Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1855-09-29
Very respectfully,
HOLT WILSON.

A MOST AFFEcTIoNATE CALL.-We
find in tie Salem Register, the following
stirring call from the Rev. James CHS
holm, tina, faithful clergyman OF our
Church, 10 whose constant labors IN one
of the plague-slricken cities of Virginia,
we alluded last week. The letter was
private one to relative, and was not in
tended for publication, bot the circumstan-
ces of the case ahundanlly warrant the
public use which is made of it. 1t may
well draw forth the wrestling prayers not
of one city merely, but of all who lead
at the throne of grace. In public and IN
private, one strong, earnest cry should 90
up to the Lord OF life and death, that 1t
may please HIN 10 stay the destroyer and
support alike the sick, the sorrowing, and
those who with such heroic devoiedness
are minis,ering to both
Portsmouth, Va, Sept. 5, 1855.
ut probably occurs TO YOU, that IN the
present appalling condition of our plague
smil,en community, but one alternative
presents itself to the consideration OF eve
ry one. Shall | regard personal safety
alone, and flee with all speed from this al
mosphere of poison and death, or shall
look the question Of my relations 10 socI'
ETY., to humanity, and to God, full in the
face, and decide accordingly ! The ques'
lion of duty as a minister OF Christ, has
determined me to stand firm at the post
to which have believed all along that the
Providence of God called me. Up to this
moment, for the period of seven weeks
that the desolaling scourge has been doing
It's remorseless work amongst us, | have
been perfectly well not one uneasy OF
uncomfortable feeling-and never in my
:, life have had finer appetite. For five
weeks of this time have been daily
and sometimes nightly attendant, as occa
sion might call me, at the sick and dying
beds of the sufferers and victims by tins
malignant fever. My present condition
surprises myself--and | trust that more
than ever realize that the Eternal God /:
nv refuge, and underneath are the Ever
lasting Arms am in his hands to dc
with me what seemeth Him good.
The wards at the U. S. Hospital, tenn
porarIy granted for the use of our Ports
mouth people, are crowded to the numbe
of $50 or 900 with yellow fever patients
and paw these wards a daily visit, en-
deavoring TO administer, as far as desired
or needed. the blessed resources OF on
Holy Religion. 1t is some comfort anne
these dreary walks of duty, TO reflect tina
/ | have aided some poor creatures 10 seel
and find that Peace which the world Cal
neither give ror take away.
| also visit wherever, in town, an
called for. As TO the details OF woe pre-
serted BY our present condition, DO be
lieve that it is utterly incompetent 10 any
descriptive power TO convey picture o
them. Never since the continent OF A
merica has been settled q speak calmly
and with reference 10 what have read o
heard Of never has so terrible Calamity
overwhelmed the same amount OF Popula
ton. You will find it extremely Difficult
10 lend credence to some statements whIci
| could make 10 YOU from knowledge AMI
observation.
Yesterday communication was receiv
ed from that city of human beings will
t human sensibilties and sympa,hies il
their souls. Baltimore offering to convey
the entire remaining and surviving popu
la,ion Of Norfolk and Portsmouth TO an,
saIubrions point that might Ge selected, o
could be ob,aincd by them, and likewis
J guaranteeing to them, 81 long as tie,
i hi be !hus defined. all things i'll III
way Of provisions, furniture. beddlng, DC
which they should stand in need OF. Ih
very fact suggests to You some idea oil III
} horrors Of our position.
D. e. ~ a.. o,,not I,o ocoon, n !