This Day in Georgia Civil War History
April 25, 1864
Soldier Wrote of Religious Revival Among Troops
A Georgia soldier in Virginia wrote home to his wife; he had little war news, but was glad to see a religious revival sweeping through the ranks.
“…I have no war news, no doubt we are having the calm that always precedes the storm, and the silence of the cannon which now prevails will only make its roaring the louder in the future. We have been successful at all points this spring of which you need have heard through the medium of [the] press so I have no war news that would interest you. I have something of more importance to write, new of more profound character. God has visited us in this part of his vineyard in the outpouring of his holy spirits and many are returning to the Lord. Christians who have back-sled is again returning to the field of Christ, sinners are being converted and the word of God doth run and is glorified among us, thanks be unto God who giveth us the victory through our lord Jesus Christ, now henceforth and for evermore, Amen. Eleven joined the church night before last. I am thankful to say that this good work is not confined to our brigade but as far as I can tell is through this army. I think it is one of the best signs of our success that can be given. Again I say, thank God. …” Source: Ronald H. Moseley (ed.), The Stilwell Letters: A Georgian in Longstreet’s Corps. Army of Northern Virginia (Macon: Mercer University Press, 2002), p. 252.
