NEW TESTAMENT 1861 Belonging to Francis C. Dodge, Co. “F” 8th New Hampshire Infantry

New Testament 1861 – Belonging to Francis C. Dodge, Co. “F” 8th New Hampshire Infantry.  This small pocket sized bible, a very common edition given out to soldiers during the Civil War, was published by the American Bible Society, containing the New Testament and the Book of Psalms. Embossed leather covers, well worn. On the inner flyleaf, “Francis C. Dodge /  South Newbury / 8th Co F N.H.V. / Feb 9th 1862 /  Enlisted 7/ Oct /  1861 Died ?  / 10 28 1862  (much more but pencil very thin).  The back of last page reads, ” Francis C. Dodge 8 Reg NHV Co F  enlisted Oct 7 1861   Died at Carletin Louisiana near New Orleans Aug -28- 1862   Cousen to Ellen H. Dodge  ? at Fort Independence Boston Harbor  Feb. 9, 1862  (1887)”

There are numerous pencil notations, marks highlighting bible verses, made by Francis and other family members over the years. A few other family names are written in (which I have photographed). One is a “C.C. Pike” who was in the 11th NHV, born at New London, NH, which bordered South Newbury (he was part of the assault on Marye’s  Heights at Fredericksburg in 1862).  Another name is Joel Gillingham of South Newbury. He was to young to be in the war, but married Ellen Dodge, and this helped to intertwine the three families together in the social group in the small area of New Hampshire.  There are other members of the Dodge family written in the bible, one is a Nellie M. Dodge, perhaps a sister. Some of the verses marked off would certainly be ones that a soldier would highlight, going into battle.

Francis Dodge, never did get into the fight; The regimental chaplain’s diary specifically marked his passing, noting: “Frank C. Dodge… died today. It is remarkable that this is the first death in Co. F since it left N.H.”  Disease took his life, as it did with many others subjected to the harshness of southern swamps, and climate.

A honest wartime bible.