A rare Bible from the battle of Bunker Hill will be exhibited at the Museum of the American Revolution when it opens in Philadelphia next year.
The recently-acquired King James Bible is inscribed by American soldier Francis Merrifield, who thanks God for sparing his life in the bloody 1775 battle.
The museum purchased the Bible at a Bonham’s auction in New York on April 11. It sold for $161,000, including the buyer’s premium.
Scott Stephenson, the Museum’s vice president of collections, exhibitions, and programming, told FoxNews.com, “This Bible is one of only two known to exist from the Battle of Bunker Hill, and is an authentic witness to one of the most iconic moments of the Revolutionary War.” “It provides an incredible opportunity to showcase the role that religious faith played in sustaining those who were involved in the American Revolution.
More than 100 American troops were killed and 300 wounded in the battle on June 17, 1775. Merrifield survived heavy fighting during the battle and was one of the last to leave the field, according to the Museum of the American Revolution’s Historian and Curator Philip Mead.
Merrifield wrote extensively on the front and back covers of the Bible, thanking God for his survival — writing quote — I desire to devote this spared life to his Glory and honour.”