Benton Barracks, St Louis.

April 6^th 1863.

 

Dear Wife:—

                        On arriving at the Barracks I found things of a religious character in such a state as completely surprised me. In the stead of there being no effort at all toward administering to the eternal and spiritual wants of the soldiers, there was a fine protracted meeting in progress, and indeed several have received the atoning witness of the holy ghost in the remission of their sins. The Meeting has since been stopped on account of not haveing a suitable place to worship in. That is, we do not have meeting every night, but only two or three times a week. This / meeting has done a vast amount of good in camp, and we must pray that God will continue this good begun work among the soldiers. There is to be a Sunday School established in our quarters next Sabbath. We expect several good results to spring from this divine means of grace. May God prosper the various Sunday Schools of the land, whether at home or in the army is my humble and sincere prayer. Oh do not cease to pray for the soldier, that God may bless his efforts in striving to put down the rebellion. They certainly need the tears and the prayers of all God fearing and God serving people; and I have no doubt that the sympathies of most of the people are enlisted in our behalf. 

 

            I should have written to you before this but I was waiting to see what the prospect was for pay. At this time the prospect is pretty good. The paymaster is paying off some of the Regiments now. Some say we will get our pay this week, while others say it will not come till next week: so I cannot write you anything in regard to this as a certainty to you now. It is very uncertain when we will get it. I think perhaps that our regiment will get its pay inside of two weeks at the farthest.

 

            Tell the children to try to put their trust in God, who loves and cares for them:—tell them to be obedient. Try to impress upon their memory this commandment "Honor thy father and thy mother that thy days may be long upon / the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee." Try to train them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord, and God will bless you with His approving smile. God has made His followers many glorious promises. Let us not forget these precious promises, but press forward to the mark of the prize of our high calling in Christ Jesus. Give my love to all my brothers and sisters, and tell them to pray for me. Please write soon, for I wish to hear from you soon

 

                                                                        Your affectionate Husband,

                                                                                    Edward Hickman.

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