The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1866-04-07


at st. James Hall.
THE Death of Lucretius" Is said to be the
title Of the Poet Laureate's new poem.
tCoMMUNtCATED.
The Observance of the sabbath I'm the
RArDy of the Potomac, and General
Joshua II. owen.
To the Editor of the EVening Telegraph
The literary world is familiar with the collec-
tion OF graphic and classic letters written by
gifted scholar of New England under the nom de
plume of Dunn Browne Abroad" while travel
ling in foreign lands The author was the late
Samuel Fiske. He was an eminent scholar an
eloquent preacher, and practical good man.
In 1851 he sprang at the call of his country in
her struggle for national life, enlisted as pri-
vate in the 14th Regiment of Connecticut volun-
teers, and was afterwards promoted to the cap
tainCy of one of the companies of that brave
regiment. He was in the battles of Antietam,
Charlottesville, Gettysburg Fredericksburg,
and various engagements near Culpeper and
the Kapidan. Captain Fiske, on the second day
of the terrific battle of the Wilderness, fell NOR
tally wounded, and died in the course of a fort.
night.
Dnring his constant and active service IN the
Army of the Potomac, he wrote to the Spring.
field Republican series of racy pungent, and
thrillingly interesting letters under the same
non de plane, Dunn Browne in the Army"
The book so entitled has recently been pub
lished
Among the scholarly letters of this good man
and brave soldier is one relating to the observ-
ance of the Sabbath in the Army of the Potomac,
by the orders and with the cooperation of our
townsman the General whose name heads this
communication. 1t is doubtful if the General
ever read it, and l am certain he is not aware Of
my solicitation for its appearance in your paper.
take pleasure in copying from the book
letter expressing deserving tribute to the wise
and elevating military discipline of a brave
officer, and containing practical illustration
of the sound principles you have recently incul.
Gated editorially, for the proper observance of
the Sabbath. SUNDAY.
! SUNDAY IN CAMP"
AUGUST 30.-"I believe haven't written you
on Sabbath day in long time. l feel like
| dropping you lew lines to tell your readers
what quiet pleasant, religious Sabbaths we
have of late in this division. Our brigadier at
present IN command of the division, General
Joshua L. Owen, until the war broke out, be-
heve prominent lawyer ofPhiladelphia,i is man
more rare than / wish they were among gene.
rails, who believes in the Sabbath, who appre.
crates the privilege and the inestimable advan-
u
he does not just say to his command that there
will be preaching at such places, and they can
go il they choose; but he tells his soldiers that
Divine service is most appropriate exercise
for the Lords Day, and they will be expected
to attend as at any other appointed duty; thus
making the Sabbath service as important a
matter as the regular Sunday inspection.
Inviting regiment to his Headquarters to
service, he Just drops polite note to the COM
mander, requesting him TO bring his command,
officers, and men, except the needtul guard de-
tails, and the sick, at such an hour, with their
chaplain to conduct the services. Then they
come, and in good order, decorously dressed,
and pay attention, and get good, and enjoy it,
too as l have learned from the testimony on
every hand.
At 10 o'clock this lovely morning he sum.
moned the whole division together in front of
headquarters. having issued special order the
night previous; and we had right noble audi
ence in line on three sides of square
three bands OF music, all the drum corps, all the
chaplains; and rich magnificent Union meet
ing as ever 1t was my privilege TO attend. How
the old oaken arches OF our living temple rang,
when the psalms of praise were lifted up by
such multitude OF manly voices What a
mighty stiffness, sacred and impressive as that
great assembly bowed in the attitude OF atten
ton, while the words of prayer rose up to God
What an inspiration to him who addressed the
words OF Gods truth to that audience, in the
multitude of orderly, attentive listeners, vete
rams of many battlefield, and who may 20
forth to another scene OF danger and blood, very
likely before they are assembled thus again
Talk about the majesty OF Roman Catholic
worship in grand old arched cathedrals, or ot
the wonderful interest of the great camp-meet
ings which still abound in many parts of our
land; speak OF any scenes or ceremonies of re-
liglous worship that may have most impressed
you in all your varied experience, don't be
heve you can recall one occasion among them
all Of more touching solemnity, or real grandeur
than this division of bronzed and war-worE
soldiers, sitting as little children at the feet o.
him who .spake in their ears Of q crucifed and
risen Saviour.
Our pulpit was platform Of rails, crossed by
several end boards from our big wagons. Oul
hymn books were the admirable little collection
the Soldiers Hymns" and the bands played us
the "StarSpangled Banner" and "America;' anC
we remembered the conquest of Sumter anC
Wagner, reported in Yesterdays papers, anC
mingled a little of secular patriotism with oul
religious services in way that might seen
somewhat incongruous at home, Perhaps; bu
we made it good and = glorious day. greatly
enjoyed, l fully believe by every officer anC
soldier present
Best Of all was the good, earnest, religious
and patriotic speech which our General, under
the Inspiration of the occasion, was "moved il
spirit" TO add to the sermon and showed him a,
eloquent speaker and earnest Christian as hC
is valiant q soldier.
Wouldn't you like to have been with us, deal
reader?"
|
How nutoh Cor, Got ;ts Nauoa