YMCA Presentation Religious Book to Major J. P. Edgar – 1864 

Description

YMCA Presentation Religious Book to Major J. P. Edgar – 1864 

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