I recently discovered a fascinating and powerful little book for sale at my library. Unfortunately, it is usually a rather expensive books given that there do not seem to be many copies, but I have found an online copy for you all.

Incidents of the U.S. Christian Commission

History can be a difficult thing for me to study unless I feel connected to it in some way. This book does just that. It is a collection of personal accounts from the chaplains and laymen who were active in the army of the Union and the army of the Lord during the Civil War. If you plan to write on the Civil War, this is an excellent resource. D.L. Moody makes appearances (I had thought he was from a slightly later time), and it is absolutely fascinating to look up some of the other names mentioned within the pages (check out Sarah Emma Edmonds).

The book was compiled and published in 1869, and only recently reprinted in 2003, so it is entirely written by the people of its era. My copy also includes a lengthy account of the Commission's Foundation which is equally fascinating.

So if you have any interest in writing for the Civil War era, this is a valuable resource.

Thanks for this. I will save it to my hard drive for reference. I love this type of book when writing historical fiction.