Dr. Spencer G. Welch to Cordelia Strother Welch, November 3, 1864

Near Petersburg, Va.,        

November 3, 1864.

We are still quiet. Nothing is going on except the continual fighting of the skirmishers, which amount to little more than a waste of powder and lead, although a man gets killed or wounded occasionally. The Yankees are keeping very quiet since the thrashing they received recently at this place and in front of Richmond. They will be apt to keep quiet now for some time-possibly for the remainder of the winter.

We are having rain. It fell all night and continues to-day. Billie's big coat came just in time for this cold spell of weather. He is as fat as a bear. The health of our troops is excellent and the spirit of the army is as fine as can be.

We shall know in a few days who is elected President of the United States. In my opinion Old Abraham will come in again, and I believe it would be best for us. McClellan might have the Union restored, if elected. I should prefer to remain at war for the rest of my life rather than to have any connection with the Yankees again.

You ask me to see Captain Pifer. I will do so if I happen to be near where he is again. He is now on the other (north) side of the James River with General Lee.

A man by the name of Simeon Werts is going home to-day on sick furlough for thirty days, and I shall send this letter to you by him. I shall also send my father some smoking tobacco, which we have been drawing monthly as part of our rations, and I shall send Dr. Clark some rolls of blistering ointment which we captured from the Yankees at Chancellorsville. I have more of it than I could use in two years. He has been very kind to you and I wish I had something more I could send him.

Our box of provisions from home still holds out, and if you will hurry up and come on, we may have some of it left when you arrive. I have just finished my breakfast, which consisted of hash, potatoes, biscuit, molasses and coffee. I do not mind the war as long as I can have plenty to eat and comfortable quarters. Your brother is very anxious for you to come out, and I believe you will enjoy it here this winter. It is most unfortunate that we have been able to see so little of each other during the four years of our married life.

SOURCE: Dr. Spencer G. Welch, A Confederate Surgeon's Letters to His Wife, p. 114-5

Dr. Seth Rogers to his daughter Dolly, April 5, 1863

April 5.

We have had no freezing weather since we returned, but have come back to a comparatively cold climate. I sleep warmly, but smile at the transfer from my luxurious chamber and spring bed at Jacksonville to this unwarmed tent in the sand, with hospital stores boxes for my bed and my field case of instruments for my pillow. Never an aching bone nor soreness of muscle from this. Sleeping half dressed is the normal condition and when I get along habitually to coat and cap and boots and spurs I don't see what special advantages bears and buffaloes will have over me.

SOURCE: Proceedings of the Massachusetts Historical Society, Volume 43, October, 1909—June, 1910: February 1910. p. 386

Dr. Seth Rogers to his daughter Dolly, April 13, 1863

April 13.

Today I have visited our soldiers in Gen. Hospital No. 10, in Beaufort. I am happy to say that at last we have a hospital with a look of permanence, and about as good as the others. Dr. and Mrs. Hawks and one hospital steward have worked hard to get it in order. The supply of stores and medicines has been furnished by the Medical Department. Tonight the precious wandering box of capsicum and all the good things found its way to me. The iron band had kept it secure. Not a particle of the candy nor the capsicum had been eaten, not a postage stamp lost.

SOURCE: Proceedings of the Massachusetts Historical Society, Volume 43, October, 1909—June, 1910: February 1910. p. 388

Dr. Seth Rogers to his daughter Dolly, March 3, 1863

March 3.

The plot thickens. Our steamers are coaling up and the stores and ammunition are going aboard. This looks southward and before this letter reaches you we shall probably be up some river, I hope not the one spoken of on the streets. Today Dr. M. M. Marsh of the U. S. Sanitary Commission has made his official visit and dined with me. I suppose I care the more for Dr. Marsh that he is not only a gentleman, and a physician whom I greatly respect, but also that he comes from the capital of my own native state. He is an elderly man with a countenance all covered with benignity. The following note to me from his agent at Beaufort, Mr. H. G. Spaulding, indicates the right spirit toward our movement.

“If you are in want of any hospital or sanitary supplies for your regiment, we shall be most happy to fill out a requisition for you. Send for whatever you need and state in every case the amount wanted. This is all the ‘red tape’ of our Commission, and there are no knots in it. In view of your unexpected movement I take this opportunity of assuring you of our desire to assist you in every way in our power.”

Of course Dr. Minor was posted off with a requisition and our good soldiers shall bless the Commission.

Last night our men seemed bewitched. A few ran guard to be at a dance at the old “Battery plantation.” Very early in the morning a poor fellow refused to halt, when ordered to do so by the guard, and has lost his life for it. He was shot through the side and will die within a few days.

SOURCE: Proceedings of the Massachusetts Historical Society, Volume 43, October, 1909—June, 1910: February 1910. p. 369

Diary of John Beauchamp Jones: November 9, 1863

The President returned Saturday evening, looking pretty well. Yesterday, Sunday, he was under the necestity of reading a dispatch from Gen. Lee, announcing the surprise and capture of two brigades on the Rappahannock!

This is a dark and gloomy day, spitting snow; while not a few are despondent from the recent disasters to our arms. It is supposed that we lost 3000 or 4000 men on Saturday. A day or two before, Gen. Echols had his brigade cut up at Lewisburg! Per contra, Brig.-Gen. W. E. Jones captured, on Saturday, at Rogerville, 850 prisoners, 4 pieces of artillery, 2 stands of colors, 60 wagons, and 1000 animals. Our loss, 2 killed and 8 wounded. So reads a dispatch from “R. Ransom, Major-Gen.”

There is some excitement in the city now, perhaps more than at any former period. The disaster to the "Old Guard" has put in the mouths of the croakers the famous words of Napoleon at Waterloo: “Sauve qui peut.” We have out our last reserves, and the enemy still advances. They are advancing on North Carolina, and there was some danger of the President being intercepted at Weldon. Thousands believe that Gen. Bragg is about to retire from before Grant's army at Chattanooga. And to-day bread is selling at 50 cents per loaf — small loaf!

And now the Assistant Secretary of War, Judge Campbell, is “allowing” men to pass to Maryland, through our lines. First, is a Rev. Mr. A. S. Sloat, a chaplain in the army. He was degraded for some offense by his own church, and his wife and children having preceded him (all being Northern born), as stated in his letter on file, he is allowed a passport to follow them. Recommended by Mr. S. R. Tucker. Second, Mr. J. L. White and Mr. Forrester are “allowed” passports to go to Maryland for ordnance stores. Recommended by Col. Gorgas. Third and lastly, "Tom Wash. Smith" is “allowed,” by the Assistant Secretary, to take fifteen boxes of tobacco to Maryland, and promises to bring back “medical stores.” Recommended by B. G. Williams, one of Gen. Winder's detectives, and by Capt. Winder, one of the general's sons. They bring in stores, when they return, in saddle-bags, while whole cargoes are landed at Wilmington!

SOURCE: John Beauchamp Jones, A Rebel War Clerk's Diary at the Confederate States Capital, Volume 2, p. 93

Diary of 2nd Lieutenant John S. Morgan: Monday, April 3, 1865

Go to the rear this A. M. to see Capt who I find keeping pretty quiet, go to the Commissary & draw 30 days rations, as money has played out. Tobacco is issued to the men today. Every thing about the same today along the line, Heavy details out building forts to mount heavy guns behind The enemy shell those working parties so that it is not a safe business. 75 more prisoners arrive from Genl Steele, the night of the 1st Genl Smith tired on a tug towing a barge, the tug cut loose & run leaving the barge to float in to land, it was loaded with hospital supplies & there was found on it a letter from the surgeon of the fort to some friends in Mobile which stated that “the enemy's sharpshooters annoy us a great deal” & “have killed many of our men”

SOURCE: “Diary of John S. Morgan, Company G, 33rd Iowa Infantry,” Annals of Iowa, 3rd Series, Vol. 13, No. 8, April 1923, p. 583

Captain Charles Fessenden Morse, September 1, 1862

Bivouac Between

Centreville And Bull Run,

September 1, 1862.

We have been moving around for the last two days in about the same style as heretofore. Yesterday morning, we were routed out early and marched, by a very wide detour, thirteen miles to this place, the enemy having pushed a large force between us and our main body. We were fortunate to get off as safely as we did, as the enemy came into our old camp as the rear of our column moved out of it. We had to destroy a railroad train nearly a mile long, to prevent its falling into their hands. There was any quantity of clothing, hospital stores and nice things furnished by the Sanitary Commission, on board; all these were burned. I can't learn anything about what has taken place the last few days; I only know we have been fighting severely. I judge, by our movements, that our left has been driven back. We have passed over two battle-fields in our marches; one of them covered some of the old Bull Run ground. We passed yesterday some of the winter quarters of the rebels. Their houses looked very comfortable, but of all dreary places on the face of the globe, I cannot imagine a drearier one than the Plain of Manassas. For miles and miles, almost to the Rappahannock, these great rolling plains extend, some times covered with woods, but mostly with high, coarse weeds and rank grass. There is very little population, only a house here and there at intervals of a mile or more.

SOURCE: Charles Fessenden Morse, Letters Written During the Civil War, 1861-1865, p. 84-5

Diary of Corporal Alexander G. Downing: Sunday, September 18, 1864

Have had a week of very pleasant weather. Our store of supplies here is small, as the army is to evacuate the place as soon as possible.¹

_______________

¹ This proved to be my last Sunday at Rome, Georgia, for which I was very thankful. While there I saw more sick and wounded men than I ever wish to see again. While I was a convalescent working among the sick, giving out different kinds of medicine to forty or fifty men, I was under great responsibility, and it cost me many a night's sleep and rest. — A. G. D.

Source: Alexander G. Downing, Edited by Olynthus B., Clark, Downing’s Civil War Diary, p. 215

Diary of Judith W. McGuire: May 29, 1862

No official accounts from “Stonewall” and his glorious army, but private accounts are most cheering. In the mean time, the hospitals in and around Richmond are being cleaned, aired, etc., preparatory to the anticipated battles. Oh, it is sickening to know that these preparations are necessary! Every man who is able has gone to his regiment. Country people are sending in all manner of things — shirts, drawers, socks, etc., hams, flour, fresh vegetables, fruits, preserves — for the sick and wounded. It is wonderful how these things can be spared. I suppose, if the truth were known, that they cannot be spared, except that every man and woman is ready to give up every article which is not absolutely necessary; and I dare say that gentlemen's wardrobes, which were wont to be numbered by dozens, are now reduced to couples.

It is said that General Johnston, by an admirable series of manœuvres, is managing to retreat from Williamsburg, all the time concealing the comparative weakness of his troops, and is retarding the advance of the enemy, until troops from other points can be concentrated here.

SOURCE: Judith W. McGuire, Diary of a Southern Refugee, During the War, p. 117

Major Robert Anderson to Colonel Samuel Cooper, December 16, 1860 – 8 p.m.

Fort Sumter, South Carolina,

December 16, 1860.

8 P. M.

colonel:

I have the honor to report that I have just completed, by the blessing of God, the removal to this fort of all my garrison, except the surgeon, four non-commissioned officers and seven men. We have one year's supply of hospital stores and about four months' supply of provisions for my command. I left orders to have all the guns at Fort Moultrie spiked, and the carriages of the 32-pounders, which are old, destroyed. I have sent orders to Captain Foster, who remains at Fort Moultrie, to destroy all the ammunition which he cannot send over. The step which I have taken was, in my opinion, necessary to prevent the effusion of blood.

Respectfully, your obedient servant,

robert Anderson,

Major First Artillery.

Colonel S. Cooper, Adjutant-General.

SOURCE: Samuel Wylie Crawford, The Genesis of the Civil War: The Story of Sumter, 1860-1861, p. 106-7

Diary of Judith W. McGuire: August 26, 1861

Norwood, Near Berryville. – On a visit of a few days to our relative, Dr. M. The people of this neighbourhood occupied as they are in the one I left. All hearts and hands seem open to our army. Four heavily laden wagons have left Berryville within a few days, for the hospitals below. We are all anxious about Western Virginia, of which we can hear so little. General Lee and General Floyd are there, and if they can only have men and ammunition enough we have nothing to fear.

The army in Fairfax seems quiet. Colonel Stuart, with his cavalry, has driven the enemy back, and taken possession of “Chestnut Hill” as head-quarters. There they are overlooking Washington, Georgetown, and our neighbourhood, all bristling with cannon, to prevent their nearer approach. Some of those young men can almost point from the hills on which they are encamped, to chimneys of their own firesides, the portals of their own homes. The woods are cleared away for miles; even the yard trees are gone, leaving the houses in bold relief, with nothing to shade, nothing to obscure them. I do pity those who were obliged to stay in Southern homes, with Southern hearts, surrounded by bitter and suspicious enemies. My old friend Mrs. D. is sometimes in their lines, sometimes in ours. When our men are near her, they are fed from her table, and receive all manner of kindness from her hands. Some of my nephews have been invited to her table, and treated as her relations. When they entered her house she advanced towards them with outstretched hands. “You don't know me, but I knew your mother, father, and all your relations; and besides, I am connected with you, and you must come to my house while near me, as to that of an old friend.” Nothing could be more grateful to a soldier far away from home and friends. But these were her bright moments. She has had many trials while in the enemy's lines. Her husband and grown son are in the Confederate service; she has sent her two young daughters to her friends in the lower country, and has remained as the protector of her property, with her two sons of eight and ten, as her companions. On one occasion her servant was driving the cows from her yard to be milked; from very loneliness she called to the servant to remain and milk them where they were; the very tinkling of the cow-bell was pleasant to her. It was scarcely done when a posse of soldiers came with their bayonets gleaming in the moonlight, and demanded, “Why did you have a bell rung in your yard this evening?” “Do you mean, why did the cow-bell ring? Because the cow shook her head while she was being milked.” “But you don't have the cows milked in the yard every evening. It was a signal to the rebels — you know it was — and your house shall be burnt for it.” She then had to plead her innocence to save her house, which they pretended not to believe until the servants were called up to prove her statements. They then, with threats and curses, went off. Another night she carried a candle from room to room to seek some missing article. In a short time several soldiers were seen running to her house with lighted torches, yelling “Burn it, burn it to the ground!” She ran to the yard to know the cause; instantly this lonely woman was surrounded by a lawless, shouting soldiery, each with a burning torch, revealing, by its lurid and fitful light, a countenance almost demoniac. They seemed perfectly lawless, and without a leader, for each screamed out, “We are ordered to burn your house.” “Why?” said she. “Because you have signal-lights at your windows for the d----d rebels.” She immediately suspected that no such order had been given, and summoning firmness of voice and manner to her aid, she ordered them off, saying that she should send for an officer. They did go, uttering imprecations on her defenceless head. But a still more trying scene occurred a short time ago. Our soldiers were surrounding her house, when Colonel Stuart sent off a raiding party. During that night the Yankees advanced, and our men retired. The Yankees at once heard that the raiders were out; but in what direction was the question. They came up to her house, and knowing the mother too well to attempt to extort any thing from her, ordered the little boys to tell them in what direction Colonel Stuart had gone. The boys told them that they could tell nothing. Threats followed; finally handcuffs and irons for the ankles were brought. Still those little heroes stood, the one as pale as ashes, the other with his teeth clenched over his under lip, until the blood was ready to gush out, but not one word could be extorted, until, with a feeling of hopelessness in their efforts, they went off, calling them cursed little rebels, etc. The mother saw all this, and stood it unflinchingly — poor thing! It is harrowing to think of her sufferings. Yet, if she comes away, her house will be sacked, and perhaps burnt.

We are sometimes alarmed by reports that the enemy is advancing upon Winchester; but are enabled to possess our souls in patience, and hope that all may be well. I see that they are encroaching upon the Northern Neck. I trust they may be repulsed from that fair land.

SOURCE: Judith W. McGuire, Diary of a Southern Refugee, During the War, p. 50-3

Diary of Judith W. McGuire: August 1, 1861

This whole neighbourhood is busy to-day, loading a wagon with comforts for the hospital at Fairfax Court-House. They send it down once a week, under the care of a gentleman, who, being too old for the service, does this for the sick and wounded. The hospitals at Centreville and the Court-House are filled with those who are too severely wounded to be taken to Richmond, Charlottesville, and the larger hospitals. They are supplied, to a very great degree, by private contributions. It is beautiful to see the self-denying efforts of these patriotic people. Everybody sends contributions on the appointed day to Millwood, where the wagon is filled to overflowing with garments, brandy, wine, nice bread, biscuit, sponge cake, butter, fresh vegetables, fruit, etc. Being thoroughly packed, it goes off for a journey of fifty miles.

SOURCE: Judith W. McGuire, Diary of a Southern Refugee, During the War, p. 48-9

Diary of Josephine Shaw Lowell: May 9, 1862

Today Mother received a note from Dr. Walser, the physician of the Hospital at Quarantine, saying that 250 wounded and sick are expected tomorrow and that his provisions were most insufficient, so we have been very busy trying to get some new things to help him. The letter came at 5 P.M., and now at 10:30 A.M., we have already got $100! to pay sewing women, seven pieces of cotton, 12 made shirts, 22 cut out, slippers, etc. This is doing pretty well, I think.

SOURCE: William Rhinelander Stewart, The Philanthropic Work of Josephine Shaw Lowell, p. 25-6

Hospital Supplies

Since the organization of the Relief Association, large amounts of supplies for sick and wounded soldiers have been forwarded from different parts of the county to the Executive Committee of that Association.  This committee, in the exercise of a wise discretion, have retained a large portion of these supplies, in anticipation of the establishment of a hospital here; so that the committee have something wherewith to make comfortable the expected invalids at the hospital.  A good deal more is being prepared, and much more will be needed for the comfort and convenience of those who will soon be thrown, to some extent, on our hospitality and generosity.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Thursday Morning, May 22, 1862, p. 1

The following letter was written previous to . . .

. . . the date of the dispatch from Mr. Gifford, published yesterday, but contains some facts in relation to the work of aiding sick and wounded soldiers not heretofore laid before our readers:

STEAMER CITY OF ALTON,

CAIRO, Ill., May 15, 1862 – 9 A. M.

REV. A. J. KYNETT, Sec. &c.

I have very fortunately got passage on boat City of Alton in charge of Gov. Yates; through the kindness of Gen. Strong and E. Folsom.  Having a few moments before the boat leaves, I write you all the information I can obtain so hurriedly.  Gov. Yates has commissioned Mr. Raub, of Chicago, as agent, who has had a good deal of experience in sanitary matters.  He tells me the only way to reach the wants of the suffering, is to have an agent, to whom all goods shall be sent, and said agent to make it his duty to distribute the same.  He also tells me that the thing most needed is nourishment in shape of jellies – fruits (can and dried); good liquor, (whiskey and brandy.)  Also the best wines, (the home-made wine is not of any use, as it ferments, sours, &c.)

You had better make a collection of the above articles, and forward to me at Cairo, in care of E. Folsom; also send the best porter and ale in bottles, well packed – send a good quantity of it, not less than one gross.  I cannot tell you of course of all that would be of service, but things will suggest themselves to you while packing.  The Jamaica ginger (essence) is good.  I paid $3.50 a dozen for it here; if you can get it there send it.

Now in regard to clothing, I can tell you nothing, except that Rev. E. Folsom says there is a great scarcity of thin cotton drawers, of anything else he could not tell me. – Perhaps it would be as well to suggest the same to the ladies, and if you have them on hand send on.  Direct to me at Cairo in care of Folsom.

I made some inquire about steamboat accommodations, and was told that every facility would be granted by the commander at Pittsburg Landing, and that a boat could be secured there to load with wounded, if necessary and the opinion here prevails that a battle will very soon take place.  If so, we are none too soon at work, and there is plenty of it to do.  Center is useful and energetic.  Gen. Strong welcomed me very cordially and thanked the Governor for this noble effort to aid his brave soldiers.  I wrote you a few lines a moment ago, but since learned the facts above, and while the boat was still at the landing, improved the opportunity of stating them over again partially.  All well. – the weather quite warm.

Very respectfully yours,

IRA M. GIFFORD.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Wednesday Morning, May 21, 1862, p. 1

Executive Committee Meeting

An adjourned meeting of the Executive Committee of the Soldiers’ Relief Association, was held at Putnam & Rogers’ office last evening.  The several sub-committees were present.

Mr. Dow, from sub-committee appointed to procure hospital accommodations, recommended that Camp McClellan had been selected, the consent of Capt. Hendershott having been obtained.  He also reported the action of the committee in procuring fixtures, etc.

On motion, Mr. Huot was appointed a committee to make the necessary repairs and improvements on the buildings at Camp McClellan, under direction of the Surgical Committee.

Mr. Davies moved that the Surgical Committee be authorized to have the buildings put in immediate readiness.

Mr. Dow offered the following, which was adopted:

Resolved, That a committee of one be appointed, whose duty it shall be to furnish, under the direction of the Surgical committee, all necessary supplies for the Hospital, and if it be required, that a person so appointed be paid a reasonable compensation for his services.

The chair appointed Warrant Teale said committee.

On motion, John Collins, C. E. Putnam and Israel Hall were appointed an auditing committee, to whom all accounts against the society be presented for approval.

On motion the Rev. A. J. Kynett was added to the surgical committee.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Wednesday Morning, May 21, 1862, p. 1

Colonel Thomas Kilby Smith to Elizabeth Budd Smith, January 26, 1862

HEADQUARTERS 54TH REGT. O. V. U. S. A.,

CAMP DENNISON, January 26, 1862.

To-day the sword is received, and a very elegant and superior sword it is, I assure you, with its double scabbard and sword-belt all complete, well worthy of the donors.¹ My only prayer now is that by the grace of God, I may be enabled so to use it that they may not believe the gift ill-bestowed. I shall acknowledge the favor to-morrow if my time is not too much cut up. I have my head, hands, and heart full now and find every moment precious to me. . . .

You ask me to publish the correspondence between the kind friends who have presented me with the splendid sword and myself. I am almost ashamed to publish now the compliments through the daily papers. I would prefer, unless they preferred the other course, to wait until I had accomplished something that would be deemed worthy of the honor. One of my former associates at the Cincinnati Bar, who has taken the field, Colonel McCook, has recently at the battle of Fishing Creek, near Somerset, won laurels. Several Cincinnatians distinguished themselves, some were killed, and many were wounded. I do not like, or rather I do not think it quite in good taste to publish at this time, that which it would have been quite proper and of immense benefit to me and my regiment to have published a month or six weeks ago. I have not fully made up my mind, however, in regard to the matter, and whatever I do, you shall be at once apprised of.

I have the honor to command a regiment composed of as fine a body of men as perhaps were ever got together, and, if there is faith in human nature, they are all devoted to me. I feel sometimes, barring the deeds, like a hero of romance. I have three fine horses; one of them a stallion, that nobody can back or manage but myself; the very realization of all I ever hoped for in a horse, perfect in size, in symmetry of form, in color, in carriage, in speed, and in gait. His harness is complete. My pistols are the best of Colt's revolvers, with one of which I cut a card one inch on the line below the centre at a hundred and twenty-five yards distance a few days ago. I govern at despotic will nearly a thousand men, each one of whom leaps with alacrity to perform my bidding, and some, perhaps many, of whom would count it small cost to spill his blood for me. A soldier is always guarding the door of my tent, a line of soldiers always surrounds it, all my individual wants are supplied, the most of my wishes anticipated. I have recruited from all over the State, and all over the State I have friends, particularly among the women who are deluging me with presents for the regiment. The other day I received boxes containing two hundred exceedingly fine country woven blankets, with an equal number of flannel shirts, flannel drawers, pairs of socks and mittens from the ladies of Fayette County. Just afterwards the ladies of Preble County sent an immense quantity of blankets, socks, etc. The day before yesterday the ladies of Clifton sent some two dozen pillows, with cases, a number of sheets, shirts, old linen, etc., for hospital purposes, and to-day a large quantity of coverlids, pillows, preserved and canned fruits, etc., were sent down for the hospital. Just now as I am writing a man has come in with a dozen or two fresh eggs, each one carefully wrapped in paper, with a can of peaches, a bottle of vinegar, and a jar of tomatoes for the Colonel. Scarce a day passes that they don't send me chickens and all that sort of thing. Now, on the other side, I have a terrible responsibility, the mothers and fathers, sisters and wives, sweethearts, friends, and relations of all these brave boys look to me for their weal or woe. If I make a mistake by which human life is needlessly sacrificed, how terrible is the penalty! For this reason I am cautious. . . . I won't say I fear, for I hate the word; I don't fear anything, man or devil, but I don't choose to be in advance of myself — my hour has not yet come. I won't ask praise until I have earned it. I am very glad my friends have sent me this sword. It is more gratifying to my feelings than I can express to you, and I wish you would take occasion to write to each one of them, a list of the names of whom I will give you, your own personal recognition of the claim they have to your gratitude for the kindness and honor they have done your son.

You say you fear I am passing a gloomy winter in camp. I wish you could see me at this moment and the interior of the hut I live in. It is to me a paradise of delight. Do you recollect the old kitchen at the farm, and the saddles and bridles, bits and spurs that garnished the walls. View me now only more so ; pistols and swords, bridles and belts, caps and gauntlets, foils and uniforms, a rough pine cupboard with a bottle of whiskey and a jug of water, pipes, a table covered with a blanket, and that thoroughly littered, letters answered and unanswered, mostly the latter; Hardee & Scott, the Army Regulations, and the Lord knows what. Buffalo robes to sleep on, and horse rugs, red, gray, and blue blankets for cover; lie down when I please, get up when I please, breakfast from eight till eleven, dinner from twelve to four, for no heed do I pay to special orders in the eating line. I make the men eat to the tap of the drum, but I eat when I please. No woman to bother me, save the country maidens who come to camp to see the soldiers, and they not much. Nary baby to keep awake o' nights. The fact is, camp life to a field-officer is a bachelor's paradise.

__________

¹ Presented by friends in Massachusetts.

SOURCE: Walter George Smith, Life and letters of Thomas Kilby Smith, p. 178-80

An Appeal To the Ladies

It is expected that three hundred sick and wounded soldiers will be brought to this place in a few days for which hospital necessaries will be needed; it is therefore requested that the members of the Soldiers’ Aid Society, and all others benevolently inclined, will meet for the purpose of making up such articles every day this week, or until the work is completed, in the lecture room of the Christian Chapel, Brady street.  Doors open at 9 o’clock, a.m.

Ladies having sewing machines to spare are requested to bring them to the room or use them at home for this purpose.

By order of

PRES. SOL. AID SOCIETY.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Wednesday Morning, May 21, 1862, p. 1

Executive Committee Meeting

The Executive Committee of the Soldiers’ Relief Association met last evening at Putnam and Rogers’ office for the purpose of taking steps towards providing hospital accommodations for the sick and wounded, proposed to be sent her from the seat of war in Tennessee.

The dispatch from Ira M. Gifford, (mentioned elsewhere) was laid before the meeting, and the reply stated, which was to send the sick and wounded along.

Mr. Dow moved that Camp McClellan be appropriated for hospital purposes.

Mr. Collins though the committee had no right to do so.

Mr. Collins moved to amend, that a committee of five be selected to select a place for a hospital, provide for fitting it up, and report at a meeting on Tuesday, (this) evening.  Committee – Dow, Davies, Olshausen, Claussen, and Putnam.

The propriety of using Fejervary’s Block for hospital purposes was considered.  Mr. Collins and R. Langer objected, on account of improper ventilation and other inconveniences not easily overcome.

Mt. Ida College, the Main Street Church and other places were spoken of.

Mr. Claussen moved that the sum of ten dollars be appropriated for the relief of August Schulz, a soldier of the 16th regiment at home on furlough, who is in a very needy condition.  Motion. Prevailed.

On motion, G. L. Davenport and J. S. Conner, were appointed to fill the vacancies on the Surgical Committee, occasioned by the absence of Drs. Maxwell and Gamble.

Mr. Olshausen moved that Mr. Center, who is with Mr. Gifford in Tennessee, be allowed $1.00 per day as nurse.  Adopted.

Mr. Dow moved that a committee of five on providing hospital supplies be appointed – the same to be selected from outside of the Ex. Committee.  Carried.

Appointment of committee postponed until to-morrow (this) evening; and Messrs. Dow, Hills, and Lahrmann were appointed to select such committee on supplies.

Adjourned till this (Tuesday) evening at 8 o’clock.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Tuesday Morning, May 20, 1862, p. 1

Low Water on the Ohio

LOUISVILLE, May 18.

The steam-ram Switzerland has got aground in the canal, preventing the passage of boats.

The steamer Glendale, with hospital stores, for Pittsburg Landing, was obliged to return to Cincinnati, as there are but two feet of water on the Falls.  The Franklin will care forward her stores.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Tuesday Morning, May 20, 1862, p. 1