Prospect, Tenn. Dec. 20, 1863.

 

Dear Mother:

                        Your letter of the 13^th reached me yesterday. To-day is the Sabbath; not the quiet, peaceful Sabbath of home, but the army Sabbath. We are not at work to-day. Indeed in respect to labor upon the Sabbath I think there has been some improvement; although there is yet abundant room for reform. This morning I attended divine service in our church. A room in an old store building has been fitted up with seats, and it makes a very good place. The 43^d Regiment, which has a chaplain has the main charge of things. We happen to be camped near together, and thus we can unite. Prayer meetings are held three or four / times during the week; so that at no period have we enjoyed better religious advantages than we do now. The chaplain is a kind, pleasant, sincere man, possessing moderate talents, but an earnest spirit to do good. He is, I believe, an Episcopalian; although very different from many whose profession is a mere outward formality. Although the greater share of the Christians with whom he has to do are the antipodes of Episcopalians, namely Methodists, there is no jarring or discord between them. The Colonel of the 43^d, Col. Swayne is an earnest, sincere Christian, who hesitates not to take his part in the prayer meeting. There are very few, if any of his officers, however who imitate his example, or even show their faces in the congregation. Bad as is the moral condition of the privates I doubt / whether they are not as a class the superiors of their officers in point of morals. Whilst in Memphis I never saw but two two officers in the Christian Commission Rooms, and a very small proportion of them were found at any church where piety and devotion took the place of show. Our Colonel is an irreligious man and I think that it is due to his influence together with the other officers, that we have no chaplain. If I am correctly informed his morals have suffered considerably since entering the army. He is however a paragon of virtue in comparison with many of his subordinate officers.

 

            I am fully persuaded that never before was there such a field offered for earnest, persevering, devoted, qualified Christian ministers as is offered by the army. I confess that I often feel a spirit of impatience when I hear of Chaplains resigning and going home to tell of the wickedness of the army and the hope- / lessness of doing good. It is a hard field I know, and it requires patience, perseverance, and a considerable knowledge of human nature. But a social, persevering, upright, fearless man will exercise an influence for good over a regiment that is incalculable. His presence will be a restraint to much outbreaking vice. If he once acquires the respect and good will of the men he will exercise great power over them. The former chaplain of this Regiment, Rev. Chidlaw was such a man. I often hear his name mentioned, and never except with respect, even by the most wicked. I most sincerely wish that we had such a man with us now.

 

            I was so unfortunate as to lose one of my mittens whilst in the woods the other day. Consequently the offer of a pair of gloves comes very acceptably at this time. I think that you can send them by mail. The socks would be acceptable at any time, and I if you can send them by mail, one pair at a time I should like to have you do it. No box can reach here at present. I am under exceeding obligations to the Plumers for their repeated kindnesses. Give them my hearty thanks.

 

            The paper and envelopes came safely to hand.

 

            I hope that you have received the money sent by me ere this.

 

            I wish that you and Jerusha would have your pictures taken on cards. The daguerreotype which I have is considerably blurred. It is much more convenient to take care of card photographs.

 

Write soon to

Your Son,

George.

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