Va       March 29 1863

            Camp Near Hamitons Crossings

 

To Miss Mary Hodnett

Dear Sister      It is with pleasure that seat myself this cold sabbath to right you a few Lines, which will inform you that we are all well and doing verry well. I admit that we might do better in some respects, but I presume you will understand me when you read some of the Letters that have been rote to day and will start home before this. Sister, there has been so much rote home to day, which I presume you will read I hardly know which subjects to tuch upon that would interest you most with so many at command. you know sister that I Left a Large family at home and that family was at the proper stage to need proper traing./

 

A Consiousness of this fact burden me fearing that Mary could not shoulder the task, but before I left home, I had a conciousness that all was right. Under this conviction I left home Cherfully the last time as could be expected under the circumstances. I have remained so up to the present, when I came into camp I saw a good many things, that appeard discouraging at first sight. But after a day or two I saw something that was verry encouraging to me, and that was, a meeting that was being carried on by Chaplin Smith of the sixtieth Ga redgment. This meeting is a union meeting of all the denomination, and is called the, Soldiers, union society, which has rules, and stating in each one its oject the whole showing the design of the/Society. The society receives members by opening the doors of the society in the way we receive members into the Church. after the subjects present them selves for member ship, the question is asked by the Chaplin whether there is any objection to receiving them. The vote is then taken, if receive, the right hand of fellowship is extended, by each member of the society. This is now represented by each redgment now, in Lawtons Briggade I beleave they goin by scores. the society meets once each night 3 times on sunday half after 10, three, candle lighting. Sister Mary I see I am to perticular I think our brothers will going they have commenced going too meeting. The meetings are interesting Mourners every meeting. God is reviving his beleivers. The Soldiers amids hardship/and privations are now more zealous for the cause of Christ, Than our Christian friends at home. It would do you good if you could hear the tap of the drum for meeting and see the soldiers gather for meeting. Not by the dosen, But by the hundreds. I can give you an idea by stating one instance Trid on one occasion at night it was cold, and Dark, a cloud rose and commenced hailing and, we wh were covered with the cloud alone. The Preacher wanted to dismiss the congregasion, the cry was heard, not so we have stood guard a many night wors than this. So they never stoped for rain and hail. you must draw your own conclusion, as I have not space. Friday fast day, was a remarcable day in camp. The sign is right hear. I would that the people at home could umble themselves, as I believe the soldiers ar doing. Sister Good by          G T Hodnett

 

[margins:]

Give my love to Father Mother and all the family receive the same for your self rite to me immediately and often                turn over

Sister Mary I suppose that you read all my Letters, to Mary, and this the reason why I have not rote any other news to you. But this subject no doubt/is interesting to you, though it is only touched at, you will lett Mary see this at some convenient time, as not rote on this subject to her nothing more, remember us visit my family as often as you can

 

All of you, rite to me how you are getting along at Bethel I am sorry I cant say any thing more          G.T.H.

SOURCES