MUSEUM QUALITY
AMERICANA
COMMEMORATING THE 150TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE CIVIL WAR WITH
THE FINEST ORIGINAL SOLDIER'S LETTERS AND ARTIFACTS
Here is a wonderful document on official U.S. Christian Commission stationary written by the Chaplain of the 21st Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, Orson P. Clinton. Clinton served as Chaplain from September 1862 - June 1865. The 21st Wisconsin was devastated at the battle of Perryville, Kentucky in October of 1862 and would again be hit later with hard fighting at the battle of Chickamauga and Resaca.
This is the actual “vow” that several members of the 21st signed, binding them together in their trust in Christ. The wording of their declaration in very touching and it concludes with their “motto”. Apparently, the Chaplain started this association with two other men.
The other two soldiers that signed the document are James H. DeWolf, a 1st Sergeant in company I from Menasha, Wisconsin, and Horace B. Clemans, a Sergeant in company I, who would eventually be wounded at Chickamauga. U.S. Christian Commission Organized at Murfreesboro, Tenn. Apr. 5, 1863 We whose names are here unto annexed, conscious of impurity of heart & wicked Our motto shall be Just as I am without one plea But that thy blood was shed for me But that thou bidst me come to thee O Lamb of God I come. O. P. Clinton Captain Menasha, Wis. James C. DeVoy 1 Sergt. Co. I Menasha, Wis. Horace B. Clemans Sergt. Co. I Oshkosh, Wis. #D111 - Price $225
Transcription:
came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.”
Christian Association, 21st Wis. Vol. Inft.
disloyalty to the government of a righteous God; laying down the weapons of rebellion,
so thankfully accept the terms of peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ; & for
mutual improvement & identification cheerfully associate ourselves together as soldiers
of our Divine Master, invoking the cleansing influences of the Holy Spirit upon our hearts
to enable us to put on the whole armor of God, & as good soldiers contend earnestly for
the faith once delivered to the saints, until through Christ our great Captain & Redeemer,
we shall be made victorious over the world, the flesh, & the Devil.
