission had done for his
men—not only in the hospitals, but in the
field and in the trenches.
Buildings.
•
The work has arrived at such a magni
tude that the Commission has been forced to
enlarge its quarters; but instead of leasing
blocks of 'fine buildings, it is erecting a
large wooden building on Tenth street. It
is built economically. It is spacious and
airy, more than one hundred feet long, two
stories high, and will contain room fir
stores, bath-room, cook-room, dining and
sleeping. The entire cost of the build*
will be twenty-seven hundred dollars—noi
more than a year's rent for such a room as
would be needed to accommodate the in
creasing operations.
.Debvates' Work_
I was present at the tent on Sunday even
ing last when the delegates came in amf
narrated their experiences of the day
From my note-book I transcribe a brief re
port. There were about fifty . delegate
present. The narratives were, condensed
Their work is washing and dressing wounds,
aiding the sick and wounded in every pos
sible way, distributing reading matter,
writing letters for those 'unable to write,
conversation upon religious topics and re
ligious exercises, all with the permission of
the Surgeons in charge. No delegate is
allowed to giiejellies and wines as food, or
to hold meetings in any ward, unless permis
sion is first obtained from the Surgeons.
It is a rule of the Commission, and not of
the medical department. The principle is
to do anything possible for the good of the
men, and nothing for their hurt.
One-third Christians
The Carver Hospital delegate .reported
n
that he foud full one third f the men in
his wards professing Christians. They
were glad to see him. Very glad to get re
ligious reading. A few days before he gave
an old man the little hook entitled the
"Blood of Jesus;" saw him to-day. The
old man greeted lam with a smile. "I
have found Jesus, and oh, he is so precious I"
said the old soldier.
Can't A7cc i u Track of Sunday.
Another delegate from the same hospital :
I found among the patients a minister who
enlisted as a private. He has been in the
hospital sixteen months, and has maintained
his Christian character through all the
trials of camp and hospital life. I found
some convalescents playing cards. " My,
boys, you don't play cards on Sunday, do
you ?"
"It isn't Sunday, is it? Why hang it
all, Chaplain, we can't keep track of. the
days in the army."
•I talked to them of home, and of their
mothers. The tears rolled down their
cheeks. They put up their cards, and read
the papers I gave them.
Wants to be a Christian
The Emory Hospital delegate, said : I
never saw men so ready to receive religious
instruction, or who were so easily impressed
with thei. - truths. I are satisfied that this
is a golden opportunity to the Christian
Church. I found a young man to-day, who
said: " I want you, Chaplain, to tell nie just
what I have to do to be a Christian. I will
do just what you say. I want to be a
Christian " It was a sincere desire.' I find
that the Catholics are just as eager to have
religio.us instruction as others.
Another delegate of the same hospital,
said: I found Sergeant —, of Massachu
setts, very low, but he met me with a smile:
"It is all right.
_I am happy, and I die con
tent. Tell my friends so.
Another delegate said: I have been over
the river to see some detached regiments—
men who are not in hospital. I asked one
noble looking zoldier if he loved Jesus.
"No, I don't."
" Are you married?"
" No; but I have a sister. She isn't a
Christian, but she wrote to me that she
wanted me to become one, and I wrote tO
her that I wanted her to be one; and I
guess, Chaplain, that everybody who be
lieves the Bible, feels just so. If they ain't
good themselves, they want their friends to
be."
I found another soldier writing a letter
on a little bit of paper. I gave him a full
sheet and an- envelope.
" Are you a Christian Commission man?".
y es! ,
"You are a d—d good set of fellows."
" Hold on, soldier, not quite so hard "
"I beg your pardon, Chaplain r l didn't
mean to swear; but darn it all, I. have gut
into the habit out here in the army, and it
comes right out betbre I think."
"Won't you try to leave it off ?"
"Yes, Chaplain, I will."
Another delegate: I went among the men
and they all gathered about me with great
eagerness. They were a little disappointed,
however, when -they saw that I was a dele
gate of the Commission. They took me t 9
be the paymaster.
"But 1 have something that is better than
.old."
" Give me some of it," said one„ the son
oF Baptist minister, a tender-hearted
Christian.
A Gospel .Drum
Another delenate just returned from the
army at Petersburg, said that he had come
across a drummer boy of one of the Mass
chusetts regiments, a member of the Sab
bath-school at hoine, who had lost his
Bible during, the campaign, but had written
the heads of his dram all over with texts or
Scripture from memory. He beat a gospe ,
drum.
An hour was spent in hearing the reports,
and the meeting closed by. singing "Nearer,
my God, to Thee."
The Private Soldier's Commission
These notes will show the friends of the
Commission what the delegates are d o i ng .
I may add that I have seen IN operations in
the hospital and in the trenches, and can
speak in unciplified terms of its efficiency
and power to do good. There are some
Surgeons who are opposed to it. There are
some indiscreet delegate; but it,has a strong
hold upon the affections of the men. It
reaches them. The supplies contributed do
not go to the officers, but are placed in.the
hands of the men by the delegates, and by
the Chaplains of the regiments. It is en
titled to the fullest confidence of the com
munity.
A DAY AT THE FRONT
WORK DONE UNDER TUE REBEL OUNB
The folloiving record of a day's labor at
r.he front, in the service of the Christian
Commission, shows prominently one of the
most distinguishing and blessed feattires of
the Commission's work. Its place, right
here, has never been supplied by any other
agency. Were it not for the prompt relief
given by• these noble Christian delegates,
who fly to the scene of a fresh battle with
the eager haste of a father seeking the
physician for his sick child, hundreds upon
hundreds of precious lives would be lost
to the country, to the church, and to the
world.
The writer, Walter S. Carter, Esq., is the
new ine.niber of the Christian Commission
tbr Wisconsin, also State Sunday-school
Secretary, for Wisconsin, and is well known
as one of the energetic Sunday-school spirits
of the West • We think that the Christian
Commission hasdone wohl to select its many
workers from the ranks of the Sunday-school,
and to choose its leaders from among the
generals of the Sabbath-scho 1 army :
Thursday, Sept. 2001,186-1, the day after
our arrival, we spent labouring in the gene
ral hospital of the army of the Potomac,
near City Point. During l i kie day, heavy
firing north of the James, in the direction
of Richmond, told us that a battle was in
progress. Early the next morning, in COM
pany with Rev: Drs. Schaff. of N. Y., and
Charpiot, of Conn., we went to City Point,
and procuring passes from Gen. Patrick,
Provost Marshal General of the armies
operating against Richmond, took a steamer
for Broadway Landing, on the Appomattox.
Proceeding thence toward the general hos
pital of the army of the James, at Point ot
Rocks, about a wile distant, we met several
of the guns taken .from the enemy the day
beforn, being sent to City Point. Arriving
at the hospital, we found that several hun
dred of our wounded had already reached
there. We at once went to work alleviating
their sufferiogs as far as possible, pointing
them, as we had opportunity, to the Saviour
who suffered for them, until about three
o'clock in the afternoon, when, with a con
siderable reinforcement to our numbers, top
of a large tour horsewagon of the Commis
sion, loaded full of supplies, we started for
the front. Emerging from the woods into
an open field near the James, the rapid dis
charge of artillery, intermingled with the
continuous crash of musketry, apprised us
of a renewal of the contest. by the rebels
attempting to retake the works captured by
us the day before. We hurried on, arriv
ing at Aiken's Landing about'five, crossing
the river on the muffled pontoon thrown
across by the 18th corps on Wednesday
evening. Pushing on up the Varina road
we soon came across the skirmish line held
by the enemy at the time of the advance ot
our forces, and a little further on, another
and stronger line, not yet completed. En
tering a thick pine wood night and rain
overtook us. AheadA, us was a long train
of army wagons, behind us a large number
of ambulances. By us, every moment,
dashed horsemen—sonic toward the front,
others toward the rear. In the woods, on
either hand, our men were kindling fires to
dry their clothes and make their coffee.
A Field Hospital.
Still along We went, untilAurning to the
right, we entered the ample grounds of the
COI Mansion, where we found the Flying
Hospital already established. The yard was
full of tents, filled with wounded men—offi
cers of all grades, and privates, loyal and
rebel, white and black soldiers. Hundreds'
had already arrived, and more were con
stantly coming. From every quarter moans
of agony and cries for help could be heard;
but none were there to answer them. EVery
soldier who had gone through the two days'
terrible conflict unharmed, was standing,
that dark, rainy, autumn night, Without
Mod or drink, with his lime to the foe, in
the trenches a mile in advance of us. The
surgeons had prepared their operating tables,
and were already at their awful work.
Delegates at Work.
Getting permission of Dr. Richardson,
surgeon in charge of the hospital, we imme
diately pitched our tent, and went to work.
du adjoininr , house was sought ; a fire built,
a large kettle of water put over, and very
soon several gallons of coffee were made.
Condensed milk and sugar were then added,
pails filled, and, provided with tin cupS and
lanterns, our seven delegates went forth oa
the most blessed errand, that ever engaged
a - Christian hand, or enlisted the sympathies
of a Christian heart. Into every tent they
went, until there was not a wounded man
but had been abundantly supplied. Then
going back to the Commission-.tent, boxes
were filled with fresh, soft crackers, and
again the circuit of the tents was niade,. and
the men helped. to all they would have.
Then more coffee was carried around; and
after that, in cases where it was thonght
necessary, Jamaica ginger or brandy were
given to the men. Then another visit to
the tent was made, a supply of shirts and
drawers •obtained, and these were put upon
such as needed them. "God:bless you,"
"God bless the Christian CommiSsion," were
exclamations we heard almost every Mo
ment.
Rebels Disappointed
"We never expected such treatment as
this," said a wounded rebel to a delegate.
"Give me your name,- so that when the war
is over,.l can-come and sec yoU, and thank
you better than I.can now, said another.
With such opportunities, how could we help
telling- one, whose wounds were eloquent of
the story of his bravery, that while it was a
noble thing to be a brave soldier of one's
country, fir nobler. indeed, was it to be also
a brave soldier of :Jesus To one groaning
with suffering, how fitting that we should
remind him of what Thu -Redeemer had suf
fered for him. To one asking for drink.
how easy to introduce the stibject of salva
tion, by the exclamation of the Saviour on
the cross, "I thirst."
Engaged in such a work, the hours went
by unnoticed—seven, eight, nine, ten, eleven;
twelve, and one, were gone before we even
tried to sleep. Going into the house, we
wrapped our blankets around us, and lay
down on the floor; but scarcely had we done.
so, when word came that twenty more am
bulance loads of wounded had arrived: Up,
we arose at once, and again coffee, crack
ers, k,c., were distributed to the sufferres.
Making a second atteinpt to get a little rest,
we were hardly asleep when Surgeon Rich
ardson came, and informed us that we were
so near the lines, that in the event, of the
enemy renewing the attack at daylight, as
was expected, their shells would reach our
camp. Immediately our tent was struck,
the supplies again loaded into the wagon,
and by the time the army train was ready
to move,.we were prepared to take our place
in line. Proceeding up the road, to the
rear of the Tenth Crps, we halted two or'
three hours, when we returned to a large
housa, Some distance in the rear, formerly
tbe:headquarters of General Lee, where the
hospital was established, and from whence
the wounded were conveyed to the Base
Hospital, at Point of Rocks.
THE REVIVAL AT CITY POINT.
ROCIIRSTER, N. Y., Sept. 28, 1884
Dear Brother:—There were some facts and
important incidents, during my experience in
the work of the Christian CommisFion, worthy
of mention. The friends of the Christian Com
mission will be interested generally to know
that the Spirit of God is working with increas
ing power and effect in the Hospital at City
Point, Va.
During all the time I labored there, meet
ings were held every evening. These meetings
were characterized by great interest, solemnity
and wonderful manifestations of tlni,Divine
Spirit.
Every night from eight to fifteen men were
led by the Holy Ghost to cry for mercy, and
to tisk the prayers of Christians.
One evening, after a most precious meeting,
a devout Cdristian soldier, remarkably gifted
with the unction and.power of prayer, came
and asked me whether thereould meet in the
ehapel during the day for Vprayer. He re
markeelP" We'have no sec* chamber here
in ttie hospital into which ?t• - e,can go. and shut
to the door, and pray to our Father in hea
ven. As for myself, I go off two or three
miles 'daily into the woods among the great
tall pines, and there hold sweet and heavenly
communion with my 'Saviour; but many of
these young converts are wounded and sick,
and cannot go so far. In their tents they are
surrounded by their ungodly comrades, nor is
there any tent or house or secret place on the
ground whither they can go to pray." k ,
The next day a meeting was appointed for
prayer, at 2 o'clock, for Christian soldiers and
converts. That was the beginning of a daily
prayer meeting, which, I true< will be con
tinued there as long as there is a hospital.
These prayer meetings were well attended,
and were increasing daily in number and in
terest. There were some wonderful scenes
witnessed in that prayer meeting. There
were scarred war-worn veterans melted down
and become as little children. Bowed in
prayer, in broken trembling accents they
prayed for themselves, their comrades, and
their loved ones at home. There was a direct
ness, energy and melting power in wrestling
at the throne of grace, which I have never
heard surpassed elsewhere. It was like the
impetuous and swift charges they had made
in - storming and taking the enemy% strong
holds.
The converts brought with them sometimes
a wicked comrade, and so deeply did he feel
the stirrings of the Spirit, that then and there
-- he would rise up and express his determina
tion, by the grace of God, to live the new life.
. 1 wanted to say, in connection with the as
of the prayer meeting, to experienced
and settled pastors, that there is no place on
earth where their services are so much wanted
and where they could do so much good, as at
City Point. Especially do the converts need
the instructions of men who have bad expe
rience and success as pastors.
In passing through the camp or 'the tent
everywhere I saw squads of new recruits being
trained and drilled by experienced men. This
the government thinks indispensable before
going into action. So it is to the recruits fo
the army of the cross.
A Solid Work.
Rev. John T. Brownlee writes:—
"My religious training iu the Associate
Presbyterian Church, and my matured convic
tions as well, have not led me to look with
much favour on religious meetings character
ized by a great amount of animal excitement.
Yet I am free to say that my honest convic
tions are, that the meetings held at our quar
ters, in the 9th corps, were not only greatly
edifying to saints, hut instrumental in con
verting not a .. few fiNim nature's darkness and
bondage to the glorious light and liberty of
the gospel." • • •
Battlefield - Succour.
Edward F. welch; of Co. I 57th .Regt. N. Y.
Vols., related to me the following:
He was wounded in the attack on -.Peters
burg by. a musket ball shattering the bone of
his left arm, whieh bas been amputated above
the elbow. After lying on the field ten or
twelve boors, and becoming exhausted from
loss of blood and pain, he was relieved and his
life saved by delegates of the Christian Com.
mission, who:, gave ,hini beef-tea and milk
punch. Three or fair others lay near him,
who were •similarly benefitted. Capt. Birge,
of the 24 Conn. Cavalry, told me he was very
sick at City Point, and should have died, had
not a delegate of the Christian Commission
(Brother Bissell, of Conn.).ministered to him.
The "thank-you's" and "God bless you's" I
have received from grateful soldiers are too
numerous for record. I met with several in
cidents of mind] interest to me, but have not
space on this sheet to give them in detail.
Also I wrote a number of letters for soldiera,
but received only a few of much interest.
Rev. Henry Powers and myself are now
making arrangene nts to canvass this State
(Gunn.) fur tife purpose of raising money and
stores f,k- this noble enterprise. May. God
add his blessing to our labours in behalf
of the U. S. C. I.!.
Very truly yours,
Dot. J. B. WOODFORD.
SILVER BRICK.
The Christian Commission has received
.1 valuable contribution to. its treasury, in
the shape of a solid silver brick. virgin
pure, from the winos—contributed by citi
zens of Virginia and Fold Bill ; Nevada
Territory. Its intrinsic value is about three
thousand dollars. It ought to be purchased
at a high premium, and preserved sacred as
a relic of the Christian munificence of these
times.
B. ROBBRTS.