The following is a letter written by William Green Curry, Chaplain of the 5th Alabama Infantry Regiment, in the spring of 1864. He mentioned that the Chaplain of the 3rd Alabama was Brother Rutledge at that time.

April 22, 1864
“Everything continues quiet along the lines. Grant with his hosts of miscreants are still reposing in their camps. Gen. Lee has an eye to business doubtless and is posting his army in fighting trim with the greatest possible dispatch. It has been my privilege to belong to this army from the beginning of the war, and never yet have I seen this army more hopeful of success, and in better spirits than now. That spirit of despondency which prevailed so extensively last fall has given place to one of confidence and determination. The time is though not far distant when this army will again be thrown in fearful carnage. No fears are entertained as to the result. Soon the tocsin of war will again reverberate along the silvery banks of the Rapidan, and through the open forest, whose tiny buds are now bursting at the scent of the approaching perfume of spring. Then we will buckle on our armour and with our hearts fired with the patriotism which burns only in the bosom of freemen we will march on with steady step to the sunlight summit of glory of independence.
But perhaps it would be a source of greater pleasure to you, and the Christain public, to know something of the spiritual condition of the army. I am happy to state that there are some most gracious revivals progressing in some portions of this army. In my own Regiment the religious influence is very great, and it seems to grow more and more intense every day. Bro. Rutledge, chaplain 3rd Ala. (a most loving and zealous Methodist minister) and I have been carrying on a series of meetings in our Regiments ( both Regiments worship together) for some time and I am happy be able to say, not without effect.
Several have been happily converted and are now rejoicing in full hope of the glory which shall be revealed hereafter. Quite a number of God’s wayward children have been brought back to the fold. Oh may the work of grace continue to prosper in our midst until everyone of these dear men be happily converted unto God.”