O ETERNAL Lord God, who alone spreadest out the heavens, and rulest the raging of the sea; who hast compassed the waters with bounds, until day and night come to an end; be pleased to receive, into thy Almighty and most gracious protection, the persons of thy servants, the officers and crews of our fleet, and of all other vessels now engaged in active service. Preserve them from the dangers of the sea and from the violence of the enemy; give them victory in their various conflicts, and safety and success in all their undertakings, that they may be a safeguard unto the Confederate States of America, and a security for such as pass on the seas upon their lawful occasions; may they return in safety to enjoy the blessings of the land, with the fruits of their labour, and with a thankful remembrance of thy mercies, to praise and glorify Thy Holy Name through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
(The only known copy of this prayer, believed to have been written by Bishop Richard H. Wilmer, Protestant Episcopal Church in the Confederate States of America, is in the Emory University Library, Atlanta, Georgia.)
Presented to the Texas Marine
Department by Paymaster Trevor J. Vaughn-Williams, C.S.N., Hillcrest,
South Australia.
