Soldiers of God: The chaplains of the Revolutionary war

Abstract

The purpose of this manuscript is to trace the derivation of the term 'chaplain' as well as the origin and development of the chaplaincy as it is related to military forces. The work begins with the earliest times and continues through the Revolutionary period. The main emphasis is on the chaplaincy as it pertains to the American Colonies. In order to show the evolution of the institution, the European background, the spread to England and the transport of the idea to America has been sketched. The concluding chapter contains a roster of the men who served as chaplains during the Revolutionary War. It tells only the most essential facts regarding their lives. In researching the subject recourse was made to original manuscript material wherever it was available. The National Archives and the Library of Congress provided a good portion of the material used. The remainder of the material was gleaned from a number of State Historical Societies throughout the New England area. Since original source material was limited it was necessary to rely extensively upon secondary source material. The present-day military chaplaincy owes its existence to the official recognition and support rendered in the early stirrings of the Revolutionary period by the Continental Congress. Many of the early policies have become a traditional part of the chaplaincy and some of the precedents set have never been lost.