Cleveland morning leader. [volume] (Cleveland [Ohio]) 1854-1865, 1863-02-28
SOLDIERS AID SOCIETY.
IS BASK sraTrr, eIrvELAxD, Feb. %, 1893

expectation upon the movements OF our
Mississippi feet, and while each pulsatiOn
Of the electric wires thrills us with hope
that the beleaguered Vicksburg has fall
len before the steadlast and perseyering
attacks of our gallant army, every mail
brings to our rooms some new tale Of suf-
fering-some pleading call for help for the |
hundreds of brave men who, prostrsted by |
disease, more fatal than the accidents of
battle, are now lying in the temporary and
ill-eOnslructed hospitals of Youngs Point
Louisiana Opposite Vicksburg) } and many
other points upon the Mississippi.
In response to telegram received on
Monday the 29d, from Louisville, we i'm
mediately despatched carload of stores
$50 packages in charge Of special mes
seuger, and through the kindness Of the
Cleveland, Columbus s Cincinnati Rail-
road, these goods went rapidly forward by
passenger train and were Immediately
transferred to the river, and are to 60 by
Sanitary steamer down the Mississippi.
This shipment comprised over 700 sets of
hospital garments, mostly heavy fannels,
800 pairs Of woolen socks, 800 quilts and
blankets, 700 sheets, 400 pillows and cases,
a large quantity Of groceries and vegeta-
bIes, nearly $50 cans of concentrated beef
soup, and q prspOrtiOnate supply Of the
lighter articles of diet
We would not under-value the relief
that these stores will bring, and it Is with
heartfelt gratitude that we acknowledge
tide services Of the branch societies whose
open-handed generosity has enabled US to
send forward so much that will comfort
and cheer the destitute and suffering vic
tins Of disease; but in view of the press
ing necessities Of the hundreds who claim
our care, we ore constrained to cry with
the apostle Of old, "What are these among
so many ?" and to mourn that the day of
miracles has passed, and that no divine
hand will touch, and so multiply the moiety
we offer that each needy one may have his
share.
1t seems certain that our western troops
are on the eve Of most important and haz-
srdous service, and that the next few
weeks will be of critical moment in the
history Of our national struggle. The
aid that be given to the sick Of our army
no,v, may be of infinitely greater service
to our country than ever before. Every
man now restored to vigor and reclaimed
to battle for the Union, is one arm given
back to strike at the root Of cause which
, is tOtterlng upon the brink Ofa final over
throw, but which if allowed to gather
strength and bOldness from knowledge
of our failing ranks, may gain foOthOlC
: only to be removed at the added cost o
: hundreds of lies that are precious Il
Northern hearts.
Theletters that we give below will show
how great is the present need of the siel
and wounded of Grants army, and should
the expected battle at Vicksburg soon oc
cur, the demand will be incalculabl!
greater.
One of our Sanitary agents writes from
Louisville, February 10th;
al arrived here this morning, from
Memphis The suffering at 7 oung Point j
beyond description; 10000 sick and wound
ed are now lying there without the means
obtaining relief. They make urgent sp
peals for hospital stores. A steamer hs
been chartered here, and will be losde'
+ immediately for their assistance"
The following letter from the suogeol
in charge Of Sanitary steamer will shO7
the desperte state Of the sick of Grant
army:
I Dr.. J. s. NEwBERRY, SECRETARY SAM
= rARY COMMISSION, Louisville, Kentucky
Il write a hasty note to say tha
l. we arrived here Tuesday night. VI
Wednesday morning I got verbal orde
l. from Gen. Grant to use the "Silver wave
as dispensing boat. got into position
and was proceeding to operate, when tn
}. captain Of the boat was peremptorily OF
dered back, to be kept at the coal barge
|
loose this morning, came over TO Young
Point where l dispensed some good
and came back to General Grants head
quarters, and now have written orde
to obtain the boat from Young's Point, an
dispense from there. The goods are mue
needed. But what we have here is mer
drop in the bucket. 1t Is so insignihcsn
that TO make it reach is almost impossible
There are two General Hospitals here i
horrid condition, utterly destitute of tn
means TO care for and keep in anythin
like reasonable comfort. In fact the sui
fering is intolerable, and there are
J. means to prevent it, not even supply c
medicines sufficient for necessary perscriE
tons.
This have from Dr. Franklin. Allo'
me to generalize by saying that too man
sanitary stores can not be forwarded
Prominent among the best are cidar, vint
l. gar, krout, potatoes and apples in a
!. forms, shirts and drawers Of flannel, OF
ions, hospital cots, husk mattresses, &C.
Canned fruits are too plenty. It is who'll
impraeticable, and also the greatest injus
ice to the medical officers Of the army
L make inspection reports at present. FC
instance, DR.. Franklin has six hundre
and fifty patients with less than blank,
each, and not forty beds or cots, no chang
of clothes, SC. Of the regiments man
have to move daily to keep out Of the ri
I ing water and If the river continues
rise for three days more at the rate Of Il
last three, two-thirds Of the army wi
have to go on board transports. Shoul
the river recede the transports wi
be sent back. Then there win be an inte
q val of rest when inspections can be mad
n In conclusion let me say that there is I
=, place here in which to establish sanitaI
:. depot. Hence, only for the gunboats, whiC
are very uncertain, We would be powerle
10 to distribute even the moiety which v
v- II L..