The Buchanan County guardian. (Independence, Buchanan County, Iowa) 1858-1864, 1863-06-09
NO. H..
SANITARY CIRCULAR.
Report of Mrs. Wittenmyer to Governor
KirkwOod.

Report of Mrs. Wittenmyer to Governor
KirkwOod.
Hon. S. j. Kirkwood, Gov. of Iowa..
DEAR SRI have visited, during the
last three months most of the Iowa reg
iments in the field, and it gives me great
pleasure to report that, with but few ex-
cep.ions, have found their camps and
hospitals in as good condition, as cir-
cumstances would admit
Some of our regiments occupy posi-
tons of honor and great responsibility,
and most Of our officers and troops are
spoken of in terms of praise and COM
mendation by the Commanding Generals
Of the Western Department.
The health of our army has greatly
improved, owing mainly 10 the distribu-
ton Of large supplies Of vegetables, and
anti-scorbutics, but we have now about
thirty thousand troops in section of oar
country made desolate by the ravages of
war-the sickly season of summer is
approaching, and unless generous sup.
ply Of vegetable food is contributed by
the loyal people at home, scurvy, debii.
ity and great mortality must result.
therefore call your special attention to
the sanitary organizations of the State,
and urge upon you the importance of
securing unanimous and concentrated
efforts.
l am receiving large contributions
from all parts of the State, but, up to
this time, the supply has not been equal
TO the demand. This will not be mat
ter of surprise 10 those who have care
fully calculated the amount necessary 10
supply so large an army, but persons un,
acquainted with the Commissary Depart.
ment, are liable to reach false conclus.
ions. 1t is found, upon calculation, to
require 500 bushels Of potatoes to supply
one pound to each man in the field, from
this State, and SIC bushels OF dried ap.
Piles to supply one fourth Of a pound to
each man, aud other things in ike pro-
poi tion. But the character Of the work
now before US, which has assumed such
immense magnitude, is ene that ought to
command the aid and sympathy of every
generous loyal person in the State.
| have received, during the last three
months, from the soldiers aid societies
of the State, l,153 packages. (barrel,
and boxes, of goods and vegetables. and
S425.5S in money. A full exhibit of
the receipts and disbursements will ap-
pear in my annual report. have. dur
ing that time, received from the IT, S.
Government, ten bales Of cotton for com.
torables, which have been manufactured
by the aid societies in the West with
great accep,ability, and are now being
distributed for use in the general and
post hospitals. | have just received and
caused TO be sold, another lot IA bales)
Of cotton, given me by the L. S. Gov
ernment for sanitary purposes, on which
have realized $4,000 Is, which is now
on deposit, and which. according TO in
structions from the Government, | will
apply to the purchase of such supplies
as are most needed by the army
The Government is Offering me safe
and prompt transportation for sanitary
supplies. and every facility for carrying
out the generous intentions Of our people.
Owing 10 recent orders. no more goods
can be sent at the cost Of the Govern
ment to particular individuals or regi-
ments, but all supplies must 30 into .
common fund for general distribution.
The transportations briefly mentioned
in this report. together with my hospital
labors, an immense correspondence. and
over three thousand miles travel. have
so completely occupied my time. that
have not been able to devote as much
attention to organizing societies in the
State as | had hoped. but | can safely
report large increase in the number Of
societies, and greater enthusiasm in re.
gard to the sanitary affairs throughout
he State, than ever has existed hereto.
fore Hoping that l have done some
good, and that my labors may meet your
appreciation.
am. very respectfully.
your obedieut servant,
ANNIE WIrrESaYER,
| Sale Sanitary Arant.