[329]
the number.
Most of our commands being engaged in constructing fortifications on Sabbath evening, I had the privilege of preaching to Liddell's Arkansas brigade, which is encamped at Missionary Ridge.
From the preaching place we had a fine view of Chattanooga and the Federal defences.
The attendance and attention of the audience were very good.
They have enjoyed a gracious revival of religion the past summer, and need chaplains very much.
At twilight I preached to a Kentucky brigade, commanded of late by the ill-fated Gen. Helm.
There are many Christian gentlemen in that command.
I preached for them again at 6.
o'clock last evening.
They meet every evening for religious service just after “retreat” is sounded.
Brother Mooney preached for our brigade last night.
It is stationed in reach of the enemy's guns.
Mr. Cherry gives us an account of one of the saddest scenes that can be witnessed in an army, the shooting of a deserter.
He called to see the poor young man and found him deeply penitent for his sins:
I attended him in his last moments.
When he reached the place of execution he knelt beside his coffin and grave, and in the presence of the entire division offered an audible, earnest prayer, making confession of his great sin and praying for God to pardon him, and touchingly alluded to his only sister, and wife, to whom he had been married but one year, and commended his departing spirit to God.
He was calm while the sentence was read, listened attentively to the lesson read of the dying Saviour and penitent thief, and responded fervently during the recital of the hymn, ‘There is a fountain filled with blood,’ etc. His feet and hands were hound and eyes hoodwinked.
The command was given, aim, ready, fire, and he fell, pierced by five balls through the head and body.
Thus perished the young deserter.
There was scarcely a spot where soldiers were gathered where the revival did not manifest its saving power.
