The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1863-05-16
From the Washington Chronicle.
An Hour in a HOsDital.

Some days since we made visit to the Ar
mory Square Hospital, for the purpose of ma
king pretty thorough examination into its
internal arrangements, and of noting what VIC
might see of its conduct and system. After a
pretty careful observation of its affairs and
management, we are able TO make a very ia
vorable report OF what came under our eye.
1t appears from the record that this Hospital
was opened August Z, 1852; that from this
date up to the time of our visit, 100 patients
have been received there. This institution is
located on Seventh street, and is in the mme-
date vicinity of the railroad, and of the land
ing of the steamers which ply on the Potomac;
hence after the battles of Popes campaign,
and the battle of Fredericksburg, many of the
soldiers that were the most seriously wounded
were carried to this receptacle. Some even
died before they could be got there, and others
very soon AFTER so that many of the most ag-
gravated cases during the war have been the
inmates of this institution. The number of
deaths which have occurred in this hospital
since il was opened is 2S2. The capacity of
the institution is 800. There are fourteen
wards, and the number of the inmates at this
time is 775. DIR. B. w. Bliss is the surgeon in
charge, and he has ten assistants. The Doctor
has established most perfect system, and
every department of the hospital is conducted
with that commendable order and precision
that should characterize every institution of
this kind. We were delighted with the admi-
rable management of all of its internal affairs
Every thing Is under the practiced eye of DIR.
Bliss, and all moves on with an accuracy
Which does not admit of jars or of conflict.
No man or woman of all the attendants or as
sistant surgeons jostles another, but each
knows his duty and performs it with undeyi-
ating precision. The bill of fare for each day
is precribed, and it consists of those substan-
tial viands which the convalescent patient
needs, abundant, wholesome, and invigorating
For the enfeebed soldier such stimulants deli
cacies, nutritious diet are furnished as his cir
cumstances and needs require. We went
through the bakery and culinary department,
and observed with much attention the manage
ment of affairs here. The bread is of superior
quality, and the preparation of the food ap-
pears TO be carried on with an eye to neatness,
desiderdtum not to be overlooked in an es-
tabshment of this kind. We visited each
ward, noted the neatness, the comfort, the care
which was everywhere apparent, and we con-
fess that we felt proud of the good and benign
Government which manifests such unexam-
pied care and solicitude for the brave men who
have suffered and periled their lives in It's de-
fense. We confess that we never felt strong
er attachment 10 our glorious free institutions
than on this occasion Of our visit to Armory
Square Hospital.
Moreover, as we looked over this institution
the sights we witnessed affected our hearts,
and tears came unbidden to our eyes. We
saw the sufferings of the brave men there con-
fled, and We saw what this Government is do
ing to alleviate them, and we felt from the bot
tom of our heart thankful to God for such a
people and such a Government. Surely the
great Being who rules over the destines of
mankind will bring us to-a successful and tri-
umphant issue.
There is one noticeable feature in this iusti-
tuition which We should not fail TO make hon.