To Corp. Jim Marshall
44^th Georgia Vol. Inf., Co. C.
Winter Quarters

From William Edward Wiatt
Chaplain 26^th Virginia, Volunteer Infantry

February 21, ‘4

Corporal James Marshall,

This past Sunday I had the pleasure of speaking after Chapel Service with a relative of yours, Lieutenant Frederick Fleet. Our conversation touched on the widespread interest on behalf of the men in the area of religion, and he related to me how the 44^th Georgia also saw the same occurrence in attendance at Sunday Services while in the field this past fall.

I asked him if I might correspond with you and share my observations, as I deal with the spiritual concerns of the men and boys on a daily basis. It should not be surprising that so many of the men have turned to prayer and comfort in such a troubling time. So many have seen the effects of these past years affect them, their friends and their families in an unfortunate way, testing their faith, yet, despite these adversities, they have turned to the Bible rather than away from it.

At one Sunday prayer meeting this past July 30 of the 26^th Virginia came to Jesus following the news of the defeat at Gettysburg and the fall of Vicksburg. The harshness of the winter and the lack of recent victories in the field has only served to strengthen the will of the men where it concerns the health of their soul.

In October a large number of the 26^th Virginia’s professors of religion met under an arbour for the purpose of forming a “Regimental Christian Association”. May God’s richest blessings be with us in this great work. The Association has served to create a close and fraternal connection, as circumstances in the Army will allow, of promoting a Christian spirit. Each member considers it incumbent upon himself in the exercise of brotherly love, to all in his power to advise, strengthen and comfort his brethren.

This is not limited to just those of the Christian Faith.

What a comfort it is to the men to know that should they perish by disease or the effect of battle, they shall pass from this earth, to be joined by loved ones in a more Glorious time and place.

“He who has faith in the Lord shall renew his strength, he shall sprout wings and fly as an eagle, he shall run and not be weary, he shall walk and not faint.” Such is the Word that drives a man through the darkest of times.

May the Grace of God fall upon you, your family and friends,

William Edward Wiatt
Chaplain 26^th Virginia, Volunteer Infantry