The national Republican., 1861-08-05
PROCEEDINGS OF THE SANITARY
COMMISSION.

COMMlSSlON.
The Sanitary Commission has closed its third
session, and the following is an account of its
recent proceedings:
Immediately after the battle of Bull Run the
agents of the Commission at Washington we're
engaged, under the direction of Doctor Harris,
in visiting the wounded, and administering as
far as possible, to their wants. Surgical
dressers, nurses, and various needed articles,
not available in Washington, were at once
ordered by telegraph, and supplied as soon as
possible from other cities. An unsuccessful
attempt was made 10 penetrate the enemy's
lines, and carry aid to the wounded on the
field of battle. The Rev. G. L. Brace, of New
York, took prominent part in these labors.
Mr.. Olmsted, the secretary, being at the time
engaged in his duties at the Central Park in
New York, on being apprised, by telegraph, Of
of severe engagement, at once took measures
to procure and send forward such articles as
were likely to be wanted in large quantities,
and came as soon as possible to Washington,
accompanied by several competent surgeons
Nearly all the members of the commission ar
rived within three days, and systematic ex.
animation of the hospitals and of the condition
of all the forces engaged in the battle, was un.
dertaken at the outset. Large bodies Of soldiers
we're found in complete disorganizaton sick
at heart, and in great misery. The causes of
this decentralization, which appeared by no
means adequately accounted for by the mere
circumstance of the repulse at Bull Run, were
made subject of careful examination, not yet
fully completed, the results of which will be
published.
hot Al opf,os a. tto
hospitals for the wounded, which could not at
once be procured through the ordinary Govern.
ment channels, was, as far as practicable, OBJ.
tanned by the commission, and supplied gra.
tuitously. Among the more important Of these
were water-beds for certain severe surgical
cases, water.pillows and rings, sheets and pill
lows, bed shirts, drawers, and napkins, wire
cradles for supporting wounded limbs, frames
for supporting bed.clothing above them, and
for holding mosquito.netting over the face, &c.
More than two thousand articles of this kind
have been distributed by the commission,
nearly oil Of them having been supplied by be.
nevoent societies and individuals in response
to call from the secretary and treasurer, which
appeared in the same issue Of the newspapers
with the first announcement of the battle
What was not thus provided in time, the funds
in the hands of the commission enabled it tc
vised, ordered, and constructed in Washington
for the occasion. A large number of little
tables to be set upon the bed, with supports fol
the arms, have been prepared. Means fol
amusing the patients, backgammon.boards
&C., and light reading, are also furnished by
the commission; store of paper, envelopes
pens and ink, is sent to each hospital, and I
person is to be employed to write letters fol
those unable to write themselves. A barber il
also employed by the commission, who goe
the round Of the hospitals, shaving and crop
ping all the patients who desire this attention
grauitousy. Fifty tons of ice have been PLACED
at the disposal of the hospital surgeons, witt
instructions to use it generously for the com
fort of the patients. The commission ha
nearly two hundred tons more ready to. b
brought to Washington, if it should be re
auired. There are many details OF this brancl
Of the commissions labors which cannot be de
scribed in general report, but which hav
added much to the relief Of the poor fellows
and are much appreciated by them, as we'll a
by the surgeons in charge. All the action G
the commission in this respect has been in er
tire harmony with and subjection to the regr
lar surgical authorities.
The debates of the commission in the lat
session have been chiefly with reference t
practical measures for placing the army on
irmer basis Of discipline, and under more il
telligent and efficient control, the experenc
of the commission thus far having showed tht
all efforts for the health Of the troops wer
useless, until radical improvement could b
effected in this respect. Resolutions wer
passed with reference TO the absence of of
GERS from their camps to the prevalence of il
temperance, to the neglect of duty Of variou
officers, advising changes in the mode of pa
ment, and measures for the encouragement
better feeling between the men and their of
GERS, and between the civil authorities and th
volunteer army. These resolutions were con
municated to the proper authorities, and II
commission had interviews with the Pres
dent and the committees of both Houses
Congress with reference to certain changes
the laws favorably to the purposes indicate
The action of the commission, seconded as
has been by the most earnest personal effor
of its members and their friends, has dout
less had some influence in bringing about Il
changes now so well established in the mi
tary government at Washington, and with whi
the public has been so much gratGed. The:
however, must be attributed mainly to the
tuitve perception of the military necessities
the case by General Mcclellan, and it is
matter of congratuation with the commissi(
that measures which they had vainly urg
for weeks before were adopted by him INN
diatcly upon his assuming command.
Competent officers being the obvious fiji
want OF the army, the commission has TAX
measures for obtaining the fullest available
formation with regard to the present oceuI
ton and condition of all living graduates
West Point, which will soon be placed beft
the Government and the public.
Action was taken looking to smpliiicati
Of the means of obtaining hospital suppl
and for an enlargement OF the range OF 81
plies.
1t being found that under the present arran
ment, the surgeons in charge Of the militt
hospitals were greatly embarrassed to get tn