The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1862-11-21
To the People OF Maine.

At period when the most urgent necessi.
ty summons every aid to the preservation OF
national existence, action is imperatively de-
mapded.
The business Of the war upon rebellion is
to save and strengthen ourselves. as well as
to destroy or yanquish the enemy. Opera.
tions in the field, on scale OF surprising
magnitude, are liable to obscure the necessi-
ties Of the hospital, which, however, keep
alarming pace with the progress of this ter
rible struggle. Suffering again appeals to
us, and demands that our neighbors, (citizen
soldiers,) Frustrated in battle or by disease,
shall receive more substantial evidence OF
our sympathy. While the Administration
fulflis its part in affairs, it cannot look into
an inlinitude Of particulars, aud apply the
needed care hence philanthropy and pri.
yate bounty are left to their appropriate
work-qualities which prompt attention to
the humblest soldier, searching out and at
tending to his wants.
OF the twenty.nine coy regiments OF our
State, at the present time in the field, the
greater part is in the army Of Virginia, and
in the vicinity of Washington. Here are
brought the wounded and disabled in the
late battles, and the sick each day are bro't
from Maine regiments to the hospitals at
Washington.
The "Alaine Soldiers Relief Association"
composed OF citizens of Maine residing in
Washington, has already achieved eminent
usefulness in alternating distress, exposing
and correcting abuses, and by cooperating
generally with all human enterprises for the
relief Of sick and wounded men in the ser.
vice. Hospitals daily visited their manage
ment scrutinized and reported; the name,
rank, command. and condition OF each pa
tient ascertained and registered. The mem
bers of the Association have expended large
ly of their means to promote these bench.
Gent ends, and they will continue cheeriully
and religiously, to execute the trust devolved
upon them; but thoy must DO aided and sus-
tanned by the people Of Maine. IL is your
generous patriotism that must replenish the
funds which enable human agency, under
Providence to save many q valuable liie.-
Therefore, in behalf Of our country, our re-
ligion our liberty, our neihbbors, and hui
manity, we appeal to every citizen Of Maine
to take this matter personally in hand, that
all may DO instrumental in alternating the
| huItIlTHH vi tHOSo WIZ uaNO SobO Wv "Du'
among us to vindicate the workso OF our faith
ers.
IL need not be said that where hardship
and death most abound there the gallant
volunteers Of Maine have been Of the FORE
most-eycr answering to the roll call OF dam
ger hence let not their suierings invoke
our humanity in vain. The ties OF neigh.
borhood, kindred. and human nature, unite
to bind upon us the high obligation to care
for and cherish the devoted men who "do
and dare" for the country who, at vast ex-
penss of treasure, and infinite sacrifice to
private interests and tender affections of fam
lily. have gone forth for us to battle with the
rebellion. BE il our part to sustain their
hands while they strive with the enemies OF
the Republic, and so maintain the integrity
and invincibility of our armies.
The Sanitary Commission is doing q mar
velous work, and should be amply sustained
by every patriot, christian, phllanthropist.-
It's labcrs of love are as broad as the Repub-
lie, and as universal as light. But, when 1t
is possible, soldiers IRON Maine wish to DO
visited by persons and contributions from
Maine; il makes them cheerful and happy.
Contributions in money are the chiefaids re-
auired, as it can DO instantly applied to pur-
chase all the nccessaries required, suggested
by the condition of the invalid. All other
contributions however are earnestly called
for. All contributions Of money should be
forwarded to Hon. Horatio King, Treasurer
of the Association.
The Association has provided itself with
a store house, and store-keeper. All goods
should be marked: Maine Soldiers Relief
Association. Washington, ID. C. And the
receipt whereof will be Immediately acknowl-
edged.
The Association will actively cooperate
with the agency Of Maine now established
in Washington. 1t will promptly answer all
requests for information Of soldiers Of Maine
regiments who may be confined in tho hos
pitfalls here.
OFFICERS OF TIE SOCIETY.
Hon. Z. b. French, President; A. B. Far
well, Vice President; S. /. Kimball, Secre-
tary: Horatio King, Treasurer.
Erecutire COMMITTEE. w. Butter
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