About the United States Christian Commission

Soon after the start of the Civil War, the Unites States Christian Commission was formed through the leadership of the YMCA, initially in New York and then around the country.  Their goal was "to promote the spiritual and temporal welfare of the soldiers in the army and the sailors in the Navy, in cooperation with the Chaplains."

USCC "delegates" were sent to work with soldiers for an initial period of six weeks.  They worked in cooperation with the US Sanitary Commission in field hospitals and on the battlefields.  They provided supplies, personnel, spiritual guidance, worship services, Bibles and tracts to those serving in the Union army (although they assisted Confederate soldiers who were injured or captured at times as well.)

About This Site

One of the services provided by the USCC delegates was to provide letters and envelopes to soldiers which enabled them to communicate with relatives and friends.  The privations of war often prevented them from communicating with the loved ones they left behind.  These items provide glimpses into the life and times during the Civil War and the assistance provided by the USCC delegates.

This site was created by Bob Rufenacht (Jonesborough, TN) as a repository for images, stories and information that can be gleaned by studying the USCC covers and letters.  It also serves as a starting point to link to other USCC related materials and sites.

If you would like to contribute to this site, please contact Bob by clicking Contact Us.