The Portland daily press., 1862-11-25
The Beaufort Hospital and Sisters of
Mercy.


fort is eigibly located on the bay, the tide ris-
ing and falling entirely round the main build
ing 1t consists of main body and two wings,
built in three stories, the whole well ventilated
and admirably adapted to the object for which
it is at present in use There are also several
buildings in the rear, some of which are used
as quarters for the convalescents, and other
purposes, as laundry, bake-house, &c.
The acute cases are in a two story building
detached from the main one.
The occasion of our visit was quite unex-
pected; but, accompanied by the gentlemanly
surgeon in charge, we made a thorough in
spection of the hospital, and were fully repaid
for the time necessarily occupied in so do
ing
1t was truly gratifying to observe the cleanly
condition of the rooms, halls, bedding. dc. as
well as the quiet and orderly department of
the attaches and patients.
The brave soldiers who have volunteered for
the defence of our cause, whom sickness has
temporarily untitled for duty, here enjoy all
comforts, and, indeed, the luxuries of home.
II affords US pleasure to be able to quiet fears
entertained by the friends who are at home,
for the welfare of the dear ones who are sick.
TO state that we have seen that they want for
nothing, and have witnessed the mnistering
hand of kind, affectionate women, smoothing
the pillows of the sufferers, and supplying
with untiring devotion the place of the moth
ers, sisters, or wives left behind.
The hospital is under the care OF the Sis
ters of Mercy, whose earnest devotedness to
the noble task they have assumed is manifest
in the cleanly condition of the place, and the
comfort and contentment displayed by all the
patients. One kitehen-a perfect "bijou' of a
Kitchens devoted to the use of the Sisters,
where they prepare every kind of delicacy,
which the condition of the sick may require,
in such a manner as these good sisters only
can prepare such things. The prejudice which
exists in some Observation-Disclosures towards
Roman Catholics, would be very speedily and
effectually dispelled, could they witness as we
have, those worthy ladies modestly but earn
estly pursuing their vocation among the sick
and wounded, with no hope of reward, until
He, whose divine example they emulate, shall
say, Il was sick and We mnistered unto me-"
Long may Sister Mary, Madeline the Superior
and her amiable sisters, be spared to pursue
their ''work of faith and love- among us.
Our soldiers feel truly grateful to Mrs. Foster,
the accomplished wife of our major general
for her consideration in bringing the sisters
here.
Surgeon A. w. Woodruff, of the ninth New
: Jersey volunteers is in charge of the hospital,
and the discipline Of the Institution, and the
condition of the patients reflect the highest
credit on the doctors attention and skill
Surgeon Woodruff is well and favorably known
in both Newark, n. j., and the city of New
York.
In the latter city he was long pupil Of one
of the first surgeons of the age, a professor of
surgical anatomy in one Of our best medical
schools. For years he has been in hospital
practice, and has had an extent of experience
in their management TO which none but the
most devoted lovers of their profession aspire.
We regret to state that the doctor has rather
more than his share of work at present, as hith-
a.f.. a lx...l
while with over 300 patients, DIR. w. has at
present no assistant to share his labors
The cooking utensils in the kitchens were
polished as bright as though the cooks antici-
pated an inspection.
The bakery, too, was TO us feature of much
interest. Every arrangement in such good
order, and the bread was as good as any we
have ever seen. No reflections-we are averoe
to them, and comparisons are odious"-but
we wish we could always procure our "daily
bread" from the Hammond Hospital bakery.
The laundry is necessarily on an extensive
scale, and here we saw one of the sisters en-
gagged not only in experimenting, but taking
an active part In the operations. "Washing
day" is generally voted bore and the par
Elephants even excused for loss of temper, those
we saw here were all busy, but seemed actual
ly to enjoy ii, and the sister appeared from her
look of placid contentment to regard it rather
as a relaxation. Commend to such "washing
day" experience for the future, if only 'in
memoriam."
The supplies of the subsistence department
of the hospital are derived from the hospital
fund which is made up by the saving on the
eratlons of the patients. But in addition such
articles as farina, corn starch, oat meal, gala
tine, ETC., have TO come to our friends at home
Some supplies will shortly be needed and we
know the patriotic ladies north need only to
learn our wants to supply them, We append
few requisites for the Hammond General
Hospital, Beaufort:-Farina, galitine, corn
starch, oat meal, Boston or farmer crackers
flannel shirts and draws, woolen socks. slippers
pocket handkerchiefs. and towels. The win
ter season is approaching, SO we trust our
friends in the north will toward the above sup
plies as early as convenient. Boxes and pack.
ages should be addressed, "Hospital Stores
Hammond General Hospital, U. S. A, Beau,
fort, n. C in care of Surgeon A. w. Wood.
hull" An invoice should be forwarded to sur.
geon Woodruff by mail at the time of ship
ping the goods. We omitted to mention the
fact that DIR. Upham, who acted a conspicuou:
part in organizing this hospital, and who gave
his skilful services and also his salary TO the
patients, is entitled to equally as much credit
as any one else, for his devotion and patriotic
efforts. Also Dr. Smelling, our accomplished
ana ef1lclent medical director, is entitled to tn,
thanks OF all, for the interest he has manifest
ed In THIS renowned hospital.-[Newbern Pro
gress, Oct. 25.
ADVANCE IN NEwsPAPEKs--Th Detroi
Tribune, New London Chronicle Hartford