Scarcity of Moral and Religious Soldiers

Covington Journal November 2, 1861

Scarcity of Moral and Religious Soldiers
There is a fine field for missionary service in the State of Indiana, judging from the fact that some time since authority was given Rev. Col. J.L. Smith to raise a regiment of "moral and religious men" for the war. He was not confined to any Congressional or particular locality but had a carte blanche to canvas the whole state. After struggling for five weeks Col. Smith has been ordered to abandon the undertaking. He succeeded in getting twenty-three captains, thirteen more than were needed, of the proper qualifications, but the "moral and religious men" did not fall into line in sufficient number to form a respectable guard.