The Baptists were represented chiefly by Elder Elisha Battle (I mean at Clinton). Elders Jesse Andrews and I.J. Roberts occasionally preached down there. Mr. Battle was a man of great energy, had ample mean, and devoted his best energies to his holy calling. He was a man blessed with a good English education, was a good speaker, a sound thinker, and preached with much effect. He was not eloquent, but always commended the attention of his audience. He was regarded by is denomination as a sound theologian. At this time, there were a few “hard shells” in the county who did not regard him as orthodox, but in those days Elisha Battle did more to advance the Baptist cause than any other man in the State. There was then not a solitary religious paper in the State, but he had a controlling influence with one of the secular papers, and almost every weak an article would appear generally over his signature on the subjects of “Religion,” “The best means to promote the Baptist cause,” “Temperance,” &c. Nothing seemed to engage his attention as his Master’s cause. Through his instrumentality a Church was organized some six miles west of Clinton called “New Salem,” which flourished for a number of years, but was finally dissolved. Mr. Battle sold his lands and negroes, reserving only a fine house servant to B.F.S., who emigrated to Texas without paying for them, and he never realized but little from the sale, and I think, after his death, his children never realized but little if any thing. He emigrated to Louisiana and died. He has one daughter still living in Hinds county, the wife of a distinguished lawyer in Jackson. I knew Mr. Battle intimately, and a better, purer man I never knew. A true friend, a pure Christian, he is now reaping his reward of a life spent in the service of his God. He and the venerable Thomas Ford, though belonging to different denominations, “pulled together,” and were good and true friends.