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j|amttr ani ISaplist. “Holy Bible, —Book Divine, Precious treasure, thou art mine.” 11. C. HORN AD If, Editor. J. M. WOOD, i J. S. BAKER, V Associate Editors. D. V. EVERETT, ) ATLANTA, GEORGIA: Saturday, Angost 2, 1863. Increase in Price of the Banner. Owing to the immense increase in every thing connected with the newspaper busi ness, it has become absolutely necessary to advance the price of The Banner to three dollars per annum, instead of two as here, tofore. Our patrons will see the propriety of this when informed that the price of paper is more than double that of former rates, and that of printing and mailing has also advanced. We can not publish the paper for less than the amount stated without loss to our selves, and we call upon our patrons to pay the increase of price in order that we may keep The Banner going. Those who have already paid will receive the paper according to the old rates until their pres ent subscriptions shall expire. Notes and Incidents. During our visit to the Confederate Cap ital extensive opportunities for observation were not enjoyed. The government had wisely determined to save the property taken from the enemy, and sec that it was appropriated to the public use ; hence pick ets were posted around the battle-field, and none allowed to go upon it except by spe cial permission. To get a passport out of the city was almost impossible on account of the sluggish movements of certain wheels .in the machinery of government. Office hours in Richmond may be all right (for our officials are honorable men) ; but if one w'ould prefer not to find himself almost a prisoner, he had just as well stay away from the capital. Certain things in the government need changing, and unless they are improved in some way the public ser vice will most assuredly suffer. Important offices ought not to be closed against the public, when personal liberty is in the hands of officials, for twenty hours out of the twenty-four. As the thing is at present arranged and managed, citizens are forced to violate, important orders or remain in a state of easy imprisonment in the city of Richmond. No man ought to be put into office and fed from the public crib unless he is willing to work—work hard. If a man wishes to play the gentleman of leisure, he ought to do it at his own expense, and not burden the public service with his per nicious person. Notwithstanding the announcement that those who attempted to get out of the lines without a “ pass ” would be shot, there was no other alternative left us but to work our way to Colonel Cutts’ headquarters where an appointment for preaching had been made. In this effort success smiled upon the writer, and at the appointed time he found himself at the right place and ready for the evening’s service. Arrangements were made in front of the chaplain’s quar ters, the soldiers gathered around in the form of a crescent, and the exercises were begun. During the delivery of the sermon the most profound attention was giveu to the speaker, and it is humbly hoped that some heart was touched by the precious truths of the Gospel. After a night’s rest in the camp, in com pany with the chaplain, Rev. Morgan Cal laway—who, by the way, is a line specimen of a Christian gentleman—we started on a visit to the battle-field. It was raining briskly, butas we were exceeding anxious to see something of the scenes of “ glorious war,” we moved cheerfully along, passing camps and straggling soldiers on every side. We reached the point where had been sta tioned the fourth Georgia regiment, com manded by Colonel Doles. Just in front of their line, on the 25th June, this regi ment was engaged with the enemy, and after a brilliant fight succeeded in driving him 1 trom the field under cover of his entrench ments. We followed the line along which the battle raged, guided by the marks of the I balls upon the trees. Soon we came to the place where the dead had been laid to rest, and graves met the view on every side. ! Passing towards the enemy’s entrenchment* j banner and baPT IST. we saw two poor soldiers lying near the road, with only a little turf thrown over their bodies, while their heads and feet were left entirely These were what By ton calls the broken tools of a tyraot, cast aside because worthless. They were our enemies, but still I could not avoidfeel ings of sadness when I thought that some heart might at that very moment be mourn ing for them. Poor fellows ! they looked ghastly in death, and we turned away to shed a tear over the fate of those who are doomed to lay their bones in such a wild and neglected spot. At that moment, we would have been much gratified if Mr. Lincoln could have been with us and wit nessed what we did. Surely he would, if he has nature in him, have determinad to bring this war to a close, and turn his attention again to the more peaceful em ployment of rail-splitting. At any . rate, had he been there with two preachers he certainly would have been placed under a cross-fire of the Gospel, and, if he has not lost all sensibility, he might have been made to feel the weight of his sins, and perhaps have been brought to repentance. But more anon. Revival News. A meeting of unusual interest has recent ly been held .with Mount Lebanon Church, Coweta ounty, Ga. Twelve persons were baptized during the meeting, most of whom were converted during its continuance.— The principal public laborers were Elder James Hall, the pastor, Elders J. G. Fry and J. V. Davis. It is represented as a most glorious revival, its gracious influences reaching the entire membership and the whole community. Thanks to a merciful God for His goodness to His people at Mt. Lebanon, and thanks that another evidence is afforded of His willingness to bless those who wait upon Him in sincerity. W. 4 We learn, from the Index, that a revival is being enjoyed by the church at Macon— the services conducted by brother Warden, the pastor, assisted by brethren Irwin and Landrum. Rutledge, Morgan County, Ga., ( July 23, 1862. ) Dear Banner : 1 have just closed a six days’ meeting with Union Church at this place, brethren J. Stillwell and W. Spear assisting in the meeting, part of the time. The church is very much revived. Eight persons were received by experience, five of whom were baptized, at this meeting ; seven conversions, and many anxious in quirers when the meeting closed. May the Lord continue to bless this little church ! A. K. Tribble. Fifty Dollar*, >y having the Banner. Or Friday last 1 got on the train for Newnan, and took a seat by an entire stranger. A friend came to me ai.d asked the use of a copy of The Banner. When he returned it, the stranger wished to read it, saying that he had not read a paper of the kind for some time. After reading it, he said that he saw the appeal for and although he * r as a refugee, he had been successful in some business transactions and wished to give his mite to be used in procuring tracts for the soldiers. He then handed me SSO. lie was from West Ten nessee, has a wi e and two little children within the enemy’s lines, and is lrmself connected with service of the Western army. He positively refused to have his name pub* lished with the donation, but gave me his name. So much for the soldier “ by having The Banner.” " W. money Received for Colporiage. Rev. E. M. Galt, S2O ; W. Galt, 5 ; A Friend at Athens, 10; Dr. W. 11. Dean, 2; W. 11. Strickland, 2; Jesse Swain, 2 ; Mrs. Mary E. MeCrimmon, 39; Dr. N. M. Craw'ford, 10. Acknowledgment. —Mrs. J. 11. Smith acknowledges the receipt of the following articles, for distribution among the sick soldiers, from Mrs. Quillian, Mrs. Wimpy, Mrs. Gibson and Mrs. Kelly, of Dahlonega: Pickles, catsup, berries, potatoes, lard, j onions, elm, sage; one featherbed, two ! pillows and three sheets. Extract from a letter written by Dr. | Samuel 11. Dean to his parents: ** Please say to Miss Mollie Smith that ijthe money placed in the hands of Captain White was expended for Testaments, which were distributed through the regiment.— Please present our warmest thanks for the interest she took in getting up the means to buy the Word of Truth which should be our chart and compass in peace and in war, in life and in death.” The Banner for the Soldiers. The following sums are acknowledged : J. M. Wood, $5 00. W. Thames, 200 All Baptist ministers and others, in the Confederate States, friendly to the paper are requested to act as Agents. East Tennessee. Dear Banner: On Saturday last 1 had the pleasure of beholding the pleasant face of our Banner, at the house of our good brother Gordon, on Sand Mountain. Be assured it was to me a pleasure. The copy happened to be that in which my letter of the 30th ultimo appeared. Asa moment’s leisure is now granted me, i will again irn-i pose on your readers another scrawl. My last recorded an order to hold our selves in readiness to march at a moment's notice, with two days’ cooked rations. — On Sabbath, July 0, we received orders to strike tents and prepare to take up line of march for the Tunnel, just twelve miles below Chattanooga. At that spot we en camped till Monday, 13th, when we again moved to our present position, just two miles from Bridgeport. Here we have lain for a whole week, and for what purpose has not been made known to us. From the top of Raccoon Mountain, on Friday evening, I saw the smoke arising from the kitchens of five regiments and one battalion of the enemy. Besides these we are told are two regiments camped at the bridge, which would give the enemy, in close proximity to the river, a force of sev en regiments besides a battalion and some artillery. It is reported, however, that thi enemy is retreating. This m ybe true, even though the smoke be visible ; the en emy, knowing the smoke is visible from the mountain, may have left a few pickets and a few men to keep up the fires. It is true that the music and drumming heard at first is not heard now Yei. these facts do not prove the presence nor absence of the enemy. Our brigade is now commanded by Gen Lead better, and is composed of the 43d Al abama, 55th Georgia, 59th Georgia, and Jackson Artillery. We are well armed Four of our companies are armed with the Enfield musket; the others have Mississip pi, Harper’s-Ferry and D rringer rifles, and Springfield muskets. There are few regiments better armed or better officered than the 55th Georgia. Quite a number of our men have been and are now sick. Up to the last month the chief disease was measles; now, how ever, a low grade of remittent fever is pros trating many of our stalwart boys. We have lost by disease twenty-two men since the 15th of May. Two lay dead in our regiment on Sabbath last. Ah, me! it was a sad sight to see the poor fellows breathe their last in the woods, away from l'i - nothing, tender attentions of home, sweet home. Our sick suffered much, from inattention, at Chattanooga. The universal petition of each poor sufferer was, “ Send me home, or to Atlanta!” God bless our good, kind ladies of Atlanta! May the blessings of our Heavenly Father be richly poured out |up n them! The names of those kind ladies are cherished by every suffering pa triot whose sufferings have been alleviated by their gifts and attentions. lam hopeful to da\. The prospects of our beloved Confederacy brighten every day. The day of our deliverance is near. God be glorified for the way He is carving out foi us! Y sterday 1 preached, mornii g and eve ning, tolar>.e audiences. Indeed, my audi ences increase in numbers every Sabbath. I am grateful for the attention. I am thankful to rny God for the favor He has granted me. I need tracts! tracts ! Cannot 1 get some ? My brother, or brethren and sis ters, send me some to Chattanooga. Geo. C. Connor. Near Bridgeport, July 21, 1862. Crumb* NO. IX. “ These hands have brought me to heaven f so said one, as he kissed the hards of a cru el oppressor. The dj ing man felt that cruelty had been the means of leading him to the great Sympathizer. Afflictions arc designed for our good. They teach us humility, patience, submis sion. God will bring many to heaven through this war. He will triumph over the devil’s triumphs. Let us see that we are drawing sympathy and strength from the Saviour. “ All things work together [vot adverse ly and inharmoniously] for good [there js no injury to come to Christians by these hardships and sorrows] to them that love God ”! O my soul, feed upon the word of God, now. Understand His precious promises. Many, forgetful of these, of Christ, of dnty, and of heaven, have denied their Lord who bought them. Wilt thou also go away f ** WILL. Banner for Hie Soldiers. The religious paper furnishes a cheap and available means of reaching them ; and our brethren and sisters should come to the rescue before it is too late. W bat say our readers? Shall the sick and wounded soldiers have The Banner f Correspondence of Tlie Banner. NEAR VICKSBURG, July 16,1862. Dear Brother tlornady : Your readers may not be so much ab sorbed in the mighty events passing in V ir ginia as to be wholly uninterested in what is going on out West. I know that the people generally have given up the West to the enemy since the fall of Memphis and New Orleans, and look upon the whole country —even to, and including the New Orleans and Jackson Railroad —as in the hands of the foe, but it is not so; and 1 write you to-day to cheer your heart, and the hearts of our brethren with the fact just now demonstrated, that the Mississippi River is ours indeed, and will remain ours, despite the navy and army of Lincoln. — Our tenure to the river has been all along regarded as extremely doubtful. Our bat. teries were located, the one near a level with the river and the other upon the bluff, and these supported by troops have up to this time held the enemy at bay. But not withstanding these batteries, the enemy’s iron-clad boats could pass by ad libitum , but no transport or wooden craft could run this gauntlet so long as those batteries were left. The enemy has been making large preparation for the last month to reduce this place, by a conjoint bombardment of the upper and lower fleet of mortar and gun boats ; and to provide for the posses sion of the river in case of a failure of the bomba“dment, they have pressed 1500 ne groes from the river plantations to dig a canal that will effectually cut Vicksburg off from the river, and leave it a retired in land city, six miles from the river. That the enemy would ultimately pess Vicksburg was a generally conceded point here, but the idea was to resist to the last. Now for the late event: You must know that the ‘ram’ Arkansas, that the Secretary had been building at Memphis for six months before its fall, strange to say. instead of being burnt, was towed down and run some twenty-six miles up the Yazoo river, and a raft constructed across the river to prevent egress by the memy. Hers we knew she was being fin ished and got ready for sea. Whether men could be found who would float her to the Mississippi, no one knew —especially since Com. Pritchard burnt up three noble little boats and all on board, even the powder and provisions, at the bare sight of one or two of the enemy’s boats when only recon noitering. But the trial day came at last. Friday orders came from headquarters for the Arkansas to leave her moorings above the raft and come down and engage the en tire Federal fleet, single-handed and alone —that fleet that destroyed in one short hour every ram and gunboat we had afloat above Memphis ; that fleet which had de stroyed the Manassas, and the monster rams Louisiana and Mississippi, and all the small er boats, in a few hours, below New Orleans. Would Commodore Brown promptly obey the order, or, like Tatnall, of the Virginia, cowardly refuse? was the question. On the morning of the 15th, about six o’clock, the distant booming of the heavy guns of the upper fleet, interluded by deep er reverberations jwhich seemed to quicken every moment, was heard, until moving down the river every gun of our batteries joined in. “What has happened?” was on every tongue. It soon transpires. The Arkansas has engaged the Federal fleet, and is making an effort to reach Vicks burg to strengthen our defences. About six o’clock she came down in sight of the fleet and opened her fire, challenging the right of way. As she approached, that fleet —consisting of forty of the best cannon proof vessels of Lincoln' 1 a navy —parted right and left, opening an avenue of death, and seemed to invite her to pass through.— Into that gulf of death sailed the Arkansas. Those who were fortunate enough to gain a position to witness all, say that it was a scene of unsurpassed grandeur, that the annals of naval warfare do not furnish a parallel to it in awful, terrible sublimity! A gentleman who gained a footing upon the dome of the Court-bourse, distantabout two miles, says he had an unobstructed view of the magnificent panorama. The Arkansas moved down the avenue of death opened for her by the fleet, as quiet U as ever pleasure-boat floated on the bo*>ri of the; placid lake. Her entrance was signaled j by a more furious tempest ofter rible mis siles than ever descended upon one single vessel. From thirty to forty of the most powerful gunboats and rams, including the famous Benton —the Monitor of the West, and the pride of the Federal navy—exhaust ed their magazines and ordnaree of immense calibre in the vain effort to engulph her.— But ball and shell bounded from her deck and sides like hail, and forward, still for-! ward went the noble vessel, pouring a broadside iuto this one and another into that one, and w ith a short half turn to the right or to the left she plunged her iron horn into those that chanced to press her toe close in front, until two were seen to j strike their colors and rush to the shore to j save the crews. When it was seen that she was more than a match for the smaller boats of the fleet, the steam was piled upon the invincible Benton, and her heavy guns shotted with conical shell, and she is seen eagerly pressing forward to engage the prey. The Arkansas sho wed no disposition to avoid the trial, but turning suddenly, and receiving upon her, head and side those awful bolts, such as Jupiter never hurled, she dashed impetuously, and with all the power she could command, plunged her iron prow into the side of the Benton— crashing in her ribs and leaving her hors du combat. The Arkansas again resumed her course down the .river, majestically, while every gun of the fleet that could be brought to bear hurled their shot and shell and grape upon her, and, save two holes through her smokestack, not a casualty had yet happened onboard. But, the heat and smoke became so insufferable that one of the port holes were left open for a cool breath, and into this the enemy succeeded in throwing a shell which killed five men and wounded several others, including Com modore Brown. And now the gauntlet is run, the terrible ordeal escaped ; and as the proud boat holds them upon her stern, she pours her fuotml's into ihrm frr tn her stern guns v\ ith crushing (filet, i he) set tn ed stunned by her blows, and cared net to follow. As she took leave of the formida ble fleet and rounded the point above the city, turning her prow to port, her noble flag seemed instinct with life as the joyous breeze waved its full glittering folds. Had nothing else been done during the entire war, this one single feat would have written immortality in characters of living light all over those broad and ample folds. The scene which followed, says the narra tor, beggared all description. The crowd rushed to the wharf, frantic with joy, to greet the victorious boat; and as Cotnrno dore Brown, the now immortal Hero of the Confederate Navy, presented himself to view, the fresh blood still trickling down his smoke and powder-begrimed cheeks, the enthusiasm was irrepressible, and broke forth into deafening cheers, sobs and tears. It has been well asked, “When the cir cumstances are considered, is it too much to say that the victory is more signal and glorious than any one recorded in naval history ? In the case of the Virginia, there were these points of difference : She was u vessel of vastly greater dimensions, she probably cost five times as much as the Arkansas. Every facility was enjoyed in her construction which money or material could furnish. She was attended by several other superior vessels. She engaged only some eight or ten of the enemy’s fleet of wooden boats, save one. In the case of the Arkansas : she went forth and engaged some forty of the best shot-proof boats of the Federal navy, one of them the pride and boast of it; she went forth as one doomed to death, solitary and alone, without a boat in attendance to save one life from a watery grave or the hands of a victorious foe.— No aid could reach her ; failing, escape was hopeless. Such a spectacle was awfully, terribly, magnificently sublime ! No con flict on the water can furnish it even a com parison. The world will accord Commo dore Brown the greatest victory ever yet achieved in the watery realm. Each officer and each sailor has justly linked his name with immortality. Let them be published at once for the admiration of mankind.— Let a grateful country transmit them to an admiring posterity to he remembered for- ever, as the guardians of the Mississippi River, the champions of human freedom.” At two o’clock the upper fleet started down to pass the batteries and join the mortar fleet below, and w ere several times driven back. But it seems they determined to pass at all hazard, and the result was the loss of four boats—two were sunk, and two burnt to be kept out of our hands. We lost two men killed and several wounded. The loss of the enemy during the day must have been terrible. The Benton was ‘ram med’ and sunk at the mouth of the Yazoo ; whether any were saved 1 have not beared. Eight of the boats passed the batteries in the afternoon fight. They can not afford to pass every day, it is evident. The Ark ansas injured her ‘nose’ somewhat, it is said. May we not safely conclude that the key of the Mississippi is now in our hand ? ff the fleet could not reduce our batteries before, can they now when strengthened by the Arkanas ? Will they not be compelled to give up their project of turning the river? This boat must be overpowered or their fleet is unsafe upon the river. They know not the day or the hour or the night w'hen the Arkansas may plunge into them, inflict her premeditated horn and escape, until the whole fleet is destroyed. There are several gunboats, that svere built for Bernock’s Ray, still up the Yazoo, and will watch their opportunity to slip out. Had the gunboats at Memphis only been sent down with the Arkansas, and reserved for a better day, and had not Commodore Pritchard