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EXPERIENCE OF A CONFEDERATE CHAPLAIN, 1861-1864 [i.e. I8653

By Alexander Davis Betts

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Experience

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North Carolina State Library

EXPERIENCE

OF A

Confederate Chaplain

1861-1864

By Rev. A. D. Betts, D. D.,

N. C. Conference

Methodist Episcopal Church, South.

Chaplain joth N. C. Troops.

Edited by W. A. Betts.

i Rev. A .D. Betts, Chaplain, 4 Rev. A. W. Mangum, Chaplain, 30th Regiment. 6th Regiment.

2 Rev. L,. A. Bikle, Chaplain, 5 Rev. A. L,. Stough, Chaplain,

20th Regiment. 37th Regiment.

3 Rev. A. A. Watson, Chaplain, 6 Rev. William S. L,acy, Chap-

2d Regiment. lain, 47th Regiment.

' 7 Rev. R. S. Webb, Chaplain, 44th Regiment.

Digitized by the Internet Archive

in 2011 with funding from State Library of North Carolina

http://www.archive.org/details/experienceofconfOObett

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Rev. A. D. BETTS, D. D.,

of the

North Carolina Conference, Methodist Episcopal Church, South.

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INTRODUCTION.

HISTORY rightly defined is more than a narration of events transpiring within certain periods of the Calen- dar. That most useful of the sciences deals with the philosophy and results of occurrences, deriving there- from an array of principles which form a part of the world's necessary and priceless treasure. The histor- ian takes the crude materials time pours into his hands, digests, filters and refines the mass, thereby securing the simplest and most serviceable products. These he places on the market where buyers always wait, eager and affluent. Artists and artisans these buyers are, who for their own and others' wellbeing build struct- ures, weave fabrics, or portray the perfect pattern.

The chronicles of a Confederate Chaplain's diary will doubtless furnish the staple for weaving a most en- gaging story when the true historian shall find them.

The perusal of these plain annals will surely revive in the memory of many a Confederate Veteran the vivid panorama of that unequalled and heroic struggle for the perpetuation of certain principles that underlie the purest and best form of government in the estimation of loyal Southrons.

It is devoutly desired that all who may trace the indentures of this diary will reflect gratefully upon the allwise and gracious providence of God that seeks to save even unto the uttermost. It is believed that many persons, at home and in the army, were led to accept Christ as their Saviour, who under other circumstances might never have known His forgiving love.

Joseph T. Derry in his "Story of the Confederate States," says:

"There was throughout the Southern army a strong religious sentiment, and many of the officers and

men were deeply pious. ***** Firmly believing that God gave to them all the brilliant victories that shed such lustre on their arms, they also believed that God in His wisdom had given them final defeat. It is this feeling that has caused the Southern people, without any consciousness of guilt or shame, to accept in perfect good faith the result of the war and the changed order of things, and at the same time to use every constitu- tional method to maintain the rights of their States as co-equal members of the Union." "W. A. B.

THE WAR OF THE CONFEDERACY.

EDITORIAL NOTE.

The discriminating minds among our intelligent young people of the South will readily perceive that there is a manifest and important, because truthful, distinction to be maintained touching the style and title of the conflict waged on this American continent during 1861-1865, between The United States and the newly born nationality known as The Confederate States. The following from Dr. S. A. Steel, of Rich- mond, Va., will be appreciated:

"The term 'Civil War' ought to be abandoned be- cause it embodies an error. A civil war is a war be- tween factions contending for the control of the sama government, like Caesar and Pompey, like Lancaster and York. If the Southern people had fought in the Union, it would have been a civil war, and the defeated party would have been rebels. The movement was a revolution. The object of it was to maintain a separate government. The war was between the government of the United States and the government of the Confeder- ate States. We went out of the Union ; went so com- pletely that we had to be re-admitted. We were not 'rebels,' but patriots, wisely or unwisely, exercising the the inalienable right of self-government in an honest effort to rectify political difficulties. This is the ver- dict history will ultimately pronounce upon that struggle."

While our friends, the enemy, persist in calling us "Rebels," and refer to that struggle for Southern in- dependence as "The Rebellion," we are content to bear the obloquy, knowing the injustice of it ; yea, we glory in it, as did the now largest of protestant religious de- nominations accept and wear the term of reproach designating them "Methodists." Bat let us not forget that "We be brethren !" Greenville, South Carolina.

EXPERIENCE OF A CONFEDERATE CHAP= LAIN, 1861=1865.

One day in April, 1861 , I heard that President Lin- coln had called on the State troops to force the seceding States back into the Union. That was one of the saddest days of my life. I had prayed and hoped that war might be averted. I had loved the Union, and clung to it. That day I saw war was inevitable. The inevitable must be met. That day I walked up and down my porch in Smithville (now Southport, N. O.) and wept and suffered and prayed for the South.

The drum and fife were soon heard there, and all through the Old North State companies of our best men, young and middle aged, offered themselves to the Gov- ernor of the State. He organized them into regiments. The 30th Regiment was soon sent to Smithville. Rev .T. M. Sprunt, D. D., was their Chaplain. (See history in "Chaplain Service.") Brunswick County had a company (G) in this regiment. As I had preached in that county in 1859, I knew some of the men. The parents of Capt. John S. Brooks were very dear friends to me. The Captain went safely through all the perils till 1864, when he was killed, having been promoted to Major.

John Harvil was killed in 1862.

Brunswick soon had another company ready for service. That was put in the 30th Regiment with "A" from Sampson, "B" from Warren, "D" from Wake, "E" from Duplin, "F" from Pitt, ",G" from Granville, "H" from Moore, "I" from Nash, and "K" from Meck- lenburg County. As I had preached in Sampson County in 1857 and 1858 1 found friends in Company A. Among my friends in Company C was Lorenzo Dow Cain from

Bladen. He had been teaching some time in Brunswick before the war, and joined Oapt. Joseph Green's com- pany and was commissioned 2nd Lieut. , on the day that most of the men enlisted — Sept. 26th, 1861. He was a bright, amiable young man.

When the 30th Regiment was organized at Raleigh some one proposed that the commissioned officers should call a chaplain. Lieut. Cain wrote me fiom Raleigh that they had chosen me, and urged me to accept, modestly suggesting that it would give me a field for large usefulness. I prayed over it a few days and wrote to Governor Clark that I would accept. My commission was dated October 25th, 1861. The 30th Regiment was soon sent to Smithville. I reported for duty. Col. F. M. Parker kindly allowed me to finish up my work on the circuit and go to Conference at Louis- burg.

There three others had an experience with me. A noble citizen put us in a nice new house. One night we left our house unlocked while we were out. Rev. R. A. Willis lost his trunk, with books, clothes and manuscript sermons. Rev. J. H. Robbins lost his over- coat. Rev. R. S. Webb lost his valise and clothes. My carpet bag and clothing were gone too. We hired a detective to hunt our lost goods. One day we heard a valise had been seen on some drift wood in Tar river. We hastened to the spot. As we crossed a field we saw sheets of paper among the briars. They were Brother Willis' sermons. We walked on picking the sheets from the briars. Bro. Webb, in a solemn, dry tone, said : Bro. Willis sows "beside all waters." Bro. Willis did not laugh. We found a shirt for me and a garment or two for others.

My regiment was moved to Camp Wyatt, on Fed- eral Point. I rented a house near by for wife and three children. I preached often and held prayer meet- ing in some company almost every night. I copied

rolls of companies, noting age of each soldier, where born, postoffice, creed, and to what local chnrch each belonged, married or single, number of children if any, etc.

In the spring of 1862 the regiment was ordered to White Oak River, Onslow County.

J.- W. Russ, of Bladen, asked me to send my family to board with him. I sent them.

Regiment was reorganized in May and ordered to Richmond in June, reaching there June 15th.

June 28rd I saw the first wounded of my regiment, A. A. Lewis, of Sampson County, and Dr. Grissom, of Wake County.

June 25th we heard frequent cannonading —30 per minute.

Thursday. June 26th, I was sick in my tent. Be- fore day I heard such noise as I had never heard before. Everything in motion, troops, troops, wagons, wagons, artillery, artillery. Heard cannons from 5 p. m. to 6 p. m., 30 per-minute ; at 7 :30, 40 per minute. Too unwell to go to my men. Heard constant musketry. Oh, that I could be there to comfort the wounded and dy- ing, and to encourage the fighting.

Friday, June 27th, Dr. Campbell and I start at 4 a. m. to try to join our regiment.

At Mechanicsville we saw many wounded, and at

Mills, many dead and wounded. Among the dead

I saw the handsome form of my noble school-mate, James A. Wright, of Wilmington.

Unable to reach our brigade we drop back through Ewell's and Stonewall Jackson's commands, and carry Captain Drake toward our old camp. Sleep under a tree. Our Regiment lost some men — S. Tedder, A. B. Hood and A. F. Steel of Mecklenburg.

Sunday, June 29th — Pray in camp, and pray with them, and carry Capt. Drake to Richmond.

FIRST LETTERS OF CONDOLENCE.

Write to Mrs. Tedder and Mrs. Hood, whose hus- bands had fallen.

July 3rd — In camp sick. Meet Revs. T. J. Gattis and J. C. Brent of North Carolina. Learn that Bro. E. J. Grear of Company "C," was badly wounded and cap- tured. He had left his pocket book containing $42.2 L with me. I wish he had it in gold.

July 4th— Once a National Jubilee? With Brother Gattis visit Captains Brooks and Stanley. Visit Chim- borazo Hospital, some of 30th Regiment, Lieut. Angus Shaw of 38th Regiment, D. Danf ord of Company "C," and others at Seabrook Hospital. See Jos. Mason's left leg cut off below the knee. Brother Gattis spends night with me in camp.

July 6th — Letter from wife ; she may come next Tuesday ! Walk, walk, walk, visit wounded soldiers, Camp Wiuder and other Hospitals, Thos. Whitted and Captain Svkes of Bladen, many friends and many poor strangers. Some will live, others will die. Reach camp late, very tired. Cough and cold very bad.

July 7th — Visit Swift Galloway of Brunswick, Daniel MoDugald of Cumberland, J. Mason, etc., etc. A telegram from Wilmington says Mrs. Betts is on her way. God bring her safely !

July 8th — Wife and three children arrive. Sister Galloway comes on to see Swift. About 8 p. m. my son Willie (under 5 years) falls from his grandpa's porch six or seven feet and cuts his head fearfully on a brick.

July 9th — Willie is doing well. McDugald about to die. Lieut. Shaw very low. Swift Galloway doing well. Visit D. H. Neal, Piper, and Horace Morrison.

July 11th — Rain all the morning. Walkout through mud to camp, and find regiment returned after seven days in fighting and suffering. Glad to see Col. Parker

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once more. Return weary to Pa's, having walked nine and rode three miles.

Sunday, July 13th — In camp. Overtax my strength.

July 14th — Feeble. Visit a few wounded.

July 15th — Ride to camp and visit my sick. Daniel McDugald, my school-mate three years at Summer ville and my class-mate three years at Chapel Hill, has died of wounds.

July 16th — Keep close. Suffer with cough. Mar- ried Thos. E. Amos and Sarah G. Davis, in Clay St. Church, Richmond.

July 17th— Find Lieut. Grier at Danlop and Moncure Hospital, badly wounded. Glad to see the good man. Ride to camp and spend night on ground.

July 18th— Ride to Pa's. Wife and I visit Lieut Shaw and find him dying. One of the noblest men I ever knew. We visit Lieut. Grier.

July 19th— Walk to Camp Winder Hospital. Ride to camp and find J. J. Wicker dead. Spend night in camp.

July 20th — Preach and visit sick. Ride to Pa's late.

July 21 — Ride to camp with wife and children and find Capt. D. C. Allen, Lieutenant Cain, Sergeant Ellis and many others sick. In the afternoon visit Leonard, Galloway, Grier, etc.

July 22 — Ride to Mechanicsville with wife and children. Visit battlefield. Bury A. D. McPherson.

July 23 — Visit Grier. Last visit. He dies on 26 th. Get permission to go to North Carolina with sick child.

July 24 — Leave Richmond at 4 a. m. and reach Wilmington at 8 p. m. Spend night at Mrs. McCaleb's Hotel.

July 25 — Steamer North Carolina takes us to White Hall.

Sunday, 27 — Visit Sunday School at Bladen Springs. Capt. John Barr Andrews died at Richmond, Virginia, July 23, 1862. He was the first person to whom I spoke

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after I found peace with God, Oct. 15, 1853, at Univer- sity of North Carolina.

July 28 — Spend day with Bro. W. A. Savage. Meet Rev. D. C. Johnson, his pastor.

July 29 — Ride to Elizabethtown. Wife spends day with old Mrs. McKay on her farm. Spend the night with Mr. Russ. <

July 81, 1862 — Wife and children ride with me to Wh te Hall. Part with loved ones, to meet — ■ — ?

Aug. J, 1862, A. M.— In Wilmington. Blue! Blue! Leave for Richmond at 2 p. m , taking a lot of vegeta- bles for S. T. Buie & Bro., 18th North Carolina Regi- ment.

Aug. 2 — Miss connection at Petersburg. Get to Richmond at 6 p. m. and hear that Lieutenant Cain is about to die in Camp Winder Hospital.

Sunday, Aug. 3, 1862 — Preach in the morning. Hear that Lieut. Cain died at 9 a. m. and Lieut. Pitt about to die. Eide anxiously to Hospital, and find Pitt died at 5 p. m. Return to Richmond sad at 9 p. m.

Aug. 4th— Spend afternoon visiting my sick at Winder. Look at Lieutenant Cain and Pitt for the last time. Dine at Pa's Write to Mary. Visit Brother Amos and wife, Leonard and Lieut. Galloway, and reach camp late.

Aug. 5 -Visit R iv. H. G. Hill, Chaplain 18th Regiment. Meet Rev. J. Rumple of Salisbury and Rev. Van Eaton. Hear Rumple conclude his sermon, and Van Eaton through all of his. Good feeling among soldiers.

Aug. 6 -Visit all my sick at Division Hospital. Thence to Richmond. Visit Samuel Wescott and Rev. W. C. Power, Chaplain 14th Regiment, sick.

Visit my many sick at Winder. Some will die. Return late to camp.

Aug. 7— Fever all day. May the Lord restore me soon so that I may administer to others.

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Aug. 8 — Ride early to Pa's calling at three Hos- pitals. Fever all day. Take medicine at night.

Aug. 8— Go late and walk to camp.

Sunday, Aug. 10— Hear Rev. Rumple preach to 4th Regiment. A poor stranger mustered in this day as a substitute for Reams of Company "G." dies very sud- denly. He called himself Wayne, from Alexandria, but a discharge for Williams was found in his pocket. Mysterious and sad ! Brother Rumble preached a good sermon for me at night.

Aug. 13 — Visit sick at Division and Winder Hospital. Lieutenants Davis, Jackson and Johnson, and privates Jackson, Jenkins, Hester and Merritt doing well. Mar- shall Teachy will hardly live. Lieutenant McLeod hardly can recover. Peter Stanley out of his head, imagines himself on Lockwood's Folly. Says he has seen his wife and children ! Perhaps he has. Prays right intelligently. Poor old Mr. Graham will hardly go in ranks again. My private roll says : Samuel W. Graham, born in Ireland, was living in Chatham Coun- ty, North Carolina, when he enlisted in Company 'H" September 23, 1861, was forty-six years old and left two motherless children. He died next day. Scotland and Ireland furnished several good soldiers to that com- pany. Dennis Carr and Andrew McFarland were born in Ireland. James Rogers, William McCulloch and A. D. McGill were born in Scotland. McCulloch was thirty-seven when he enlisted, and left two motherless children when he was lost, or reported "missing"; McGill was nineteen. He has lived to be a blessing to North Carolina. He has been heard in the halls of her Legislature. Graham seemed to know me the day be- fore he died. Teachy called me ''Brother Betts," as usual though he had recognized no one for some days. Died August 14, 1862, leaving a wife and five children. After supper I call to see Revs. L. and B. Culbreth, A. Maxwell and D. Ray at Hotel. (Love and Blackmail Cul-

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breth were brothers, local preachers, raised in Sampson County, North Carolina. Blackman died early. Love, a sweet singer and a fine preacher, had given a son to the North Carolina Conference in 1859, and lived till 1896.) Return to Pa's by moonlight, praying and med- itating, and receive a blessing on my soul.

Aug. 14th — Go to Female Institute Hospital and find no entry of the name of my Brother Grier, who died there during my visit to North Carolina. Find his valise, etc. Will send his brother for it. Col. May, of Georgia, says Brother Grier died between midnight and day, July 26, no one knowing when he died. Holy angels knew.

Aug. 15 — Ride to see Regimental Work Squad with Chaplains Long, Moore and Hill.

Aug. 16— Morning in camp. Supper in Richmond, and return and hear Brother J. G. Barkley preach. (This dear man raised his children in Nash county, North Carolina, and lived to be very old. Died April 16, 1896. He said to me in his house in 1887 or 1888: "Brother Betts, the happiest day in my life was one day in 1840, when I saw my oldest daughter marry a young man and start to Africa ! ' ' Glory to God for such religion ! )

Sunday, Aug. 17 — Brother Barkley preaches in morning and I in evening. Receive marching orders.

Aug. 19 — Rise at 4 with orders to march to Gor- donsville. Leave some sick in camp. Others, not able to march, start and have to fall out. Division passes through Richmond. I stop and buy flannel and over- take regiment six and one-half miles out. Sleep on ground.

Aug. 20— Rise at 4 and march. Night at Taylors- ville. At 10 at night brigade called to arms and marched off — weary, weary. I remain on the ground praying for our soldiers.

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Aug. 21 — Threatened with jaundice. Take medi- cine.

— Aug. 24 — Dark and damp. One year ago today, my dear little Eddie was cold in death in parsonage in Smithville (Southport), North Carolina, and I was al- most dead. I preached on "Samaritan."

August 25, 1862— My birthday ! Thirty years old ! And yet how little knowledge I have acquired ! How little grace ! How little good have I done ! God help me in time to come ! Get marching orders at nine at night.

Aug. 26 — Long hard march on our men.

Aug. 29 — Galled at O. H. and wrote to wife. Camped at Rapidan. I slept under a wagon.

Aug. 30 — Men wade Rapidan, and I drink of it. Pass Cedar Run, where there had been a hard fight August 9. Robert Henderson, a venerable old man, had been arrested. As our men passed his gate he said with tears, "God preserve you, my boys!" Pass Cul- pepper C. H. Town and country around desolated by war. Sick and wounded Federals in town.

Aug. 31 — It began to rain before day. Just then we received orders, "Be ready to move at a moments' warning." We needed rest, and were hoping we could enjoy that Sabbath in the woods. As I leaped from my blanket and started to find my horse, I began to sing, not knowing what. As I heard "Happy people over yonder, where they rest forever more," my heart melted with joy. I was then a ' :happy" man. (The thir- ty-four years and nineteen days since that dark morn- ing have brought me nearer to the "happy people over yonder" and greatly increased their number.) March all day. Muddy to "Muddy Run." Pass Warrenton Sulphur Springs, lovely, blighted village.

September 1, 1862 — Pass Warrenton. Rainy, cold night.

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ing was done last week, August 28, 29 and 30. Horrid scenes ! Many dead Federals still on the field, though a squad of their men, under flag of truce, has been some days caring for wounded and burying dead.

I found a wounded Federal sitting on the field — a broken thigh, a rifle ball through his arm and a bruised shoulder made him right helpless. His undressed wounds were sore. He asked me if I thought our surgeons would care for him. I assurred him they would. He said he had a wife and two little children in his north- ern home. His parents were pious and had raised him piously, but he had neglected his own soul. I said: "Brother, Jesus loves you. You came down here to kill my brothers, but I love you." He broke down and sobbed aloud: "You don't talk like one man that came here. He upbraided me." He told me our men had been very good to him during the three or four days he had been there. As one hurried by he would give him water and food, and raise him up to rest cer- tain tired muscles. Another would stop to give him more food and water and lay him down.

They had just taken the last Confederate wounded from that part of the field. He was on the surgeon's table a few yards away. I trust this Federal was soon taken to that table. As I was about to hurry away to overtake my regiment he asked me to lay him down ! How could I ? Where could I take hold ? I did the best I could. As I took him by the hand and commend- ed him to God, I think my heart was as tender as it ever was. His bones may be in that field now. I hope to meet his soul in Heaven in a few years. Hurry on ten miles and overtake our regiment. Sleep cold and take cold. Frost next morning.

Sep. 3, 1862 — Pass Leesburg. Call at a farm house to buy corn. A Union woman upbraids me. See Sugar Loaf Mountain in Maryland.

Sep. 4 — Dine with Mrs. Sanders in Leesburg. She is the mother-in-law of Rev. W. G. Cross.

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Sep. 5 — March all day. Call and buy eggs and butter from a man in Morrison ville, for which he would receive no pay.

September 6 — Turn and march down the river, and camp near Cheek's Ford.

Sunday, Sep. 7 — Cross Potomac while the bands are playing "Maryland ! My Maryland." Some cross the River of Death next Sunday.

Sep. 9 — Ride to Frederick City and return. Its population is 9,000 or 10,000.

Sep. 10 — Whole army in motion. Dine at Mr. Fitzhugh's in Frederick City. Lovely family. Mr. Jones, next door. Meet Rev. Auguste, Chaplain 15th Virginia Regiment, Joseph Shawen, a good Southern Methodist, Col. Henson, President of the County Bank, aged and venerable (but had been arrested by the Federals), and Rev. Mr. Ross, a Presbyterian. Spend the night with Colonel Carmack in Frederick City. Strong Southern feeling among these good people.

Sep. 11, 1862 — Having been very feeble for two or three days I spend a day at Colonel Carmack 's. Brigade passed at 8 a. m, At 2 : 30 I go on and stop at Boons- boro with Dr Josiah Smith. Strong intelligent South- ern feeling.

Sep. 14 — Our Brigade goes out at 4 : 30 a. m. My horse being lame, I cannot go. General Garland is brought to his tent dead. I go to see him. A few days ago I saw him under different circumstances that will make me admire him forever. His Brigade was cross- ing a stream on a narrow footway. His men began to plunge into the little stream, up to their knees. He knew it would be bad for them to march with wet feet. He drew up his fiery horse in the road in the water and stayed there till his entire command had passed, point- ing to the narrow bridge and shouting to the men, compelling them to take time and go over in single file. That manly form now lies before me silent but "speak-

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ing." Hear Captain Wicker is wounded. At midnight wagons move circuitously to Williamsport. I start to my regiment and And everybody moving silently. Coming near Boonsboro, I feel lonely as I see not a form on the pike. Enter town and see Division after Division passing toward the west.

Monday, Sep. 15, 1862 — Regiment rest in field at 7 a, m. They need rest. Yesterday was a busy day and last night gave us rest. Cross Antietam Creek and make a si and on hill adjacent. An occasional artillery shot occupies the evening. Men in arms. I spent night with ambulances on vacant lot in Sharpsburg.

Sep. 16— Artillery begins at 8:30 a. m. After 11 firing ceases. "We move our Brigade Hospital two miles in the rear.

Sep. 17 — Very heavy firing in morning. Wounded coming in. God help our men to fight ! Have mercy on those who are to die ! At noon Colonel Parker and Adjutant Phillips come wounded. A rifle ball passed over Colonel Parker's head, cutting away a narrow strip of skin and plowing a nice little furrow in the skull, leaving the membrane that covers the brain vis- ible but uninjured. What a narrow escape! Fierce contest all day. Lieutenant Rogers killed (Co. D), Sergeant Edwards killed (Co. C), Colonel Tew, of 2nd Regiment, was killed also. Lieut. Duncan E. McNair, of Robeson, my classmate for many years, was killed, leaving a wife and child. Our regiment lost a number of brave men at Sharpsburg ; some killed, others mor- tally wounded.

Sep. 18 — No fighting. I visit Colonel Parker and ride over to Sharpsburg and see how the town had been shelled. Rainy, damp night. Wake up at midnight and find everything moving to the rear.

Sep. 19 — Before day we drink our coffee and ride to the Potomac, leaving Drs. Gregory and Lawson and a few wounded and sick. Though troops and wagons

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have been passing all night, still the roads and fields were full. Ram! Jam! Wagons and ambulances turned over ! One man was killed by the overturning of an ambulance. Cross at daybreak. Yesterday I bathed in this stream. Today dead bodies will be bath- ing in it. Pass three miles back to division wagon train and stop to rest. Shelling begins on river at 9 : 30 a. m. Division moves in afternoon and spends night one and a half miles west of Shepardstown. See Cap- tain Baskerville going home, and write to wife.

Sep. 20— Fierce cannonading from 10 to 11. Still as death from 1 to 2. While troops are in line of battle I visit five wounded men at house of William Golden- banger. Col. W. J. McGill lost his left arm. He has a wife and three children. Trusts in God. John C. McMahon, of Mississippi, Caohoma county, was with Walker in Nicaragua, passed safely many perils in many places, and was wounded in the arm and side at Sharpsburg, and at last turned over in the ambulance in which the man was killed two days ago. He is well bred and polite and confesses his sinfulness. Did he ever get back to his native home and see his venerable father, Rev. Wm. McMahon?

Sep. 21 — Hear Rev. A. A. Watson, chaplain 2nd Regiment, preach. Write to Mary by Mr. Yan Bokelin.

Sep. 22— Ride to the wagons to rest. Five years ago this afternoon my second son, Willie, was born. God bless him and spare us to see each other. Ride to Martinsburg in afternoon. Lie beside my horse at night, gazing at the stars and thinking of Mary and my little ones. "What is man, that Thou art mindful of him?"

Sep. 23— Yisit 18th and 28th Regiments.

Sep. 25 — Dine with Harry Thomas, near Martins- burg, a thrifty farmer, fine-looking, genial gentleman. I met Mr. Thomas afterwards in another section and greeted him as such. He looked at me as if he did not

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remember me. I gave him my name and said : "Is this Mr. Harry Thomas?" He said: "No, it is his brother Jack." I told him I had met his brother and was glad to meet him. Some time after \ met Mr. Thomas and called him Thomas. He evidently did not remember me. I quickly asked him if he was Mr. Harry or Jackv He said it was neither, but their brother Jake ! I wish I could see the three together

Sunday, Sep. 28, 1862 — Preacn in camp.

Sep. 29 — Ride to Winchester with sick men. Meet Captain Drake and Captain Witherspoon on road with mail. Get letter from wife. Little Mary quite ill on 12th. May now be in Heaven. Father, into thy hands I commend my child. Stop with Rev. W, G. Eggles- ton, P. E. of this District of the Baltimore Conference. Lately lost his wife. Has a family of children.

Sep. 30. — Ride to camp and carry Brigade mail. Meet Rev. J. A. Robbins, a schoolmate, now from Georgia.

October 1, 1862 — Carry sundry letters to their places. Receive pay for July and August.

Oct. 3 — Hear from wife, at Chapel Hill. Babe is better. She went from Bladen to Chapel Hill with three children and a nurse (about one hundred miles) by private conveyance.

Sunday, Oct. 5— Preach to a large, attentive au- dience. Fine day. Bright night.

Oct. 6 — Pay Captain Allen my mess bill for May, June and July.

Oct. 7 — Ride to Winchester in ambulance with the sick. Visit E. Fletcher Bobbitt at Academy Hospital. Last interview with a lovely man. Brother of Rev. Drs. W. H. and J. B. Bobbitt of the North Carolina Conference. Left his family in Warren county. Joined army in May '62, and died in Richmond, October 23, 1862. Roster says 1863 ; but my book is right. I never can forget how tenderly he spoke of his wife, saying he

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did not know how to appreciate her till the war took him from her. Carry Rev. Vaughn, chaplain of 3rd Regiment, to camp.

Oct. 8— Walk five miles with J. W. Ellis as he starts to North Carolina as Senator. This Christian gentleman, a lawyer of Columbus county, enlisted in Co. E as a private, August 28, 1861. His friends elected him to the North Carolina Senate in 1862. He had a walk of about ninety miles to Staunton, the railroad track having been torn up. I put his knapsack on my horse and claimed the pleasure of walking a few miles with him.

Oct. 12 — Preach in morning. Captain Atwell died at Shepardstown.

Oct. 14 — Tiresome ride to Shepardstown to see wounded men, Hathaway, Brown, Dement and Lieu- tenant Crews. A minie ball passed through his chest at Sharpsburg. (I had no idea he could live ; but in 1870 and 1871 I was his pastor at Oxford. ) Spend night at Hon. Alex. Boteler's. Go to see Captain Osborn at Shepardstown. Among the brave men left at Shepards- town, too badly wounded at Sharpsburg to be taken any distance, was Col. W. L. DeRossett, of Wilming- ton, North Carolina. I there first met him and his venerable father, Dr. A. J. DeRossett. (The Colonel lived a cripple for life, was largely useful, and raised an interesting family. The father lived to extreme old age and died in 1897. ) Get Lieutenant Harrell's sword. George K. Harrell was wounded at Sharpsburg, but re- turned to duty and carried that sword till he was killed, May 12, 1864. See Colonel McGill at house of Dr. Lucas, two and a half miles out. His wife is with him.

Oct. 17 — Ready to march before day. Rev. Power, of 14th Regiment, arrives.

Oct. 19 — Preach to a small congregation. Major General D. H. Hill a devout hearer. A. R. McDonald, of Moore county arrives, and spends night with me.

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Oct. 21 — Captain Witherspoon and I ride to Win- chester. He meets Mrs. R. H. Apperson at hotel in trouble. She rides in ambulance to near Whitehall, and thence on saddle to Mr. Zephaniah Silver's and finds her husband convalescent. Happy soldier ! Happy wife ! Silver family so nice and kind. Two sons in our army.

Oct. 22 — Ride with Captain Apperson to our camp. Bury Sergeant Cornelius Savage of Company E.

Oct. 24 — Fail to get clothing which I much need. Get marching orders.

Oct. 25 — Division moves and begins to tear up track of Wand Harper's Ferry R. R. Our Brigade operates on track below Charlestown during the night in a cold rain.

Sunday, Oct. 26 — Cool rain. Sit till noon under tent in front of fire. Brigades of troops passing to and fro through rain. Men suffer. Very cool rain and wind all night. Large fire in front of tent all night.

Oct. 27 — Brigade goes off to tear up railroad track. Revs. Power, Long and I go to Charlestown and ride on the spot of John Brown's execution, and see the prison in which he was confined. Lovely little town.

Oct. 31, 1862 — Cross Shenandoah river at Berry's Ferry. Men wade. Cross mountain at Ashby's Gap.

Nov. 1 — Bro. Power and I walk up the mountain and spend two or three hours. Fine view. Pray to- gether up there.

Nov. 2 — Bro. Power begins to preach at 10:30, but troops are ordered out and fall back toward Paris and lie in line of battle all night.

Nov. 5 — Brigade in camp near Fort Royal. Call on Rev. Dr. Hough, pastor of M. E. Church, South. Lovely man and wife.

Nov. 6 — Hoarse and feeble. Bad cold. Move across river after night. Very cold. Men wade and walk a

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mile to camp, some without shoes. Water freezes by my side as I lie on the ground.

Nov. 7 — Snow begins to fall at 10 a. m, Bad day on bare feet.

Nov. 8 — General Hill calls for volunteers to render daring, dangerous service for two or three days. We have prayers at our fire.

Nov. 9 — Division moves to Strasburg. Barefoot men march in snow. Bury H. Y. Kirkpatrick at night in Presbyterian cemetery. He enlisted at nineteen, from Mecklenburg county. Lovely Christian. Died in the house of Mrs. Davis, November 8th, 10 : 30 p. m. How sad the sight ! How tenderly a few 6f his com- rades raked away the snow, dug the grave and laid the noble youth away ! The chaplain's prayer is that he and they may meet him on the Resurrection Day.

Nov. 11 — Brigade moves six or seven miles and tears up railroad track at night.

Nov. 12 — Hear Bro. Moore preach in his camp.

Nov. 13 — Bro. Power and I ride to Strasburg and visit hospitals, and see Robt. L. White die. A Christ- ian. New Testament in his bosom.

- Nov. 14 — Visit sick at hospitals in Strasburg.

Nov. 15 — I walk out to studv my Bible. Wash day in 2nd Regiment. Bank of branch lined some distance with men half naked, some washing pants and drawers, others washing shirts and some picking their clothing. Some half naked holding their wet clothes to the fire to dry. Sad sight! Would make wives, mothers and sisters weep.

Sunday, Nov. 16 — Inspection in morning. I preach in afternoon, and Bro. Power and I deliver the Holy Communion to twenty persons. At night Dr. Garrett and Dr. Smith, who could not be present in the after- noon, receive it in my tent, Dean, a negro servant, also.

Nov. 17 — Division moves and camps six miles from

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Strasburg. Visit sick at hospitals, one nian dying, no one knows who or where from.

GETTING A FURLOUGH.

Nov. 18 — As my Conference was to meet in Raleigh December 3, 1 had made application for leave of absence and my furlough had not come. So I get duplicate and take it to officers myself. Leave General Hill at 2 : 45 p. in., ride ten and a half miles to General Jackson's headquarters, get my paper signed, return late. My first papers came to* hand ten or twenty minutes after I left.

Nov. 19 — In camp. Moses Ezzell very ill. Prayer meeting at night.

GETTING HOME ! FIVE DAYS !

Nov. 20 — Six'miles on saddle, twelve on wagon, five on foot.

Nov. 21 — Wagon and ambulance to Mt. Crawford- Spend night in Baptist church with fifty or sixty sick men. Pray with them. All seem to feel. Many happy. Almost all of them Christians.

Nov. 22 — Take stage at 3 a. m. Pass Willow Pump — a curiosity. Some one had planted a willow post near a gate on the roadside to discharge the water from an underground pipe, the willow sprouted, made quite a tree and still discharged the water. Such a blessing to thirsty soldiers. Take cars to Staunton and reach Richmond.

Nov. 23 — Miss Wilmington train at Weldon and go on to Raleigh. Hear sermon at M. E. church and greet several friends warmly. Call on Mrs. Seaton Gales and pay her $250 from her husband. Lovely woman. Chil- dren all sick with scarlet fever, and her husband far away, Sleep on parlor floor in W. T. Bain's hotel.

Nov, 24 — Pass Goldsboro andjWilmington. Leave cars at Brinkley's. Walk to Dr. Buie's. He gives me

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buggy to Capt. Jo. Green's. He gives me a good horse and saddle to D. D. Allen's.

Nov. 25 — Bro. Allen sends nie in buggy, and I see niy family once more. All well. Thank God ! Fever from vaccination makes me delirious during night. Had not seen family since July 31. In going home from the army I met Lieut. E. Ruark, of Co. 0. on his way home at Smith ville, on sick furlough. We sat to- gether for many, many miles, and parted at Wilming- ton. He went home and died of smallpox, spreading it and killing his mother and others. Narrow escape for me and mine. Neither of us thought of the danger.

Nov. 29 — Preach at Bladen Springs.

GETTING TO CONFERENCE.

Dec. 3, 1862 — Start to Raleigh, about ninety miles, taking wife, three children and a nurse. Rain all day. Spend night with Bro. Sykes.

Dec. 4— Pass Fayetteville. Spend night with J. H. Hawley, one of the best men I ever knew.

Dec. 5 — Rain all day. Spend night with Allen Betts, my brother.

Dec. 6— Clear and cold. Ride to Alvin Betts, my brother.

Dec. 7 — Hear Bishop Early preach in Raleigh.

Dec. 8 — Day in Conference. A letter from Uncle Foster Utley, Chapel Hill, leads me to send my family to that place.

Dec. 9 — Send family on cars to Chapel Hill, while I turn my face towards Bladen alone. After four days of lonely riding I reach my wife's boarding place and pack books and clothes, and take Steamer Hurt for Fayetteville. Pay Jo. Russ ten dollars to take my car- riage to Fayetteville.

Dec. 13 — Meet James Marley Smith, and go with him to his farm- Sunday, Dec. 14 — Hear Bro. J. D. Buie preach at

'r— — ^„SI,

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Fayetteville. Night at hotel. I have had fever for last three days.

Dec. 15— Take cars to Egypt. Find no horse there for me. Walk about ten miles, and ride on a mule-cart about the same distance and reach Pittsboro. Sup with John Womach. He sends me to Chapel Hill, eighteen miles, on a mule-cart. Get there at 7 a. m.

Dec. 17— Chill at night,

Dec. 18— Chill in the afternoon. In bed till 22d.

Sunday, Dec. 28— Preach in M. E. Church.

1863. THANK GOD !

Cut wood two or three days. Hard work.

Rev. J. W. Jenkins arrives on Saturday, Jan. 3. I attend Masonic meeting.

Jan. 4 — Hear Bro. Jenkins preach in morning. Spend afternoon reading my Greek Testament.

Jan. 5— Get ready to start to Virginia. At eleven at night I leave, the moon shining bright,