This Civil War bible published by the New York Bible Society in 1862 is typical of the testaments, prayer books, and religious tracts presented by well-wishers, loved ones, and religious and charitable groups to soldiers. It is pocket sized and provided with tongue and loop to keep it closed when carried. This bears several absolutely real, period pencil inscriptions by its soldier owner, Charles McKnight of the 13^th Vermont, who was from Calais, Vermont, and enlisted at age 22 on 8/19/62 and mustered into Co. H as a sergeant on 10/10/62.

The regimental history of the 13^th includes a photo of McKnight and notes that he, “enlisted from the town of Calais, Vt., August, 1862, at the age of 22 and joined Company H.  Was appointed Sergeant in which capacity he served until stricken down with sickness and sent to the hospital where he died May 24th, 1863.  He was a very highly respected young man and stood well among his comrades.  His conduct at Fairfax Court House, December 28th, 1862 when our Brigade was attacked by General J. E. B. Stuart gave promise of sufficient courage for any duty on the battlefield, He was cool, brave and active.”

The regiment was nine-month unit, mustered into service on Oct., 3, 1862, and stationed in Washington and Alexandria. On December 12 they were sent to Fairfax Court House with the rest of their brigade, taking turns on outpost duty around Centreville. The reference to McKnight’s coolness refers to an incident starting on the evening of December 27 when Confederate cavalry was reported to be readying an attack and regiments were hurriedly summoned to man entrenchments east of the town. Fire from skirmishers and some artillery seemed enough to deter any real attack though the regiment was moved to counter enemy cavalry reported to the north as well. The regiment saw subsequent duty at Wolf Run Shoals and along the Occoquan. They did not take part in the Chancellorsville Campaign, but suffered some trouble from Mosby, who captured a number of regimental wagons near Fairfax Station on May 14, 1863, ten days before McKnight’s death.

McKnight inscribed the bible in several places, including the flyleaf in ink: “Nov. 12, 1862 / Chas. M. McK. / 3” Serg. Co. H / 12 Regt. Vermont / Capt. H. Peck / from Calais Vt.” which he repeated on the following page, and on the reverse of the first included a list of his company officers so that his unit could be fully identified: Capt. Peck; 1 Lieu. Slayton; 2 Lieu. Perkins. There is also a fourth name that is a bit light and may read “Russell Cunningham,” but that name does not show up in the regimental roster. The last pages of bible, though, also include a poem in pencil titled, “Dear Brother” and beginning, “Dearest Brother thou was mild and lovely gentle as the summer breeze…” and signed at bottom by Harriet and on the opposite  page by Lydia, sisters of Charles McKnight, obviously added by them to his bible when his personal effects were returned to the family. A couple of leaves are enclosed between pages of the bible, perhaps placed there by Charles or his sisters. A modern pencil inscription inside the front cover identifying the bible as McKnight’s and noting his death by disease might be by a later family member or collector. The bible is in excellent condition, showing just minor wear to the covers. [sr]

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