Letters of Rev. John W. Alvord

very speedy from here to the Camp. Now I am trying with the most hearty cooperation of all parties here & in the camps) to inaugurate this system, & especially we are div-ving it up vigorously at the present moment as now the stillness of this enormous host, as if a thunder cloud before the storm, furnishes too glorious an opportunity to let two or three weeks be lost in waiting for any national convention. All here feel this — & on Saturday we had a great meeting of Chaplains & others at Dr. Butler's Ch. (to have matters start in the right quarter). We cannot publish the proceedings yet, as a com [committee] is to wait on Gen'l M^cClellan with resolutions in order first to have Chaplains themselves put in right position. (You cannot understand this, but the relation of these men to their colonels — their rank & privileges with fixed duties as to all they do &c needs to be regulated by the Gen'l commanding). We think he will do it, & had Bishop M^cIlvane, who happened to be present as the meeting — & who as you know was once Chaplain at West Point — put on as chairman of the committee which waits upon M^cClellan. This carries into effect the 1^st Resolution of the meeting. The 2^d. is in regard to the im-portant auxiliary of Reading matter—& strongly recommending the above Commission—& the 3^d. advising that said com. furnish also facilities for holding religious services such as preaching tents, or other shelter in winter quarters also comforts for the sick &c. The chaplains can do better with many of these latter things than the Sanitary Committee — Winning by their use affection, confidence & increased interest in their spiritual services. I will send you these resolutions soon. (In the mean time see gen'l notice enclosed of the meeting.)

[sideways on left side] Walker of Ct. 4^th says call the paper Stars & Stripes—with the motto beneath (large) "In the name of the Lord will I lift up my Banner" [Wave?] your flag at the head will of course remain Dont you like this?