Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1893-09-12
Letter From Loudoun.


The Camp-meeting of which
wrote you in my last letter as to its
beginning closed last Monday morn
ing, having been in progress more
than nine days. The clerical force
was largely reinforced after the first
Sunday, Rev. Rev. Messrs. Fergu-
son, Ball, Bond Bragg of Baltimore,
Light of Reisterstown, Jones of
Washington, Neavit of Piedmont and
others-but the ministers named did
the most of the preaching until the
close. The sermons delivered we're
of high earnest, forceful.
instructive, eloquent, effective. l
may especially refer to the three
preached by the Rev. S. G. Fergu-
sou, whom your many readers will
remember as former popular pas
tor of Charles Town, and who has
so many strong friends both in and
out of his particular churcl. there.
His sermons were delivered with
great JUNCTION and power. His APP
peals to his old comrades in arms
(for he was raised in and went out to
the war from this section of the coun-
try) were most touching and elo-
quent. In the war, you know, he
gained great distinction as brave
fighter-especially as the capturer of
the redoubtable Capt. Blaiser, who
started out one day to finish up Mos
bY's men. The youthful soldier horse
man convinced him of the folly of his
brag and boast. After the war he
became soldier in spiritual army
and war, and is as b ave and valiant
as when he handled carnaI weapons.
The singing at the meeting was SUI
perb. The choir, composed of
large number of select male and fe-
male voices, was led and directed by
the Rev. A. p. Boude, fine singer
as TO voice and knowledge of music,
and a skillful handler of the baton.
The singing, with organ accompani-
ment, was of high order, and con-
tributed largely to the success of the
meeting.
The religious feeling as the meet
ing progressed increased in degree,
and reached a climax on the last day,
Sunday. Sermons were preached at
the tabernacle at 8. IL, and s, and
in the grove to the overflow or those
not seated. Tue number of con-
verts or reported for the entire meet
ing was 20. Rev. Mr.. Shipley and
his colleague Mr.. Keene are follow
ing up the camp work by series of
sermons at the Mountville church in
the immediate neighborhood. The
order on the whole was good. No
disturbance occurred within the circle
of tents or around them. Rev. Mr..
Stephens, of Middlebnrg, watchful
and sharp, captured ten gallons of
Uhiskey from parties who it was pre-
sumed intended selling it during the
meeting. They were disappointed
in their nefarious business and were
fined as law-breakers, the stuff con-
fiscated and drank by old mother
earth without any evidence of the
slightest intoXication.
Dirty camp, as it was called, Ca
mile or more from the legal one. }
where those of the baser sort piled
their trade, was raided by the au-
thorities, some illegal machinery cap
tured, and finally, after some con-
troversy and opposition, was wiped
out and no furthur trouble given.
Very general sympathy was felt
for Rev. Mr.. Ferg ison, who sustain
ed great loss in this wise: When
no one was in the preachers tent
(Which was frequently the case) on
Tuesday night during public service
at the stand, thief, watching his
opportunity made break through
the tent. seized the first convenient
satcbel (Which was Mr.. F's) and the
handiest coat (Mr. Boude's) and es-
capped with them. Mr.. F.'s loss was
a most serious one, for the reverend
gentleman had his entire batch of
sermon work, the accumulation of
years, in it. He announced subse-
quently from the stand he would pay
ten dollars for the return of his the
illogical treasure and ask no ques-
lions. 1t has not turned up yet. The
thief might certainly hand them over,
for they will be of no use to him.
hope through mercy to be at
home the last of this week, ANYHOW
before this final missive shall meet
the public eye. Yours, &c.
j. w. TONGUE.
Near Benton's Camp Ground, Au.
gust S0th, 1893,