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or among the troops without scattering tracts or papers; nor have I the means of knowing definitely the number of prayer-meetings I have conducted.
An important part of my work has been to endeavor to secure chaplains for the vacant regiments.
I have been instrumental in securing the appointment of twelve chaplains.
I could have secured the appointment of a number of others could I have found suitable brethren to take the places.
Several excellent men could be gotten from the ranks, but for the refusal of the present secretary of war to make such appointments.
I trust that I have also been of some service in assisting ministers coming to labor for a short time in the army, with information as to the most suitable places for them to labor, etc.
The past six months have been very unfavorable to preaching in the army, owing to the unceasing activity which has prevailed, but when denied an opportunity of preaching I have found an abundant work in the hospitals, in pointing the sick and wounded to the great Physician.
I might relate many incidents illustrating the eagerness of the soldiers to hear the Gospel, and its abundant success amongst them, but many such statements have been made in the papers, and I deem it unnecessary at present to do more than give this brief summary of my labors.
In reviewing the past, I am constrained to ‘thank God and take courage.’
Yours in the Gospel,
J. Wm. Jones, Army Evangelist.
But, having made this general statement of the work during this period, I must now give some of the details. The extracts which follow from army letters and newspaper reports will show at the same time the religious status of the army and the spirit of our workers and of the soldiers:
The religious condition of our army at present is both healthful and hopeful.
Now that the weather has become unfavorable for frequent outdoor services, many of the regiments have neatly constructed log chapels, and many other chaplains, in lieu of this convenience, substitute the social prayer-meeting from hut to hut, Bible-classes, tract distribution, private conversation, etc., for the more public ministrations of the word.
