The Tipton advertiser. [volume] (Tipton, Cedar Co., Iowa) 1856-1962, 1862-09-04
kEOKUk, Aug 10Th, 1862
REV. NJ. K. Cross,

AE|. NJ. N. CROSS,
See. Cedar Co. Soldiers Relief Association.
respected Etend:-After much della,
on account Of the absence of Gen. Bake,
and the delay of packets, I reached this
place yesterday morning, and having
been through the hospitals here and as
certalned the condition of the sick and
wounded in them, wi! now undertake
to give you some account of what | have
seen, not only with reference to the con.
d'tlon of Cedar county soldiers but also
concerning the general appearance and
condition Of the hospitals.
Mr.. Neiswanger, j. IL Clark, Aaron
Pearce and Thomas Spcakman are in
DR.. Latham's ward, and are now we'll
enough to be on duty about the hospital
Charles johnson and Peter Brad shaw
have gone to their regiment William
NJ eslcr is in the Sd Street Hospital; he
wants to 90 to his regiment though
scarcely able j. Haight is also await
ing examination Mr.. Edge, who was
wounded in the arm, is doing we'll. He
is in the college Hospital" Thomas
spcakman is incapable of performing
cavalry service and will soon be dischare,
ed. }. NJ. Daniels is the only one who
Is unable to be out of his bed most Of tn
time. On account Of weakness and pain
in his back he is only able to be up a
short time during each day. l am try
ing to have him discharged, for l think
it will be long time before he will be
fit for service
As near as can learn the delay ia
getting discharges arose OF account of
the following facts:
lst-On account of the great number
of patients the surgeons were kept 50
busy that they had not time to make ex.
aminations aud certificates.
I'd Within the last two week the au.
thorities of st. Louis were Of the opinion
that the discharges were to be srncl bv
the commander Of the post here and that
those that were signed at St. Louis were
signed by error; but that matter is now
settled and discharges are to be signed
at St. Louis. The patients arc now so
far recovered that the surgeons can at
tend to examinations promptly and those
that are disabled will be sent home on
discharges. DR.. Hughes has lust return
ed from St. Louis, from where he is ex-
Pcctins about 200 discharges.
There are four buildings here used as
hospitals. lst. The Third Street Hos
pitaI, otherwise known as the Leighton
House. 1t is five story building and
was intended for hotel. 1t is divided
into FIVE wards-each story constituting
ono ward.
I'd. fifth Street Hospital, known as
the Estis House, which is very large
five story building. The second and
third stories are each divided into two
wards, while each of the stories above
them constitute one ward, thus making
six wards in the building. There are
now 10 this building about GOO patients,
besides surgeons, cooks, clerks, nurses,
&c, numbering in all about 100 As
the general Office and the offices for pre-
pairing and distributing clothing arc in
this building, the proportion Of laborers
Is trlfie greater than IN the other build.
ings.
Sd. The Medical College Hospital,
Of three stories and as many
wards
4th. The Public School Hospital build
ne, having three stories and as many
Yards.
These buildings will accommodate
bout 1000 patients without being
rowded. There are | 500 here now
hey are nearly al! getting along very
veil Nine tenths of these are able to be
out as much as they wish every day
They were formerly allowed to be out on.
y one hour each day.
DIR. Hughes is post surgeon and has
charge Of all the hospital, here. Each
ward Is supplied with a ward surgeon
who Is responsible for the property aud
condition of his ard. Each ward has
also ward master and nurse to carry
GU; the directions and prescriptions of
the surgeon. am only speaking of those
employed by Governmcn, for the voca-
lions or Offices ust mentioned. Conva-
descent soldiers are detailed to assist in
all the work about the hospital Some
of these are good kind nurses, while a
.rea: many are Of no account in that
capacity. Citizens generally make bet
ter nurses than soldiers, because many of
the soldiers have endured SO many hard
ships and seen 50 much suffering that
they regard them with Indifference
There are not many who need constant
watching but boat load is expected
every day, so that volunteer nurses CHOSE
who are willng-tiftccn work without
,skin. pay Of governmenD will find
enough to do at any time and will be
.lIowcd to board and lodge at the hos
,ital
The capitals here are in great need of
hirts, drawers, and cotton socks. They
reed about 1000 shirts. Some who are
Getting we'll are obliged to 60 two weeks
Without changing, 50 that others may
ave a change oftcner. Good fresh but
cr would also be very thankfully receiv-
d. If the asso iaton wishes to make
ny donations to the hospitals here they
an be directed to Dr.. A. g. Latham,
J. S. Hospital, Fifth street, Keokuk,
owa. Dr. Latham is son of Mr. Lath-
M of Upton. He is entirely trustwor-
nv. | found him very kind and accom-
nodating and very much Interested in
he welfare of his patients. The hospital
$ well regulated and will reflect credit
pon DR.. Hughes and his assistants in
pite of the opposition of prejudiced
ew in keokuk.