[383]
inscribed the names respectively of General Joseph E. Johnston, Lieutenant-General Hardee, and Lieutenant-General Hood, “with the compliments of Lieutenant-General Leonidas Polk-June 12th, 1864.”
Within the fourth volume was inscribed his own name.
All were saturated with the blood which flowed from the wound.
Of many Christians who fell and died on the field of battle no record of their dying testimony for
Christ remains; but from others, who survived their wounds a short time, we have assurance that God can make the death of the soldier not only peaceful, but triumphant.
Maj. Pickens B. Bird, of
Florida, was wounded, and died in a hospital near
Richmond.
When ordered to
Virginia he said: “I never expect to see home again.”
In the first fight he engaged in after reaching the lines near
Richmond he fell mortally wounded.
When told that he must die, he said: “But for leaving my wife and children, I should not feel sad at the prospect of dying.
There is no cloud,” he said, “between me and God now.”
A little while before he died he tried to sing, “Jesus can make a dying bed,” &c., but his strength failed him. Resting a few moments, he said: “Jesus can make a dying bed feel soft as downy pillows are.”
The constant movements of the armies in all sections of the
South at this period of the war greatly interfered with the work of the revival; but still the fire burned, and often on the outer lines the most delightful meetings were held in which many gave their hearts to God.
A writer from the Army of Tennessee said:
There will be more Christians under the leadership of General Johnston in the next great battle than have ever faced the foe in this army.
And he adds: “Some of the happiest men I have ever seen were in the
battle of Resaca.”
A devoted captain said, when advancing to meet the enemy:
“ ‘I believe God will take care of me; but should he ’”
