Rhodes, Private Journal, January 23-February 10, 1864. We are to have thirty-five days leave of absence.Įlisha H. Shaw, Adjutant Elisha Hunt Rhodes, Lieut. The following officers are in the party: Capt. The religious interest still continues, and we hope for good results from our labors. The men were delighted with the new departure. He lectured on his travels to the Holy Lands. This gives an air of civilization to our Headquarters.Ī few nights since we had a very interesting lecture from Rev. Spelling schools and lectures will be held every evening, so our time will be well occupied. The men have formed a society called the Rhode Island Lyceum which meets every Monday evening. We hope to do much good in the Regiments and pray that God will bless our labors. Turner has a class of contrabands, mostly servants to the officers. We have also organized a Sunday School, and Adjutant Elisha H.

We have organized a Union Church with chaplain John D. Our boys had a fight with the guerrillas but brought back the seats… Beveridge to a deserted church near by and took out the seats and placed them in our Chapel. We sent a detail of men in command of Capt. The pulpit or desk is covered with red flannel, and the ground or floor is carpeted with pine boughs. A chandelier made from old tin cans, or the tin taken from cans is in the centre. Inside we have a fireplace and tin reflectors for candles on the walls. The roof is covered by a large canvas, presented by the Christian Commission. Most of the hewing was done by Chaplain Beugless and Lieut. The building is made of logs hewn smooth on one side and built up cob fashion. and in recognition of God’s goodness to use we have named it “Hope” Chapel.

…Tonight we dedicated our new chapel and in remembrance of R.I.

All for the Union by Robert Hunt Rhodes