Very rare pocket book issued by the United States Sanitary Commission, designed as an encouragement to the soldiers of the United States Army and Navy. Significantly, it contains rather full account of what their friends at home are doing for them through the U.S. Sanitary Commission. They describe the work as being commissioned by President Lincoln to make up for the wants of the wounded in camp and hospital that cannot be supplied by the Government. 

In presenting this little manual to the brave defenders of our country, the Sanitary Commission are but performing a cheerful service for those whom it is their privilege and duty to visit with every ministration of kindness within their power, trusting that they may ever prove themselves to be the Soldier's Friend. 

The text includes a calendar for the year 1865, a pay table for non-commission officers, a full 30 pages describing the work of the Sanitary Commission, letters from those impacted by their labor, and another 4 pages on the sources of supply for the Commission [churches, community fairs, etc.]. This is followed by hymns and psalms specifically selected for the benefit of the soldiers, emphasizing God's faithfulness, on the valiant character of those who suffer for the moral right, on death, on patriotic themes, its. 

Inexplicably scarce in the trade; not offered at auction since 1906. 

[Civil War; Hymns, Chaplaincy] U. S. Sanitary Commission. The Soldier's Friend. Philadelphia. Perkinpine & Higgins. 1865. 1st Edition. 128pp. 

Good + in wraps with handling on the front cover and a bit of tenderness to front and rear wrap. Else very good.