Rebellion Record: a Diary of American Events: Poetry and Incidents., Volume 1.
Frank Moore, Ed.

Rev. M. L. Weller, the young, zealous, and beloved minister of the Episcopal church in Hernando, Miss., on last Tuesday morning bade adieu to all the endearments of home and the society of his attached congregation, and left for Camp Davis, near Pensacola, Florida, there to take his position as an humble private in the ranks of Capt. Tom White's company, the 9th Regiment of Mississippi Volunteers.

Few more noble examples of patriotism than this are recorded even in the pages of Revolutionary [132] heroism. Mr. Weller was anxious to have gone off with the company from Hernando when it left for Pensacola, about six weeks since, but having been located here in some sort by the Bishop of the Diocese, lie disliked to leave his church without the sacred sanction of his permission. No opportunity offered for him to obtain this until a short time ago; and when he told Bishop Green that the promptings of his heart were constantly calling him by day and night to defend his country upon the battle-field, that Rev. Prelate told him to go, and God's blessing go with him — that he (the Bishop) already had two sons in the field, and that he himself would be there if occasion called for his services.

Mr. Weller goes not as a hired chaplain or salaried officer of any sort, but with his rifle in his hand and his knapsack on his back, to do the duty and the whole duty of a private in the ranks; and we will venture the assertion, that there will be no man in all that army who will do it more thoroughly, more nobly, or more fearlessly.

Mr. Weller was very dear to the hearts of his congregation before. It is needless to say that he will not be less dear in the future.

We are pleased to learn that the vestry of his church have unanimously granted him leave of absence for one year; have resolved that his position shall be kept open for him until he returns, and have continued his salary during his absence.--People's Press, Hernando, (Miss.) May 16.