The New York herald., 1864-05-06
The sOldicrs' Homo.
LETvER FROM GENERAL ROBERT ANDBRsoN-scNR
RxCRILRHT SUGGESTIONS, ETC.


LETyER FROM GENERAL ROBERT ANDERSON
RxCRLLRHT SUGGESTIONS, ETC.
BREvooRr HoUeE, NKw YoRK, May 6, 1864.
JAMES GORDON BESNFrT, ESQ.,, Editor Of the NEw YoRK
HmALp;-
NY DEAR sm--l have noticed with sincere sympathy
and pleasure the efforts made by you and in your paper
impress on the public mind the necessity for mmed
ately taking steps 10 found honorable "home" foI
soldiers who have become disabled either from woundt
or disease, in the public service.
In the year 1888, beipg member Of General scotts
wrote 70 Ex-Governor Reynolds then member Of
Congress from Illinois, giving outline OF tho argu.
ments in favor OF establishing "Soldiers' Home" and
roughly mapping out what woud be the essential
provisions for the government Of such institution.
About ten years after my hrst suggestion the friends
cooperating with succeeded procuring the egsa-
ton which resulted In establishing the present "Soders'
Home for veterans Of the regular army, now IN exist
opce Washington.
only mention these matters TO show the deep interest
have at all times taken In this snbect and have to
grct that cannot procure copy OF my first letter
ex Governor Reynolds, only for the purpose Of calling
attention 20 the similarity between the views contained
in my friend Major Hapinss letter this matter and
those set forth in that document. would also say,
that opposed 20 the location OF The Soldiers Home
IN the District Of Columbia, as, IN my Judgment, every
sucn institution should be provided with plenty Of land
furnish agricultural employment and raise the greater
part OF the euppes necessary FOR the nse OF ts own in
amates There are otner DIRECTIONS 70 tho District OF
Columbia beside this want ~ space-one being that
the District Is not blessed with healthy climate, and not
tho least being the vicinity OF Congress and the great
facility the inmates thus allowed for making com.
plants TO that body.
lhe present fearful war, filing every city and village
throughout the land with crippled and helpless men In
In proportonate degree the necessity for the
creation Of SOLDIERS Homes that shall be capable OF re-
ceivng within their generous hospitality all disabled
OF the war, who, without such institutions
must be upon the cold charities Of exhausted
and overburdoncd country. With proper management
and with plenty OF land attached 70 each establishment
feel confident that the present small pension allowed
discharged for physical un1tness could be made
abundant their support 10 these institutions, that
practically Homes would be sesustaining, merely
requiring from the inmates enough labor 20 keep them
good health. There OF all trades the army,
each establishment could soon organize workshops
for all that IL required.
see that Senator John p Hale has introduced rcso-
a ssodiersi Home would be better for the health
comfort and Independence OF disabled and discharged
soldiers and trust that the inquiry thns originated
may result IN showing what conceive 10 be the fact
that the present "Solders Home, near Washington,
radically defective IN not furnishing employment and
exacting some hxed, though slight, amount OF labor
from its inmates. With three "solders homes"
located in healthy districts, Of different climates,
so as 10 suit different OF disease, suggested BY
Dr. c. r. Agnew OF this city, and with plenty OF land and
workshops attached each, think that the best poss
bio provis would be made for disabled veterans
Thanking you behalf OF the for your exertions
in this matter and feeling confident that, 10 country
which has answered with such magnificent generosity
every appeal made the interest OF our soldiers In the
ded or in the hospital, your efforts cannot but be
crowned with success remain, my dear sir very truly,
vonrs ROBERT ANDERSON,
Brigadier General United States Army.