Christian Commission, the United States

Christian Commission, The United States was a philanthropic organization of the Northern States during the late civil war, suggested by Mr. Vincent Collyer, of the Young Men's Christian Association of New York, and instituted by that body, November 14, 1861. Its object was to supplement the National Sanitary Commission, and more especially to care for the religious wants of the soldiers. The sick and wounded were personally visited, relief afforded, Christian counsel and comfort bestowed, and devotional books distributed. The amount contributed for this purpose was, in the aggregate, about $2,750,000, besides the value of voluntary offerings in supplies of various kinds, and reading matter furnished. The work closed February 11, 1866. See Moss, Annals of the United States Christian Commission (Phila. 1863). SEE YOUNG MENS CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION.