24

It was on the night of his arrival at Resaca {added: Tenn.} that he went with
General Hood to report to Gen. Jas. E. Johnston at Dalton {added: Ga.}. It was
almost midnight on May 15, 1964 and the two commanders {struckthrough: Hood and Polk}
were riding side by side in the dark{added: ness.} Gen. Hood asked if Polk would
baptize him. The General agreed and when they reached Gen. Johnston's
headquarters they went to Hood's room which was simply {x-ed out: wi} furnished
with a mess table and four chairs and dimly lighted by a single candle.
The {struckthrough: simple} preparations for the baptism were quickly made. A tin basin
served as a font. Gen. Hood who was sorely wounded could kneel with
great difficulty, so {added: he} was told that he might sit, but he arose and{added: ,}
leaning on crutches{added: ,} reverendly bowed his head to be signed with the
sign of the cross by the Bishop of La. On the following night Baptismal
services was said for Gen. Johnston. {Paragraph marker} The last letter written by Leonidas
Polk, w as written from a point near New Hope Church and is dated June
13, 1864 and was written to his daughter Lilly who was about to be
married in which he very largely sums up his philosophy of life:"
Do always what is right, not calculating what is expedient but try and
find out what is right and with a pure heart and true devotion go
straight fowardin doing {added: it.} Be always kind and considerate of the feelings
and rights of others. Watch against imp atience of spirit. Our Trust
is in God." {Paragraph marker} On June 13th, Polk received a note from Gen. Johnston
stating that {insert symbol: the next morning} he wished to make an inspection tour on PineMountain and
would like Polk to accompany him. June 14 dawned clear. About 8 o'clock
they set out, General Hardee and some staff officers accompanying
them. On reaching the crest of the hill the spectators had a full view
of the surrounding country on which sunshine and shadows moved keeping
pace with the slowly drifting {added: clouds}. Both lines of battle
were plainly visible. The adjacent fields were white with the covers
of a thousand wagons. {insert symbol: to the front were the hills of Etowah & to the right the peaks of Kennesaw.} They made their inspection and moved off the