Evansville daily journal. (Evansville, Ind.) 1863-1866, 1863-11-30
Communicated.
Thanksgiving in the Hospitals.

MESSRS. EDTTOno. It uOvri1 bo- doing I
Injustice to the soldiers of our Hospitals |
to suppose that they did not participate |
in similar services-religious, intellec-
tual and physical-with which our fellow
citizens were favored on the day of
Thanksgiving. Early preparations had
been made by the surgeons and officers
of the two Hospitals for proper observ
ance of the day. Religious services
were held by the Chaplain (Rev. Mr..
Dodge, at halfpast 10A. NJ, at which
members Of both Hospitals attended, and
to which they both listened with much
interest.
The subject of the discourse was to the
following effect: The presence of the
most unnatural war of modern times and
in a country of such light and liberty as
ours, is no proof that we are retrograd-
ing in civilization or falling back in the
march of mental and moral improve
ment. The great law of progress is, that
as we advance, new principles are
brought to light, of which we have been
ignorant, or to the existence of which we
have been deeply indiferent-principles
involving the best interests of society
and the dearest rights of men. These
principles are subjected to a thorough
examination, and conclusions are reach
ed compelling men to action. This law
of progress was applied TO the system of
slavery, and the speaker showed that we
have been compelled, as nation, to
accept the conclusion against which we
have long struggled, that slavery is in
consistent with the fundamental princi-
pies of our Constitution and with our
free institutions-and that the antago
nism between liberty and despotism, free
dom and slavery, has become more and
more apparent as the war has progress
ed. To-day are we called on to thank 6
sovereign God in an especial manner fol
{ solution He is giving to this hitherto
-rrible problem-to thank Him fol
clearer views of truth and duty on thi
slbiect-to thank Him, even amid oul
tears and sorrows over the graves o
fathers and husbands, of sons ant
brothers, that their blood has not beer
hearts with stronger love of our coun
try, by liberty for all men-to than
Him that the doom of slavery is sealed
and that the prospect of eventual deliy
erance is becoming brighter every hou
through His blessing upon the mean
employed-the counsels of our cabinet
and the efforts of our soldiers in tn
: field.
; Other causes of thankfulness wer
r-entioned. The Chaplain closed with
reference to the critical hour throug
which at that moment while he wa
speaking, we were passing, from th
5 probable conflict of arms in TENNESSEE
r and urged his audience to see to it, ths
their conduct, their spirit as soldiers an
as christians did nothing to embarras
and imperil with Sovereign,God the safi
5 ty of their comrades and the success c
our arms upon the battlefield. At tn
close all sung with zeal the words "Ar
1 a Soldier of the Cross to the tune
HAuld Lang Syne
A sumptuous dinner of turkey
: chickens, mince and apple pies, got u
WIN care anu ldSIei was prOFiueu IL
them in their respective hospitals, fror
theirlown funds, to which l70in No. l, an
t $50 in No. 2, did most ample justice
The Medical Director and lady, an
| the Chaplain and officers, participate
with them. An animated game of BIZ
: and ball among the convalescents cam
: off in the afternoon, and your core
. pendent understands that to protract tn
! enjoyments of the day, the boys had
most delicious oyster supper at nigh
They<were more than satisfied The o
fcers and soldiers of the hospital
E would hereby return their thanks t
i those citizens who thought of them an
kindly profered aid in various ways, {
needed, to help them to enjoy even tn
usual festivities of the day. D.