DIY History | Transcribe | Civil War Diaries and Letters | George C. Burmeister diary, 1864

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1864-03-24

Thursday 24 General N.P. Banks, commanding the department of the Gulf, arrived in the city today. It was raining nearly all day, and I remained in my small tent, in which I can scarcely turn myself, and read an interesting book. In the evening I attended one of the religious gatherings of the freedmen, I did not think I would be so much inspired with solemnity as I was. The meeting was properly conducted, and one of the best prayers I ever heard was uttered by a colored man, he prayed as follows: "God of mercy smile on thy humble worshippers, this evening and accept their feeble offerings, for what thou hast bestowed upon them, Gracious Father, give us sufficient light to enjoy the liberty thou hast given us. Inspire us with thy love, May we show ourselves worthy to the free. O God of mercy, bless our soldiers of the union may they conquer the rebels, be with the sick and the wounded on the battle field, bless our enemies, bless our masters and their families, may they see the error of their ways, and turn into the Path of Faith and righteousness. Be with us O Lord, assist us to do thy will, and when our course on earth is ended love us in they Kingdom for Christ's sake. Amen." A true spirit of devotion seemed to pervade the congregation, they would sing and prayed earnestly; some of them went about shaking every one by the hand and seemed to enjoy themselves.

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Thursday 24 General N.P. Banks, commanding the department of the Gulf, arrived in the city today. It was raining nearly all day, and I remained in my small tent, in which I can scarcely turn myself, and read an interesting book. In the evening I attended one of the religious gatherings of the freedmen, I did not think I would be so much inspired with solemnity as I was. The meeting was properly conducted, and one of the best prayers I ever heard was uttered by a colored man, he prayed as follows: "God of mercy smile on thy humble worshippers, this evening and accept their feeble offerings, for what thou hast bestowed upon them, Gracious Father, give us sufficient light to enjoy the liberty thou hast given us. Inspire us with thy love, May we show ourselves worthy to the free. O God of mercy, bless our soldiers of the union may they conquer the rebels, be with the sick and the wounded on the battle field, bless our enemies, bless our masters and their families, may they see the error of their ways, and turn into the Path of Faith and righteousness. Be with us O Lord, assist us to do thy will, and when our course on earth is ended love us in they Kingdom for Christ's sake. Amen." A true spirit of devotion seemed to pervade the congregation, they would sing and prayed earnestly; some of them went about shaking every one by the hand and seemed to enjoy themselves.