William W. Bennett, A narrative of the great revival which prevailed in the Southern armies during the late Civil War

There is reason to hope that the scene of the late glorious battle below Yorktown was, indeed, a ‘Bethel,’ the ‘house of God,’ the very gate of heaven, to some of the brave, but previously irreligious, young men engaged in it. It is certainly a delightful thought, and one full of encouragement for the future of our country, that God is with us, not only in the sense of giving victory to our arms, but also, present by his Holy Spirit, impressing the hearts of our soldiers, and turning their thoughts to himself in grateful recognition of his merciful dealings with them.

During this battle an incident occurred of a deeply interesting character. Captain John Stewart Walker, of the company known as the “Virginia life guard,” was ordered by the Commanding General to take his men from the front, where they were doing good service, to the flank to hold in check a heavy force of the enemy supposed to be moving in that direction. On reaching his new post of danger, Captain Walker drew up his company and addressed them in a few stirring words. He reminded them that God had mercifully preserved them in the heat of battle, and that they were now called to face the enemy in greater numbers; that, as Christians and patriots, they should resolve to do their whole duty to their country; then, kneeling down, he called upon a minister, who was a private in the ranks, to offer prayer. When they arose, nearly every eye was suffused with tears, and God was felt to be present. During that day of battle it is said that three of this company sought and obtained the pardon of their sins.

The religious services were well attended by the troops stationed at Yorktown, and were not without spiritual fruits. The Colonel Hill referred to in the following extract from the letter of a soldier was afterwards General