The New Testament. New York: American Bible Society, 1857. 8vo. Original embossed leather. Front free endpaper inscribed: "V.M. Johnson's Book. Marlboro Pt. Stafford Co. Va. Sept. 6th 1861."

An inscribed book from Virginia Military Institute (VMI) graduate and Confederate soldier, Valentine Mason Johnson (1838-1909). Here, he has boldly signed his name to the front free endpaper in the early days of the war.

A graduate of Virginia Military Institute, Johnson was elected captain of the "Mount Pleasant Rifles" militia, which would soon become Company "D" of the 30th Virginia Infantry. The 30th Virginia served in Corse's Brigade, Picket's Division, 1st Corps of the Army of Northern Virginia.

Johnson served for several months until he was furloughed in March 1862 due to a family illness. He never returned to the 30th Virginia, but took a position as the Superintendent of the Florida Military Institute for the remainder of the war. The cadets there often served in a Home Guard capacity, including guarding Union prisoners and defending the capitol. When the Federal fleet landed troops on the Gulf Coast, with intent to capture Tallahassee, the cadets were rallied and sworn into Confederate service. Along with a small contingent of Confederate troops, Captain Johnson led the young students at the Battle of Natural Bridge, preventing Union forces from crossing the Natural Bridge on the St. Marks River. After the war, he continued his career as an educator.

[Civil War, Union, Confederate, Books, Ephemera, Documents, Manuscripts, Florida]