Historian Daniel Dorchester reported numerous other
similar incidents: Of Rev. John Craighead it is said that "he fought and
preached alternately." Rev. Dr. Cooper was captain of a military company. Rev.
John Blair Smith, president of Hampden-Sidney College, was captain of a company
that rallied to support the retreating Americans after the battle of Cowpens.
Rev. James Hall commanded a company that armed against Cornwallis. Rev. Wm.

Graham rallied his own neighbors to dispute the passage
of Rockfish Gap with Tarleton and his Britain dragoons. Rev. Dr. Ashbel Green
was an orderly sergeant. Rev. Dr. Moses Hodge served in the army of the
Revolution. In fact, so prominent were the clergy in the struggle that the
British called them the "Black Regiment" 117 due to the black clerical robes
they wore. On May 2, 1778, when the Continental Army was beginning to emerge
from its infamous winter at Valley Forge, Commander-in-Chief George Washington
commended his troops for their courage and patriotism and then reminded them
that: While we are zealously performing the duties of good citizens and
soldiers, we certainly ought not to be inattentive to the higher duties of religion.

To the distinguished character of Patriot, it should be
our highest glory to add the more distinguished character of Christian. Later
that year, still in the midst of the Revolution, the help that America had
already received from their "firm reliance on Divine Providence" was so obvious
that George Washington told General Thomas Nelson: The hand of Providence has
been so conspicuous in all this that he must be worse than an infidel that
lacks faith, and more than wicked, that has not gratitude enough to acknowledge
his obligations. The exploits of many of these clergy-patriots are recorded in
several older historical works, including The Pulpit of the American Revolution
– 1860; Chaplains and Clergy of the Revolution – 1861; and The Patriot Preachers
of the American Revolution – 1860.

On October 12, 1778,
Congress again reaffirmed the importance of religion and made provision for its
widespread encouragement when it issued the following act: Whereas true
religion and good morals are the only solid foundations of public liberty and
happiness: Resolved, That it be, and it is hereby earnestly recommended to the
several States to take the most effectual measures for the encouragement
thereof.