Even as Confederate soldiers and citizens celebrate the many battle successes of southern armies in this first year of the war, many Baptist soldiers are in a state of unrest, uncertain as to the ultimate success of Confederacy. Their caution stems from spiritual concerns within army ranks. The following letter from a soldier in North Carolina’s 23rd Regiment, encamped near Centreville, Virginia, offers common sentiments. The letter is addressed to North Carolina Baptist’s Biblical Recorder newspaper.
Will you permit me to lay before the readers of your excellent Journal, a brief statement concerning this division of the Confederate Army?
We are encamped on a high hill, exposed to the bleak winds of December, so much to be dreaded in this country; and they have done much to render us uncomfortable, by lifting the tent-clothes from their proper places, exposing the weary inmates to the falling ruins, and driving the smoke from the encampments into our eyes. If you could see us, without knowing who we are, you might very naturally ask whose colors we wear, and, perhaps more reasonably, enquire how we succeed in running our distilleries, and admonish us for destroying the fruits of the earth. But we are soldiers, and our uncouth appearance is the result of smoke and dust which can not well be avoided in camp.
Yet are all expecting that we shall soon have a fight here, and so are many of our officers and men; but I think the probabilities of a battle, at this place, are exceedingly slender. In my opinion the federals will not advance in this direction. The present indications are that they are attempting to move forward two columns and attack Leesburg and Evansport. We shall soon be ordered to the latter point, and our boys are anxious to go, as they wish to be at the post of danger.
The health of the regiment is not good and it will hardly improve while we remain in cloth-tents.
In regard to the morals of our men, I am ashamed to say that they need improvement. Many of our soldiers are very wicked. I believe our Chaplain is endeavoring to do all the good he can, by talking to them, praying for them, and distributing tracts among them; but it seems almost in vain. I do not doubt that he often feels, as he looks, discouraged by their wickedness, but I hope God will bless his labors, and that some seed may fall on good ground and hereafter yield abundant fruit to the glory of God.
Dear brother H., will God give us our independence, while a large majority of our officers and men drink intoxicating liquors, and swear, and play cards? If He does, I am sure it will be in answer to the faithful prayers of those at home and of a few in camp.
We never see the [North Carolina Biblical] Recorder in this regiment. The chaplain told me, a few days ago, that he would send for it and let me read it. I hope he will do so, for I should be very much pleased to see it again.
All the tracts which we have received, have been sent to us from Raleigh, through the liberality of individuals. As yet, we have gotten none from Richmond. I hope that brother [James R.] Graves [editor of the Tennessee Baptist] will soon send us some Testaments.
Rev. L. M. Berry of Lincolnton, is our Chaplain, and is well qualified for the position. The officers and men all treat him with great respect, and seem to like him; and yet he is often so much discouraged, as to make me fear that he will resign. I hope, however, that he will remain with us.
Very affectionately, your brother in Christ.
T. J. Rasley
Source: “Army Correspondent,” Biblical Recorder, December 11, 1861 (link)
