Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1863-12-09
3aftaman' gpnrnal.
CORRESPONDENTS OF THE JOURNAL
Letter from Annapolis Nd.

U. S. GENERAL HosPIrAL. ANAPoLIs MD ,
NOVEMBER 30th, 1868. {
DEAR Row This bright and beautifuI
morning finds me enjoying all the bospitali-
ties of the we'll arranged and well conducted
hospital. in the ancient city OF Annapolis, the
capitol OF the beautiful State of MARYLAND
lhe well laid out grounds and rows of fine
Oulldlngs erected for and formerly occupied
as Naval School, all front on the beautiful
sall-dotted bay. These premises are now oc-
cupied by the patriot fathers, sons and broth
ers who have been MANNED or contracted dis
ease, or worn themse Ives out in the service Of
our beloved country. Here sits the board of
examiners, by whom much Justice is done
and not a little injustice. By them is decided
whether man aches or not-whether he will
ever stop aching-whether he has any busi-
ness to ache, and whether such ache is to per-
manently invalidate him for further service.
In the latter case he is recomme ended by said
board to the War Department for discharge.
Some officers with unhealed wounds that must
cripple them for life, and disQuaIify them for
earning subsistence for themselves, are dis
charged, turned out upon the commons like
an old horse) 10 subsist as best they can-
while Others are being sent to their RESPECT
I've Regiments, who are scarcely able to bear
the journey. much less fatigue of the march
and the lncemency of the weather at this sea-
son of the year. Then. another class is re-
tanned in hospitals for treatment, who think
they are able TO join their brave companions
In the front and do battle against the enemy
oil our country yet to go without permission
would make bad record, and that would dis
grace his name TO be blushed at by intere ,ted
ones In the future. The cases / have spoken
OF are not OF very common occurrence; and /
speak of them because, [ think even these
might be avoided. AS general thing tha
institution is conducted in a manner credita-
BILE to those having il in charge. Everything
being done to make its patients comforta-
BILE as man can be in the hands OF man.
There are now in this hospital about 10 Of
hcers-some leaving and some coming in dai-
ly am not advised of the number of pri-
Yates; but more than 400 on full diet, and
PROBABLY twice that many on low diet. Ev-
cry lew Gays comes a boat load Of walking
skeletons, representatives from Bell Island
ana other Southern prisons-yet very many
Oh these skeletons have got past walking.
They have been dying during the past two
o 81 FHm f9 " oasa df One
is enough to make ones heart ache to see the
poor fellows and hear their tale of suffering
and We are led to inquire, how long will it be
thus and our Government adopt no retaIjatory
DR. other measures to put stop TO Southern
am not one to prate at the acts
'f the Government, nor do pretend to be ca
1aoie OF prescribing remedy; but would
IMPOSE the wise heads whose business it is to
ook to these matters could find a remedy
only see the effect. If they have not the
provisions for them, then is il not bad policy
or Us TO try to bring them to terms of e1-
'hange by retaining Ofor that purpose) the
prisoners we have and may take; furnishing
hem with warm and comforta BILE quarters and
ull wholesome rations? Don't understand
De as faulting the Great Pilot of our Nation
i affairs, or either of his advisers. In them
have every confidence. YET, sometimes
an but think. cruel as it would be, we should
meet out to them their own measure. If thew
eep our men In an open field without tents
r blankets, do the same by theirs. They
boast they glad to come and
inter with the Yankees-that there will be
ut little to do this winter and they will be
xcbsnged by spring. A Reb Lieutenant told
lie it was treat TO be Captured by the yanks
nd partake of Uncle Sans crackers and hot
offee-ssid he could fight much better when
e got back after being fed up well here for
NV weeks. Our poor fellows hardly talk
lus when fresh from Libby or Bell Island;
ut all are long, loud aid deep in their curses
Southern Chivalry. should have written
ou before. had my health permitted.
Yours as ever, cE.L.