George --

Not every minister was commissioned. General Jackson believed this was an important office, and that chaplains (commissioned officers) ought to serve like regular soldiers. Otherwise the men were not likely to respect them or the message they presented.

Too often ministers were like the one Sam Watkins heard from shortly before the Battle of Chickamauga. His message was warm and enthusiastic until musketry and cannon fire began to be heard. At that point the parson paused to listen, tilting his ear towards the sound like an old sow, Watkins thought. Turning his horse to the rear, the parson concluded his sermon with the admonition, "Remember boys, he who dies today will sup tonight at the marriage feast of the Lamb!"

One of the men called to him as he rode away, "What's the matter, parson? Ain't you hungry?" As the parson disappeared in the distance, another soldier shouted, "Parson isn't hungry, and he'll never get his supper!"

[A loose paraphrase of Sam Watkins]