Worcester daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1850-1888, 1863-11-30
Worfester daily Spy,


BnlfOur Hospital.
The ladies who so successfully carried
through the fair last spring, for the purchase
OF books for the hospitals of sick and wound
ed soldiers, will be glad to learn from the fol-
lowing letter that their object has at length
been accomplished Soon after the avails of
the fair--amounting to more than six hundred
dollars-were put into the hands of the com
mittee, one hundred or more were forwarded
to the sanitary commission, for the use of the
sick and wounded at Gettysburg; two hun
dred were sent to Boston for the purchase of
the excellent tracts written by Mr. Swan, and
in course of distribution in the army of the
Potomac by Mr.. Scandlin, when he was taken
prisoner and hurried away to Richmond. Of
the remaining three hundred, little more
than halt was expended in the purchase of
books for hospital library, consisting of over
two hundred fresh volumes, principally Sc
lected by Mr.. Shipper and the subscriber,
composed OF historical and biographical works.
useful and entertaining, such as would seem
to alleviate the WEAKNESS of the soldiers con-
finement enlarge his compass of thought, and
make him better citizen when he shall re-
turn to the duties OF civil life.
1t was intended that these books. with
large quantity of tracts and newspapers,
which accompanied them, should be deposited
by Mr.. Scandlin i'll some hospital which he in
his large experience, might more wisely select
than we. They were sent to him, to the care
OF the sanitary commission in Washington.
But before they could reach him he was IN the
midst of the horrors Gone half of which has
not been told of Libby prison. Meanwhile.
the books have been carefully kept in the
care OF the commissioner, awaiting Mr. Scand-
Inns release, or a call from some hospital,
where they might accomplish the purpose for
which the funds were originally raised.
few weeks ago letters came from Miss Perry,
formerly of this city, matron of the Balfour
Hospital, in Portsmouth, near Norfolk. Va.
and DIR. Dalton, formerly Of Massachusetts,
now superintendent of the same hospital, saw
ing that there were then seven hundred CON
valescent soldiers, langushing for want
OF suitable reading, occupation, and enter
tainment. The library was Immediately sent
on, and arrived the evening before the late
thanksgiving, awakening in the heart of the
poor soldiers the liveliest interest. and adding
lnexpressibly to the fervor OF their thanks
giving offering, well as to ours When a
continent is thrilling with the tidings of great
victories at each point Of the compass, am
sure this bread will not be the less sweet, nor
their gratitude the less HEARTFELT who have
contributed to send this cheap mental re-
source to the weary, wounded and languish-
ing who suffer for us. Enough still remains
IN the hands of the committee to purchase
another respectable library Tor similar use.
A. HILL.
Worcester, Nov. 2S, 1868.
BALFoRD U. S. GENERAL HospIrAL.l
Portsmouth, Va Nov. 81, SO.
hee. At9nso tf'H-bear SIR Miss Perry. If 'h;~
hospital, has shown me note from you regarding
some reading matter for the sick aid wounded sol
ders here. wish to thank YOU sir for the interest
you take in the matter and to you that such
contribution as you refer to would be most &C.
ceptable, think it ia not generally appreciated
how many of our soldiers are now capable of en-.
joying some OF the best books of the day, and how
great an alienation to the dizziness of hospital life
supply Of appropriate literature can be made. Once
more thanking you on my own part, we'll as that
OF those of whom have charge,
l remain very respectfully,
our obedemt servant
EDWARD b. DALTON, Surgeon in charge.
BALBoUR HosPITAL,l
PORTSMOUTH, VA, Nov. %
DR.. Hill Dear Sir l rejoice to tell you that the
books have come. We are all Acknowledgment.
They came last night. Tomorrow we hope to have
them ready for distributions and will it not be most
meet Of ali things for Thanksgiving day? They are
SO costly and nice we shall not permit any to be
ken away until they covered, catalogued, and
numbered. This, with the readily bestowed aid of
the conyalescents, we can accomplish in few
hours. We are all delighted with the selections;
exactly what is wholesome and entertaining; just
what have so longed for to read to our two biind
boys. The Rollo books many boy and many a
sray-halred man. for we have both, will love. And
shall read in them in the cOlOred ward You have
sent great pile Of the Sunday School Gazette.
Those am glad to see for the colored folks too.
Last Sunday went in and read to them, but | was
troubled to find anything suitable They ike vivid
pictures, and, of all things, striking poetry. Now
Dr. Hill, will make it my study to have these pre-
cious books the medium of comfort and instruction
know you have so at heart they should be. Would
had the gilt of interesting the unfortunate ones
more, those who cannot s0lace themselves with
reading The games are welcome, too, though we
were not as poor in those in reading matter l
am very busy o-day. When the books are distrib-
uted know shall have to write TO you in behalf of
the readers Meantime remain with respect
Yours, truly. "A PERRY.