1861 CIVIL WAR. Richard Baxter's "Reformed Pastor" Presented by Soldiers to Civil War Chaplain / Preacher.

What a wonderful little piece of Civil War history, especially as it relates to the work of the Christian Commission and the missionary effort among soldiers etc., during the movement. 

Baxter, Richard. The Duties and Responsibilities of the Pastoral Office, Being an Abridgment of the Reformed Pastor by Richard Baxter. Philadelphia. Presbyterian Board of Publication. 1839. 233pp.

The present volume is inscribed to an Orderly Sergeant, William R. Kimmins [born 1826]. It seems likely, due to the content of the book, that our recipient was one of the many ministers, or a highly committed lay-person, who enlisted. Ministers were often made officers or orderlies for their skill in running groups of people and organizations, but also so that they could continue to perform their pastoral functions as they served. 

We do know that the 12th Regiment did not have an assigned Chaplain in residence, but only one on a circuit, so having someone on hand to run services, attend to the dying, and giving spiritual guidance would have been significant. 

A wonderful Civil War provenanced edition of Richard Baxter's classic on an earnest and genuinely spiritual ministry.

Inscribed:

Wm R. K******* Orderly Sergeant
Company B, 12th Regiment
Virginia [West] Volunteer Infantry
M. P. Bonar, Captain Company B
N. S. Fish, Lieutenant Company B
J. C. Roberts, 2 Lieutenant Company B.

M. P. Bonar [i.e. Martin Porter Bonar] was mustered from Rosby's Rock, VA and served in the Civil War as Captain of Company B, 12th W. Va. Infantry. 

J. C. Roberts [i.e. John C. Roberts ] was mustered from Moundsville and was later Captain of Company B, commanding the entire group. 

N. S. Fish [i.e. Nathan S. Fish] was mustered from Rosby's Rock, VA, and 1 Lieutentant of Company B. 

Extensive histories available here: 

https://www.gutenberg.org/files/45233/45233-h/45233-h.htm

[And]

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/12th_Virginia_Infantry_Regiment

Good condition, very sound, rubbed through at extremities. Some moderate foxing as shown.