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

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[596] met many of our preachers. Called on Sister Bumpass, who edits The Message, for which I have been writing and securing subscribers for several years. She and her son and daughters gave me a warm welcome. At 5 P. M. a pleasant prayer meeting at her home. Her prayer and that of Miss Alla Clary impressed me by the simplicity and sincerity of their earnest supplications.

April 13. Met Chaplains A. D. McVoy and Moses L. Whitten, the latter my Conference class-mate. I begin to realize the war is over, but I thank God that I have been with the Southern Army as a chaplain, and am not willing to leave it yet.

April 14. Brought my Testaments, hymn-books, etc., from the depot to the store of Sterling and Campbell; met General Beauregard.

April 15. Secured an old government horse.

Greensboroa, North Carolina, Sunday, April 16. Breakfast before day-light. When Sister Bumpass bid me good-bye her hearty words, “Brother Cherry, I don't believe the Yankees will get you,” did my soul great good. I overtook Dibbrell's Division of Tennessee and Kentucky soldiers acting as escort to President Davis five miles from Greensboroa. I saw Secretary of State J. P. Benjamin and Adjutant-General S. Cooper.

April 17. Saw President Davis again at Lexington. At Jersey Church dined with Mr. G. S. He was much troubled, but said he was trying to live for heaven. I paid him $5 for my dinner, and promised to pray for him. While at the railroad bridge of the Yadkin River, President Davis rode up and looked across the river with apparent anxiety. I responded to his inquiry for Quarter-master General Lawton. He talked for awhile and rode away. I pity him in the day of his misfortune. We crossed the classic Yadkin by getting the wheels of our wagons astride of the rails on the cross-ties of the railroad which was on the roof on top of the bridge. Stoneman had burnt the other bridge. The picture of the President, cabinet, and escort, crossing the river in such romantic style at sunset would have afforded an artist a splendid sketch.

April 18. Passed through Salisbury to-day, the early home of President Andrew Jackson; marched all night, going through Concord at midnight.

April 19. Charlotte, North Carolina, was reached early in the morning. Stoneman has burnt the bridge across the Catawba River before us to-day. Heard of President Lincoln's assassination, which we much regret.

April 20. Marched to the Tuckasage Ford on the Catawba River.

April 21. Preached at night for Colonel McLemore's Brigade. Slept for the last night in the army with Chaplain Austin W. Smith, at General Dibbrell's headquarters. I have been much with Brother Smith this week and during the war. He is one of God's noble and faithful men. He has been very true to me, and tender as a woman with sick and wounded soldiers.

Mecklenburg County, North Carolina, April 22. Took leave of my army friends in Dibbrell's Division of McLemore's and Breckenridge's Brigades, Cavalry. General Dibbrell is an exemplary member of the Methodist Church, and has treated us kindly this week. Crossed the Catawba on the pontoon, near the burnt bridge, and reached Rock Hill, South Carolina, and stopped with Brother Bennick, a nice Dutchman, who preached to the soldiers at night; met Chaplains Monk and Mc-Cheever, of Ferguson's Brigade.

Rock Hill, South Carolina, Sunday, April 23. Sick to-day, but preached at 11 A. M. to a crowded congregation, chiefly soldiers, from Ex. XXXIII. 18; dined on cold biscuit, ham, and syrup. Heard Chaplain Williams, Third South Carolina Cavalry, preach at 3 P. M. Took supper with Mrs. Roddy, an Associate Reformed Presbyterian. She and her nephew sang a psalm at sunset, a custom of her family at that hour wherever they are.

At night preached for Ferguson's Cavalry Brigade and administered the Sacrament