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

[133] deep and general revivals, was not barren of the fruits of righteousness in the lives, and the peace and glory of religion in the deaths of our soldiers. The scenes often witnessed by the humble cot of the dying patriot were abundant in proof that the gospel is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth.

The Rev. Dr. James A. Duncan thus describes a soldier's death:

During the first year of the war we were called up at midnight to visit a dying soldier. He was at the Columbian hotel, in Richmond. As we entered the room, we saw the sufferer lying upon his bed, pale and emaciated: the signs of death in his face. At the foot of his bed stood the Adjutant of his regiment; on one side sat a kind old lady, a nurse from one of the hospitals, and who, from the familiar and tender way in which she spoke to him, had evidently known the young soldier well at his own home in Savannah, Ga. We sat down on the edge of the bed and began a conversation with the three.

Whitfield Stevens belonged to Bartow's regiment; had fought through several battles, and was now dying from fever occasioned by the exposure and hardships incident to the soldier's life. He was the son of Methodist parents, but was himself not a member of the Church. He had, however, spoken in a way that greatly encouraged the attendants around his bed to cherish the hope that he was truly concerned about his spiritual condition, and had asked that a minister of the gospel might be sent for to converse and pray with him. Such was the information we obtained in the course of conversation. He was a tall, manly fellow, and in spite of the ravages of disease his fine face, clear, bright eye, and expressive mouth, revealed at a glance that he was a young man of decided character.

“I sent for you, sir, to talk with and pray for me,” with a calmness and directness that interested, and at