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Rev. T. Hume, of Petersburg, writes as follows: I have baptized here, and in adjacent parts, during the past six months, fifty-four—mostly young men of great promise.
Some now are awaiting baptism, and not a few scattered about in the trenches and hospitals are earnest seekers after salvation.
A. E. D.
camp near Petersburg, January 2.
. . . The very active campaign in which the ‘Army of the Valley’ has been engaged has been very unfavorable to religious services, and, I regret to add, a number of chaplains have resigned; but, as we were blessed with fine weather during my stay, I found every day large and attentive congregations, and witnessed some indications that the revival spirit had not died out, but only wanted favorable influences to fan the spark into a flame.
The Second Corps has now gone into winter-quarters (no matter where), and, under the encouragement of their Christian commander (General John B. Gordon), chapels are being built in most of the camps, and it is to be hoped that a very decided religious influence will prevail this winter.
But they greatly need more preachers.
I was indebted for transportation, from Staunton to the army and back, to Brother C. F. Fry, one of the most efficient colporters of our Virginia Baptist Board.
Brother Fry has a little covered wagon admirably arranged for carrying his tracts, books, rations, forage, etc., in which he kindly took me. For several days in Staunton I enjoyed the hospitality of Brother Geo. B. Taylor.
Besides the duties of his pastorate, Brother Taylor is doing a great work in the Staunton hospitals. occasional.
Applewood, December 31, 1864.
To-day closes the eventful year 1864!
Reflections crowd the memory almost to stupefaction.
Faith and patience have their amplest verge, piety and patriotism their widest scope, in our present condition.
Not unlike the Israelites, we are passing through “darkness drear” to better and brighter prospects beyond.
Among the memories of the past my mind rests upon the close of 1863.
Then in prison on Johnston's Island we thought it not unfitting to spend the day in religious observances.
The 103d Psalm was read and briefly commented on. Officers, 