J. William Jones, Christ in the camp, or religion in Lee's army

“ [310] have been converted since last Sabbath.” In Wright's Brigade, a great work of grace is going on. Last Thursday, Brethren Hyman and Marshall, chaplains of the Twelfth and Forty-ninth Georgia Regiments, baptized twenty-six. The chaplain of the Fortieth Virginia reports thirty penitents in Heth's Brigade. Brother Barrett, chaplain Forty-fifth Georgia, Thomas's Brigade, reports from fifty to one hundred who are seeking the Saviour. Since the battle of Chancellorsville, he has received seven for church-membership. In the Twelfth South Carolina, twenty-five are reported as having made their peace with God. A quartermaster in Armistead's Brigade writes me that a good work has commenced there, and that nothing is so much needed as men to preach Jesus. A Baptist minister from Pickett's Division says that in “every brigade in that division protracted meetings are being held, and a solemn and deep religious influence pervades many hearts.” Rev. Bernard Phillips, our colporter at Winder Hospital, informs me that a “precious revival is being enjoyed at that post. Two were received for baptism last night.” Brother Phillips is assisting in a protracted meeting, at which many are crying to God for mercy. The cry is for the Gospel. In some of these protracted meetings, the voice of a minister has scarcely been heard. Will not fifty of our pastors throw themselves, for a few months, into this great work? “Send us tracts, colporters, and evangelists.” Will not the Churches give with a munificent liberality, of their possessions, that the board may meet these pressing demands?

Dear Brethren: Our brigade has just moved, and suspended the protracted meeting which I told you in my last Dr. Pryor had commenced, in conjunction with the regimental chaplains. There have been about twenty-five conversions, and the meeting closed with about the same number of mourners at the anxious seat. We did not experience such blessings as have descended in other parts of the army, but have abundant reason for gratitude, and to thank God and take courage. About thirteen of these conversions were in my regiment.