U.S. CHRISTIAN COMMISSION “ARMY AND NAVY HYMN BOOK” OF GEORGE W. MOWERS, 21st PA CAVALRY AND 87th PA INFANTRY

$225.00 SOLD

Quantity Available: None

Item Code: B6275

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 21st 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 87th 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 21st 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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