Fast-Day, August 21.—Our chapel is finished. Mr. Green preached in it, and an excellent sermon he gave us; it was quite stirring and encouraging. He quoted a piece of poetry, which I thought suited the times exactly; it commenced with
“We are living, we are dwelling,
In a grand and awful time!
In an age on ages telling,
To be living is sublime!”
Mr. G.’s text was, “Rend your heart, and not your garments.” As General Bragg was leaving the church, a dispateh was handed to him, seemingly an important one. I hope nothing is the matter.
The morning services were pretty well attended by the privates; some of the officers instead of going played checkers. I had a conversation with one of them on the subject, and told him that the war would not close until men gave God the homage which he demanded. He did not agree with me; I asked him if he believed the Bible. He answered yes. I then asked him if he and the others had obeyed the commands in it, in seemingly grudging to give God that one day. I said nothing more, but was gratified to see him attend the afternoon service.
We have had but two meals, and none of the men have found any fault.
I had an introduction to Major Clark of Kentucky, and Major Austin of Texas; the latter one of Morgan’s men; he was not with him on his late disastrous campaign. I was making eggnog when I received the introduction, and they jestingly asked me for some. I told them they must first get an order from the surgeon under whose care they were, as General Bragg, being so near, might put me under arrest for disobedience of orders.
