Shenandoah herald. [volume] (Woodstock, Va.) 1865-1974, 1893-06-09

tailed 10 see any mehtlOh VI '-iO "iiii
pie story which 1 am about to re
Tate. which, while it is not wholly
destitute of pathos, will at the same
time serve toillustrate most torcibly
the undercurrent of genuine rellg-
ious sentiment and personal Piety
that pervaded all ranks and conditions
of the men engaged in that fratricidal
strife-an undercurrent none the less
deep and strong that the surface was
stained with the blood of brothers and
strewn with the wrecks of war-the
dying and the dead
In was in the early spring OF 1867,
when the Federal forces, under Major
General b, were advancing on that
memorable campaign in the valley OF
Virginia. Every foot of ground, from
the Potomac to Staunton, had already
been fought over-at one time occu-
pied by Federal hosts, at another by
Confederate.
General B had advanced his
lines as far as Middletown, in the upper
valley and beyond, while the COnfed-
crate army, under General j, was
occupying the Luray valley, near
Staunton and Harrisonburg-made IA
nous in history by the not far distant
battle field of Port Republic.
1t was one of those calm, quiet Sun
day mornings, suggestive rather Of
peace on earth and good will to men
than of the fiery passions born OF war
and bloodshed, when General B
rode out from his headquarters in the
town, accompanied by his personal
staff, on a short tour of reconnaissance.
1t was a slightly pageant-that well ap-
pointed band, with their bright sabres
flashing in the sunlight, and their gaily
caparisoned steeds impatient OF the
control of bit and bride.
An hours rapid ride through field
and wood brought them in sight OF a
small country church, nestled away
lust within the vestibules of forest,
with its modest spire still pointing
heavenward, having not yet had the
desecrating hand of war laid upon it.
As the cavalcade approached they
became aware of the fact that con-
greration had assembled, and that the
services had already commenced.
Concluding that he was still by
several miles within his picket
lines. General B ordered a
halt. and after brief consultation
with his officers, and ;he stationing of
four sentries commanding all the ap-
proaches to the building, the whole
cavalcade dismounted, and leaving
heir horses in charge of their order-t
lies, proceeded in a body to the
church.
The beautiful morning service-the
distinguishing feature OF Episcopal
worship-was just ending as this un-
expected accession to the congregation
entered.
The organ was pealing Jorth its al
most human cry of 'Jesus, Saviour OF
my soul, let me to Thy bosom fly, u
as, quietly and with most respectful
solemnity, this small but distinguished
band of officers took their seats.
Small as was that little country
chr ,ch, there we're numbers of empy
peds. and those that we're occupied
we're occupied mostly by women and
children, with small contingent Of
gray-haired men.
There was most noticeable absence
of men worshipers-only two or three
old men with whitened locks, and
three others, two young men and q
manly boy who had seen scarcely four
teen summers, all three dressed in
Confederate uniform.
The momentary ripple Of excitement
occasioned by so unlooked-fOr a pres
ence soon gave way before the spell Of
pious devotion which pervaded that
little sanctuary as though some angel
had whispered to their hearts: peace,
De still"
II And now came from the chancel the
Hoice of the aged pastor, as he an
|bounced his text-a voice deep, sonOr-
ous, and pathetic. Standing there,
S|sith his long white hair and flowing
bard, his very presence seemed ser
Hon in itself; but from the moment
- mpounced his text "Come unto
Ne, all ye tfat are weary and heavy
laden, and I will give you rest, " every
ave was riveted upon him, every ear
.sas strained to catch his holy utter
knces~
He stood within the Achancel rail,
without manuscript or NOTE. He said !;