The weekly pioneer and Democrat., 1861-12-20
Conmunications from Chaplain Cressey
Of <he Second Regiment,

| OBSERVATION-DISCLOSURES Rom Chaplain CresOcy
| OF <he Second Regiment.
| 70 the Editor Of the Pioneer and Democrat
HOSPITAL FUND FOR THE SECOND REGIMENT
| MINNESOTA VOLUNTEERS.
To the tTiends in Minnesota Of our sick soldiers
| in Kenueky:
I am not aware that the first dime has
ever been received by any one from any
source whatever for the sick soldiers of this
regiment. 1t is true that while at Fort
Smelling draft upon an Eastern firm was
sent to my order for the above purpose,
which acknowledged in the st. Paul pa
pers, but ascertaining that it was not cor
rectly drawn, returned it for correction to
the donor, and have not heard from it since.
1t is evident that the warm, damp atmos-
phere of this latitude is not as congenial to
the health of our soldiers as the dry, brac-
ing atmosphere of Minnesota. The record
of our sick at this time is as follows:
In the General Hospital at Louisville,
20 :; in the hospital tents in our camp, 20 |;
in their own quarters, who are but slightly
indisposed, 58--total, 1O7. This may seem
a great number, but we apprehend that
there is not another regiment in Kentucky
from other States as healthy as ours. Some
we know have two or three times as many
sick as we have. And in the rebel camp,
south of the Green River in this State, we
are assured that there is fearful mortality
from the black measles and viruent form
of typhoid fever.
Our surgeons are evidently men of SCI
ence and skill. They are devoted to their
profession, and successful in their practice.
But, enduring all the tolls and privations
of camp life, and some yielding to its dissi.
pations, men will be sick the camp is tie
last place on earth to secure those little
comforts, which SO eminently cheer the des
pressed heart, and sooth the wounded
spirit.
In view of these facts, it is exceedingly
desirable that there should be in the home
of the Chaplain of each regiment, fund
from which could be drawn small amounts
to furnish the sick soldiers with some Of
those needed comforts. Our surgeon has
already paid from bis own funds in small
sums, about $1,000 for these things.
Will not the churches and the benevolent
of all classes rem; mber the sick soldier far
from home, and Immediately send forward
their contributions for this noble object.
Yours fraternally,
T. R. CRESSEY,
Chaplain I'd Reg. MINI. Volunteers.
2. S. We are now at Camp Anderson,
Lebanon junction, thirty miles south of
Louisville, Ky. Any communications dis
rected to Louisville, for the Minn. I'd will
reach its destination.
N. B. WIFI other papers in Minnesota
please copy.
NEWSPAPERS FOR THE SOLDIERS.
GENTLEMEN AS was passing through
our Camp this morning a soldier said to
me, with great earnesness, " Chaplain, can
you not furnish US with more reading ? We
are famishing, LITERALLY FAMlsHINe for
something to read"
We are happy in the thought that the
Minnesota I'd is made up of thinking,
reading class of men. This thirst for knows
edge should be gratided, and the tedious,
dull hours of camp life should be relieved to
the extent of our ability.
Can you not, gentlemen Of the Press,
afford to send from each Of your Offices,
from five to twenty copies OF your weekly
for gratuitous Distribution - this Regi-
ment Any number you may send to my
charge l should be happy to distribute
according to the best of my ability. How
can you better show your interest in the
soldiers welfare
| 7. R. CRESSEY,
Chaplain I'd Reg. Min. Vols.
Louisville, KY, Camp Anderson, Nov. 20,
1861.
The following is synopsis of re-
trenchment bill introduced into Go ngress
by Mr.. Frederick A. Conkling of New
York. Mr.. Conkling proposes the follow
ing reductions
l. A reduction of twenty-five per cent. on
| all salaries. civil, naval and military, amount
ing to $4,000 year or over, including emolu-
| ments.
| q similar reduction of twenty per cent.