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

[478] I imagine every chaplain who supplies you material in this form may make quite as long a list, and will do so unless they undertake your work of writing the history. But I hope you will permit candor and truth to override politeness in pronouncing judgment upon our personal and official defects.

Very truly yours,

Dear Colonel: Your letter of 13th instant was received yesterday, and your telegram to Mr. Smith was also received; and he, by the signal-line, inquired of Mr. Hopkins's physician respecting his health, and it is improving. This improvement we have known for several days. He is too valuable to us to admit of not being carefully looked after. You will give yourself no concern respecting his being taken care of. He is in a comfortable house, and he will continue to be well cared for.

Very truly your friend,

[Extract.]

This will illustrate the general's tender care for his chaplains, and his concern in whatever affects their usefulness. At the same time he sent Captain Smith, his aidede-camp, to see me, and also Lieutenant Marsden, my wife's cousin, with permission to remain and nurse me if I needed attention. This was during my illness at Mr. Buckner's, 1863.

With another apology for want of modesty, I am affectionately yours,

Rev. and Dear Brother: I have learned through the religious press your purpose, as suggested in your letter. I heartily commend the enterprise and the objects sought to be promoted by it. And most gladly would I contribute, according to my ability, towards the accomplishment of your purpose. Whilst with the army (a period of about two years), my impressions are most favorable as to the influence and effect of religious truth. It appeared to me that during a course of ministerial experience extending through twenty-four years I had never witnessed more precious seasons of grace, or more signal displays of Divine mercy, than it was my privilege to witness in the army. Scores, perhaps I would not err were I to say hundreds, of professed conversions passed under my own observation. Never before was it my privilege to preach to as large congregations or to congregations more respectful in deportment, more serious, and upon whom the truth of God seemed to have more marked power and effect. The morale of the army, too, appeared to me to be good. So far as my observation extended, among both officers and privates, there was less profanity than would be found among an equal number of men anywhere else. By officers, from the highest to the lowest grade, in my official capacity as chaplain, I was treated with uniform respect and courtesy, and from the men I received nothing but the utmost kindness and consideration. There were, no doubt, bad men in the army, both officers and privates, but it was my happiness to be thrown with those, for the most part, of an opposite character.

Whilst many of the severest trials and privations of my life were experienced in the army, it affords me real pleasure to state that many of the happiest seasons of my life were passed with the Army of Northern Virginia. To my dying day shall