Overview:

Publisher: American Bible Society, New York
Date: 1863
Translation: King James Version
Format: 64mo (Pocket Edition)
Binding: Black textured leather with integral fastening flap
Provenance: Attributed to Chaplain John S. Dore, 6th New Hampshire Volunteer Infantry, Union Army

Description

An original 1863 American Civil War-era pocket New Testament, published in New York by the American Bible Society. This miniature edition is particularly interesting for its attribution to John S. Dore, chaplain of the 6th New Hampshire Volunteer Infantry Regiment, and its numerous contemporary or historical handwritten annotations.

Printed during the height of the American Civil War (1861–1865), the New Testament retains its black leather binding with an unusual integral fastening flap, designed to protect the pages while being carried.

The volume contains numerous handwritten biblical references, names and addresses, offering a fascinating glimpse into the devotional and personal history of this small book.

Historical Significance: The American Civil War

During the American Civil War, religious organisations such as the American Bible Society distributed vast numbers of Bibles and New Testaments to Union soldiers.

These portable editions were designed to be carried in uniform pockets and personal belongings, providing soldiers with spiritual comfort during campaigns, long marches and periods of uncertainty.

Military chaplains played an important role in the Union Army, conducting religious services, visiting the wounded, comforting dying soldiers and corresponding with families.

Printed in 1863, this New Testament dates to the year of the Battle of Gettysburg, the Siege of Vicksburg and the Emancipation Proclamation.

Provenance: Chaplain John S. Dore, 6th New Hampshire Volunteers

This New Testament is attributed to John S. Dore, who served as chaplain of the 6th New Hampshire Volunteer Infantry Regiment during the American Civil War.

Dore initially served as a private before becoming a chaplain. The regiment's published history records his religious activities and his efforts to teach African American boys associated with the regiment to read using the Bible.

Despite initially encountering ridicule from fellow soldiers, Dore gained considerable respect for his dedication and was subsequently appointed chaplain.

The volume has previously appeared in an auction catalogue under the description 6th New Hampshire Chaplain ID'd Bible, where its military association and handwritten inscriptions were recorded.

The catalogue transcribed an inscription identifying the owner as a chaplain of the 6th New Hampshire Volunteers, Second Brigade, Second Division, Ninth Army Corps.

Although the historical chaplain is recorded as John S. Dore, the auction transcription gives the surname as Dove. The precise identification and authorship of the inscriptions therefore remain subject to further verification.

Inscriptions and Annotations

The volume contains numerous handwritten annotations, including biblical references, names and addresses.

Of particular interest is an inscription reading approximately:

Mrs Nancy Dore, Bradford, Penobscot Co., Maine.

This potentially provides an additional connection to the Dore family, although the precise relationship has not been established.

Other annotations appear alongside passages in the Gospels and Acts of the Apostles, including references to Herod, John the Baptist and the conversion of Saul.

These notes may represent personal biblical study, sermon preparation or devotional reading. Their presence adds considerably to the historical character of the volume.

Binding and Condition

Bound in black textured leather with a distinctive integral fastening flap.

The binding displays considerable age-related wear, including rubbing, scuffing and losses to the leather surface, particularly around the edges, corners and spine.

The fastening flap remains present, although it shows substantial wear. The leather has developed an attractive aged patina consistent with prolonged use.

Internally, the pages display age-related toning, occasional marks and numerous handwritten annotations. The printed text remains generally clear and legible in the photographed sections.

The original 1863 title page is present. A complete leaf-by-leaf collation has not been undertaken, and completeness is therefore unconfirmed.

Please consult the accompanying photographs for a detailed assessment of condition.

Why Buy This New Testament?

An evocative example of American Civil War religious printing, combining a miniature 1863 New Testament with an unusual protective leather binding and an intriguing association with a documented Union Army chaplain.

The handwritten inscriptions and possible connection to the 6th New Hampshire Volunteer Infantry distinguish this volume from ordinary nineteenth-century pocket New Testaments.

An appealing historical artefact for collectors of American Civil War memorabilia, military chaplaincy, American religious history and antiquarian Bibles.

Dimensions:

Weight - 80g

Height - 9.5cm

Width - 6.2cm

Thickness - 2cm