The Grand Haven news. [volume] (Grand Haven, Mich.) 1858-18??, 1862-08-27
ARE SOLDIERS HUMAN BEINGs9

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it to Camp Sigcl, at Ionia. We had a
cordial shake of the hand and pleasant
interview with the Wolverines" and
Others, were pleased with the proficiency
already acquired in the first rudiments of
"forward, march, and the comfort dis
played in and about the Camp, the tents,
neat uniform, &c, furnished our braves.
But, one thing caused our blood TO warm
and mantle our cheek with an indignant
blush, and that was the kind and quantl-
:y Of rations Provided small! slice OF
the latest kind of pork, tainted at that,
a dry crus. of bread and cup of water,
for breakfast, dry crust OF bread, piece
of latest pork and a cup of water alone,
for dinner, and, by way of change, fat
pork, bread and water, for supper, and
that, too, in the very heart of one of the
finest agricultural regions in the Grand
River Valley, and within one mile Of a
village where scores of wagons daily ar
rive laden with all the Injuries Of field
and garden, cheap and abundant.
The query forthwith arose, are soldiers
indeed human beings? If so, why fed
like dogsl Who is to blame for such n
state of things' Who thus robs the
brave soldier of that which so materially
conduces TO his comfort and health, and
to which he is justly entitled? The Quar-
termaster? Can he be so inhuman? And
if no better care is taken of the soldier,
non, what will be his treatment when at
the scat of the warG Is he fit for the po-
sition? Out on such an officer If our
troops were in an enemy's country, and
no better fare could be obtained, we'll
our boys would never complain; but now
they have right to complain and to be
heard.
Last Monday morning we saw at Coop
erville Richard Plat, Esq, of Polkton
whc accompanied his son, member o
the Wolverines" TO Ionia, but who, or
beholding the food furnished, came home
purchased quantity Of butter, eggs, Der
ries, &c, and started TO the relief of oul
own Wolverines" number of whom
have already become unfit for duty, OF
account of the improper and inefficient
diet furnished them. His own benevolent
and patriotic disposition prompted him tC
the good decd. AS we have fathers
brothers and friends there, ought we not
as intimately interested in their welfare
demand that justice be done them, thai
their welfare be studied by those in au
thority over them, that their healths b.
not sacrificed TO the cupidity of bogus pa
triots, who make long speeches, tell wha
sacrifices must be made for our country
and then feed those rally ing to the rescue
of that country on food usually reserved
for dogs, and pocket the proceeds o
wholesome rations withheld.
Anathemas on such men, the contempt
IDLE hypocrites! We see the damning in
fluenccs of cupidity in the whole conduc
of this war-and shall we ever prospe
in crushing the rebellion and restoring on
country till men in authority and position
love that country more than pallry gold
No, verify
Such desire for gain, for making prof
it out of Government contracts aud thu
poor soldier, robbing both Governrhen
and soldier to the greatest possible extent
is most wicked, abominable-yes, devil
ISL! We have had already too much O
il, and it is high tine that it be blotteC
out, and he is the noblest of patriots VIII,
will assist to do it.