The Portland daily press., 1862-08-18
COMMUNICATIONS.

CLAYTON GENERAL HOSPITAL, }
Harper's Ferry, Va :
Aup. 9Th. 1890

Aug. Sth, 1862.
BROTHER GILMAN:-I the good people of
Portland don't wish to hear from me, they
must cease sending us supplies-for it will take
daily letter to contain the 'thank you's," and
"God bless yous" and isn't 1t delicious and
"won't that be comfortablet' ~ &c, &C., that
springs up from heart and lip as our many
boxes Of home supplies are opened and distrib-
uted. Our Surgeon in Chief, has been sorely
afflicted in the loss of an early brother since
my return, and having been absent has not yet
said thank you" to the many good friends of
our Hospital in the Sunrise State. To-day,
however, he called on me for the names of the
towns and Societies, who have been and are
thus literally fayoring US, and said he would
send to the Portland papers, a personal ac-
acknowledgement. 1t is impossible for me to ex-
press to you, the half Of the gratitude felt by
our sick for the timely supplies Maine has so
liberally furnished. II Is no vanity in me to
say that thus the efforts of last month, the very
lives Of many of our men have been preserved,
and thus our good Maine ladies, by literally
responding to my appeals, may congratulate
themselves as the sayiors of "the ready to per-
ish.r / wish 1 could divide the pleasure of dis
tributing our good things, with some of the
liberal donors. The simple look of thankful
ness, from the grateful recipient, would pay for
whatever there may have been of sacrifice in
the matter of giving.
When 1 look at our host of manned; some
without an arm-some minus leg-others
minus foot-and realize that their privation
is LIFELONG young men scarcely twenty-one,
can hardly restrain my tears. Soon, they
will be discharged the service, and return to
their homes; and wonder what will become
of them! We shall soon have such a company
of cripples in our cities and towns, that am
afraid the sight will grow familiar, and indi-
vidual sympathy be wanting. Do you not fear
it may be so? Or, will the home patriots re-
member these men, and procure for them some
Of the many offices they may very competently
fill?
Poor Harmon of Aroostook, is barely twen-
ty-two; yet, for the rest of his earthly span
one arm will be wanting. How will he earn
his daily bread? He has no anxiety. Indeed
his spirit Is indomitable, / passed him but a
moment ago. He was waving our glorious
flag with his one strong arm. l said swell
"Think," said he, "why I'll give it another
armw and he waved the stars and stripes with
hurrah and view Of spirit worthy Spar
tan.
You will remember exhibited Bible pick
ed up on Bolivar Heights, after the skirmish in
May.
We were talking of that Bible in the Hospi-
tai the other day, when sick man started up
and said-"What name did you say?' "Eras-
tus," was the reply. He burst into tears ex-
claiming, "Oh my motherl 1t was her bible,
and lost 1t that day!" He kissed the book
when it was restored to him, baptizing 1t with
the tears of filial affection. He said his moth
er died while he was at sea, and that on his re-
turn, the bible, with her last words, bidding
him "cease his rowing" was presented him. He
had never parted with it, until he lost iton the
field. His name Is Erastus Dibble of the 18th
New York.
felt sure the book had a history, and hence
was glad to realize my expectation.
The mail has come In, bringing me "The
Press" in which find notice of box con-
tanning tamarinds and jellies. Nothing could
be more opportune-and that box will have
special welcome. The weather is excessively
hot, and the call for acid drinks is constant
Speaking of the weather reminds me of
weakness that has been, in my theology. / used
to have some distrust about an exceedingly hot
place, but am growing sound on the Connecti-
cut platform. My conversion is thus-wise. |
live on the warm side of a six-horse-power
cook stove, kept at roasting point from 5 A.
M, until p. M. try to sleep in room just
over that same cook stove nightly, and mean
while the thermometer stands SO in the shade.
Am not soundly converted? Hence, / con-
clude there Is a hot place, and locate it in this
especial region. Should you have any person.
al or political enemies toward whom YOU feel
disposed to use popular expletive, and wish
to send them to the place, get pass direct to
our kitchen. think they will 3fess" there is
truth in "the doctrinen
The same mail brought me, with your pa-
per, letter asking me my special duties,
Well, let me quote from Mr.. Dawson's Especial
order"
You will take charge of the entire cooking
department, SO far as necessary to the subsist-
"ence of the sick. You are authorized to fur
''nish vegetables, condiments and fruits: to
''employ female help lin contraband cooks, to
prepare the diet, and to institute whatever
regulations you deem necessary for the equi-
stable distribution thereof Help will be fur
"nished you to prepare tables, take charge of
"dishes, dining rooms, &c, and the Commissa-
Try to the Institution, will issue to you all ar
"ticles of subsistence not classified in this or
"der."
Consequently, it will be seen, l am serving
my novitiate, preparatory TO opening rival
United States, or Preble House, on my return
and, when duly advertised, conclude shall be
competent to the vocation
see by an article in your paper that some
doubts are expressed concerning the legitimate
disposal of the good things forwarded to vari-
Gus hospitals. Well, it NAV be that some fail
-oi reaching their destination; but If eyes are
oil any value in testimony, and human stomachs
are TO be considered the Legitimate gaol," Il
thlnk It may safely be said 1our goodies, 90
right to 1.-THE spot" At any rate, YOU can ask
our boys, one hundred and thirty of whom /
serve three times day with such delicacies at