The Burlington weekly hawk-eye. [volume] (Burlington [Iowa]) 1860-1876, 1861-10-05
situation Of our Wounded at Springfield
BURNETT HOUSE,,
ST. LOUIS, NO., Sept. 30th, 1851.


Having just arrived from Springfield, Mo-,
it occurred to me that few journal items
would not be uninteresting, especially when
coming from the pen of an old correspondent,
who, for nearly year has neglected to avail
himself Of the privilege of appearing before
your readers. .
OF those who were wounded at the great bat
tie at Wilson's Greek near Springfield, one hun
bred and seyenty.si1 still remain, and when left
we're considered as prisoners of war, and sub
jects for retaliation in case any Of their own adj
herents or sympsthsers are punished in accord
ance with Gen. Fremont's proclamation.
These wounded prisoners at Springfield are
all good men. l am personally acquainted with
many of them, and have known all Of them
from constant association, from the day OF the
battle up to the 2lst inst. Many OF them are
highly connected in civil life and hold high posi-
tions in social circles, and it would be burning
shame should these brave men be neglected and
left to their fate, and the ferocity OF worse than
exasperated heathens.
OF those one hundred and seventy-six, all,
with the exception, probably not to exceed
twenty Eve. are able to leave if means of trans
portation be sent them They are kept in a
constant state Of anxiety by the threats and
bullying insults which are daily heaped upon
them, not by the head men, but by a set of raga.
mufius who constantly prowl about the streets,
and infest the hospitals for the purpose of vent
ing their venomous spleen on disabled and help.
less men. From what saw am inclined to
think Col. +, T. Taylor, Dr. Russell and Major
Cunning are, naturally, gentlemen, and disposed
to extend courtesies and kind treatment towards
our sick and wounded; but have even heard
some 0! the higher officers in command say that
if the Federals shoot their men they will most
assuredly retaliate l ardently hope, TO. human
ity's sake in general, and for the sake of our
brave wounded in particular, that some arrange.
ment will be made to bringthem away-to bring
them where they will not be kept in constan,
dread and annoyance, and subjected to Insult
upon insult. r.
l hope that in retaliation for all the bitter
treatment which has been heaped upon US, the
Federal forces will treat all prisoners that may
fall into their hands with kindness and humani
ty. Let US take pattern after the rebels in moth.
ing, especially in this, the most barbsrous fea
ture OF their warfare. 7 cannot conscientiousy
close this communication without saying a word
about the ladies Of Springfeld-the Union ladies,
God bless them.
Such noble, heroic and unsel6sh devotion to
the calls of humanity as was manifested by those
ladies deserves not only the lasting gratitude OF
those who were the recipients of their kindness,
but Of every soldier, and of the nation at large.
The memory of these noble ladies' will ever re-
main fresh IN the warm ard grateful hearts of
the wounded at Wilson's Greek. Their names
deserve to be handed down on the pages of his
tory to future generations as examples to the fe-
male sex. H. 80 t4s .@at- s't.@ts
These ladies proved visiting and ministeriDg
angels indeed. Badly wounded soldiers, covered
with blood, and grosning and crying with ex.
circulating pain, were taken to the abodes of lux
ury. They were put into the parlors and draw
ing rooms of the wealthy, and the best and most
luxurious beds in the city were given up to sui.
fering soldiers. And besides taking care OF the
wounded at their own houses, ladies and their
servants were almost hourly seen at the public
the suffering, adjusting their pillows, dressing
their wounds, and sweetly speaking words of
consolation. Mmny poor fellow owes his life
to the kind attention of these ladies.
I wish had time and space to give list of
those ladies. will mention as prominent among
the many Mrs. Graves and her amiable daughter,
Miss Jennie Wadd,cs, Mrs. J. s. Phelps, Mrs.
McIlhany, Mrs. Boyd, Mrs. Stephens, Mrs
Painter, Mrs. Melee, Mrs. FairchiId, Mrs. Lin
denbrower and Mrs. Schalls. 1a.l
Not only did these ladies who are able, do a
noble part, but the wives and daughters Of poor.
er men, now off with our army, gave food and
decacies to our wounded as long as their sup
plies lasted, and are now on the verge of s,arva
ton themselves.
Waile Missouri contains many Of natures no.
bility, shall secession's hosts Of yandals wrest
her from her proud position among the glorious
sisterhood! Let every patriotic heart answer
no, no: and let every strong arm be lifted up TO
beat back aud lay low this tide of wicked rebel.
lion! am, as ever, yours, ~
SARRr