Friday, March 26, 2010

Hospital for Wounded and Sick Soldiers

The committee of nine appointed at the meeting on Saturday last, had a meeting on Monday morning at 8 o’clock, and agreed upon the form of an application to Gen. Halleck for the establishment of a hospital at this place, which will be found appended.

Gov. Kirkwood was in town yesterday, and disposed to heartily second the movement, giving it as his opinion that Camp McClellan is an admirable spot for the hospital.

It is in contemplation to send one or more of our energetic citizens to St. Louis, with the memorial in hand and a letter from the Governor. Hence, if the matter is practicable we presume a hospital will be established in this place:


DAVENPORT, Iowa, April 28, 1862

To Major General H. W. Halleck, St. Louis, Missouri –

Sir: At a general meeting of citizens of Scott county, Iowa, held in Le Claire Hall, Davenport, on Saturday, the 26th day of April, 1862, Hiram Price, Esq., in the chair and Ernst Claussen secretary, the following resolution was adopted on motion of John L. Davies:

Resolved, That six persons be added to the committee appointed by the Executive Committee of the Scott County Relief Society on the subject of a hospital, and that said committee memorialize those in authority to establish a Government hospital in this place.

In accordance with the above resolution the committee unanimously agree and earnestly request that the Government shall establish in the city of Davenport, Iowa, a hospital for the sick and wounded of our State and others who may be brought to it. Our reasons for this request are as follows:

In the first place, our troops have been in almost every battle in the Southwest; and in common with others, have shared in the ordinary disasters of the camp and field. We therefore wish to co-operate with the Government in making all suitable provision for their comfort and safety.

Secondly. As other hospitals are now being filled, and in view of the battles pending will be crowded to excess, we wish to be prepared to meet the exigencies of the case and do what we can in the aid of the sick and wounded.

Thirdly. The climate and surroundings of Davenport are admirably adapted for a hospital, as it is healthy and salubrious, and the country abounds with everything to meet its demands.

Fourthly. The city of Davenport being situated on the Mississippi river, can be easily reached in all seasons of the spring, summer and autumn by steamboat, and in the winter and at all times by railroad, making it easy of access for the sick and wounded.

Fifthly. The distance from the scene of operations of our army in the Southwest is no greater than that of Cincinnati or Chicago, while at the same time the location combines equal, if not superior, advantages to both.

Sixthly. Our citizens of the State, who have friends and kindred in the army, would have the opportunity of visiting and caring for their sick and wounded if in Davenport, which is now denied them. The only hospital in the State is at Keokuk, in the extreme southeastern portion of it. The great number of the soldiers of Iowa in the field make it imperative that hospital accommodations should be provided for them as near to their homes as possible. The gallantry and self-sacrifice of our soldiers plead strongly in its behalf.

Seventhly. Suitable buildings, at very little expense, can be procured and fitted up for the hospital. Nurses, male and female, and medical attendance [sic] are at hand and all the means and appliances to put it into effect in a very short time. In this connection we would recommend Camp McClellan. This is situated near the Mississippi river, a short distance from the city limits, and is a fine, airy location, free from miasmatic or disturbing causes. The buildings on the ground are very substantial, covered with shingle roofs and in every respect well constructed to guard against external atmospheric influences. We feel satisfied they could be readily converted, at a small outlay, into hospitals for the accommodation of at least 1,000 men. – Situated on a handsomely wooded knoll, in full view of the river and the cities of Davenport and Rock Island, we cannot help regarding it as a highly favorable spot for the alleviation of suffering humanity, and presenting inducements almost unsurpassed for rapid convalescence. Three regiments have been quartered at one time on the grounds, extending through an inclement season of the year, and we have yet to hear the first word of complaint; and we would add, very little sickness occurred there during its occupancy by the soldiers.

Eighthly. The dead of Iowa from the hospital could be buried in their own State; and we doubt not but that it would be an additional stimulus to our soldiers in camp and in the field, to know that we have been mindful of the sick and wounded, at home, and have amply made provision for them. And as we know not how long the war may continue, the sick and wounded must be waited on during its progress and after its close; and in view of the approaching sickly season in the South, the number of soldiers on the sick list will be greatly increased, and we know not of any city or county in the Northwest which affords greater facilities or advantages for a hospital than those of Davenport, Scott Co., Iowa.

To show you the disposition of the citizens of this section of the country in relation to our wounded and sick soldiers, the following resolution, on motion of John Collins, was unanimously adopted:

Resolved, By the citizens of Scott county, in public meeting assembled, that the Governor of this State be and is hereby requested to procure steamboat accommodations to convey the wounded and sick soldiers from the battle field when and as often as it shall be necessary so to do, to such place or places as have been or shall be provided for their reception.

With the earnest hope that what is above set forth will receive such consideration as the wants of our suffering soldiers may demand, and that the granting of our request may be in concurrence with the policy of the military authority, we remain,

Your ob’t servants,

IRA M. GIFFORD,
A. J. KYNETT,
H. N. POWERS,
JNO. W. THOMPSON,
TH. J. SANDERS,
CHAS. E. PUTNAM,
JAS. CHALLEN
JAS. T. LANE
E. H. MACK.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Tuesday Morning, April 29, 1862, p. 1

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