Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1853-1862, 1861-07-19

We have hoard of an incident connected with the
battle at Bethel. which should go to the world as
indicating the h4racter Of the men who nave taken
the field in defence of the liberties Of the people Of
the Sotuh During the action in question, one Of the
YIrLinia companies commanded by Capt. J. ;. ar
or Of misunderstanding to the late Capt John 5.
Otey # this cry, occupied position Of great peril
as corps De reese IN which though exposed 10 the
shots Of the enemy, they were not allowed TO par
ticisate in the defence. When the battle was end
ed Capt Walkers comp1ny received orders 70 Iai
back upon Yorktown. and, early in the mafcn Were
dra WI up before their commander who addressed
them upon the incidents of the day and adVereu %
the wonderful manner in which they had been pre-
served. ascrbug the delverence TO the Lord 81 hosts
The CAPTAIN then proposed that they should return
thanks to their Almighty Protector " no had shield
ed them in tine of battle: and there, IN the pres
ence of kneeling hosts, resting upon Their arms
aud in Gods own temple of the earth and SKY ne
sent up such thanksgiving and suppeatlons as melt
ed every heart. The Christian warriors soul over
| flowing with gratitude, poured forth in touching
strains its devOut Acknowledgements to the LORD OIL
| Sabsoth. The sscene. we are informed was m
spirnr and several of the soldiers subsequently IN
formed their Captain that their views upon tAesa
subjects had undergone an entire change. SUCH Is
| the influence of Christian officer to cOunteraet
the demnralizrg effects Of war, and OF ldleness IN
I camp. Who would not rather commit ms sons 70
the guardianship of such man. than TO the control OF
| one who however hghhs reputation for msre brute
courage has no appreciation of his responsibility
| TO a Higher Power. What made Cromwell srmy
| so resistless but the religious element Infused
| into it! Nothing turned the tide Of reyerses
| that the arms of the Parliament at first sustain
| ed but the God fearing men composing the remod-
eied army of the Protector. The religious charae-
ter of Washington not only Influenced his own con
duct but inspired his soldiers with reverence for
that peerless character and insured their confidence
m him to Il a =. Our re 'ent Commander IN GMei'
General Lee is, we are happy 10 say, also Chrls-
| tisn man. Like the grest friend of his llustriouS
father he locks for guidance and support to the God
| Of Battle Our Chief Magistrate, who may ere long
take his place at the head Of the army as the Ton
stitutional Commander in Chief, a'sO own allegiance
20 the King of Heaven. How striking the contrasI !.
| when we compare these men with the disciple Oh
| Bacchus who now fills the chair st Washington
with the old hero Of CerrO Gordo, who recently We
are informed drank pint Of wine at dinner WIN
| the drunken braggart, Butler: the prize nenter'
Billy Wilson or the guilty participant in his Wlie
| shame the incompatible Slckles. How long wiz
it take the North with such instruments, 10 suDlue
people who appeal to conscience and their Creator
for the reetitude of their intentions, and rely upon
the Supreme Arbiter for a righteous decislon :
When the sun goes back again on the dial Of Anaz
will the North conquer in lie unholy war.-Lg''h'
| burg Fr.g.i.-