This is very typical of the religious and inspirational books handed out to soldiers by various religious and charitable organizations during the Civil War. This one is pocket-size, 96 pages long, and preserves its cardboard covers. Published by the American Tract Society in New York, it has a nice large printed presentation on the back cover reading, “Presented by the United States Christian Commission.” Originally formed simply to assist army chaplains, the US Christian Commission became a large volunteer organization and operated throughout the war to support the soldiers by distributing supplies, medical services, and religious tracts like these.

A pencil inscription inside the front cover reads, “G.W. Mowers / Fay. / Pa.” This comes from the large group of relics we recently purchased from the family of George W. Mowers of Fayetteville, Pa., just west of Gettysburg. Mowers gathered a large collection of Gettysburg pick-ups, but also brought home a few pieces from his own service. He did two tours of duty: six months in the 21^st Pennsylvania Cavalry, from July 1863 through February 1864, during which he was posted to Harpers Ferry, and second tour from February to June 1865 in the 87^th Pa. Infantry, during which he saw action at Petersburg and Sailor’s Creek. It is not possible to know exactly when he received the booklet, but we have a soldier’s prayer book inscribed by him in the 21^st Cavalry, which also bears a simple home address, so he may have received both around the same time.

We recently acquired the Mowers’ material directly from the family. Please take a look at our other listings for material he brought home from his own service and material he gathered from around Gettysburg as well. This is a nice example of a booklet that would go well in a display of soldiers’ personal effects.  [sr]

Accompanied by military & pension records.

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