Delaware State journal and statesman., 1863-01-23
For the Delaware Journal and statesinAn.
Interesting from the First Delaware
Regiment.
Chanlain'a Rnnort
CAMP NEAR FALNourH, Va.
January l,t 1859.

CAMP NEAR FaLNourH. Va.
January lst, 1853
LT. CoL' tho. A. EMlTH,
Commanding Isl Regt. DeL Vols
SIR;-l have the honor to submit to you the
following report, Of the moral aud religious con
dilon OF the Regiment for tue last quarter Of the
year which has just closed.
In consequence of the military duties required
OF the men, during the early part Of the time
referred to, there was but little opportunity of
assembling for public religious service. Of late
opportunities of this kind have been more fire..
quent, and they have always been embraced with
gratifying unanmty by the officers and men
1t has been remarked, by others as we'll as by
myself, since the fiery ordeal through which the
Regiment passed at Fredericksburg, that profane
swearing Is less common than before. Ii would
be strange II 1t were otherwise. The narrow
escape Of death, judgment and eternity which
they made should coll forth the sacri6ue of CRATE
ful hearts for the merciful preservation extended
to them, whilst thousands OF their comrades fell
around them; and henceforth they should be
both afraid and ashamed to offend 'ihe Lord
who will not hold him guiltless that taketh hs
name in vRin.h
ln my private intercourse with the men, have
observed, also, in individuals, a degree of seti-
BUSINESS which gives promise Of future amendment
Of life. II is to be hoped. that these good reso.
luuons will not prove like the morning cloud aud
early dew which soon pass away. Az hrst,
grace IN the soul, is a tender plant, aud ueeds,
not only TO be watered with The dew of heaven,
but to he shielded from the rude storms of earth
Il is feble spark that should be famed to n
flame. He who, by word or deed, quenches that
spark, or breaks that plant runs fearful risk to
himself
1t may mot be improper, under tle circum-
stances, tOr me TO say, that have not only EN-
hraced all opportunities offered but sought pri-
vate occasions OF doing good 10 the meu aud have
had the sat. t.sfacuOn Of receiving many thanks Tor
my services. Having been with the wounded 10
the late cattle, had the opporlu unity to assist 10
alternating their sutferngs and securing their
comfort From not one Of our men did hear a
word Of complaint Of any one whose duty it was
/ 70 minister to the alleviation of their pans. On
The contrary, when asked if they wanted any,
thing, or it any thing more could be done for
'hen they replied that they wanted nothing we
! could give, or do for them.
The example of officers has, to great degree
controlling influence on the men, ns | have
! reason to know. 1t is highly important, there.
lore, that their example be such as may be safely
followed. 10 previous report referred to the
obscene and vulgar language which was often
heard in our camp, from those whose positions
pie-suPposed that they were gentlemen.
The nuisauce-it should be called by no mider
name-was, TO great extent if not entirely
Abated
OF late, regret TO say our ears have been
panied by language which no man having a
mother, wife or sister should expect to hear out
OF common brother. For the suppression of
such Language, suggest that, when we have SO
Tar mistaken the character uf men as to elect
them TO the position OF officers who are vulgar
aud obscene in their language the continued use
OF such dialect be regarded as bar to future
promotion.
would not be understood to say, that vulgar.
ity is Characteristic Of our officers, on the con
lrary, that but few seem to forget that officers in
the united States service are supposed to be gem
tlemen
Very respectfully,
7. G. NJ.
Chap. LIST Regt Dol