An attractive and historically significant Civil War-era religious volume titled The Prayers of the Bible: With Their Answers, published by A. S. Barnes & Co., New York, 1855, and bearing an important wartime presentation inscription. Written in a bold period hand on the front endpaper is: “Maj. J. P. Edgar from the Army Committee of the N.Y. Y.M.C.A., Nov. Jan. ’64.”  Cover detached.

The inscription firmly connects the book to the wartime activities of the New York Young Men’s Christian Association, one of the most active civilian organizations supporting Union soldiers during the Civil War. Through its Army Committee, the YMCA distributed Bibles, prayer books, religious literature, writing materials, and other comforts to soldiers in camp, hospitals, and the field. Such books were intended to strengthen morale and provide spiritual guidance amid the hardships of military service. 

Presentation volumes directly attributable to YMCA wartime relief efforts are considerably scarcer than ordinary period religious books, and the identification to a Union officer adds further appeal. The recipient, Major J. P. Edgar, was clearly deemed a suitable recipient of this volume during the height of the conflict, providing a tangible link to the religious and humanitarian support network that accompanied the Union armies. 

A desirable and evocative Civil War association piece combining faith, military history, and the important wartime work of the New York YMCA, one of the foremost civilian aid organizations of the conflict. 

Presentation Inscription Transcription 

Maj. Geo. P. Edgar 

From the Army Committee 

of the N.Y. Y.M.C.A. 

Nov. Jan. ’64 

This is a particularly appealing wartime presentation inscription. The book itself was published in 1855, but the inscription indicates it was presented in 1864 by the Army Committee of the New York Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA). 

The New York YMCA was heavily involved in soldier relief during the Civil War, distributing Bibles, religious books, tracts, stationery, and other comforts to Union soldiers in camps and hospitals. Presentation inscriptions from YMCA Army Committees are encountered far less frequently than standard ownership inscriptions and establish a direct connection to the wartime religious and morale-support efforts undertaken for Union servicemen. 

The recipient appears to be Major J. P. Edgar, though additional images of the following pages may help identify him positively and determine whether he was a Union officer serving in 1864. A positive identification could significantly enhance the historical interest of the volume. 

Inventory Number: HIS 327 

The post YMCA Presentation Religious Book to Major J. P. Edgar – 1864  appeared first on Union Drummer Boy.

West Point, New York – June 1862 

An exceptionally desirable Civil War-era West Point publication issued at one of the most pivotal moments in American military history. Dated June 1862, this official register lists the officers, instructors, staff, and cadets of the United States Military Academy during the second year of the Civil War, when West Point was producing many of the young officers who would go on to serve with distinction on battlefields across the nation. 

These registers provide a fascinating snapshot of the Academy during wartime and frequently contain the names of future generals, Medal of Honor recipients, and prominent military leaders of both the Union and Confederacy. The June 1862 edition was published while the Peninsula Campaign was underway and as the Army was rapidly expanding, making contemporary West Point records particularly significant for Civil War researchers and collectors. 

Original examples are increasingly difficult to locate, especially in such presentable condition. Beyond its historical value, the register serves as an important reference work and primary source document from America’s premier military institution during the Civil War. A scarce and highly collectible piece of West Point and Civil War history. 

Inventory Number: HIS 328 

The post Official Register of the Officers and Cadets of the U.S. Military Academy West Point, New York – June 1862 appeared first on Union Drummer Boy.

A wonderful and seldom encountered Civil War era patriotic hymn book titled The Patriot’s Hymn Book, published in Philadelphia and compiled by Rev. A. Manship for the Philadelphia Conference Tract Society.

The illustrated cover features a waving American flag above a Union encampment scene, beautifully capturing the patriotic fervor and religious spirit of the Civil War period. Beneath the illustration appears the inspirational verse:

“The Lord of Hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our Refuge.”

This example retains its original printed paper covers with period wear and honest age toning throughout, adding to its authentic character. The interior bears an 1862 inscription reading:

“Henry S. Burns”
“Belonging to H.C. Burns” “1862”

Such personalized wartime inscriptions significantly enhance the historical appeal, offering a direct connection to the era in which the booklet was carried and used.

Publications of this nature were commonly distributed among soldiers, civilians, and religious communities during the Civil War to promote patriotism, faith, and morale during the national conflict. Surviving examples are increasingly difficult to locate, especially with original covers and period ownership inscriptions intact.

An outstanding display and research piece for the Civil War collector, Union memorabilia enthusiast, or collector of wartime religious and patriotic ephemera.

Inventory Number: HIS 322

The post Scarce Civil War Era “The Patriot’s Hymn Book” – Dated 1862 appeared first on Union Drummer Boy.

Scarce and historically important pre-Civil War government publication relating to John Brown’s infamous raid on the United States Arsenal at Harper’s Ferry, Virginia. Bound in its original embossed cloth covers with gilt spine lettering reading “Harper’s Ferry Invasion,” this official Senate printing was issued by the 36th Congress, 1st Session in 1860.

The title page reads: “Report of the Select Committee of the Senate appointed to inquire into the late invasion and seizure of the public property at Harper’s Ferry.” The report was ordered printed June 15, 1860, and contains testimony, investigative findings, and official documentation surrounding John Brown’s October 1859 raid—an event widely regarded as one of the major catalysts leading toward the American Civil War.

Publications relating directly to the Harper’s Ferry raid remain among the most desirable and historically significant documents of the antebellum period, as they capture the growing sectional tensions that would soon erupt into war. This example retains its original period binding with attractive gilt spine decoration and displays well despite expected age and handling wear.

An outstanding centerpiece item for collectors of Civil War precursor material, abolitionist history, John Brown-related artifacts, or important 19th century American political documents.

Inventory Number: HIS 325

The post Senate Report on the Harper’s Ferry Invasion – 36th Congress, 1st Session appeared first on Union Drummer Boy.

Original 1861 Civil War-era pamphlet titled “The Necessities and Wisdom of 1861 – A Supplement to the Sixth Edition of Slavery and the Remedy” authored by Samuel Nott and published in Boston by Crocker and Brewster in 1861.

This scarce period publication addresses the mounting sectional crisis at the outbreak of the Civil War and reflects contemporary Northern political and social thought regarding slavery, secession, and preservation of the Union. Printed in the opening year of the conflict, the pamphlet offers fascinating insight into the tense national atmosphere as Americans grappled with the realities of civil war.

The booklet remains in untouched condition with original paper wraps, showing honest age toning, edge wear, and scattered foxing consistent with age. The binding remains intact despite expected chipping and wear along the spine edge. Interior pages display clear, legible text throughout.

Publications directly connected to the political and social climate of 1861 remain highly collectible, particularly those discussing slavery and the sectional divide that led to the Civil War. An excellent research and display piece for collectors of Civil War paper, abolitionist and slavery-related material, and nineteenth-century Americana.

A seldom encountered original Civil War pamphlet with strong historical significance.

Inventory Number: HIS 318

The post Rare 1861 Civil War Pamphlet “Slavery And The Remedy” By Samuel Nott appeared first on Union Drummer Boy.

Scarce Civil War–Era Photographic Manual – “The Photograph and Ambrotype Manual,” 1861 – With Period Chemical Fingerprints

Rare early American photographic reference: The Photograph and Ambrotype Manual: A Practical Treatise on the Art of Taking Positive and Negative Photographs on Paper and Glass, by N. G. Burgess, published in New York by Hubbard, Burgess & Co., 1861 (Seventh Edition).

This important manual was issued at the height of the wet-plate collodion era, when ambrotypes and early albumen photographs dominated American photography—precisely the process responsible for the vast majority of Civil War images. The book served as a working guide for professional photographers, containing detailed instructions, formulas, and chemical recipes for producing positive photographs on glass and paper, preparing plates, washing prints, retouching photographs, and managing the various chemical baths required for the ambrotype and collodion processes.

Of particular interest is the presence of dark chemical stains and embossed fingerprints on the pages, almost certainly left by a period photographer handling the manual while working with silver nitrate, collodion, or related photographic chemicals. Such evidence of actual studio use is rarely encountered and provides a tangible connection to the working practices of 19th-century photographers—possibly even those producing portraits during the Civil War period.

The manual includes extensive sections on:

• Preparation of glass plates
• Collodion formulas and chemical baths
• Washing and finishing positive prints
• Retouching photographs
• Practical studio methods used by leading American operators
• Published in the first year of the Civil War, the work reflects the technical knowledge employed by the photographers who created the iconic images of the conflict.

The volume remains well preserved with clear typography and complete text, displaying honest period use and scattered chemical staining consistent with a working photographic reference.

An exceptionally scarce and evocative early photographic manual, directly tied to the techniques that produced Civil War ambrotypes and early glass plate photography.

Inventory Number: HIS 318

The post Extremely Scarce Civil War–Era Photographic Manual – “The Photograph and Ambrotype Manual” appeared first on Union Drummer Boy.

A scarce and historically significant Civil War era Hymn Book for the Army and Navy, published by the American Tract Society of New York and distributed through the United States Christian Commission during the war.

The front cover features a patriotic American flag motif surrounded by decorative borders and period typography, while the reverse bears an important presentation imprint from the:

“United States Christian Commission
Central Office
13 Bank-Street, Philadelphia”

The United States Christian Commission played a vital role during the Civil War by supplying soldiers with religious materials, comfort items, medical assistance, and spiritual support in camps and hospitals throughout the conflict. Small hymnals such as this were commonly carried by Union soldiers in knapsacks, haversacks, and coat pockets during active service.

Inside is a touching handwritten family inscription reading:

“Dear Steve,
This belonged to your great great-great Uncle Jacob F. Harris who raised your great grandmother Heim. Love, Mom-Mom Leuter”

This wonderful period and family provenance adds a deeply personal layer to the piece and preserves the generational connection to the original owner.

The hymnal shows honest wartime wear throughout with age toning, handling marks, and use consistent with an authentic field-carried Civil War devotional. These signs of wear only enhance its historical charm and authenticity.

A wonderful survivor from the American Civil War and an exceptional addition to any collection of Civil War soldier personal items, religious field gear, or wartime.

Inventory Number: HIS 323

The post Civil War Era “Hymn Book For The Army And Navy” – United States Christian Commission appeared first on Union Drummer Boy.

An original 1819 United States government pamphlet titled Message from the President of the United States, Stating the Interpretation Which Has Been Given to the Act Entitled “An Act in Addition to the Acts Prohibiting the Slave Trade.” Printed in Washington by Gales & Seaton in 1819.
Dated December 20, 1819, this early federal publication addresses the enforcement and interpretation of legislation concerning the illegal importation of enslaved persons into the United States during the early nineteenth century. Issued during the presidency of James Monroe, the pamphlet reflects the growing federal attention placed upon the suppression of the international slave trade following earlier congressional acts prohibiting its continuation.

The pamphlet remains in original period wraps with visible stitching still present along the spine. The title page displays well with strong legibility and attractive early nineteenth-century typography. Moderate age toning, scattered foxing, edge wear, and minor losses are present from age and handling, all consistent with an original government-issued document of the period.

An important and historically significant early American imprint relating to slavery legislation, federal policy, and the expanding national debate over slavery in the United States decades before the Civil War.

Inventory Number: HIS 317

The post 1819 United States Government Pamphlet Concerning the Slave Trade appeared first on Union Drummer Boy.

An important and historically significant Civil War publication titled Report of the Western Sanitary Commission for the Year Ending June 1st, 1863, printed in St. Louis, Missouri in 1863.

This scarce wartime report documents the activities and humanitarian efforts of the Western Sanitary Commission, one of the most influential civilian relief organizations serving Union soldiers in the Western Theater during the Civil War. Organized under the authority of Major General John C. Frémont in 1861, the Commission worked tirelessly to provide medical care, hospital supplies, food, transportation, and aid to wounded and sick soldiers.

The interior text includes references to:
“Gen. Fremont’s Original Order”
and details the organization’s mission, operations, and support efforts during one of the most critical periods of the war.

The report remains in its original paper wraps and displays attractive period typography throughout. Honest age toning, scattered foxing, and wear consistent with age only enhance the authenticity and historical appeal of this survivor.

Civil War sanitary commission material is highly sought after due to its direct connection to wartime medical care, soldier welfare, and civilian relief efforts. Publications from the Western Sanitary Commission are considerably less common than those from the better-known United States Sanitary Commission, making this an especially desirable research and display piece.

A fine addition to any advanced Civil War library, medical collection, or archive relating to Union wartime relief organizations.

Inventory Number: HIS 324

The post Civil War Era Report Of The Western Sanitary Commission – 1863 appeared first on Union Drummer Boy.

Admiral David G. Farragut, Signed Presentation Copy with Albumen Portrait

A superb Civil War-era presentation copy of The Cruise of the Franklin, New York, 1869, bearing the bold ink signature of Admiral David Glasgow Farragut on the front flyleaf. The hand is confident and fluid, entirely consistent with known examples of Farragut’s signature from the late war and immediate postwar period.

Affixed to the facing page is a period albumen photograph of Farragut in full dress uniform, seated and wearing his admiral’s insignia, presenting exactly the iconic image associated with the Union Navy’s most celebrated officer. The inclusion of a contemporary photographic portrait elevates the volume well beyond a simple signed book, creating a displayable and highly desirable presentation piece.

Of particular note are two period ink identifications within the flyleaves, one reading “Admiral Farragut U.S. Navy,” and another earlier-style notation referencing “Commodore Farragut (d. ’67),” reflecting the transitional way in which he was remembered shortly after his death in 1870 and preserving period understanding of his rank and legacy.

Farragut, the Union Navy’s first admiral, is forever linked to his decisive victories at New Orleans and Mobile Bay—where his famed command, “Damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead,” secured his place among the most iconic figures of the war. Signed material from Farragut remains scarce, and examples combining autograph, period photograph, and early identifications are encountered only rarely.

The volume itself retains its original binding with expected handling wear, the spine gilt still legible. Internally clean, with the signature and photograph exceptionally well preserved.

A visually compelling and historically important Farragut relic, ideal for advanced Civil War or naval collections.

Assistant Surgeon Walter K. Scofield served in the U.S. Navy during the Civil War, associated with the Norfolk station and federal medical department. He was part of the Federal Navy Bureau of Medicine and Surgery tasked with treating Union sailors, alongside figures like Surgeons A.A. Henderson and Thomas J. Turner.

Inventory Number: HIS 315

The post Bold and Daring on the High Seas Admiral David G. Farragut, Signed Presentation Copy with Albumen Portrait appeared first on Union Drummer Boy.