Gardners Photographic Sketch Book Of The War. Vol. 2, No. 53. Headquarters Christian Commission in the Field. Germantown. September, 1863. One of the most striking evidences of the patriotism of the American people, and of the desire of those who were unable personally to enter the field, to render every assistance in their power to promote the Union cause, is to be found in the workings of the Christian Commissionthe members of which were connected with every corps and division of the Federal Army, and who were instrumental in doing much to alleviate the sufferings of our sick and wounded soldiers, and in administering spiritual consolation to the dying.
Organized in New York on the 16th of November, 1861, and devoting itself to the interests of the army and navy, branch offices were speedily established in Washington, Philadelphia, and all our leading cities, and every little town, village and hamlet, immediately entered into the spirit of the enterprise, and poured its treasures into the coffers of the parent stemfrom whence they were conveyed to the soldiers by faithful, zealous and indefatigable delegates. The women of America were untiring in their efforts to provide luxuries and comforts for our armies, and the princely liberality of our citizens, in every rank and calling, was fully and thoroughly developed. The following summary, up to January, 1865, probably is the best means of conveying an idea of the magnitude of the operations of this charitable and praiseworthy association: The receipts in 1861 were $231,256 29; in 1863 $916,837 65; in 1864 $2,882,347 86; making a total of $4,030,441 80. During 1864, 47,103 boxes of hospital stores and publications were distributed, valued at $2,185,670 82. Two hundred and five chapels and chapel tents were erected at a cost of $114,359 78; and 569,594 copies of Bibles and Testaments distributed. Libraries have been furnished to hospitals, forts, regiments, and vessels of war. Thousands of hymn-books, knapsack-books, magazines, weekly religious papers, tracts and literary productions were gladly received by the soldiers, and relieved the tedium of many a weary hour. Railroad and telegraph corporations in all parts of the land rendered gratuitous facilities in support of the institution, and, with the Government, aided the Commission very materially.
Library of Congress says: Headquarters of Christian Commission, Germantown, Va [sic].
National Archives says: Maryland, Germantown. Headquarters Christian Commission in the Field.
