Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 14.djvu/53

 Diary of Lieutenant- Colonel John G. Pressley. 47

hardly up to the standard. Their way of doing things became some- what contagious, and the effect of example was felt in the Twenty- fifth. However, under favorable circumstances, our men were very readily gotten out of loose ways in. matter of discipline.

The only enemies which we saw while we occupied the camp near the Wilmington race track were prisoners. One of the vessels of a Federal fleet got aground in Masonboro' Sound, and was captured, with all on board, by a brigade of Georgians, stationed near the Sound, under the command of Colonel Wilson, of the Twenty-fifth Georgia volunteers.

While we were here our new Chaplain, Rev. E. T. Winkler, D. D., who had been appointed to fill the vacancy occasioned by the resigna- tion of Rev. A. Toomer Porter, reported for duty. The regiment was peculiarly fortunate in securing his services to fill the vacant place. He was a man of the highest scholarly attainments, and one of the most distinguished and eloquent ministers of the Baptist Church. His affability, cordiality and courtesy made him very popu- lar with both men and officers. He was ever assiduous in his efforts to supply such of the wants of the men as a chaplain could reach. His attentions to the sick were unremitting, and the last sufferings of many a dying soldier were alleviated by his presence, counsel and prayers. The men of the Twenty-fifth will never forget his eloquent Sunday discourses and stirring nightly appeals. The church call was usually sounded immediately after the tattoo roll-call. The larger portion of the regiment assembled around some centrally located camp fire, and after reading, singing, and an address, our chaplain dismissed the men to their tents with a fervent prayer for their safety, their wives and children at home, and the success of our cause. There were no unchristian utterances, hatred or bitterness spoken of our enemies.

[I have since the war and in time of profound peace heard more uncharitable speeches from some of our late enemies than were ever heard to fall from the lips of our chaplain amid the din of arms. Be- sides nightly prayer meetings, service was held every Sunday morn- ing when the exigencies of the service would permit. The Twenty- fifth regiment paid as much regard to the Christian Sabbath as it was possible during all of the years of the war. Sunday, by Army Regulations, is the day for inspections and reviews. We did not long conform to the custom. No objection being made by our brigade commanders, we had our inspections on Saturday. The men were allowed as much rest as possible on Sunday, and while not compelled to attend Divine service, were encouraged to do so in every possible way.]