William W. Bennett, A narrative of the great revival which prevailed in the Southern armies during the late Civil War

Rev. S. H. Smith, writing of the observance of the day in Gordon's brigade, says:

I have no idea that ever before was there such a day realized by the present generation. Old professors of religion expressed a degree of confidence in God, of an early deliverance from this bloody revolution, that astonished themselves. Who can tell but that yesterday was the birth-day of Southern independence? Oh! if we could have ascended above the earth and looked down upon a nation upon their knees before God, confessing their sins and suing for mercy, I imagine we could have heard the shouts of the redeemed and the songs of the angels as they exclaimed, ‘ Peace on earth and good will to men.’

In Gen. Johnston's army, by general orders, all military operations were suspended that all officers and men might have an opportunity of properly observing the day. “The great stillness of the men,” says an eyewitness, “exceeded anything ever seen.” The devout officers joined heartily in these services, and some of them delivered stirring exhortations to their soldiers.

“Gen. Gordon,” says Rev. P. 0. Harper, missionary, “takes an active interest in religious exercises and in the spiritual welfare of those under his charge, which, 1 am sorry to say, is not the case with all the officers in the brigade. On yesterday (fast-day) morning his brigade, or all who chose to attend, were called together by his order at sunrise for prayer in the open air. He addressed the assemblage in a sensible and feeling discourse. The scene was most affecting and impressive. The morning was clear and brilliant, and, apparently, God smiled upon the sight. The assembly, to the number of eight hundred or a thousand, bowed their knees (and I trust their hearts) before the Omnipresent and Omnipotent God. The occasion, the circumstances, and the brilliancy of the lovely spring morning, rejoicing in the God of nature and declaring his glory and goodness, ”