Rutland weekly herald. [volume] (Rutland, Vt.) 1859-1877, 1863-08-13


The VERMONT WoUNDED.-In the
latter part of July we publisheda commu
nication from Gettysburg, which came
authenticated by the name of the writer
although it appeared anonymously in our
columns, in relation to the care of the
soldiers from this State, wounded on that
field. After waiting several days for some
explanation of the matters contained in
the letter. we noticed the subject editorial
ly, and called for correction of the state
ments il the facts would warrant one.
Complaints of a similar character to those
contained in our correspondents letter,
had come TO us through other channels !;
and deeming the matter one of grave i'm
portance, our desire in calling attention to
it was, while stating the matter as repre-
sented---to bring out the truth, in JUST ce,
both to the State and our soldiers, as well
as to the Commissioner himself if unjust
ly censured
We publish this morning letter from
Commissioner Holbrook, in reply to our
correspondent 1t will be seen that while
the statements in relation to the Commis-
sioner's arrival at Gettysburg, and what
was done by him there, do not differ very
materially from those contained in the let
ter of our correspondent---the explanation
is made that his duties as Commission er
were necessarily confined to obtaining the
transfer of all the sick and wounded
Vermont soldiers, who were able to en-
dure the journey, from the various gene
raj hospitals to the hospitals in
this state; that he was engaged in the
performance of this duty before and after
his visit to Gettysburg; that his instruc-
tons reached no further, and he had no
authority to do anything for wounded sol
diers on the field or In field hospitals.
We publish the Commissioners letter
without comment, at this time, further tn an
this that according to our present IN
formation, there were commissioners, or
citizens acting as such, from other states,
early on the field of Gettysburg, with
such supplies or delicacies as they could
carry with them, for the wounded of their
respective states to whom they sedulously
attended that if j was necessary
to cut ''red tape" to effect this they
seem to have succeeded in doing it;
that although the duties. to which the Com
missioner of this State was restricted, en-
tirely occupied his time and he stand fully
exonerated in the premises and credited
with having performed his w,rk faithfully
and well, yet the other states referred to
would still seem, through either the au-
thorized or the voluntary action of their
Commissioners, in advance of Vermont
in this particular; and finally that if states
which have heretofore endeavored to- act
through agents in caring for their wound
ed on the field of battle, have been given
to understand that their interference had
resulted in no material good and their SER
vices were not wanted, the medical depart
ment of the general government appears
itself to have experienced cure in this
respect since the battle of Gettysburg.
1t now calls upon some, if not all the 10y
al states to form, through the action OF
sasir Governors, volunteer medical reserve
corps to act in inst such emergencies as
saat after the great battles of Gettysburg.
The red-tapc obstacle to state action, IN
sabsTdination TO the General Government
Of course, would, therefore, certainly seem
;.oe removed, and we trust the call for the
organization Of such reserve corps
will be promptly responded 70.
Since writing the above we have re-
ceived two other communications upon the
subject, but as they are mainly corrobora-
tive of the letter of the Commissioners
imself, it does not seem necessary to pub
ish them in addition, at this time.