The weekly pioneer and Democrat., 1862-02-07
The Soldiers Return.

| tRev. DIR. VAN INGEN, who is now in Wash.
ington, the Chaplain of New York Cava Try
regiment, contributes the following pleasant
sketch of scenes that transpired on the arrival
of our soldiers from their Richmond captivity.
The Halsted," of whom he speaks, is Mr..
| John T. Halsted, of this cty.]
WASHINGTON, Jan. %, 1862.
! To The Editors Of the Pioneer and Democrat
Close by the Baltimore and Ohio Depot,
in Washington, is a spacious building, con-
slstlng OF two vast rooms, composing the
two stories. 1t makes the parlor, bed room
and dining-room of squads and regiments
transferred hither temporarily as exigencies
require, from trains of cars.
On Saturday evening, Jan. 2l, sooner
than was expected l60 of the wounded from
Richmond marched, struggled, or we're car
ried into this receptacle. Those most dis
ahIed, about 60, were carried to large
building distant square, the Soldiers
Rest and there kindly cared for, by The
manifold appliances which the overfowipg
EAAf"eS NONbSJ Va stiC LotiVij
under the cal OF the intelligent and un-
wearied officers and volunteer helpers, of
the Sanitary Commission
On Sunday morning the 22d, forty OF the
most helpless were carried in ambuiances,
1.-TWO wheeled covered litters containing two
mattresses,) to ST. Elizabeth Hospital.
Or Monday morning l learned at the
office OF the medical director, the condition
OF the returned prisoners, and fastened to
the Rest. Inquirng Tor Minnesota boys,
was told they were in the upper room.
The stairs were soon climbed--groups we're
in lively talk all round. Around huge
stove squad was closely huddled, warming
hands: one voice unrolling rapidly yarn.
1t was familiar. A coarse blue Jacket
OF too ample size, blue pants, greasy dila-
pidated cap-and poor apology for shes,
made up the speakers garb. In the don of
talk crowded close to my friend-put my
arms around him,-laid my chin upon his
shoulder and listened. 1t seemed the lamil-
iarity of comrade, and caused no interrup.
tion. "Would you like to hire an axe.
MANI" "Guess not" "How do you
feel?" Happy, happy, happy!'
Higher, very little higher, r,-lower-
right!'' In flash, right about face, and
Halsted's eyes met those of his friend, re.
cognized oy the voice, and the old familiar
field words!
1t was happy meeting A general bath,
and rig from head to foot soon followed.
Mr.. Rice had authorized me to draw
on him for any expense the comfort of the
prisoners might require - and the one.
handed man sits here behind me now, where
one window looks out on the mysterious
"War Department" on Pennsylvania Aven-
ue, in full blast, shouldering his crutch,
and fighting his battles DER again." under
the inspiration of the sympathetic curiosity
and rapt attention of two black eyes,
looking out above the ample circumference
which nowadays describes the habitat of
woman. Happy happy! happy p True
enough. Joy after grief, and pleasure after
pain! Blessed secret to cheer those who
suffer in the way of duty. Heaviness for q
night, joy in the morning.
Well, Halstead is going home Will he
hurry? Not bit of it. He is soldier.
His pay in bis pocket-passing rich. His
furlough of thirty days signed. Why amt
he off for home? He must first 60 to his
regiment! Shake hands, and answer when
H's turn comes in company A. First Min,
nesota. Then for home.
His hand is all sound and we'll healed
the fingers gope-and the thumb as lone.
some as the usual tradtionary symbol of
single bessedness. His praise OF the skill
and sympathy and kindness OF DR.. LeBou.
teller, who made the amputation, saving his
palm by persuasions and tact, against the
decision to amputate at the wrist, unbound
ed and overAowing. My yarn is unwound.
must be of to camp.
Yours, J.V.