Experience of a Confederate Chaplain, 1861-1864

Rev. A. D. Betts

Edited by W.A. Betts
[Greenville? S. C.,]
s.n.
190?

Library of Congress Subject Headings, 19th edition, 1996

LC Subject Headings:
• Betts, A. D. (Alexander Davis), 1832-1918 -- Diaries.
• Chaplains, Military -- United States -- Diaries.
• Confederate States of America. Army -- Chaplains -- Diaries.
• Confederate States of America. Army. North Carolina Infantry Regiment, 30th.
• United States -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865 -- Chaplains.
• United States -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865 -- Personal narratives, Confederate.
• United States -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865 -- Religious aspects.
• United States -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865 -- Poetry.

• 1996-11-07,
  Natalia Smith, project editor,
  finished TEI-conformant encoding and final proofing.
  
  
• 1996-09-10,
  Bill McGloughlin
  finished scanning (OCR) and proofing.

EXPERIENCE
OF A
Confederate Chaplain
1861-1864

BY REV. A. D. BETTS, D. D.,

N. C. Conference

Methodist Episcopal Church, South.

Chaplain 30th N. C. Troops.

EDITED BY W. A. BETTS.

INTRODUCTION.

        The chronicles of a Confederate Chaplain's diary will doubtless furnish the staple for weaving a most engaging story when the true historian shall find them.

        The perusal of these plain annals will surely revive in the memory of many a Confederate Veteran the vivid panorama of that unequalled and heroic struggle for the perpetuation of certain principles that underlie the purest and best form of government in the estimation of loyal Southrons.

        It is devoutly desired that all who may trace the indentures of this diary will reflect gratefully upon the allwise and gracious providence of God that seeks to save even unto the uttermost. It is believed that many persons, at home and in the army, were led to accept Christ as their Saviour, who under other circumstances might never have known His forgiving love.

        Joseph T. Derry in his "Story of the Confederate States," says:

        "There was throughout the Southern army a strong religious sentiment, and many of the officers and

men were deeply pious. * * * * * Firmly believing that God gave to them all the brilliant victories that shed such lustre on their arms, they also believed that God in His wisdom had given them final defeat. It is this feeling that has caused the Southern people, without any consciousness of guilt or shame, to accept in perfect good faith the result of the war and the changed order of things. and at the same time to use every constitutional method to maintain the rights of their States as co-equal members of the Union."

W. A. B.

THE WAR OF THE CONFEDERACY.

EDITORIAL NOTE.

        "The term 'Civil War' ought to be abandoned because it embodies an error. A civil war is a war between factions contending for the control of the same government, like Caesar and Pompey, like Lancaster and York. If the Southern people had fought in the Union, it would have been a civil war, and the defeated party would have been rebels. The movement was a revolution. The object of it was to maintain a separate government. The war was between the government of the United States and the government of the Confederate States. We went out of the Union; went so completely that we had to be re-admitted. We were not 'rebels,' but patriots, wisely or unwisely, exercising the the inalienable right of self-government in an honest effort to rectify political diffiiculties. This is the verdict history will ultimately pronounce upon that struggle."

        While our friends, the enemy, persist in calling as "Rebels," and refer to that struggle for Southern independence as "The Rebellion," we are content to bear the obloquy, knowing the injustice of it; yea, we glory in it, as did the now largest of protestant religious denominations accept and wear the term of reproach designating them "Methodists." But let us not forget that "We be brethren!"

GREENVILLE, SOUTH CAROLINA.

EXPERIENCE OF A CONFEDERATE CHAPLAIN,
1861 - 1865.

        The drum and fife were soon heard there, and all through the Old North State companies of our best men, young and middle aged, offered themselves to the Governor of the State. He organized them into regiments. The 30th Regiment was soon sent to Smithville. Rev. J. M. Sprunt, D. D., was their Chaplain. (See history in "Chaplain Service.") Brunswick County had a company (G) in this regiment. As I had preached in that county in 1859, I knew some of the men. The parents of Capt. John S. Brooks were very dear friends to me. The Captain went safely through all the perils till 1864, when he was killed, having been promoted to Major.

        John Harvil was killed in 1862.

         Brunswick soon had another company ready for service. That was put in the 30th Regiment with "A" from Sampson "B" from Warren, "D" from Wake, "E" from Duplin, "F" from Pitt, "G" from Granville, "H" from Moore, "I" from Nash, and "E" from Mecklenburg County. As I had preached in Sampson County in 1857 and 1858 I found friends in Company A. Among my friends in Company C was Lorenzo Dow Cain from

Bladen. He had been teaching some time in Brunswick before the war, and joined Capt. Joseph Green's company and was commissioned 2nd Lieut., on the day that most of the men enlisted - Sept. 26th, 1861. He was a bright, amiable young man.

        When the 30th Regiment was organized at Raleigh some one proposed that the commissioned officers should call a chaplain. Lieut. Cain wrote me from Raleigh that they had chosen me, and urged me to accept, modestly suggesting that it would give me a field for large usefulness. I prayed over it a few days and wrote to Governor Clark that I would accept. My commission was dated October 25th, 1861. The 30th Regiment was soon sent to Smithville. I reported for duty. Col. F. M. Parker kindly allowed me to finish up my work on the circuit and go to Conference at Louisburg.

        There three others had an experience with me. A noble citizen put us in a nice new house. One night we left our house unlocked while we were out. Rev. R. A. Willis lost his trunk, with books, clothes and manuscript sermons. Rev. J. H. Robbins lost his overcoat. Rev. R. S. Webb lost his valise and clothes. My carpet bag and clothing were gone too. We hired a detective to hunt our lost goods. One day we heard a valise had been seen on some drift wood in Tar river. We hastened to the spot. As we crossed a field we saw sheets of paper among the briars. They were Brother Willis' sermons. We walked on picking the sheets from the briars. Bro. Webb, in a solemn, dry tone, said: Bro. Willis sows "beside all waters." Bro. Willis did not laugh. We found a shirt for me and a garment or two for others.

        My regiment was moved to Camp Wyatt, on Federal Point. I rented a house near by for wife and three children. I preached often and held prayer meeting in some company almost every night. I copied

rolls of companies, noting age of each soldier, where born, postoffice, creed, and to what local church each belonged, married or single, number of children if any. etc.

        In the spring of 1862 the regiment was ordered to White Oak River, Onslow County.

        J. W. Russ, of Bladen, asked me to send my family to board with him. I sent them.

        Regiment was reorganized in May and ordered to Richmond in June, reaching there June 15th.

        June 23rd I saw the first wounded of my regiment, A. A. Lewis, of Sampson County, and Dr. Grissom, of Wake County.

        June 25th we heard frequent cannonading - 30 per minute.

        Thursday, June 26th, I was sick in my tent. Before day I heard such noise as I had never heard before. Everything in motion, troops, troops, wagons, wagons, artillery, artillery. Heard cannons from 5 p. m. to 6 p. m., 30 per minute; at 7:30, 40 per minute. Too unwell to go to my men. Heard constant musketry. Oh, that I could be there to comfort the wounded and dying, and to encourage the fighting.

        Friday, June 27th, Dr. Campbell and I start at 4 a. m. to try to join our regiment.

        At Mechanicsville we saw many wounded, and at -- Mills, many dead and wounded. Among the dead I saw the handsome form of my noble school-mate, James A. Wright, of Wilmington.

        Unable to reach our brigade we drop back through Ewell's and Stonewall Jackson's commands, and carry Captain Drake toward our old camp. Sleep under a tree. Our Regiment lost some men - S. Tedder, A. B. Hood and A. F. Steel of Mecklenburg.

        Sunday, June 29th - Pray in camp, and pray with them, and carry Capt. Drake to Richmond.

FIRST LETTERS OF CONDOLENCE.

        July 3rd - In camp sick. Meet Revs. T. J. Gattis and J. C. Brent of North Carolina. Learn that Bro. E. J. Grear of Company "C," was badly wounded and captured. He had left his pocket book containing $42.21 with me. I wish he had it in gold.

        July 4th - Once a National Jubilee? With Brother Gattis visit Captains Brooks and Stanley. Visit Chimborazo Hospital, some of 30th Regiment, Lieut. Angus Shaw of 38th Regiment, D. Danford of Company "C," and others at Seabrook Hospital. See Jos. Mason's left leg cut off below the knee. Brother Gattis spends night with me in camp.

        July 6th - Letter from wife; she may come next Tuesday! Walk, walk, walk, visit wounded soldiers, Camp Winder and other Hospitals, Thos. Whitted and Captain Sykes of Bladen, many friends and many poor strangers. Some will live, others will die. Reach camp late, very tired. Cough and cold very bad.

        July 7th - Visit Swift Galloway of Brunswick, Daniel McDugald of Cumberland, J. Mason, etc., etc. A telegram from Wilmington says Mrs. Betts is on her way. God bring her safely!

        July 8th - Wife and three children arrive. Sister Galloway comes on to see Swift. About 8 p. m. my son Willie (under 5 years) falls from his grandpa's porch six or seven feet and cuts his head fearfully on a brick.

        July 9th - Willie is doing well. McDugald about to die. Lieut. Shaw very low. Swift Galloway doing well. Visit D. H. Neal, Piper, and Horace Morrison.

        July 11th - Rain all the morning. Walkout through mud to camp, and find regiment returned after seven days in fighting and suffering. Glad to see Col. Parker

once more. Return weary to Pa's, having walked nine and rode three miles.

        Sunday, July 13th - In camp. Overtax my strength.

        July 14th - Feeble. Visit a few wounded.

        July 15th - Ride to camp and visit my sick. Daniel McDugald, my school-mate three years at Summerville and my class-mate three years at Chapel Hill, has died of wounds.

        July 16th - Keep close. Suffer with cough. Married Thos. E. Amos and Sarah G. Davis, in Clay St. Church, Richmond.

        July 17th - Find Lieut. Grier at Dunlop and Moncure Hospital, badly wounded. Glad to see the good man. Ride to camp and spend night on ground.

        July 18th - Ride to Pa's. Wife and I visit Lieut. Shaw and find him dying. One of the noblest men I ever knew. We visit Lieut. Grier.

        July 19th - Walk to Camp Winder Hospital. Ride to camp and find J. J. Wicker dead. Spend night in camp.

        July 20th - Preach and visit sick. Ride to Pa's late.

        July 21 - Ride to camp with wife and children and find Capt. D. C. Allen, Lieutenant Cain, Sergeant Ellis and many others sick. In the afternoon visit Leonard, Galloway, Grier, etc.

        July 22 - Ride to Mechanicsville with wife and children. Visit battlefield. Bury A. D. McPherson.

        July 23 - Visit Grier. Last visit. He dies on 26th. Get permission to go to North Carolina with sick child.

        July 24 - Leave Richmond at 4 a. m. and reach Wilmington at 8 p. m. Spend night at Mrs. McCaleb's Hotel.

        July 25 - Steamer North Carolina takes us to White Hall.

        Sunday, 27 - Visit Sunday School at Bladen Springs. Capt. John Barr Andrews died at Richmond, Virginia, July 23, 1862. He was the first person to whom I spoke

after I found peace with God, Oct. 15, 1853, at University of North Carolina.

        July 28 - Spend day with Bro. W. A. Savage. Meet Rev. D. C. Johnson, his pastor.

        July 29 - Ride to Elizabethtown. Wife spends day with old Mrs. McKay on her farm. Spend the night with Mr. Russ.

        July 31, 1862 - Wife and children ride with me to Wh te Hall. Part with loved ones, to meet - ?

        Aug. 1, 1862, A. M. - In Wilmington. Blue! Blue! Leave for Richmond at 2 p. m, taking a lot of vegetables for S. T. Buie & Bro., 18th North Carolina Regiment.

        Aug. 2 - Miss connection at Petersburg. Get to Richmond at 6 p. m. and hear that Lieutenant Cain is about to die in Camp Winder Hospital.

        Sunday, Aug. 3, 1862 - Preach in the morning. Hear that Lieut. Cain died at 9 a. m. and Lieut. Pitt about to die. Ride anxiously to Hospital, and find Pitt died at 5 p. m. Return to Richmond sad at 9 p. m.

        Aug. 4th - Spend afternoon visiting my sick at Winder. Look at Lieutenant Cain and Pitt for the last time. Dine at Pa's Write to Mary. Visit Brother Amos and wife, Leonard and Lieut. Galloway, and reach camp late.

        Aug. 5 - Visit Rev. H. G. Hill, Chaplain 13th Regiment. Meet Rev. J. Rumple of Salisbury and Rev. Van Eaton. Hear Rumple conclude his sermon, and Van Eaton through all of his. Good feeling among soldiers.

        Aug. 6 - Visit all my sick at Division Hospital. Thence to Richmond. Visit Samuel Wescott and Rev. W. C. Power, Chaplain 14th Regiment, sick.

        Visit my many sick at Winder. Some will die. Return late to camp.

        Aug. 7 - Fever all day. May the Lord restore me soon so that I may administer to others.

        Aug. 8 - Ride early to Pa's calling at three Hospitals. Fever all day. Take medicine at night.

        Aug. 8 - Go late and walk to camp.

        Sunday, Aug. 10 - Hear Rev. Rumple preach to 4th Regiment. A poor stranger mustered in this day as a substitute for Reams of Company "G." dies very suddenly. He called himself Wayne, from Alexandria, but a discharge for Williams was found in his pocket. Mysterious and sad! Brother Rumple preached a good sermon for me at night.

        Aug. 13 - Visit sick at Division and Winder Hospital. Lieutenants Davis, Jackson and Johnson, and privates Jackson, Jenkins, Hester and Merritt doing well. Marshall Teachy will hardly live. Lieutenant McLeod hardly can recover. Peter Stanley out of his head, imagines himself on Lockwood's Folly. Says he has seen his wife and children! Perhaps he has. Prays right intelligently. Poor old Mr. Graham will hardly go in ranks again. My private roll says: Samuel W. Graham, born in Ireland was living in Chatham County, North Carolina, when he enlisted in Company "H" September 23, 1861, was forty-six years old and left two motherless children. He died next day. Scotland and Ireland furnished several good soldiers to that company. Dennis Carr and Andrew McFarland were born in Ireland. James Rogers, William McCulloch and A. D. McGill were born in Scotland. McCulloch was thirty-seven when he enlisted, and left two motherless children when he was lost, or reported "missing"; McGill was nineteen. He has lived to be a blessing to North Carolina. He has been heard in the halls of her Legislature. Graham seemed to know me the day before he died. Teachy called me "Brother Betts," as usual though he had recognized no one for some days. Died August 14, 1862, leaving a wife and five children. After supper I call to see Revs. L. and B. Culbreth, A. Maxwell and D. Ray at Hotel. (Love and Blackman Culbreth

were brothers, local preachers, raised in Sampson County, North Carolina. Blackman died early. Love, a sweet singer and a fine preacher, had given a son to the North Carolina Conference in 1859, and lived till 1896.) Return to Pa's by moonlight, praying and meditating, and receive a blessing on my soul.

        Aug. 14th - Go to Female Institute Hospital and find no entry of the name of my Brother Grier, who died there during my visit to North Carolina. Find his valise, etc. Will send his brother for it. Col. May, of Georgia, says Brother Grier died between midnight and day, July 26, no one knowing when he died. Holy angels knew.

        Aug. 15 - Ride to see Regimental Work Squad with Chaplains Long, Moore and Hill.

        Aug. 16 - Morning in camp. Supper in Richmond, and return and hear Brother J. G. Barkley preach. (This dear man raised his children in Nash county North Carolina, and lived to be very old. Died April 16, 1896. He said to me in his house in 1887 or 1888: "Brother Betts, the happiest day in my life was one day in 1840, when I saw my oldest daughter marry a young man and start to Africa!" Glory to God for such religion!)

        Sunday, Aug. 17 - Brother Barkley preaches in morning and I in evening. Receive marching orders.

        Aug. 19 - Rise at 4 with orders to march to Gordonsville. Leave some sick in camp. Others, not able to march, start and have to fall out. Division passes through Richmond. I stop and buy flannel and overtake regiment six and one-half miles out. Sleep on ground.

        Aug. 20 - Rise at 4 and march. Night at Taylorsville. At 10 at night brigade called to arms and marched off - weary, weary. I remain on the ground praying for our soldiers.

        Aug. 21 - Threatened with jaundice. Take medicine.

        Aug. 24 - Dark and damp. One year ago today, my dear little Eddie was cold in death in parsonage in Smithville (Southport), North Carolina, and I was almost dead. I preached on "Samaritan."

        August 25. 1862 - My birthday! Thirty years old! And yet how little knowledge I have acquired! How little grace! How little good have I done! God help me in time to come! Get marching orders at nine at night.

        Aug. 26 - Long hard march on our men.

        Aug. 29 - Called at C. H. and wrote to wife. Camped at Rapidan. I slept under a wagon.

        Aug. 30 - Men wade Rapidan, and I drink of it. Pass Cedar Run, where there had been a hard fight August 9. Robert Henderson, a venerable old man, had been arrested. As our men passed his gate he said with tears, "God preserve you, my boys!" Pass Culpepper C. H. Town and country around desolated by war. Sick and wounded Federals in town.

        Aug. 31 - It began to rain before day. Just then we received orders, "Be ready to move at a moments' warning." We needed rest, and were hoping we could enjoy that Sabbath in the woods. As I leaped from my blanket and started to find my horse, I began to sing, not knowing what. As I heard "Happy people over yonder, where they rest forever more," my heart melted with joy. I was then a "happy" man. (The thirty-four years and nineteen days since that dark morning have brought me nearer to the "happy people over yonder" and greatly increased their number.) March all day. Muddy to "Muddy Run." Pass Warrenton Sulphur Springs, lovely, blighted village.

        September 1, 1862 - Pass Warrenton. Rainy, cold night.

        Sept. 2 - Pass down to Groveton, where fearful fighting

was done last week, August 28, 29 and 30. Horrid scenes! Many dead Federals still on the field, though a squad of their men, under flag of truce, has been some days caring for wounded and burying dead.

        I found a wounded Federal sitting on the field - a broken thigh, a rifle ball through his arm and a bruised shoulder made him right helpless. His undressed wounds were sore. He asked me if I thought our surgeons would care for him. I assurred him they would. He said he had a wife and two little children in his northern home. His parents were pious and had raised him piously, but he had neglected his own soul. I said: "Brother, Jesus loves you. You came down here to kill my brothers, but I love you." He broke down and sobbed aloud: "You don't talk like one man that came here. He upbraided me." He told me our men had been very good to him during the three or four days he had been there. As one hurried by he would give him water and food, and raise him up to rest certain tired muscles. Another would stop to give him more food and water and lay him down.

        They had just taken the last Confederate wounded from that part of the field. He was on the surgeon's table a few yards away. I trust this Federal was soon taken to that table. As I was about to hurry away to overtake my regiment he asked me to lay him down! How could I? Where could I take hold? I did the best I could. As I took him by the hand and commended him to God, I think my heart was as tender as it ever was. His bones may be in that field now. I hope to meet his soul in Heaven in a few years. Hurry on ten miles and overtake our regiment. Sleep cold and take cold. Frost next morning.

        Sep. 3, 1862 - Pass Leesburg. Gall at a farm house to buy corn. A Union woman upbraids me. See Sugar Loaf Mountain in Maryland.

        Sep. 4 - Dine with Mrs. Sanders in Leesburg. She is the mother-in-law of Rev. W. G. Cross.

        September 6 - Turn and march down the river, and camp near Cheek's Ford.

        Sunday, Sep. 7 - Cross Potomac while the bands are playing "Maryland! My Maryland." Some cross the River of Death next Sunday.

        Sep. 9 - Ride to Frederick City and return. Its population is 9,000 or 10,000.

        Sep. 10 - Whole army in motion. Dine at Mr. Fitzhugh's in Frederick City. Lovely family. Mr. Jones, next door. Meet Rev. Auguste, Chaplain 15th Virginia Regiment, Joseph Shawen, a good Southern Methodist, Col. Henson, President of the County Bank, aged and venerable (but had been arrested by the Federals), and Rev. Mr. Ross, a Presbyterian. Spend the night with Colonel Carmack in Frederick City. Strong Southern feeling among these good people.

        Sep 11, 1862 - Having been very feeble for two or three days I spend a day at Colonel Carmack's. Brigade passed at 8 a. m. At 2:30 I go on and stop at Boonsboro with Dr. Josiah Smith. Strong intelligent Southern feeling.

        Sep. 14 - Our Brigade goes out at 4:30 a. m. My horse being lame, I cannot go. General Garland is brought to his tent dead. I go to see him. A few days ago I saw him under different circumstances that will make me admire him forever. His Brigade was crossing a stream on a narrow footway. His men began to plunge into the little stream, up to their knees. He knew it would be bad for them to march with wet feet. He drew up his fiery horse in the road in the water and stayed there till his entire command had passed, pointing to the narrow bridge and shouting to the men, compelling them to take time and go over in single file. That manly form now lies before me silent but "speaking."

Hear Captain Wicker is wounded. At midnight wagons move circuitously to Williamsport. I start to my regiment and find everybody moving silently. Coming near Boonsboro, I feel lonely as I see not a form on the pike. Enter town and see Division after Division passing toward the west.

        Monday, Sep. 15, 1862 - Regiment rest in field at 7 a. m. They need rest. Yesterday was a busy day and last night gave us rest. Cross Antietam Creek and make a stand on hill adjacent. An occasional artillery shot occupies the evening. Men in arms. I spent night with ambulances on vacant lot in Sharpsburg.

        Sep. 16 - Artillery begins at 8:30 a. m. After 11 firing ceases. We move our Brigade Hospital two miles in the rear.

        Sep 17 - Very heavy firing in morning. Wounded coming in. God help our men to fight! Have mercy on those who are to die! At noon Colonel Parker and Adjutant Phillips come wounded. A rifle ball passed over Colonel Parker's head, cutting away a narrow strip of skin and plowing a nice little furrow in the skull, leaving the membrane that covers the brain visible but uninjured. What a narrow escape! Fierce contest all day. Lieutenant Rogers killed (Co. D) Sergeant Edwards killed (Co. C), Colonel Tew, of 2nd Regiment, was killed also. Lieut. Duncan E. McNair of Robeson, my classmate for many years, was killed, leaving a wife and child. Our regiment lost a number of brave men at Sharpsburg; some killed, others mortally wounded.

        Sep. 18 - No fighting. I visit Colonel Parker and ride over to Sharpsburg and see how the town had been shelled. Rainy, damp night. Wake up at midnight and find everything moving to the rear.

        Sep. 19 - Before day we drink our coffee and ride to the Potomac, leaving Drs. Gregory and Lawson and a few wounded and sick. Though troops and wagons

have been passing all night, still the roads and fields were full. Ram! Jam! Wagons and ambulances turned over! One man was killed by the overturning of an ambulance. Cross at daybreak. Yesterday I bathed in this stream. Today dead bodies will be bathing in it. Pass three miles back to division wagon train and stop to rest. Shelling begins on river at 9:30 a. m. Division moves in afternoon and spends night one and a half miles west of Shepardstown. See Captain Baskerville going home, and write to wife.

        Sep. 20 - Fierce cannonading from 10 to 11. Still as death from 1 to 2. While troops are in line of battle I visit five wounded men at house of William Goldenbanger. Col. W. J. McGill lost his left arm. He has a wife and three children. Trusts in God. John C. McMahon, of Mississippi, Caohoma county, was with Walker in Nicaragua, passed safely many perils in many places, and was wounded in the arm and side at Sharpsburg, and at last turned over in the ambulance in which the man was killed two days ago. He is well bred and polite and confesses his sinfulness. Did he ever get back to his native home and see his venerable father, Rev. Wm. McMahon?

        Sep. 21 - Hear Rev. A. A. Watson, chaplain 2nd Regiment, preach. Write to Mary by Mr. Van Bokelin.

        Sep. 22 - Ride to the wagons to rest. Five years ago this afternoon my second son, Willie, was born. God bless him and spare us to see each other. Ride to Martinsburg in afternoon. Lie beside my horse at night, gazing at the stars and thinking of Mary and my little ones. "What is man, that Thou art mindful of him?"

        Sep. 23 - Visit 18th and 28th Regiments.

        Sep. 25 - Dine with Harry Thomas, near Martinsburg, a thrifty farmer, fine-looking, genial gentleman. I met Mr. Thomas afterwards in another section and greeted him as such. He looked at me as if he did not

remember me. I gave him my name and said: "Is this Mr. Harry Thomas?" He said: "No, it is his brother Jack." I told him I had met his brother and was glad to meet him. Some time after I met Mr. Thomas and called him Thomas. He evidently did not remember me. I quickly asked him if he was Mr. Harry or Jack. He said it was neither, but their brother Jake! I wish I could see the three together.

        Sunday, Sep. 28, 1862 - Preach in camp.

        Sep. 29 - Ride to Winchester with sick men. Meet Captain Drake and Captain Witherspoon on road with mail. Get letter from wife. Little Mary quite ill on 12th. May now be in Heaven. Father, into thy hands I commend my child. Stop with Rev. W. G. Eggleston, P. E. of this District of the Baltimore Conference. Lately lost his wife. Has a family of children.

        Sep. 30. - Ride to camp and carry Brigade mail. Meet Rev. J. A. Robbins, a schoolmate, now from Georgia.

        October 1,1862 - Carry sundry letters to their places. Receive pay for July and August.

        Oct. 3 - Hear from wife, at Chapel Hill. Babe is better. She went from Bladen to Chapel Hill with three children and a nurse (about one hundred miles) by private conveyance.

        Sunday, Oct. 5 - Preach to a large, attentive audience. Fine day. Bright night.

        Oct. 6 - Pay Captain Allen my mess bill for May June and July.

        Oct. 7 - Ride to Winchester in ambulance with the sick. Visit E. Fletcher Bobbitt at Academy Hospital. Last interview with a lovely man. Brother of Rev. Drs. W. H. and J. B. Bobbitt of the North Carolina Conference Left his family in Warren county. Joined army in May '62, and died in Richmond, October 23 1862 Roster says 1863; but my book is right. I never can forget how tenderly he spoke of his wife, saying he

did not know how to appreciate her till the war took him from her. Carry Rev. Vaughn, chaplain of 3rd Regiment, to camp.

        Oct. 8 - Walk five miles with J. W. Ellis as he starts to North Carolina as Senator. This Christian gentleman, a lawyer of Columbus county, enlisted in Co. E as a private, August 28, 1861. His friends elected him to the North Carolina Senate in 1862. He had a walk of about ninety miles to Staunton, the railroad track having been torn up. I put his knapsack on my horse and claimed the pleasure of walking a few miles with him.

        Oct. 12 - Preach in morning. Captain Atwell died at Shepardstown.

        Oct. 14 - Tiresome ride to Shepardstown to see wounded men, Hathaway, Brown, Dement and Lieutenant Crews. A minie ball passed through his chest at Sharpsburg. (I had no idea he could live; but in 1870 and 1871 I was his pastor at Oxford. ) Spend night at Hon. Alex. Boteler's. Go to see Captain Osborn at Shepardstown. Among the brave men left at Shepardstown, too badly wounded at Sharpsburg to be taken any distance, was Col. W. L. DeRossett, of Wilmington, North Carolina. I there first met him and his venerable father, Dr. A. J. DeRossett. (The Colonel lived a cripple for life, was largely useful, and raised an interesting family. The father lived to extreme old age and died in 1897. ) Get Lieutenant Harrell's sword. George K. Harrell was wounded at Sharpsburg, but returned to duty and carried that sword till he was killed, May 12, 1864. See Colonel McGill at house of Dr. Lucas, two and a half miles out. His wife is with him.

        Oct. 17 - Ready to march before day. Rev. Power, of 14th Regiment, arrives.

        Oct. 19 - Preach to a small congregation. Major General D. H. Hill a devout hearer. A. R. McDonald. of Moore county arrives, and spends night with me.

        Oct. 21 - Captain Witherspoon and I ride to Winchester. He meets Mrs. R. H. Apperson at hotel in trouble. She rides in ambulance to near Whitehall and thence on saddle to Mr. Zephaniah Silver's and finds her husband convalescent. Happy soldier! Happy wife! Silver family so nice and kind. Two sons in our army.

        Oct. 22 - Ride with Captain Apperson to our camp. Bury Sergeant Cornelius Savage of Company E.

        Oct. 24 - Fail to get clothing which I much need. Get marching orders.

        Oct. 25 - Division moves and begins to tear up track of W and Harper's Ferry R. R. Our Brigade operates on track below Charlestown during the night in a cold rain.

        Sunday, Oct. 26 - Cool rain. Sit till noon under tent in front of fire. Brigades of troops passing to and fro through rain. Men suffer. Very cool rain and wind all night. Large fire in front of tent all night.

        Oct. 27 - Brigade goes off to tear up railroad track. Revs. Power, Long and I go to Charlestown and ride on the spot of John Brown's execution, and see the prison in which he was confined. Lovely little town.

        Oct. 31, 1862 - Cross Shenandoah river at Berry's Ferry. Men wade. Cross mountain at Ashby's Gap.

        Nov. 1 - Bro. Power and I walk up the mountain and spend two or three hours. Fine view. Pray together up there.

        Nov. 2 - Bro. Power begins to preach et 10: 30, but troops are ordered out and fall back toward Paris and lie in line of battle all night.

        Nov. 5 - Brigade in camp near Fort Royal. Call on Rev. Dr. Hough, pastor of M. E. Church, South. Lovely man and wife.

        Nov. 6 - Hoarse and feeble. Bad cold. Move across river after night. Very cold. Men wade and walk a

mile to camp, some without shoes. Water freezes by my side as I lie on the ground.

         Nov. 7 - Snow begins to fall at 10 a. m. Bad day on bare feet.

        Nov. 8 - General Hill calls for volunteers to render daring, dangerous service for two or three days. We have prayers at our fire.

        Nov. 9 - Division moves to Strasburg. Barefoot men march in snow. Bury H. Y. Kirkpatrick at night in Presbyterian cemetery. He enlisted at nineteen, from Mecklenburg county. Lovely Christian. Died in the house of Mrs. Davis, November 8th, 10:30 p. m. How sad the sight! How tenderly a few of his comrades raked away the snow, dug the grave and laid the noble youth away! The chaplain's prayer is that he and they may meet him on the Resurrection Day.

        Nov. 11 - Brigade moves six or seven miles and tears up railroad track at night.

        Nov. 12 - Hear Bro. Moore preach in his camp.

        Nov. 13 - Bro. Power and I ride to Strasburg and visit hospitals, and see Robt. L. White die. A Christian. New Testament in his bosom.

        Nov. 14 - Visit sick at hospitals in Strasburg.

        Nov. 15 - I walk out to study my Bible. Wash day in 2nd Regiment. Bank of branch lined some distance with men half naked, some washing pants and drawers, others washing shirts and some picking their clothing. Some half naked holding their wet clothes to the fire to dry. Sad sight! Would make wives, mothers and sisters weep.

        Sunday, Nov. 16 - Inspection in morning. I preach in afternoon, and Bro. Power and I deliver the Holy Communion to twenty persons. At night Dr. Garrett and Dr. Smith, who could not be present in the afternoon, receive it in my tent, Dean, a negro servant, also.

        Nov. 17 - Division moves and camps six miles from

Strasburg. Visit sick at hospitals, one man dying, no one knows who or where from.

GETTING A FURLOUGH.

        Nov. 19 - In camp. Moses Ezzell very ill. Prayer meeting at night.

GETTING HOME! FIVE DAYS!

        Nov. 21 - Wagon and ambulance to Mt. Crawford. Spend night in Baptist church with fifty or sixty sick men. Pray with them. All seem to feel. Many happy. Almost all of them Christians.

        Nov. 22 - Take stage at 3 a. m. Pass Willow Pump - a curiosity. Some one had planted a willow post near a gate on the roadside to discharge the water from an underground pipe, the willow sprouted, made quite a tree and still discharged the water. Such a blessing to thirsty soldiers. Take cars to Staunton and reach Richmond.

        Nov. 23 - Miss Wilmington train at Weldon and go on to Raleigh. Hear sermon at M. E. church and greet. several friends warmly. Call on Mrs. Seaton Gales and pay her $250 from her husband. Lovely woman. Children all sick with scarlet fever, and her husband far away. Sleep on parlor floor in W. T. Bain's hotel.

        Nov. 24 - Pass Goldsboro and Wilmington. Leave cars at Brinkley's. Walk to Dr. Buie's. He gives me

buggy to Capt. Jo. Green's. He gives me a good horse and saddle to D. D. Allen's.

        Nov. 25 - Bro. Allen sends me in buggy, and I see my family once more. All well. Thank God! Fever from vaccination makes me delirious during night. Had not seen family since July 31. In going home from the army I met Lieut. E. Ruark, of Co. C. on his way home at Smithville, on sick furlough. We sat together for many, many miles, and parted at Wilmington. He went home and died of smallpox, spreading it and killing his mother and others. Narrow escape for me and mine. Neither of us thought of the danger.

        Nov. 29 - Preach at Bladen Springs.

GETTING TO CONFERENCE.

        Dec. 4 - Pass Fayetteville. Spend night with J. H. Hawley, one of the best men I ever knew.

        Dec. 5 - Rain all day. Spend night with Allen Betts, my brother.

        Dec. 6 - Clear and cold. Ride to Alvin Betts, my brother.

        Dec. 7 - Hear Bishop Early preach in Raleigh.

        Dec. 8 - Day in Conference. A letter from Uncle Foster Utley, Chapel Hill, leads me to send my family to that place.

        Dec. 9 - Send family on cars to Chapel Hill, while I turn my face towards Bladen alone. After four days of lonely riding I reach my wife's boarding place and pack books and clothes, and take Steamer Hurt for Fayetteville. Pay Jo. Russ ten dollars to take my carriage to Fayetteville.

        Dec. 13 - Meet James Marley Smith, and go with him to his farm.

        Sunday, Dec. 14 - Hear Bro. J. D. Buie preach at

Fayetteville. Night at hotel. I have had fever for last three days.

        Dec. 16 - Take cars to Egypt. Find no horse there for me. Walk about ten miles, and ride on a mule-cart about the same distance and reach Pittsboro. Sup with John Womach. He sends me to Chapel Hill, eighteen miles, on a mule-cart Get there at 7 a. m.

        Dec. 17 - Chill at night.

        Dec. 18 - Chill in the afternoon. In bed till 22d.

        Sunday, Dec. 28 - Preach in M. E. Church.

1863. THANK GOD!

        Rev. J. W. Jenkins arrives on Saturday, Jan. 3. I attend Masonic meeting.

        Jan. 4 - Hear Bro. Jenkins preach in morning. Spend afternoon reading my Greek Testament.

        Jan. 5 - Get ready to start to Virginia. At eleven at night I leave, the moon shining bright, but my spirits being sad. Luter takes me to Durham.

        Jan. 6 - Reach Raleigh and draw pay for November and December, 1862. Night at Bain's Hotel.

        Jan. 7 - Leave Raleigh at day. Meet Rev. M. J. Hunt and Dr. Smith on train. Meet Dr. J. S. Robinson on his way to Virginia. Miss train at Petersburg. Spend night with my cousin, Grey Utley, of Chapel Hill, at his boarding house.

        Jan. 8 - Reach Richmond and find Lieuts. Carr and Swain sick there.

        Jan. 9 - Snow on ground. Capt. Collins and I go on to Guinea Station, and thence to our regiment. Meet Rev. F. M. Kennedy, of the South Carolina Conference, on his way to report for duty as Chaplain for 28th North Carolina Regiment, now in General Lee's army.

        Sun. Jan. 11 - Preach twice. Damp, cold weather. Sleeping on ground gives me bad cold.

        Jan. 16 - J. B. Williams, of Co. "C," dies at 6 a. m.,

suddenly. Bury him at 6 p. m. Turns very cold. Slept in a dark barn last night. Where tonight? In a wagon.

        Sun. 18 - Preach in cold wind.

        Jan. 19 - Go to Richmond. Too late for express. I mail official papers to Raleigh for Capt. Collins.

        Jan. 20 - Busy all day. Buy some things for Regiment. Visit Congress. Write to wife.

        Jan. 21 - Visit Richard Lloyd. Rain. Fall on box and bruise right thigh. Fire at night. Fall in street and bruise left knee badly.

        Jan. 22 - Ship sundry boxes to Regiment. Quite lame from yesterday's falls.

        Jan. 23 - Leave early for Guinea. Reach camp late. Mud! Mud!

        Jan. 24, 1862 - Met Rev. J. W. Ward, Missionary Baptist, 3rd Va. Infantry; Rev. W. E. Walters, Jenkins S. C. Brigade.

        Sunday Jan. 25. - Hear Bro. Barkley of Nash county, N. C., preach to my regiment in a. m., Bro. Power in p. m., and at wagon yard at night.

        Jan. 26 - Ride to Division Surgeon for W. H. Westcott of Smithville. That must have been the last I saw of that noble boy. He was dying of chronic diarrhoea. He got as far as Wilmington, where he died Feb. 28, 1864. His good father and mother were my friends. Glad I put up my tent on 26, for it snows all day on 28.

        Jan. 29 - Men very cheerful, though the snow is nearly knee deep.

        Sunday February 1 - Preach in camp. Visit our regiment on picket about three miles away. Rain at night.

        February 2 - Seven years ago! My first son, Henry Watson, was born in Mrs. Meade's Hotel, Martinsville, Va. That morning I knelt silently upon the floor in my wife's room and prayed and wept when I first felt parental

responsibility. God bless my boy today! Seven years old! May he spend many useful, happy years on earth and get safe to Heaven! God bless the mother today, and Willie and Mamie. My dear sainted Eddie! Safe in Heaven! Your father hopes to embrace you by- and-by in your angel home. Wrote to wife and Mrs. Meade.

        Feb. 3 - Exceedingly cold.

        Feb. 4 - Still very cold. Freezes my ink.

        Feb. 5 - Snow begins falling early and falls steadily.

        Feb. 6 - Ride four miles in rain, hunting a cabin for Jack Faircloth, Co. A., who is very sick and weak. He will die.

        Feb. 7 - Send to Gen. Rodes for brigade to be allowed to go to church on Sunday.

        Feb. 8 - Bright day. Preach to a large, attentive congregation in Baptist church. Bros. Power and Thigpen assist in communion. Precious season! Hear from wife and Bro. Hunt.

        Feb. 9 - Much indisposed.

        Feb. 10 - Visit Brigade Hospital established yesterday. Pray with patients and Dr. Guffy. Poor Faircloth says he loves Jesus because He loved him. I, this morning, finished my fifth annual reading through the Bible. On Sampson Circuit, 1857, I went the first time regularly through this Holy Book. I hope to read it carefully through every year of my future life. Jack Faircloth dies at night. Bad night with my cough.

        Feb. 11 - Rainy. Bury Faircloth. Finish Matthew in Greek.

        Feb. 12 - Right unwell. Visit Hospital.

        Feb. 13 - Indisposed. A. Crisp, Co. F., dies at midnight.

        Feb. 14 - Bury Crisp. A. Mitchel, Co. A., dies at 3 p. m.

        Feb. 15 - Rainy. Ed Register, Co. A., dies at Brigade Hospital.

        Feb. 16 - Ride to Medical Board with some sick men. Get them off to hospital. Bury Ed Register.

        Feb. 17 - Ground covered with snow and still it comes. Saw enemy's balloon yesterday. Not today.

        Feb. 18 - Rains gently all day. I walk to new camp through rain and mud.

        Feb. 19 - Pray with regiment.

        Feb. 20 - Regiment goes on picket just below Fredericksburg. Ride to Fredericksburg. Call at store house of Arthur Bernard. Sad destruction of his property. He has not been seen since the enemy took him in Dec. Fine paintings in one room, "Hope and Memory," "Cleopatra," etc. Call on Bro. Owen, Chaplain 17th Mississippi Regiment. Meet Rev. Dr. Stiles at sister Fitzgerald's. Night in camp.

        Feb. 22 - Rise at six, and find snow a foot deep. Snows nearly all day. Sit in my tent and read and write. Hear many heavy guns just at 12. Washington's Birthday.

        Feb. 24 - Regiment, relieved from picket, comes into camp.

        Feb. 26 - Prayer meeting in Co. I. Chill and fever at night.

        Feb. 27 - In bed.

        Feb. 28 - Bro. Owen, 17 Mississippi Regiment, calls on me. Dr. Stiles and he still blessed in Fredericksburg with revival power.

        March 2, 1863 - Take train and reach Richmond See bloody coffin on cars. Deserter!

        March 3 - Reach Chapel Hill, N. C., sick and tired but find family well.

        March 5 - Ride to Jehiel Atwater's and some other places.

        March 8 - Preach in M. E. church. Hear Bro. Jenkins preach Mrs. Husky's funeral at night.

        March 9 - Plant Irish potatoes.

        March 11 - Attend and pray at college prayers at University of N. C. Buy corn.

        March 12 - At 9 P. M., start to my regiment. Hard to part with family under such circumstances. Muddy ride to Durham. No seat to Raleigh! No seat to Weldon! Trains all miss connection at Weldon. Delay seven hours there.

        March 14 - Reach Richmond thirty-four and a half hours after leaving Chapel Hill. Standing all the way on trains. Walk to Winder Hospital. Thence to Seabrook Hospital. Call on Gen. Winder for Mrs. H. & B.

        March 15 - Dark, damp and cool. Reach regiment 11/2 miles from Hamilton's Crossing. Hail storm in afternoon.

        March 16 - Meet chaplains of the 2nd corps at Baptist church near Division Headquarters. Pleasant meeting. Rev. B. T. Lacy will be of great service to us. Only forty-four chaplains in corps. Without chaplains, forty-seven regiments and battalions, besides artillery.

        March 17 - In camp. Bury Fraley, of Second N. C. Regiment. Build chimney to my tent. Prayer meeting in CO. E.

        March 18 - Prayers in camp.

        March 20 - Snow! Snow!

        March 21 - Very wet.

        March 22 - Clear in p. m. I read to our Regiment the address of Dr. Ford to the Army of the Southwest.

        March 24 - Meet chaplains of this corps at Round Oak church. Am made chairman and elected to preach to them at next meeting. Thus meeting, talking, planning and praying, we find great help for our work.

        March 25 - Write to Bishop Atkinson, Dr. Mott, Bro. J. C. Brent and N. C. Presbyterian. Prayer meeting every night in some company of my Regiment. Considerable religious interest.

        March 26 - Prepare sermon for Friday.

        March 27 - Fine day. Fast and pray. Preach to

Thirtieth and Second Regiments in our camp. Attention good. Day well observed.

        March 28 - Rain all day. Finish writing to churches for Co. G. Note: I talked with each church member in each company about his spiritual condition as often as I could. Once a year I wrote home to each church about its members and sent any message anyone wanted to send, and asked the church at home to pray for us. This was expensive, laborious work, but it was for souls whom Jesus died to save. I trust many soldiers and many members at home were benefitted by the labor About 11 years after the war I met Rev. Paul Smith, a local preacher, near Mt. Pleasant. He told me he had a letter from me during the war. I told him I had no recollection of having written to him. He said he was class leader at Cold Spring church in those days, and my letter was about old Bro. Hagler. The "Roster of N. C. Troops" says he enlisted from Sampson county Sept. 12, 1863. I cannot blame the editor of the roster for a mistake once in a while. He had so many thousands of names and dates, the wonder is that he made so few mistakes. Bro. Hagler was from Cabarrus county, 44 years old and left a wife and six children. The Roster gives no account of his death. He fell dead suddenly near Spottsylvania Court House May 1864. He was a good man and I loved him. The reader must imagine my feelings when I found I was the pastor of John Hagler's wife and children. Glad and sad was my heart every time I visited them.)

        March 29 - Very rainy, could not preach.

        March 30 - Snow, hail and rain.

        March 31 - Rain and hail all a. m.

        April 3 - Prayer meeting every night.

        April 4 - Fierce wind all day. Hard on soldiers. Dr. Grissom gets to camp. Hear from Rev. Mr. Sherwood. Snow all night.

        April 5 - Snow all a. m. Sore throat.

        April 6 - Visit G. T. Swain, Co. C., near camp, quite sick.

        April 7 - Meet chaplains of this corps. Preach to them and many others. Good meeting. All day with them. Such meetings warm the heart and encourage us.

        April 8 - In camp busy writing to the officers of thirteen regiments asking them if they wish our next conference to send them chaplains. Lieut. Ellis goes to work to raise money to buy a horse for his chaplain. Col. P. gives twenty dollars, others smaller sums.

        April 9 - My application for leave of absence, to be with my wife during "an important crisis" returns "disapproved!" It was approved by regiment, brigade and division commanders but "disapproved" by corps commander, T. J. Jackson. I felt no bitterness toward him, as he was conscientious. I think he had never seen his only child, Julia. He set great store on the presence and services of chaplains among the soldiers. He knew the campaign would soon open, and he wanted chaplains to be on hand to care for the wounded and dying. He and others must trust their wives in God's hands and he thought chaplains ought.

        "Respectfully forwarded disapproved, T. J. Jackson."

        Whatever "Stonewall" disapproved we might expect Gen. Lee to disapprove. My heart sank within me when I read the short, last entry: "Respectfully returned disapproved by order of Gen. R. E. Lee." My diary gives some of the cries of my heart in that sad hour.

        April 10 - Procured subscribers for sundry religious papers and forwarded $73.50 for them. Wrote to wife. Met Rev. Bennick, of S. C. Conference, chaplain 24th N. C. Regiment, Bro. Marshall, 12th Georgia Regiment, conducts morning prayers for me. Get bundle N. C. Christian Advocates. The paper is revived, thank

God! Get letters from Rev. M. Miller and Rev. J. J. Lansdell. Write to Rev. W. E. Pell.

        April 12 - I kept a little volume in my bosom, giving a verse of scripture for each day in the year. The verse for April 12 was Matt. 26, 42: "Oh, my Father. if this cup may not pass away from me, except I drink it, Thy will be done." By his help I said: "Thy will be done," and went on happy in my work. Bro J. Wm. Jones, 13th Va. and Dr. Curtis, 57th N. C. Regiments arrive. Bro. Jones preaches for me. Dine and walk to Bro. Jones' regiment and preach. After supper I walk alone by Hamilton's Crossing to camp. Letter from Bishop Atkinson.

        April 13 - In camp. Visit Geo. T. Swain at Younge's.

        April 14 - Meet chaplains. Rev. Brigadier General Pendleton, D. D., was with us. Bro. Nelson preaches. Happy meeting. Chaplains agree to pray for each other at sunset every day.

        April 15 - Rainy day. Oh, Mary, I expected to start to you to-day!

        April 16 - Write to Mary. Visit 20th and 12th Regiments.

        April 17 - Walk to Hamilton's Crossing to get telegram from wife. Buy twenty-four Testaments. Bro. Jones walks back to 60th Georgia Regiment with me.

        April 18 - Chaplains Patterson and Smith at prayers with us. I preach to Gordon's Brigade. Bro. Lacy preaches in p. m.

        Sun, 19 - Prayers early. Preach at 10 a. m. Get telegram. "I am well," from wife. Thank God! Oh, Father, be with her! Preach in 2nd Regiment in p. m. Prayer meeting in Co. "G," at night. Decided interest.

        Apr 20 - Rain all day. Public service at 10. Read and explain Deut. 20. Get ten days furlough. Having sold my horse several months before, I was now trying

to buy. Not finding a suitable one for sale, when the spring campaign, soon to open, made such demand for them, my Colonel encouraged me to apply for ten days furlough to go to North Carolina to buy one, hoping I might yet reach my wife in time to see her pass an impending crisis.

        Tuesday, Apr. 21 - Damp morning. Receive two men into the church at morning prayers. Start to North Carolina.

        At the beginning of the Confederate War, a chaplain was not allowed forage for a horse. I believe the U. S. Army Regulations never considered a Chaplain a mounted officer. My Colonel always drew forage for my horse as one of his. I am told that "Stonewall" Jackson asked our Congress to allow forage for each Chaplain, because he thought they could be so much more active and efficient by being mounted. My being mounted gave me a chance to help many a foot-sore, sick or wounded man. I could walk for hours and give a ride to the foot-sore or wounded. I could stop or turn aside and look after the wounded, and then hurry on and overtake my Regiment.

        Apr. 23 - Get to Chapel Hill at 7:30 a. m., and find all well.

        Apr. 24 - At home.

        Apr. 25 - Our fifth child, a son, is born at 3:30 a. m Mother and child doing well. Thank God!

        Apr. 26 - Hear Bro. Jenkins preach twice.

        Apr. 27 - Plant corn and beans.

        Apr. 28 - Buy little black mare from Charles Johnson for $200. Rain.

        Apr. 29, 1863 - Over thirty-three years have passed since I wrote my diary for the above day. With a grateful heart I copy the exact words. "I wish here devoutly to acknowledge that merciful Providence that has guided me for twenty days past." I leave wife and little ones early. God blesses me at the family

altar. Ride on horseback. Spend night with Mrs. M. Waller at Knap O'Reeds. Bros. Peed and Tilly called and sat with me awhile.

        Apr. 30 - Meet Rev. W. C. Gannon, my Conference class-mate at Tally Ho. He rides with me to Oxford. I dine with Rev. L. K. Willie. Miss my way and meet Col. C. P. Taylor. He went out as Captain of Co. "G" of 30th Regiment, but retired in May 1861. He lived and died a noble Christian. Pass Williamsboro, Townsville, and spend night with Charles Taylor.

        Fri., May 1 - Cross Roanoke at Taylor's Ferry. Stop at Randolph Macon College. Meet Rev. P. W. Archer, Rev. Dr. W. A. Smith and Rev. Chipley. Pass on and spend night with Captain C. W. Bragg.

        May 2 - Pass Lunenburg Court House. Meet Mrs. Ray, of Virginia Conference. Saturday night finds me with Dr. G. W. Scott. Four days in the saddle took me forty-eight miles to Oxford, thirty-six to andolph Macon College, and fifty to Dr. Scott's.

        Sun. May 3, '63 - Hear Rev. D. W. Shanks preach at Amelia Court House. He is a Presbyterian. Dine with Mr. Weising. Ride twelve miles and spend night with Mr. Smithey.

        May 4 - Ride six miles to Powhattan Court House and hear everything. A Federal Cavalry raid had been spreading terror on the opposite side of the river. Meet Rev. Blinco of Virginia Conference. Ride twelve miles toward Jude's Ferry. Dine and go six miles further down the river by Manakin Ferry and stop with Mrs. Mosely. How excited the people! God alone can keep us quiet. Bless His name! I am in "perfect peace!"

        May 5 - Ride fifteen miles to Richmond. Telegraph to Mary. Seven days in the saddle, from Chapel Hill to Richmond. Had not heard a word from my family yet. I think those had been the happiest seven days of my life up to that time. "Praising my Savior all the day long." When I knelt at sun-set in the woods and

prayed for the Chaplains, the soldiers, my country and my family, my soul was so happy. That telegram must have gladdened the heart of the little wife, who could not know where the husband was. She expected me to cross James River above Richmond, and did not write to me there.

        May 6 - Damp and cool. Rain all day.

        May 7 - Pass 11th and 62nd Regiments going to Hamilton's Crossing. Write to wife from Ashland, in the home of Rev. D. T. Wills.

        May 8 - Ride over the worst roads I ever saw to old camp and find my Regiment there. Some are gone forever!

        May 9 - Prayers with my men. Hear from family. Doing well, thank God!

        Saturday, May 9, 1863 - Spend day among wounded. Most of the wounded of our Regiment get off on train to hospitals. Many poor strangers suffer for attention, though surgeons and nurses do all they can.

        May 10 - Preach in camp. Second and Fourth regiments worship with us. General thanksgiving day for our late victory. The "victory" cost many lives. Many husbands left widows and orphans. When I made that point in my sermon, and gave number of widows and orphans left by those who fell in the 30th regiment, Gen. Grimes gave special attention, and stopped to speak to me after preaching, and said he wished he knew how many widows and orphans were left by all who fell in Lee's army in the last battle I spend p. m. among wounded at railroad. Gen. Jackson dies at 3 p. m.

        May 11 - Prayers in a. m. I visit 28th Regiment and see Bro. Kennedy.

        May 12 - Visit 12th, 28th, 20th and 37th Regiments.

        May 13 - Wife's birthday. Yesterday, eight years ago, I married her.

        May 14 - Prayer every morning and evening.

        May 15 - Visit Col. Christie, of 23rd Regiment. Bro. Ervin, of South Carolina, spends night with me and preaches.

        May 16 - Four new converts.

        Sunday, May 17 - Preach at 9 a. m. Baptize A. S. Brown Co, H. and - Alexander Co. K. Prayer meeting in p. m.

        May 18 - In camp Lieut. Orr presents me with ten dollars. Sundry other officers contribute to buy me a horse.

        May 19 - Meet chaplains.

        May 20 - Rev. Dr. W. J. Hoge preaches to our brigade.

        May 21 - Rev. N. B. Cobb and Rev. J. A. Stradly, of North Carolina, come to Second Regiment.

        May 22 - Bro. Stradly preaches for 2nd and 30th in a. m., Bro. Cobb in p. m. Prayer meeting in each at night.

        May 23 - I preach to 2nd and 30th. Several converts.

        May 24 - I preach twice. Baptize J. A. Underwood. Several converts. Bro. Cobb baptizes one of the 30th and four of 14th Regiments at 5 p. m.

        May 25 - Examine two candidates for Missionary Baptist Church. Rev. J. H. Colton, Chaplain 53rd Regiment spends night with me. He had been my classmate three years at his father's school, Summerville, N. C., and three years at Chapel Hill.

        May 26 - Meet Chaplains. Bro. Stradly preaches for me at night.

        May 28 - Bro. Howard, of Sampson County, North Carolina, comes to my regiment and preaches for me. The Lord pours out His Spirit. We see twelve penitents and five converts.

        May 30 - Preaching a. m. and p. m. The Lord is with us.

        Sunday, May 31 - Bro. Howard preaches in a. m.

and I in p. m. He immerses 8, I baptise 1 by pouring. Eleven converts in last four days.

        June 1, 1863 - We continue our meeting Bros. Cobb and Stradly helping.

        June 2 - Meet chaplains. At night we see 15 penitents and several converts.

        June 3 - Bro. Stradly preaches in a. m. Thirteen join the church, and two or three are converted during the meeting - 15 or 18 penitents. Army receive marching orders!

        June 4 - Pass Spottslyvania Court House.

        June 5 - Move on. Dr. Deems and Bros. Cobb and Stradly with us. Seven penitents at evening prayers.

        June 6 - Move on. Dr. Deems preaches to our Brigade, as we rest on the road at mid-day. Rain. I sit under a wagon, as my tent was left. I sleep on wet leaves at night.

        Sunday, June 7 - Pass Culpepper Court House. At evening worship, 29 penitents. Yesterday p. m. Bro. Cobb examined 7 candidates for his church, and I, 8 for mine.

        June 8 - Dr. Deems preached for ---- Brigade. I preach for Doles Brigade and take five into my church. Bro. Marshall, of 12th Ga., preaches for our Brigade at 6 p. m. - 28 penitents, six converts. Seven or eight join different churches.

        June 9 - Dr. Deems leaves us for North Carolina, not knowing his oldest son, Theodore Disosway was to be mortally wounded at Gettysburg in a few days. March every day.

        June 12 - Pass up valley and over mountain toward Front Royal. Dine with Rev. Dr. Hough and his good wife. Cross Shenandoah River.

        June 13 - Pass Berryville and capture a fine deserted camp.

        Sunday, June 14 - Call on Wm. Asbury, nephew of Bishop Asbury (?) Army pass on to Martinsburg.

Enemy being run out, our men save some burning commissary stores.

        June 15 - Cross Potomac at Williamsport and camp in Maryland. Fever in p. m. and night.

        June 17 - Brigade moves to Hagerstown. I call on Oberton Homes and sup with him. Spend night with Dr. Halm at Female Seminary. He and wife so very kind.

        June 19 - Leave H. at 5 p. m. Heavy rain. Ride nearly all night. Reach wagons two miles beyond Martinsburg at 5 a. m.

        June 20 - Damp and dark. Retrace my steps and sleep in a barn near Hagerstown. Write wife by Bro. Stallings, Quartermaster Sergeant.

        June 21 - Very unwell. Bro. Cobb preaches for our Brigade. Several are immersed in p. m.

        June 22 - Division moves toward Chambersburg, Pa. Dr. J. V. Simmons in Hagerstown, fills a tooth for me and will not charge a "rebel." Enter Pennsylvania and camp near Green Castle.

        June 23 - In camp. Seven penitents at night.

        June 26 - Prayer meeting in J. Kenigg's barn.

        June 27 - Hard march. Mud! Mud! Pass through Carlisle and camp in United States Barracks. I sleep on ground. Get two letters from wife. Daughter sick June 4. God spare her!

        Sunday, June 28 - Bro. Lacy preaches to three North Carolina Brigades in the forenoon. I preach in the afternoon and baptize five by pouring. (In 1896 I met one of them in North Carolina. He told me I baptized him at Carlisle; but I smelt whiskey on his breath in 1896.) Bro. Brooks and I baptise four each, in a pool near by. Pleasant day, but not much spirituality among the soldiers. Write to Mary at night.

         June 29 - Rainy. Ride into Carlisle. Call on Marshall in College grove. Meet Rev. Dr. Johnson, President of Dickinson College. When Rev. Dr. Deems

graduated there, he did not know his oldest son would hear preaching for the last time at this place and then march on to Gettysburg to be killed. Meet Rev. Grandin of Baltimore Conference, who graduated here eighteen years ago. Meet Dr. Johnson's daughter, a bright young woman, who asks me some questions. "Mr. Betts, what was your object in joining the army? Was it to help the rebellion?" I told her I could not have taken the oath of office as Chaplain if I had not been in full sympathy with the Confederate cause, but I did not think it so weak as to need my help. I told her my love for souls led me into the work. Fixing her eyes on mine, she said: "Mr. Betts, would you be willing to see the Union restored?" I quickly said: "Miss Johnson, I would rejoice to see the Union 'restored,' but you and I will never see it 'restored.' " Visit Federal prisoners at night.

        June 30 - Division crosses Blue Ridge and camp half a mile beyond Heidleburg. Dark rainy evening. I sit on a fence and write to my wife and tell her I expect to sleep on two rails on top of that fence, while soldiers sleep among the rocks around me. I add: "Thank God! I am happy." Happiness does not depend so much on our surroundings as some may think. Once I was not happy while it seems I should have been. Walking with some young people across the beautiful University grounds in North Carolina I said: "Miss Julia, it seems that a young man ought to be happy here." That expression was a confession that I was not happy. What a contrast!

        July 1 - Division moves six miles by Middle Town and six and a half to Gettysburg and drive the enemy two miles. Col. Parker, Capt. C. N. Allen, Lieut. Brown and many others are wounded. Among the killed are: G. L. Swain, S. M. Hewitt, John C. Goodwin, John H. Mason and J. B. Whitley.

        Col. Parker's wound was in the face. The ball

entered just below one eye and came out just below the other, cutting the nasal tubes. When I knelt by him and prayed for him and his wife and children, he seemed about to strangle with the blood. I stopped praying and held my arm lovingly over him till he was quiet. He got home, returned to duty, and received another wound at Spottsylvania, and was then put on post duty.

        Capt. Allen's right arm was so broken up that it had to be amputated. His case will interest others. He had an idea that surgeons were fond of cutting off men's limbs. Dr. Briggs asked me to see him and try to influence him, for he refused to allow his arm amputated. Capt. Allen had lately married Miss Johns in Wake County, N. C. I prayed silently as I went to where he lay. Kneeling by him, I said, "Capt. I long for you to get home and see that lovely young wife, who is praying for you, but you will never see her if you try to keep that arm." We looked silently into each other's eyes. After a while, he said: "Mr. Betts, I wish you would call Briggs to me." I called Dr. Briggs! (Nine years after I met him in Wake. He took me to his home. Introducing me to his wife, he said, "Bro. Betts, I want to confess to you in the presence of my wife that I owe my life to you." The reader must imagine my feelings.)

        July 2 - Part of the day among wounded men. Visited Brigade in town. A fearful fight from 3 till 9 p. m.

        July 3 - Move hospital early. Brother Stradley and I were riding over the fields from one hospital to another, when I fell from my horse at noon, not knowing I had fallen, and remaining unconscious for an hour. Loss of sleep and excitement may have led to the vertigo. God could take a man out of this world without his knowing anything of it. Col. Bennett wounded. Lieut. Connell, of Co. G., killed.

        July 4 - Move corps hospital early to a barn three miles towards Fairfield. Bury Lieut. Connell and a man of the 4th N. C. Regiment. I wrote to the young man's father, near Statesville, and told him I had buried his son. (At a Conference in Statesville, Dec. 1868, a lady called for me and told me her father, an old man too feeble to ride to town, asked her to come and find me and give his love to me, and thank me for what I had done for him. As we sat and wept, I felt a thousand times paid for my labor and my ten-cent postage stamp.)

        Col. Parker and Bennett start for Virginia in ambulance.

        July 6 - Division moves slowly on through Fountain Dale Gap.

        July 7 - Move on and camp one-and-a-half miles from Hagerstown.

        July 8 - Rain and wind for five days.

        July 9 - Ride to Williamsport to see our wounded.

        July 10 - Day among wounded.

        July 11 - Go out to Regiment in line of battle. Pray with them in the afternoon.

        July 12 - Preach to Regiment in a. m. Get three letters from Mary in p. m. All well, thank the Lord.

        July 13 - Visit Regiment. Rain. Late in the afternoon start for Virginia, at twilight. Ride down through rain and mud to pontoon bridge at Falling Water. Cross at 10:30 and pass on in rain and mud to within one mile of Martinsburg. Sleep a little on two rails under a wagon. God bring our soldiers over safely!

        July 14 - Ride in rain to Martinsburg, and stop with Mr. Doll. His son Dick is in 2d Va. Regiment. Meet Dr. Hoge. Dr. Witherspoon extracts a tooth for me.

        July 15 - Spend a. m. as yesterday with sick and wounded. Army passing all day. Fever in p. m. and night. Night in field near Martinsburg.

        July 16 - Very unwell. Army moves on. I stop and rest at Dr. Burkhart's in Darkville. Night in tent with Bro. Stradley. Heard from Mary. She and children are "prayerful, hopeful and happy." Got letter from Bro. Deems, inquiring after his son, Lieut. T. D. Deems, and asking me to come to see him. Dr. Deems left us for North Carolina June 9. He heard his son was wounded at Gettysburg, and had come to Winchester hoping to see or hear something of him. The military authorities did not allow citizens just then to go to our army. All he could do was to ask me to come to see him. Bro. Stradley held prayer meeting for 2d and 20th.

        July 17 - Rain, rain. Ask leave to go to Winchester to see Dr. Deems. Colonel approves. Brigade and division commanders say there is no need for me to go! They offer to send my written statement! I meet Bro. B. T. Lacy in camp. He asks me if I have a "pass at will" from the corps commander. I tell him that is what every Chaplain ought to have. He asks me to stand still a moment. He steps into Lieutenant General's tent and returns with the needed pass. I gallop to Winchester and find Dr. Deems gone. The division commander meets me on the street. Does not ask me how I came. I wanted him to ask. I was anxious to show him my pass. It served me a good purpose many times in trying to do my duty as Chaplain in caring for sick and wounded men, and in going from point to point in that army. Colonel Christie dies.

        July 18 - Ride by Mr. Silver's at White Hall. Night in camp. Peter P. Scales, my class-mate at University, dies.

        Sunday, July 19 - Bros. Stradley, Power and F. H. Wood, preach to our Brigade. I have prayers with my Regiment and with Dr. Sprunt, Chaplain of 20th Regiment sick.

        July 22 - Carry many papers to Regiment.

        July 25 - Heavy rain. Night in Mr. R's barn.

        Sunday, July 26 - Preach to my Regiment in a. m. Bro. Wood at church in p. m. Bro. Harding in church. I pray with Gen. Ewell in a. m.

        July 27 - Division moves early. Cross mountain at Thornton's Gap. cool springs all the way up the mountain. Four miles up and four miles down.

        July 28 - Rain in p. m. Camp in twelve miles of Madison Court House.

        July 30 - Conscripts, thirty-five or forty arrive for our Regiment. Prayer meeting at night.

        July 31 - Ride to court house. Much edified by an hour's chat with sister of Rev. Lemon. Begin sermon in p. m. and we suddenly receive marching orders.

        Saturday, August 1 - Division moves toward Orange Court House. I go with Bro. Stradley into Gordonville with sick. Moon-light night on the road. Pray with Dr. Adams and his drivers. Get to Regiment one mile beyond Orange Court House before sunrise.

        August 2 - Bro. Power preaches in a. m. and I in p. m.

        August 4 - Moved camp.

        August 6 - Preach in a. m. Prayer meeting at night.

        August 8 - Bro. Lacy preaches in Iverson's old Brigade. Prayer meeting in my Regiment at night.

        Sunday, August 9 - Bro. Power preaches in a. m. and I preach in p. m., and meet my church members.

        August 10 - Sore throat and chest.

        August 11 - Meet Chaplains.

        August 12 - Go to Richmond.

        August 13 - Very busy. Buy good many things for Regiment. Write to Mary.

        August 14 - Return to Regiment. Carry fifty Testaments and Psalms, thirteen Bibles, one hundred hymns, &c., to my Regiment and much to others.

        August 16 - Bro. Power preaches in a. m., and I in p. m.

        August 17 - In camp. Busy every day. Prayer meeting almost every night.

        August 18 - Meet Chaplains. Rev. Dr. Broadus preaches. Pleasant meeting. Marry C. L. Pettit to A. H. Layton at Henry Atkins'.

        August 19 - Preach in Dole's Brigade.

        August 20 - Write to Advocate.

        August 21 - Fast day. Prayer meeting at sunrise. Preach at 7. Hear Bro. Lacy at Gen. Ewell's at 11. Preach to 2nd Regiment at 4 p. m. Assist in communion in the 14th at night. I baptize two men. Perhaps one hundred and fifty take Lord's Supper.

        August 22 - Dine at Bro. Newman's. He and his old Christian wife came to preaching in camp. Her voice, with a thousand male voices, reminded us of the voices of mothers, wives, sisters, and daughters we once heard and now longed to hear again.

        Sunday, 23 - I preached at 8:30. Bro. Marshall at 11, at 4 p. m.

        August 24 - Built arbor for meeting.

        August 25 - Meet Chaplains at Baptist Church and at court house. Dr. Bocock preaches excellent sermon. Rain.

        August 26 - Bro. Lacy preaches in 14th Regiment on "Prodigal Son." Rain.

        August 27 - Ride to 2nd Virginia Regiment with Bros. Hopkins and Anderson on question of correspondence with Chaplains elsewhere.

        August 28 - Prayer at sunrise. Preach for Bro. Marshall at 8 a. m. Bro. Moore of 12th Alabama Regiment preaches for Bro. Power at 10 a. m.

        August 29, 30 and 31. Prayer at sunrise each day and preaching every night. Bro. Howard with me.

        Sept. 1 - Meet Chaplains. Dr. Pendleton there. Rev. Dr. Schon and Rosser come on train. (Rev. Thos. Murphy, of Wilmington, and David Sykes, of Bladen died Aug. 18.) Two converts during the week. Much

interest in 2nd and 3rd. Several penitents and some converts.

        Sept. 4 - The Lord's work goes on. Ten quiet clear conversions at night. Bro. Howard preaches. Ten days furlough comes.

        Sept. 5 - Self-denial. Furlough in my pocket, but feel it my duty to remain at my work. Much encouraged by frequent conversions.

        (Sixteen years from that day I was to see my wife die in Greensboro. She has been seventeen years in Heaven, as I review my little diary of the trials and toils of war.)

        Sept. 6 - Preach for Doles' Brigade. In p. m., Bro. Howard, Lawry and I immerse about thirty men. Bro. Powledge, of Georgia, preaches for me at night.

        Sept. 7 - Bro. Howard preaches for men at night.

        Sept. 8 - Meet Chaplains. Glorious work in the army, thank God!

        Sept. 9 - Start home.

        Sept. 10 - Get to Raleigh at midnight.

        Sept. 11 - Reach home to breakfast.

        Sept. 12 - Ride to Orange Church.

        Sept. 13 - Preach in M. E. Church in Chapel Hill.

        Sept. 16 - Rev. J. W. Jenkins baptizes my fourth son, James Russell.

        Sept. 17 - Start to Virginia at 4 p. m. God bless wife and children!

        Sept. 19 - Get to Orange Courthouse weak and sick. Walk six or eight miles to Dr. Terryll's.

        Sept. 20 - Walk to wagon yard. Ride to Palmyra Church. Preach to Ordinance officers.

        Sept. 21 - Get to Regiment near Morton's Ford. Bro. Marshall went with me and preached at Palmyra Church. Sleep in stable at Buckner's.

        Sept. 22 - Go in camp near Morton's Ford. Willie's birthday.

        Sept. 23 - Preach to Regiment on picket line. Prayers at night.

        Sept. 25 - Revs. Rumple and Kilpatrick arrive. Bro. Rumple preaches at night.

        Sept. 26 - Bro. Kilpatrick preaches this p. m. Regiments go on picket. Prayer at night.

        Sept. 27 - Preach twice on picket. Relieved late. Bro. Rumple preaches at night.

        Sept. 28 - Two converts.

        Sept. 29 - Write to Prof. Hepburn.

        Sept. 30 - Go on picket.

        October 1, 1863 - Visit Hoke's Brigade. Bro. Rumple preaches for us.

        October 2 - Rain, get wet.

        October 3 - Dr. Rosser preaches for us twice.

        October 4 - Bro. Kilpatrick preaches a. m. end Bro. Rumple p. m. Fifty or more conscripts arrive for our Regiment.

        October 5 - Preach for Battle's Brigade at night.

        October 6 - Meet Chaplains at Pisgah Church. Go with Bro. Rumple toward Orange courthouse. Spend night at Mr. Grymes'. Noble family. Man and wife and several daughters seem so glad to entertain us. Some officers there, too. Two armies had been for a long time using the food of that section. We saw no servant in the princely home. The bright young women waited on the table very gracefully. No reference was made to servants or short food supply The only food we saw or tasted was corn-bread, milk and butter. My heart did bless them then, and blesses them now. They accepted the situation gracefully.

        October 7 - While we stood by the train at the depot we saw in the ladies' coach a nurse with a little child. I asked her to hold him up that I might see him. I said, "Nurse, please pinch him, I want to hear a baby cry." The ladies looked out to see a crazy man.

        October 8 - Corps moving.

        October 9 - Leave at 5 a. m. Pass Orange Courthouse.

        October 10 - Pass Madison Courthouse.

        October 11 - Pass Bethlehem Church. Meet Mrs. Griffin, 86 years old, has never joined any church. Says her husband kept her out 36 years ago. Camp four and a half miles from Courthouse. Rev. Dr. Boyce preaches at night.

        October 12 - Pass E. and drive enemy from Jefferson Sulphur Springs.

        October 13 - Pass Warrenton. Meet Ed. M. Spillman - a prince.

        October 14 - A skirmish early. I remain with wounded at Allison's house.

        October 15 - Ten years ago God converted my soul. C. H. Ruffin, of Nash Co., wounded yesterday. Dies in my arms - in perfect peace. Charlie enlisted at 17, and perhaps, was the wildest boy in his Regiment.

        He was very respectful to me, but showed no signs of any care for his soul till April last. About the time I was disappointed in my hopes to go home, he began to seek my company and give good attention to preaching. He became deeply convicted and was happily converted and I took him into the Missionary Baptist Church, and sent his name to the home church the day I started home If I had gone home at the time I first proposed, he might not have been converted. Just before he breathed his last I asked him about his case. He sweetly smiled and said: "Bro. Betts as soon as I die I shall go straight to my blessed Jesus!" That was a happy moment to me. As I write about it in October 1896 the joy I feel pays me a thousand times for all the nights I ever slept on frozen ground, snow or mud.

        October 16 - Rain a. m. Bury Ruffin. Send sick and wounded to Rappahannock Station by Dr. W. Leave and follow Regiment, and sleep in vacant house at Greenwich. Visit Mr. Green, a British subject. Supper

and breakfast with W. T. Hall, of the oldest M. E. Church in Prince William County.

        October 17 - Ride on with Bro. Hall. Dine with Mr. Peters. His wife presents me an overcoat and $4.00. Wife's letter tells me that Dr. J. F. Foard sent her a barrel of flour. Camp near W. Junction.

        Sunday, Oct. 18 - Pass up R. R. My pony mires and wets my feet. Preach to Dole's Brigade m p. m. Bro. Marshall preaches to my Regiment in p. m. Cross river on Pontoon bridge at night.

        Oct. 19 - Brigade crosses in rain.

        Oct. 20 - Dine with Rev. Brannin, of Baltimore Conference. Prayer at night.

        Oct. 21 - Move camp at night.

        Oct. 22 - Fix desk and have fever, as yesterday.

        Oct. 23 - Rain. Build chapel. My colonel or other officers commanding my Regiment, always seemed glad to give me any needed help to prepare for preaching - giving me a wagon, a detail of men.

        Oct. 24 - Finish chapel.

        Oct. 25 - Preach a. m. Prayer meeting p. m. Prayer with Co. "H" at night.

        Oct. 26 - Cold. Prayer with Co. "F" at night.

        Oct. 27 - Ride to Cook's Brigade. See Revs. Fairly and Plyler. Prayer in Co. "K" at night.

        Oct. 28 - Prayer in Co. "E." Write sundry letters.

        Oct. 29 - Election for Congress. N. C. soldiers vote. Build my log cabin - 5 feet wide and 6 feet long-nice stick chimney-oil cloth roof. Nice place to read and write and talk to one friend at a time. Sat on my bed (canvas on two poles) and put my feet to the fire, and wrote on a little box desk. Prayer in Co. "C."

        Oct. 30 - Finish cabin. Prayer meeting in Regiment.

        Oct. 31 - Rain in a. m. Dine with Rev. Brannin. Call on Rev. Wilson, of Chapel Hill, and Rev. Emerson,

of Chatham, in Johnson's Brigade. Prayer in Co. "A" at night.

        Nov. 1, 1863 - Fine day. Rev. Anderson, Chaplain 4th Regiment, preaches his first sermon at my chapel. Why don't I hear from wife? Thirteen days ago she was not well. May be in heaven! God's will be done! Get letter. All well. Prayer meeting at night.

        Nov. 2 - Pastoral work in Regiment. Prayer in Co. "G" at night.

        Nov. 3 - Organize Bible class in Co. "G." Dine with Bro. Brannin. Prayer in Co. "B" at night.

        Nov. 4 - Pastoral work. Call on Chaplain Murphy of 32nd Regiment. Pray with Co. "G" at night.

        Nov. 6 - Day with Regiment. Dine with Rev. Dr. Rosser at Bro. Brannin's.

        Saturday, Nov. 7 - Hear Dr. Rosser preach to 4th and 14th Regiments. Get bottle of sacramental wine. While reading a letter from wife, a fierce cannonade begins at Kelly's Ford, where the 2nd and 3rd suffer sadly. Lieut. Col. Sillers is mortally wounded. Some are wounded and many captured. Army falls back. I tear down my little house to get my cot out. Had occupied the sweet little home one week. Felt some regret, as I may feel, when called to leave the "earthly house" I now occupy in flesh. Sleep a little on the road, and get to Brandy Station at 2 a. m.

        Nov. 8 - Pass on and get to Rapidan Station and spend night. Sorry I could not find Col. Sillers last night Brigade crosses at Raccoon Ford late at night.

        Nov. 9 - Ride down the river to the camp we left a month ago to-day. Find Brigade there. Snows a little. Prayers at night.

        Nov. 10 - Anxious to hear from Col. Sillers, I ride to Orange court house, but hear on the way he died at Gordonville at 9 a. m. yesterday. Shall I see him on earth no more? Telegraph to learn his body has been sent home. Telegraph to my wife also.

        Nov. 11 - Get telegram that Sillers' body is still at Gordonville. Take cars to Gordonsville and find his body nicely packed in charcoal. Return to Orange Court House and spend night at Bro. Walker's, eight miles toward camp.

        Nov. 12 - Return to camp. Meet Johnston's division.

        Nov. 13 - Just as Bro. McAlpin is about to begin a sermon to us, we get orders to march. We march five or so miles out and go into camp.

        Nov. 15 - In camp. Rain in p. m.

        Nov. 16 - Rain in a. m. Duel between the armies at Morton's Ford. Division hurries down toward Morton's Ford, but returns to camp. Interesting prayer meeting.

        Nov. 17 - Rev. Dr. Bikle prays with us.

        Nov. 18 - Ride to Cook's Brigade. See Rev. Plyler, Dodson, Westbrook, etc. Visit Kirkland's Brigade. Sup with old Bro. Newman. Spend night with Bro. Kennedy, 28th N. C. Regiment.

         Nov. 19 - Visit Col. Barbour, 37th N. C. Regiment and Col. Barry, 18th, etc. Bro. Kennedy rides with me to Scale's Brigade. Meet Rev. Bennick. Visit Col. Galloway, etc. Return to camp late and weary. I was visiting Colonels to get them to send to our Conference for Chaplains.

        Nov. 20 - Preach at night. Disturbed by men in two companies singing near our place of worship; but God was with us and converted L. W. Johnson, Co. A.

        Nov. 21 - Rain. Rain. Raise some money to get religious papers.

        Nov. 22 - Preach in a. m. Dr. Bikle preaches at noon. Regiment goes on picket at night.

        Nov. 23 - Visit Regiment on picket.

        Nov. 24 - Ride to Orange Court House. Chaplains do not meet. Rain. Night in Scale's Brigade. Col.

Galloway and Col. Coleman give me orders on Bishop Pierce for Chaplains.

        Nov. 25 - Go to Richmond.

        Nov. 26 - Get to Raleigh at midnight, with Revs. Dodson and Plyler. Night at Bain's Hotel.

        Nov. 27 - In city a. m. Buy cloth for grey suit for forty dollars. Visit Legislature. Go to Bro. Alvin's near Cary. Mother just gone to her home in Harnett. Missed her.

        Nov. 28 - Got home to breakfast.

        Nov. 29 - Bro. Cunninggim preaches morning and night. I preach in the afternoon.

        Dec. 1 - Go to Hillsboro. Call on Aunt Martha Utley. The Lord is with her. Reach Greensboro and stop with Bro. Wm. E. Edwards, near depot.

        Dec. 2 - Conference meets in M. E. Church.

        Dec. 3 - Army Commission reports.

        Dec. 4 - Dr. Deems preaches funeral of Rev. J. C. Brent. Wife comes on night train.

        Dec. 5 - Wife and I dine with Sister Bumpass.

        Dec. 6 - Bishop Pierce preaches at 11 a. m. Communion at night.

        Dec. 7 - Conference closed late at night. Wife and I sup at Mr. Van Bokelin's. Bro. N. F. Reid gives us an order on Bro. Selby for three months' salary.

        Dec. 8 - Leave Greensboro at 3 a. m, and go to Hillsboro, and over to Chapel Hill in p. m., with Mrs. John Watson.

        Dec. 9 - Pay rent, etc. Gather Bibles, Testaments, etc., for my Regiment.

        Dec. 10 - East and pray. Preach in M. E. Church.

        Dec. 11 - Walk and ride to Mrs. Fearingtons' and get Melvin Baldwin's horse, and ride by William Merritt's and thence to Bro. Purifoy's and then walk home.

        Dec. 13 - Hear Bro. William Closs preach at 11 a. m. and Bro. Jenkins at night. Last evening with my family.

        Dec. 14 - Leave at 3 a. m. See Bros. Pell and Crowder in Raleigh. Try to see Bro. Hufham. Leave at midnight.

        Dec. 15 - Go to Richmond.

        Dec. 16 - Get to Orange Court House. Meet Rev. Mr. Harris, of Lynchburg. Stop at Dr. Black's.

        Dec. 17 - Rain and sleet. Cannot get to Regiment.

        Dec. 18 - Ride to Regiment near Morton's Ford.

        Dec. 22 - Visit Cook's Brigade. See Lieut. Hanner Revs. Plyler, Dodson, Marsh, and return by 55th Regiment and see Lieut. Hoyle.

        Dec. 23 - Snow and very cold.

        Dec. 24 - No chimney to my tent. Very cold.

        Dec. 26 - Ride to Orange Court House and learn that J. A. Pegram had died suddenly last night at Dr. Black's hospital.

        Dec. 27 - Rain. Rain. No preaching. Prayer meeting in Co. E.

        Dec. 28 - Get tent of my own. Rain.

        Dec. 29 - Clear and very muddy. Meet Chaplains at Pisgah Church. Night in my own tent. Pay fifteen dollars for building wall and chimney.

        Dec. 30 - Prayer meeting in some Co. every night - in "G" tonight Good men. Every night, everywhere, Co. G. has family prayers Cheatham is sick.

        Dec. 31 - Writing and reading until near midnight. Write to Mary. Keep "watch night." On my knees at midnight. A New Year begins! Oh, may it be a good year! May it bring peace to my land! May it carry me and my fellow soldiers to our several homes. Sorry for the follies of the past year. May I be able to spend the new one more for God's glory!

        Jan. 1, 1864 - Turns exceedingly cold in p. m. Write for "Recorder" till midnight.

        Sunday, Jan. 3 - I go to Regiment on picket. Prayer in Co. C.

        Jan. 4 - Snows all day. In snow getting boards to cover my church.

        Jan. 5 - Get three wagons to take my boards to camp. Rev. J. J. Hines, sent by Bishop Pierce to be a Chaplain for Hoke's Brigade, arrives and spends night with me.

        Jan. 6 - Carry Bro. Hines to Hoke's Brigade. Make arrangements for his comfort and return.

        Jan. 7 - Call to see Bro. Howard, colporter for Johnston's Brigade.

        Jan. 8 - Ride to Orange with Bro. Anderson. Ten Chaplains there. No regular meeting. Postoffice clerks offended. Some time before I had found a large amount of printed matter at the Post Office for my Regiment, which the clerks had neglected to send us from day to day. I wrote a note to the Postmaster and asked him to stir up his clerks. I presume he stirred them up. Some of the handsome young men were of the right age to be soldiers. They had been detailed as Army postal clerks. My note to the Chief gave them some fear of being sent to ranks. They looked at me in anger and asked me to tell them when I had anything to complain of. I am glad to say I never found occasion to complain again.

        Sunday, Jan. 10 - Cold. Prayer meetings in Company quarters.

        Jan 11 - Get a few poles for my chapel.

        Jan 12 - Meet Chaplains at Pisgah. Get poles all cut for chapel.

        Jan. 13 - Haul poles and begin my chapel.

        Jan. 14 - Still at work on chapel. Chaplains of this division met in my tent yesterday.

        Jan. 16 - Get roof and chimneys finished. Having labored with my detail and conducted prayer meeting every night, I feel very much wearied.

        Jan. 17 - Preach in chapel a. m. Bible class in p. m. Prayer meeting in Co. I at night.

        Jan. 20 - Rev. Henry Hardie calls and prays with me. Bible class at night.

        Jan. 21 - Ride by Kirkland's Brigade and see Bros. Webb, Lacy and Smith. Chapel up. Meet Bros. Hines and Paris on their way to North Carolina with Hoke's Brigade. Go late to Lane's Brigade, looking for Bro. Westbrook. Night with Bro. Kennedy.

        Jan. 22 - Return to Regiment and find Col. Parker arrived yesterday.

        Jan. 23 - Ride with Bro. N. B. Cobb to see Johnston's Brigade and also see Bro. Gwaltney in First North Carolina Regiment. Bro. Robbins, (J. H.) 12th Regiment, arrives and preaches for me.

        Jan. 24 - Bro. Harding preaches for me in a.m. Bible class in p. m. Bro. Gwaltney preaches for me at night Bro. Robbins spends night with me.

        Jan. 25 - In camp. Prayer meeting in Co. A. at night.

        Jan. 26 - Meet Chaplains at Bro. Booker's chapel in Jones' Brigade. Bro. Cobb preaches. About fifteen Chaplains present. Near twenty chapels being built in this army. Bro. Robbins moves to his Regiment.

        Jan. 27 - Exceedingly warm.

        Jan. 28 - Bros. Anderson, Robbins and I visit the provost guard and prisoners in Rodes' Division. One prisoner is to be shot.

        Jan. 29 - Bro. Robbins and I walk to Bro. Gwaltney's Regiment. I preach.

        Jan. 30 - Right unwell. Bro. Robbins spends night with me. Regiment goes on picket.

        Sunday, Jan. 31 - Bro. Evans and I visit and preach to provost guard and prisoners. New prison. Visit prisoners also.

        Feb. 2, 1864 - Meet Chaplains. Prayer meeting at Bro. Booker's chapel. Write to Henry and his mother. Eight years old today!

        Feb. 4 - Walk to Battle's Brigade and see Bros. Currin and Rutledge, Chaplains. Walk to saw mill and thence to 12th North Carolina. Bro. Evans spends night with me.

        Feb. 5 - Preach in Bro. Booker's chapel in a. m. Bro. Robbins in Bro. Butler's at night. Bro. Robbins spends night with me.

        Feb. 6, 1864 - Revs. F. H. Wood and J. H. Colton arrive. I get a ream of heavy paper. The manufacturers in Wake County sent it to me, at my request, to be given to the men of my Regiment for writing paper. Sheets were very large. Yankees cross Rapidan and our men repel them.

        Sunday, Feb. 7 - As my Regiment did not return from picket, I go to see provost guard and prisoners and worship with them. One is to be shot.

        Feb. 9 - Meet Chaplains in Presbyterian Church at Orange Court House. Dr. Witherspoon preaches. Gen. Lee is there. Bro. Harding preaches for me at night.

        Feb. 10 - I divided a large lot of paper with my men. Bro. Evans, 4th Ga., preaches for me at night.

        Feb. 11 - Bro. Gwaltney preaches at night.

        Feb. 12 - Bro. Jones, 25th Va., preaches.

        Feb. 13 - Bro. Nelson, 44th Va., preaches. Dr. Grissom is in camp.

        Feb. 14 - Preach to my Regiment.

        Feb. 16 - Snow on the ground. Bro. Lee, 5th Va., comes to see me and prays with me.

        Feb. 17 - Bitter cold.

        Feb. 18 - Still bitter cold.

        Feb. 19 - At night. Bros. Anderson, Evans, and Power join me and my Regiment in the Lord's Supper.

        Feb. 20 - Regiment goes on picket.

        Feb. 21 - Preach to 2nd Regiment in a. m., and to 4th at night. Dr. Lloyd spends night with me.

        Feb. 22 - Start to North Carolina.

        Feb. 23 - Meet Dr. Craven in Raleigh.

        Feb. 24 - Get home to breakfast. A. H. Merritt calls and shows us kindness.

        Feb. 25 - Ride with family to Merritt's Chapel. Meet Rev. J. B. Martin. Preach for him. Pay two hundred and fifty dollars ($250) for a cow.

        Feb. 26-7 - At home.

        Feb. 28 - Hear Rev. R. A. Willis preach twice in M. E. Church.

        Feb. 29 - Build pen for cow and calf. Bro. Willis sups with us. God keep my family, now and forever.

        Mar. 1, '64 - Start at 3 a. m. Meet Bros. Selby, Branson, and Cunninggim in Raleigh. Meet Bros. Burkhead, Henderson, M. C. Thomas, J. B. Williams and W. B. Richardson on train. Night in Richmond.

        Mar. 2 - Meet Bro. H. H. Gibbons

        Mar. 3 - Detained in Richmond by the raiders between us and Lee's army. Bros. Gibbons, Richardson and I visit hospitals and penitentiary.

        Mar. 4 - Visit Federal prisoners on Belle Island and hospital No. 24.

        Mar. 5 - Bros. Gibbons and Richardson go with me to my Regiment near Orange Court House and spend night with me.

        Mar. 6 - Bro. Richardson preaches for me in a. m. and Bro. Gibbons for 2nd Regiment in p. m. Very unwell at night.

        Mar. 7 - Walk with Bro. Richardson to his Regiment. Bro. Gibbons preached for me at night.

        Mar. 8 - Bro. Richardson preaches for me at night.

        Mar. 9 - He leaves for North Carolina against my earnest advic