Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1863-12-31
appeal to the Citizens Of the Loyal States In
Behalf of Disabled Union Soldiers.

The establishment of permanent home
for sick and disabled soldiers, is prompted by
the dictates OF humanity, and by gratitude to
our patriotic sons and brothers. Thousands
who have gone forth to battle for the preser-
walton of our glorious institutions, the unity
OF the States, and to extend the area of free
dom, will return to us with mangled limbs,
and shattered frames incapacitated for labor
during the remaining period of their existence
here. To such can we refuse a Christian
welcome and a comfortable home But we
are persuaded that generous public needs
no argument to induce them to the perform
ance of duty so manifest, and we therefore
proceed to state briefly the purpose of those
who design to establish permanent home
for the relief of the disabled soldiers of the
Union.
1t is generally known that the original draft
Of the Presidents Emancipation Proclama-
tion through the generosity of our fellow-cit
izen, Thomas B. Bryan, Esq, is the property
of the disabled soldiers OF the Union Army
to be held in trust for their benefit by the
Soldiers Home of Chicago. This document
destined to live on the page of history when
generations yet unborn have passed away
and to be referred to by the historian as the
great instrument by which that foul blot on
our national escutcheon, human slavery, was
obliterated, is regarded by us as Of immense
present and prospective value. In order that
the disabled soldiers may more fully realize
that value, we have resolved to adopt the
plan suggested by the donor of the original
document, in atfording every loyal citizen of
the North an opportunity to subscribe to-
wards its purchase from the soldiers, the sum
OF one dollar, to create fund for the cree
ton and maintenance of permanent home
for disabled soldiers. The fund thus produc-
ed will, we trust, prove sufficient to carry out
the design to the extent required, and benefit
| the noble and patriotic recipients of your
| bounty. The original document thus to be-
come the corner stone Or foundation of the
Soldiers Home, will be sacredy preserved in
| the same, and may thus prove source of
| permanent revenue to the soldiers. Is any
/ appeal necessary to your humanity or your
Christian sympathy? We trust not. We
! believe that all who love their country and
its glorious institutions Will gladly contribute
the single dollar that is necessary to shelter,
support and smooth the passage to the grave,
of the SCARED and disabled veterans who have
been our defenders and the restorers of our
great and beloved Union.
Every city, town, village and hamlet
| throughout the land, and especially through
out the Northwest, should Immediately ap-
| point committees to solicit the subscription
desired, and to this end we forward you this
brief circular, hoping that you will take meas
ures without delay, to cooperate with Us in
| carrying out this design, and will correspond
with the President of our Association, Thos.
B. Bryan, Chicago, ILL.,, on the subject, adj
vising him Of the committees appointed and
the result of their labor
Mrs. 0. Fl. HOsMER,