Southern Historical Society Papers, Volume 10.
Reverend J. William Jones, Ed.

[567] the first time. It really seemed like a desecration of the Sabbath, the band playing lively airs, and the officer of the day passing the guard in review. I miss the chiming of church bells, and in fact there is nothing to remind one of the sacredness of the day, until at inspection of arms, it is announced that our young and gifted chaplain, Mr Haskell will preach in a beautiful grove near at hand. The Rev. Samuel Watson of Memphis conducted the services, and preached a fine practical sermon to a congregation of about one hundred of the one thousand soldiers of the regiment. Such is the proportion of God-fearing men in the camp. I feel as if I had lost the day; have done nothing; neglected reading my Bible, though not intentionally. Mr. Haskell proposed to organize a Sunday school, and prayer meeting; but for some reason, no one was present at the appointed time.

July 19th.--On picket. Post at the river. About nine o'clock, immediately after relieving the old guard, a deep rumbling noise was heard, similar to that of steam escaping from a boat. As there was no boat at the landing my attention was turned to the river for the cause of the noise. The water from one bank to the other, and as far down the river as the eye could reach, was in a great commotion, huge waves rolling on high, and breaking upon the shore, impressed us all with the thought of an earthquake, but the cause of the disturbance was the caving in of a bank, carrying with it many large trees.

July 21st.--A beautiful Sabbath morning. John Trigg and I walked down to the spring this morning, and enjoyed the luxury of a cold bath. Attended preaching at eleven o'clock. The service was conducted by our young chaplain, Wm. Haskell, who preached a short sermon, but very appropriate and impressive. He begun by saying that as chaplain of the regiment, commissioned by the State, he might claim the attention of his fellow soldiers, but he made his claim on a higher ground, and that was, that he was commissioned by him who rules the universe. He then presented some very beautiful and striking thoughts, and succeeded in gaining the undivided attention of his congregation.

Read a chapter in the Gospel of Mark, also the Message of President Davis. Slept about one hour, and went on dress parade at six o'clock.

July 24th.--Tidings of a great battle in Virginia have been received. While we were listening to the word of God on the Sabbath, our brave boys in Virginia were facing death on the field of battle. General Beauregard, it is said, defeated McDowell at Manassas Gap on the 21st of the month. The loss is said to be heavy on both sides. Received marching orders to day. A dispatch from General Pillow, orders us to