Daily Ohio statesman. [volume] (Columbus, Ohio) 1855-1870, 1861-07-20
The New Y ork Commission 60 Exam
tne into lhe Condition OF the Men.

ino intO'lhe Condition OF the men.
From report made by Dr.. PrTERs, assistant
to Dr.. ALEXANDER Morr, Of New York, and
published in the Tribune, we select the follow.
ing relative to the troops about Washington:
The Commission found regiments seven or
eight miles from Washington supplied with
| fresh meats three or four times week, and
fresh bread every day; while Others mile and
half from Washington we're at the same time
almoet starving for everything. This was owing
to the ineficiency or rasoslity Of the quarter
masters To illustrate how the men think Of
the matter, the speech Of Major to Mr.. Dors-
heimer, q State officer appointed to see that all
these things are properly attended to, may be
given.s Mr.. Dorsheimer was in the habit Of
coming round, and asking if-"anything was
wanted" finishing up bis inquiries briefly, and
departing, without leaving his name or address,
which generally proved to be the last Of the
matter. The Major belonging to the 18th
Regiment) in reply to this question, stepped
promptly forward and said, "Mr. Dorsheimer,
we have been swindled in everything from New
York, and now, thank God, we are mustered
into the United States service. We do not
want anything from you, or from New York"
Our informant is confident that large third
of the New York troops are comparatively de-
moralized from bad treatment, want of food,
and want of proper clothing. Those who came
full Of courage and zeal were now shame.faced
and disguised. Of this he Is fully satisfied.
Dr.. Mott had frequently called a meeting Of all
the officers, having the Quartermaster present,
and instructed them as to their duty, telling
the respective officers for what they were re-
sponsible In 30 far as 1t related TO the work Of
the commission. A great many captains were
not before aware of certain items OF duty thus
communicated, and of the redress TO be sought
and found In cases of negligent or culpable inef.
Aciency In departments alluded to. ~.
The Doctors found great many Of the army
Surgeons and Assistant. Surgeons completely in
competent and inefficient, paying no attention.
either they or their officers-to the cleanliness
i of the camps, the provision Of sinks, etc. They
/ found some camps that had been eight days es-
tabllshed where there was still 70 privy, the
men relieving themselves anywhere, within O
few feet of their own tents. Not only the sur
geons, but the captains and other officers, were
to be held responsible In this case. About two
thirds Of the camps visited were, however, found
in perfect order, inspected by the proper officers,
and properly looked after by the surgeons at
O'Clock daily, according to the regulations. A
large half of them were even neatly kept; the
streets scrupulously swept clean; matters pre-
senting the soldiers rough outdoor life In a
more charming aspect.
The blankets served from the state of New
York we're small in size, bad in texture, and al
most rotten, 90 that you could poke your finger
through them. They were not one third the
width and size Of the army blanket. The
came sort of svindling was apparent In tents,
blankets, clothes, shoes, etc. There we're many
men without shoes, or with only poor ones, and
their toes gaping out. This state Of things had
caused them 70 be sbamefaced and dispirited.
A great many would not ask for leave Of. absence
over their own iines for no other reason than
this. They looked like convicts in the peniten-
tisry, and worse than any hod-csfrier with whom
one would meet. This was true with third
OF The New York troops. Any person could
see 10 By taking the ts0nble 20 vidt the camps,
being, Of eourss, first supplied from hesdqaar.
tsrs with the regulate permission. But the
camps we're located miles apart, and the public
never vent farther than TO visit few crack
i regiments.
Many ColOneIs. Il was thought. neglected
their regiments By "losfng" 10 Washington,
sometimes being avsy for four OF i've days
without returning 70 zee t5sif uen, While their
lduty. Others were sssidu0ns, even 70 ezcsas.
Thus some regiments we're oysf-1fiIIe1, bslDg
kept at hard work Tor eghs hours, While Others
did not devote 70 that bsaHsss more tbss three
or four hours . day. On hos day fsgims.n
we're seen 70 drill for hears gitbogt stsp2ipg,
and then dismissed only Eve o. teD rpiastes--
not long enough 70 get drink Of sstst--sitef
which they would be called 70 fsginegtsi psfs1s
for another hour or % boar snd bali, Eens
4 of these men had been found sjRost ready W
mutiny; but they were very sGAest, ~ Nsss
ter Of course, In the mspDayrss aSd msassL
Some Of the colonels did nos kDow hew ~ ls5il--
al least they had been told 80 By yDasg army
officers sent TO assist them, 10 The hsss1sg "
the commission. Some of the ColOnsIs hsd
been seen riding about on homsbsek, 10 dress
Ing gown and slippers; others were % the epp.
trsry extreme, and were invariably appearing jn
the stiffest uniform and cooked hat, never even
putting on fatigue. ao1 igstjs ~
The punishments Feaorted TO were very curb
ous. A hole was cut In tho bottom Of beef.
barrel, and this incorporating garment was
put over an unlucky offender IN such q manner
that only his head was exposed. Small equads
night be seen paraded about In this way, shak.
| ing their heads at flies. Others were drilled
with huge logs Of wood for muskets; . couple
Of sentinels with bsyonets behind 70 force obe-
dience TO orders. Others were made TO atsnd
like statue on the top Of . beef-barfel for
three or four hours. Others were bucked and
gagged, etc, Ia most cases Of this sort severe