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April 10—Procured subscribers for sundry religious papers and forwarded $73.50 for them. Wrote to wife. Met Rev. Bennick, of S. C. Conference, chaplain 24th N. C. Regiment, Bro. Marshall, 12th Georgia Regiment, conducts morning prayers for me. Get bundle N. C. Christian Advocates. The paper is revived, thank God! Get letters from Rev. M. Miller and Rev. J. J. Lansdell. Write to Rev. W. E. Pell.
April 12—I kept a little volume in my bosom, giving a verse of scripture for each day in the year. The verse for April 12 was Matt. 26, 42: “Oh, my Father. if this cup may not pass away from me, except I drink it, Thy will be done.” By his help I said: “Thy will be done,” and went on happy in my work. Bro J. Wm. Jones, 13th Va. and Dr. Curtis, 57th N. C. Regiments arrive. Bro. Jones preaches for me. Dine and walk to Bro. Jones’ regiment and preach. After supper I walk alone by Hamilton’s Crossing to camp. Letter from Bishop Atkinson.
April 13—In camp. Visit Geo. T. Swain at Younge’s.
April 14—Meet chaplains. Rev. Brigadier General Pendleton, D. D., was with us. Bro. Nelson preaches. Happy meeting. Chaplains agree to pray for each other at sunset every day.
April 15—Rainy day. Oh, Mary, I expected to start to you to-day!
April 16—Write to Mary. Visit 20th and 12th Regiments.
April 17—Walk to Hamilton’s Crossing to get telegram from wife. Buy twenty-four Testaments. Bro. Jones walks back to 60th Georgia Regiment with me.
April 18—Chaplains Patterson and Smith at prayers with us. I preach to Gordon’s Brigade. Bro. Lacy preaches in p. m.
Sun, 19—Prayers early. Preach at 10 a. m. Get telegram. “I am well,” from wife. Thank God! Oh, Father, be with her! Preach in 2nd Regiment in p. m. Prayer meeting in Co. “G,” at night. Decided interest.
Apr 20—Rain all day. Public service at 10. Read and explain Deut. 20. Get ten days furlough. Having sold my horse several months before, I was now trying to buy. Not finding a suitable one for sale, when the spring campaign, soon to open, made such demand for them, my Colonel encouraged me to apply for ten days furlough to go to North Carolina to buy one, hoping I might yet reach my wife in time to see her pass an impending crisis.
Tuesday, Apr. 21—Damp morning. Receive two men into the church at morning prayers. Start to North Carolina.
At the beginning of the Confederate War, a chaplain was not allowed forage for a horse. I believe the U. S. Army Regulations never considered a Chaplain a mounted officer. My Colonel always drew forage for my horse as one of his. I am told that “Stonewall” Jackson asked our Congress to allow forage for each Chaplain, because he thought they could be so much more active and efficient by being mounted. My being mounted gave me a chance to help many a foot-sore, sick or wounded man. I could walk for hours and give a ride to the foot-sore or wounded. I could stop or turn aside and look after the wounded, and then hurry on and overtake my Regiment.
Apr. 23—Get to Chapel Hill at 7:30 a. m., and find all well.
Apr. 24—At home.
Apr. 25—Our fifth child, a son, is born at 3:30 a. m Mother and child doing well. Thank God!
Apr. 26—Hear Bro. Jenkins preach twice.
Apr. 27—Plant corn and beans.
Apr. 28—Buy little black mare from Charles Johnson for $200. Rain.
Apr. 29, 1863—Over thirty-three years have passed since I wrote my diary for the above day. With a grateful heart I copy the exact words. “I wish here devoutly to acknowledge that merciful Providence that has guided me for twenty days past.” I leave wife and little ones early. God blesses me at the family altar. Ride on horseback. Spend night with Mrs. M. Waller at Knap O’Reeds. Bros. Peed and Tilly called and sat with me awhile.
Apr. 30—Meet Rev. W. C. Gannon, my Conference class-mate at Tally Ho. He rides with me to Oxford. I dine with Rev. L. K. Willie. Miss my way and meet Col. C. P. Taylor. He went out as Captain of Co. “G” of 30th Regiment, but retired in May 1861. He lived and died a noble Christian. Pass Williamsboro, Townsville, and spend night with Charles Taylor.