Cleveland morning leader. [volume] (Cleveland [Ohio]) 1854-1865, 1863-10-03
SOLDIERS AID SOCIETY.


s5 BANK STREET, CLEvELAsD, October 3, 1853.
We present this week to our friends
brief statement Of the operations Of our
Depot Hospital from its establishment to
the present date, and desire to add few
words concerning the organization and
uses of this and similar institutions.
That a certain amount Of suffering must
neeessasily exist in transferring GONZALES
cent, furloughed or discharged soldiers
from point to point, did not long escape the
attention of the Sanitary Commission
The aim of that organisation has been to
remedy evils by recourse to the proper
authorities and through regular chan
nels where it can be done. But where
this is impossible, tOitself supply defcien-
cies and meet obstacles-srmed with the
strength of true and disinterested deTo-
ton to the best interests of the soldier
key which has unlocked many a fast
closed door. In the instance now under
consideration it was soon discovered that
an agency outside of the G overnment must
be employed to secure to the soldier the
care and attention necessary to his wants
in the course of the various trsnsporta-
tions incidental to the service. Food, shell
ter and comfortable lodgings, are as essen
tisl to the eonvalescent or disabled soldier
as TO the inmate of hospital. This, their
services claim, and the inherent Justice in
every heart demands that they shall receive
it. The Sanitary Commission, as the ex-
ponent of this sentiment of the people, has
established in various cities, both in the
eastern and western Departments, what
are called Soldiers Homes, and which have
proved to be, as their name signifies, 8
home to every houseless saldier who might
pass their doors. The reception of this shell
ter is in nowise to be regarded in the light
of an accepted charity bat rather as the
rightful due of all whose names are en-
rolled in the cOuntry's service. To every
soldier such an establishment may be con.
sidered a home where weary feet may
rest, tired eyes close, and the perils of the
way be forgotten. Where it is possible to
accomplish it these institutions have re
lied upon patriotic citizens of each towr
for their support. Where this was refused
the Sanitary Commission has assumed the
care, but in every case, they should look To
home supplies to sustain them. Every
large city of the West can now boast suct
9 place of refuge. The history of our OWL
efforts in this direction and the plans fol
further action now forced upon us, shsl
BE- stated.
In April, 1862, the necessity Of provid
ing shelter for the disabled soldiers, ther
pouring in from the hospitals of TENNESSEE
and from the battle field of Shiloh-wal
suggested to US. and by the iberality o
the Lake Shore Railroad Company a room
in the Union Depot was assigned to US fol
that purpose This room was soon fur
nished by different kind friends-a faith
ful nurse engaged to attend it and an sr
raugement entered into with the generous
proprietors of the Dining Halls by whicl
comfortable meals are supplied to the sol
diers at considerable discount on the or
dinsry rates.
In this little home, christened by us Oul
Depot Hospital, have been entertained
from April 18th, 1852, to October 1st 1863
a period of eighteen months, over twenty
one hundred men, as will be seen from til
subjoined tables: