The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1862-07-18
MISCELLANY.
Sanitary Commission.
n. Y. AGENCY OF THE U. S. SAN. Con-,
49S Broadway, July 4th, 1862.

49S Broadway, July 4th, 1862.
To all Loyal Citizens Of the United States:
The Executive Committee of the United
States Sanitary Commission, acting under au-
thority from the National Government, is once
more compelled to appeal to the people on be-
half of the sick and wounded of the peoples
armies, east and west. For their relief it asks
for money and supplies-at once, and in album
dance.
The necessity is too much to admit of any
elaborate statement of its nature and extent
or OF the work the Commission is doing
Some information on both points will be OBJ
tanned from letters and papers herewith laid
before the public. They have been taken al
most at random, for there is not time even to
look through the letters and reports i'm the
hands Of the Executive Committee 1t is suf-
ficient to add, that high officers, at many
points, have repeatedly acknowledged the SER
vices rendered by the Commission. Tor rather
by the people of whom the Commission is an
almoner,) to their respective commands, as of
the highest value and Importance
From May LIST to July LIST, the Commission
has expended 1877 SIS 72-100. About nine
tenths of this sum has been laid out in the
purchase of hospital stores and appliances for
the relief of the sick and wounded at every
important military station, and in the equip
ment of the foti.la of steamers and sailing
as Hospital Transports. Its treasury is now
nearly exhausted, at the very moment when
the army most needs its aid. and when, If il
had hundred thousand dollars at its com
mand, il would still be far too weak for the tr-
gent work before it, and would still be obliged
to see hundreds perishing for want of its aid,
in the army of the Potomac alone
thousands OF brave men are now living
without sufficient shelter, food. or attendance.
in flp m and
Very many of them are destined TO perish who
could have been preserved by blanket, suit
OF hospital clothing, and a few days allow
ance OF proper diet and stimuants instead of
their ordinary rations. The Commission has
saved hundreds If not thousands of men since
this campaign began. by supplying these mex
pensive wants. very few dollars provides
what can save soldiers life, worth In mere
money valne hundreds Of dollars to the army
and TO the community. At this time, of all
Others, the country cannot afford to waste the
lives OF men trained by years experience.
and made veterans by the terrible week of
continuous battle through which they have
just triumphantly passed.
The Transport service Of the Commission /
also rendering indispensable aid 20 the country
In bringing north men who would have perish
ed " len In the malariOus hospitals Of Wig
GINA. but who are enabled, aftcr a short So
journ In healthy northern climate. 10 reioin
their regiments BY thorough system, COM
plete ventilation, attention 20 all sanitary con-
ditions, and liberal supply Of comforts and
appliances, which Government does not vet
provide. IL Is believed that these FLOATING hos
pitals' have been made superior TO those here
tofore employed In the service of any country.
This l. put part OF the work on which the
Commission i engaged. But 1t Is, at this mo-
ment by far the most pressing. Its magnitude
i appalling, In view OF the multitude OF those
q whom the question whether help from the
people shall reach them to-day or tomorrow l.
question OF life or deafh-and in view. also
Of the moral certainty that few DAYS will in
create that number BY thousands. For the
sake Of this work. the Commission has tho't il
night 10 contract Its other operations for the
present, and concentrate its resources mainly
on the relief OF the sick and wounded on the
Peninsula.
II may he said that Government should do
all this without help from private CHARITY
Were this true, the default of Government
would not excuse us In leaving our soldiers 10
perish without an effort TO save them But IL
Is only partially true. While active operation.
are in progress, and especially at the close of
great battles, the prompt aud thorough relief
and treatment ofthe sick and wounded REQUIRES
m amount OF force in men, material. and tran
sportation, which no Government heretofore
has been able to keep permanently attached Ia
its medical department. AT such times voun-
teer aid from without is Indispensable TO pre-
vent the most fearful suffering and waste of
life. however faithful and untiring the Medical
Staff may be- Such aid must be regularly or
ganized, in order TO be economical and efficient
and the Commission, with its large corps of Of
fcers and agents on the ground, experienced
in their duties, and in confidential communica-
ton with the military authorities. seems the
best organization through which the sympathy
and affection OF the people can reach and re-
lieve the peoples army.
IL should be added that the improvements
iateiy made In the organization of the Medical
bureau, ana the exertions of its able and ener-
getic head, Surgeon-General Hammond. will.
In all probability, soon render large and cost
ly portion of the work originally undertaken
by the Commission THAT of Sanitary inspec-
tion) superfluous.
By order Of the Executive Committee
G. I. STRONG, Treasurer.
II. w. BELLOWS, President.
Contributions in money are earnestly solicit
ed; and, from citizens of Maine, may be ad-
dressed to VIM II. Hadley, Agent u. S. San.
Com. Portland; or to Geo. r. Davis, State
Agent San. Com. Supplies most needed are
LIST, cotton drawers: I'd, shirts; Sd, sheets 4th
slippers; 9TH, mosquito netting. Old worn
cotton and linen cloths can be adyantageousIv
used to any amount.
All supplies should be addressed to Geo. R
Davis, as above.
sMore than 10000 sick and wounded men have Tins
been transported to the North by the Commission
with special attention to their and comfort up TO
this date. ~ "