Handwritten manuscript, signed “G. W. Butler Co.…18th Regt Ill. Vols 1st Brig 4th Div. 14th Army of the Cumberland Camp on Duck River near Tullahoma Tenn. –July 15th A.D. 1863,” one page, both sides, 11.75 x 11.25, Headed: “‘Stand thou as a beaten anvil; it is the part of a hero to be played alive and yet conquer.’ Resolutions formed and adopted by G. W. Butler while in the Army in Tennessee, July 15th A.D. 1863. for the purpose of attaining a more consistent Christian Character. Almighty God help me to glorify thee in My Soul and Body Boath which are thine; give me a clean heart; teach me thy ways; appoint My paths; direct My progress; and complete My course; for the Lord Jesus’s sake. Amen”
Butler has listed 17 resolutions. In part, “Resolves 1st. That all I do, or say, or think, be to the honor and glory of God. 2nd. That I constantly aim at the example of Jesus; -cultivating all the Christian graces, as Love, Meekness, Gentleness, Patience, Forbearance, Temperance, etc. and striving to subdue such Malignant passions as Envy, Revenge, Malice, Anger, Pride, Covetousness, etc.…5th. That I, if possible read a portion of the Bible each day…6th. That I avoid every appearance of folly, and henceforth strive to be sober and thoughtful…7th. That I always speak the Truth, the whole Truth, and nothing but the Truth…11th. That I be temperate in all things; and abstain from all intoxicating liquors, save in case of extreme necessity…12th. That I ever be true to My Country and render strict obedience all reasonable orders of those placed over me legally…15th. That I carry a copy of the foregoing resolutions with, review them frequently and note where in I fail in observing them….”
On the reverse, Butler has drawn in pencil an 11 x 3 detailed map of the area around Chattanooga, Tennessee, including “Rebel camps” and “Lookout” mountain. Beneath the map is the title, by Butler, of the contents: “‘Stand thou as a beaten anvil; it is the part of a hero to be played alive and yet conquer.’ Resolutions of G. W. Butler Adopted July 15th A.D. 1863 Camp on Duck River near Tullahoma, Tenn.”
In good condition, with partial separations and paper loss along very fragile folds, scattered toning, soiling, and damp staining affecting several words, and a few old tape repairs. Excellent first-hand Civil War item. RRAuction COA.
