istory of this country borrows so much light from the cross which
Columbus bore as an ensign, and planted here, from the prayers of the
Pilgrim Fathers, and from the Christian devotion of Washington and
others who laid the foundation of this great Republic, that a _true_
American cannot be destitute of reverence for the religion of the Bible.
Hence over us especially these religious assemblies cannot fail to exert
a salutary influence. And yet we observe that not more than one regiment
in five is provided with a chaplain, or with means of religious
instruction. To a certain extent this deficiency is supplied by the
benevolent agents of the Christian Commission, who, however, are not
able to fill the place of a faithful chaplain. But if it were not for
these, many of our sick and dying would be utterly destitute of
Christian influence, and our dead would be buried more like dogs than
like Christian heroes. We fear that the Government does not properly
appreciate the importance of the chaplaincy in the army, and hence does
not give sufficient inducement for true men to enter this difficult
field of labor. Only a man of stalwart character is fit for the
position--a man of physical, mental, and moral daring. And so far as our
observations extend, with very few exceptions, this is the class of men
who occupy the position of chaplains among us.

_May 19._--Several days have been spent pleasantly within Fort Yorktown,
and we are becoming somewhat eager for more lively experiences and
scenes.

"Variety's the source of joy below,
From which still fresh revolving pleasures flow."

During the day we abandoned Fort Yorktown, and Kilpatrick established a
camp for the regiment in the old peach-orchard, famous for the battle
which occurred within its limits during McClellan's Peninsular Campaign.
It is a lovely spot, which, however, shows signs of the conflict above
referred to. There is scarcely a tree but presents marks of the bloody
drama, in broken bark and splintered trunk, and in wounded branches
which hang danglingly over our heads.

RAID TO MATHIAS COURT HOUSE.

During the day a detail of the regiment, sufficient in number to mount
all the serviceable horses, was ordered out in an expedition against
Mathias Court House. A detachment of infantry and a battery of artillery
accompany the cavalry, and Kilpatrick is in command of the entire force.
The line of march is through a rich and beautiful region of country.