This new testament is dated 1861 and comes from the American Bible Society. It measures 4.5 inches in length by 3 inches wide. It is 316 pages in length. The red cover bears some scuff marks and wear but the binding is intact. The closure flap has split and is deteriorating.

Inside the front cover shows some wear, dirt, and possible water marks. There are several period pencil notations present but these are very difficult to read. Along the front border of the title page is the name “Edna Hutzell” written in pencil. The back cover has the same handwriting as the front cover and title page in pencil. This inscription is very difficult to read as well.

On the reverse of the final page of the bible, a man named “David” has written his name in period ink. He also writes: “Book found on the campground of the union soldiers of Rebellion 1862.” David includes his last name, but it is difficult to decipher.

In the front cover of the bible an eighth plate post-Civil War tintype rests. Two women are seated as a man in an altered 1890s uniform jacket with detailed trim work stands front and center. It is likely that he served in a military band. Regimental numbers appear on his cap but are difficult to discern.

This new testament made its way to the Horse Soldier from an elderly gentleman with the last name of Alexander. He explained to us that this bible had been given to him by his grandmother, Edna Hutzell Alexander. It was her father who supposedly picked it up off the battlefield near Sharpsburg, Maryland after the battle of Antietam.

A vintage notecard bears the message:

A Pocket New Testament American Revised Version

This New Testament was found on the battlefield after the Civil War. The writing on the back cover states, “Book found on the Camp ground of the Union Soieldiers of Rebellon”. 1862.

Donor Mrs. L. Alexander

Another notation regarding Hutzell/Alexander family genealogy is on the reverse of the notecard.

After some cursory research, Edna’s father’s name was Samuel, not David. Admittedly, Edna’s grandson remarked that his memory may have failed him as it was given to him before her death in 1968 when she was in her eighties.  Still a great original battlefield pick-up with some family history to boot! This item certainly invites further research.  [CLS]

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