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

‘ [189] this bears the marks of the editor's usual piety, judgment and taste.’

Dear Brother Dickinson: I do not know whether regular reports are required of your colporters, but I have thought it would be well to forward to you a brief statement concerning my labors here during the past month. There are several hospitals in this place, all, except one, capable of accommodating a large number of patients. They are generally well filled, but at this time the number of patients is considerably reduced. The officers and patients have warmly welcomed me in my visits among them. Tracts and other religious publications are eagerly received, and seem to be read with great interest. “Come again, soon, with your tracts and papers,” is the repeated request, as I have been about to leave them. I have aimed to engage every man in the hospitals in special conversation on the subject of religion. Frequently, these have been very profitable seasons to me, and I trust have been beneficial in many cases. Often I find a tract a valuable help in conversation, suggesting some important train of thought, and affording me the opportunity to urge the reading of it with a serious and prayerful spirit. A day or two since an instance occurred which I trust betokens a good connection with such a course. I gave a young man Brother Shaver's tract, “ You Must Labor for Salvation,” telling him there were many things in it he would not receive unless God should influence his heart, and urging him, while he read it, to pray that he might be made willing to believe and receive whatever is true in reference to his soul's salvation. At the period above referred to I saw him, and inquired of him if he had read the tract as I requested. He could only answer with his tears, while I felt encouraged to press on him the claims of the Gospel, and commend to him its preciousness. Some conversation then ensued which gave me hope that he had been graciously enlightened through the instrumentality of the printed message placed in his hands. There are many ‘refugees’ here from the country below, to whom I have felt it my duty to direct my labors. Such of these as appear to be strangers I have given particular attention to, especially if they