[526]
At this period the meeting took a more business turn.
Brother W. E. Jones, who had been appointed upon the committee to complete the list of chaplains, asked to be excused.
Granted; and Brother Dobbs appointed in his place.
The committee appointed long ago to procure a better supply of chaplains was dissolved, at their request.
Brother Talley moved that a committee be appointed to bring in an order of business at the next meeting.
Carried. Committee—Brothers Lacy, Talley and Hopkins.
It was moved by Brother Lacy that a committee of three be appointed to report upon the subject of opening a correspondence with other armies in the field.
Committee—Brothers Hopkins, Booker and Betts.
Dr. Bocock exhorted the brethren to go forward and lean upon Jesus Christ for guidance and for strength.
Rev. Brothers W. A. Hall, James M. Lewis, John S. Grasty, were in attendance throughout the proceedings, and were invited to take part in the proceedings.
Rev. Henry D. Moore was reported as having become chaplain to the Twelfth Alabama Regiment, Rodes's old Brigade.
After devotional services, the meeting adjourned, to meet at this place on next Tuesday, at 10 A. M.
A. C. Hopkins, Temporary Clerk.
I very much regret to find myself, for want of space, compelled to omit all of the remainder of the minutes of our Chaplains' Association; but the memory of the other sessions at Orange Court House and at Petersburg will never die, at least so long as one who participated in them shall live. We add to those given in the body of the book two additional proclamations of President Davis.
Proclamation by the President of the Confederate States of America.
The Senate and House of Representatives of the Confederate States of America have signified their desire that a day may be recommended to the people, to be set apart and observed as a day of humiliation, fasting and prayer, in the language following, to wit:
Reverently recognizing the Providence of God in the affairs of man, and gratefully remembering the guidance, support and deliverance granted to our patriot fathers in the memorable war which resulted in the independence of the American Colonies, and now reposing in Him our supreme confidence and hope in the present struggle for civil and religious freedom, and for the right to live under a government of our own choice, and deeply impressed with the conviction that without Him nothing is strong, nothing wise and nothing enduring; in order that the people of this Confederacy may have the opportunity, at the same time, of offering their adoration to the great Sovereign of the Universe, of penitently confessing their sins and strengthening their vows and purposes of amendment, in humble reliance upon His gracious and almighty power, The Congress of the Confederate States of America do Resolve, That it be recommended to the people of these States, that Friday, the 8th day of April next, be set apart and observed as a day of humiliation, fasting and prayer that Almighty God would so preside over our public councils and authorities; that He would so inspire our armies and their leaders with wisdom, courage and perseverance, and so manifest Himself in the greatness of His goodness and majesty of His power, that we may be safely and successfully led through the chastening to which we are being subjected, to the attainment of an honorable peace; so that, while we enjoy the blessings of a free and happy government, we may ascribe to Him the honor and the glory of our independence and prosperity.
