John H. Gray, 101st Indiana Vols. Writes of the Great Revival Taking Place – “TWENTY-FOUR WERE BURIED WITH CHRIST IN BAPTISM IN THE BLOODY CHICKAMAUGA. THE SAME CREEK THAT THE HARD FOUGHT BATTLE OF SEPT 19 & 20, 1863 WAS FOUGHT OVER.”
This 3-page legal size page letter in ink, with the final paragraph in pencil when his ink ran out, was written by Corporal John H. Gray of Co. D, 101st Indiana Infantry. Writing home to his parents the letter is headed, “Ringgold, Ga. Apr. 11” (1864).
- Again I am back in the Company in fine health and good spirits. I sometimes think I really love soldiering. I enjoy myself so well. The weather is very disagreeable and rain is a constant visitor at least one hour in every twenty-four.
- The post we hold is in the extreme front and we can behold Tunnel Hill in its boasted strength as the high hills lift themselves on either side of the Pass as though they would meet the clouds. Well I would like to see some of you down here just to behold the great beauties of a Mountainous country. It is so unlike Ohio scenery that one really imagines himself near the heavens as one high point after another is climbed but when we have got clear to the top of the highest the sun is as far off and heaven is as far distant as from the plains and valleys.
- Billy can tell you some of the differences of the plain or coves and the high mountains. The high mountains are cooler than the valleys and the lightning more vivid and thunder more loud while the wind is much stronger than in the plains. | am glad to hear that recruiting is going on at a fine rate. For I really feel that we need more men and more guns.
- Napoleon said “God is on the side of the most artillery.” Although I do not prefer Napoleon to the Almighty, yet there is some truth in the statement, and as we increase our armies, we insure and multiply our victories. The truth is that “Success generally is on the side of the most artillery.”
- SUNDAY WAS A DAY LONG TO BE REMEMBERED AS IT SEEMED TO BE THE GREAT DAY FOR GATHERING IN THE HARVEST OF FORTY-FOUR HAPPY CONVERTS. TWENTY-FOUR WERE BURIED WITH CHRIST IN BAPTISM IN THE BLOODY CHICKAMAUGA. THE SAME CREEK THAT THE HARD FOUGHT BATTLE OF SEPT 19 & 20, 1863 WAS FOUGHT OVER. WHAT A CHANGE. HOW HORRIBLE AND CRUEL THE FIRST, HOW SUBLIME AND CHRISTLIKE THE LATTER. THERE WERE ALSO TWENTY BAPTIZED BY SPRINKLING AND POURING.
- I was rather glad to see that in the army the greater number of soldiers believe in the mode of immersion, although I could not go with them and partake of the Lord’s supper with them at two o’clock. I think the belief that immersion only in baptism excludes me from the table with persons baptized by sprinkling or pouring.
- How often have I wished to be at home to enjoy church privileges, but now I can easily wait till my time comes when I can realize with greater blessings the surroundings of a peaceful home and land.
- We are having a refreshing time in Ringgold. Men are becoming alive to their eternal interest and the move is general and entering the hearts of nearly all soldiers. I love God and am frequently refreshed and fed by Him even when I least expect it.
- The 11th Ohio will be home some of these days, and they will be a happy set for they know what hard soldiering is. The boys about Piqua in that Reg. are all extremely good soldiers. I presume you have heard of the Review of our Division by Gen.Thomas and Hooker. Everything was satisfactory and very splendid.
- I presume you have sent the Cincinnati Commercial’s correspondence in regard to the thing. I got a letter from Deckman a day or two ago. He is well and told me to send his respects when I again wrote home.
- It is raining again this morning. But I wish it would rain every day this summer so that the South could not raise a spear of grass nor a grain of corn. I got a letter from Grandfather a day or two ago. He has had remarkably good health. Love to Friends. I am as ever your Son John H. Gray Co. D. 101st Ind. Vol. address Ringgold, Ga.
#L4-11-64IN – Price $195
