davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
, 1864-11-23
no GRUMDLING.

have the consolation Of knowing that I
have been the means Of cheering the heart Of
many soldier in affliction. Il has been
my privilege to converse with him, and pray
BY bis bedside when living and, when dying,
to point him to the Lamb Of God that taketh
away tho sins Of the world.
In their suGcrings they exhibit The utmost
fortitude and hcroism. did not deem It pos
sible to find class OF men who would bear
such suffering as have witnessed with 30 it,
tie murmuring or complaint. It is rare
thing tohcara groan, Or the language ofcom-
plant from any one Of them. And then they
manifest so much gratitude for the smallest
hyors.
These noble men Fho have periled their
lives, and shed their blood to preserve tho
liberties Of our country, and have stood as q
wall Of fire between US and the enemy, de-
serve our sympathy. And what is done for
them must be done quickly. We ought not
to consider it charity, or the bestoWtns of
aims to such men, but q sacred debt, which
we should labor faithfully to discharge
ALLHy T. GRAVES,
Delegate Of .. s. Christian Commission.
, 1864-11-23
SEND CoNTRLBUTEGE1s
Western Department Directory,

CHlCAGO.-Lcttess TO B. F. Jacobs; Money
to 8. T. Harrington, Treas; Stores to q.
&. Christian Commission. 100 Clark street.
MHWAUEEE.-Letter to D. ". Perkins ;
Money to John 4. Butcher; Stores to Wal
ter 8. Carter, care butcher, Ball & Good
rich, 108 East Water street.
ST. .LOUIs.-Letters to J. H. Parsons, rooms
of The United States Christian Commission :
Money 10 Edward Ticknor; Supplies to
1saac S. Smyth, Christian Commission Office,
under Linden Hotel.
PEORIA, u1A-Money to Theo. Higbee CON.
municatlons and supplies to William Gey-
n0lds.
ST. PAUL, M1xS.-Lettezs to n. NJ Knox
Money to D. D. Merrill Supplies to D. ".
1ngcrsoll,
RDIANAPOL1S.-L to c. N. Todd
Money to James II. Ray; Supplies to G. ".
CGppinger.
LOUISVILLE, Communications money
and supplies to J. Edward Hardy, care Of
J. G. Dodge d Co., BPS Main street.
Communication and money to
c. F. Clarke; and supplies 10 E. c. Walker.
CLEVELAND, O.-Letters to Rev. L. F. Mel.
l. len; Money to s. 81. Mather; Supplies to
6,illman Witt.
, 1864-11-23
4 ITOMAN'S WORK.

Most Of my time during the six weeks
have been IL the service. las been spent ut
Hospital No. 10, Nashville, Tennessee. The
st, Louis Ladies' Aid Society have opened and
furnished rooms for a special Dict Kitchen,
for this Hospital and a great and noble
work is done there for the SICK and wounded
soldiers. visited the hospital nearly every
day, conrerscd with soldiers, or read to them
and wrote letters for them. Then took the
number OF those who needed special tlshes
they asked for was sent 10 them. believe
many lives are eayed by the earnest, faithful
1ahors of prudent women in these Kitchens.
We found no difficulty with the surgeons.
They all seemed willing to cooperate with US
in our efforts to relieve suffering, and cheee~
{cate and nutritious articles of food as We
could supply, to..thc very bedside Of the Bick
and dying soldiers. 80
These kitchens arc being established in
most Of the hospitals In Nashville !; and their
success has proved the utility Of this method
beyond the reach of all ordinary means. The
1a66rs of these weeks have been among the
most pleasant, because the most useful Of mr.
lilc; md the lessons Of patience and submis-
sion that have learned by the bedside Of
those pale, patient sufferer, will never pass
from my memory. I Was often surprised at
the cheerful courage and endurance that ma-
ny, who were mere boys, displayed; and I felt
more than ever that this war Is developing
more Of true manliness, energy, and fort.tude,
than Ee ever supposed our American boys
possessed. found many cases in which
became much interested, but which cannot
describe In SO short report. You will tlnd
some incidents In the Conqre9dtiona1ist Of June
24th. I went with the intention Of
caring especially for Michigan boys
and they did have claim upon mr.
attention; but when came to . cot bearing
| the form Of one Of New England's brave
| sons. my heart was moved BY memories Of q
childhood home among the bills OF Vermont,
and felt lender regard for her patriotic
sons; but in my attentions and distribution
! Of comforts, I could make no distinction Of
/ State, and 1 felt a grateful lore for al as the
| defenders Of one united country.
+! One Of the pleasant features Of the work Of
! the Christian Commission is the harmony
| with which brethren Of a1l~denominatfons
labor together. The Rev. Mr.. and Mrs.
| Smith make very cheerful and pleasant
home In Nashville for the delegates, and the
! question Of denomination Is never thought
! Of. Another thought that was pleasant to
! dwell upon was, the large-heartca liberality
! of friends at the North in sending such
| constant and uncnding supplies for our
brave soldiers through the Sanitary and
! Christian Commission, It seems to me that
their generosity Was equal to the fortitude
> and bravery Of our soldiers. While In Nash;
Vile /, received flfty-fiye dollars from friende
in Al}egan and Three Rivers, with the request
that would spend 1t In any way thought
: best, for the relief Of the wounded and dying
These gifts were uncalled for by me, and m.
: knoHd 10 The world but they were grateful
, 1864-11-23
TIE CHRISTIAN COMMISSION
In WASHINGTON.

"Carleton" thus graphically describes tue
work and location OF the Commission IN the
Capital.
CLERICAL UNIFORM AND WORK.
"Co1ne up to our rooms and see us, !" WAS
the kind Invitation Of Rev. Mr. Thurston, Of
Newbury, in charge Of the Christian Commis.
sion Rooms Mt Washington. accepted the
'inyitation, and reached the small one story
brick house 1t the corner Of I and Ninth
streets. A wagon stood before The door. I
neened in and saW some cans Of prepared
milk. bottles Of jelues, oranges, lemons,
errups, wines, cordials,. shirts, drawers, slip
94g newspapers, magazines, and hymn books.
Entering the rooms Of the Commission, I
fond twenty or thirty men. " They had on
woollcu shirts, old clothes, ind straw hats.
some % were lifting boxes; one was diving to
the bottom Of a barrel, fishing for bundle Of
tlacts, some were unpacking bottles from
casks and were covered with hay and straw.
They did not look like ministers. did not
sec white neck tic or nice black broadcloth
coat, OF kid gloves. They were more hko q
rars!'pf rteTcdores and walters thah men
from the pulpit.
| II whs the dinner hour, and went down
with the delegates into the collar, through
! ,ulkhead. Tbs Commlaslon docs not aHel
, 1864-11-23

jacob Dfllcy, oskaloosa, Iowa.
Rev. 8. r. Beggs, Plainfeld, ~.
j. Il. Hutchinson, Columbla CtsZa Ind
Rev. Hugh Davidson, Elkhorn, Wis.
Rev. E. B. Turner, Morris, II.
n. 8. Carter, Esq, MilWaakss, "M
i. ". Kellogg, Milwau6ee, Wis.
Il. L. Smith, Giskelwa, Ill.
Rev. J. 81. PaEmelee, kcnosla, WIS.
Rev. Joseph. Cheatham Floris: Iowa
Rev. c. 4. Harvey, Sandwich, III.
J. s. Chaplin, Janesyillc, WIS:
Rev. John e. Carpenter, HORIZON, Wid.
, 1864-11-23
PREVENTION nErTER THAN CURE.

r. c. smedley, Esq, II. D., writes:
During my stay with the 5th Corps. was
Ter in tic hospitals, and 10 tue soldiers at the
front; also in carrying writing paper, canned
fruits md meats to those in the front lines
who were not well, and yet were not Biek
enough to 60 to the hospital. They were very
grateful for those articles there and I deemed
1t important that those W.p were aiiing should
have q cl.argei Of diet, farina, corn-starch,
canned milk, Jamaica ginger, &c.; for to pre-
vent men from becoming so sick as to leave
his post Of duty is saving to the government
efficient working men. At an times talked
personally with them in regard to their spirit
ual welfare"
, 1864-11-23
PATRIOTISM IN CHINA.

-, william Wells Williams, IL D., author Of
works on China, approprIates $500 to the
Christian Commission, ''tor the relief Of sol
diers and sailors" Hc says, "if it were pro
per, he would like to psy for q substitute in
The army did not his age exempt him from
draft.
He adds" Though hare been resident
Of China for thirty years. I feel as much inter
est in maintaining The Union as II had lived
In the United States, and wish to help the
c1UsC,h
, 1864-11-23
FROM pEESlpEKT LINCOLN,
EXECUTIVE MANSION,


WAsHrsoToS. Dec, Il, 1861.
Mt DEAR E1R-Your letter OF the 11th inst,
and accompanying plan, both Of which are
returned as . convenient mode Of connecting
this With them, have just been received.
lour Christian and benevolent undertaking
for the benefit Of the soldiers, ts too obviously
cnce Of opinion. ] sincerely hope your plsn
msy be NJ successful IN execution as i Is Just
and generous in conception.
Your obedient servant, A. LINCOLN.
Gro. Il. STrAHT, Esq, Chairman y. s. Chris
tian Commission, Philadelphia, Pa
IRON TILE SECRETARY or WAR.
Letter from Hon. E. H. Stanton to Rer. Dr..
Dyer, n. T, Branch o. s. C. C.
WAR DEPARTMENT, |
WAsu1soroN, D. C., April 18, 1864
DER StR-Among the benevolent associa-
tions organized by patriotic and charitable
men, during the present war, none have sur
passed, and ftw, If any, have eqna1ed the
Christian Commission in zeal, energy and In.
terested devotion to the humane objects o1
their institution. Their efficient labors in the
field, In the hospital and In the camp have
been felt By soldiers and officers, and have
frequently been brought to the notice of this
Department. It is not only pleasure, but
regard 1t as an official duty, to commend The
Christian Commission to pnblic confidence
and respect, as an Institution whose 1abors
cannot fail to contribute greatly to the vel.
fare Of our armies.
Yours truly,
EpwE H. STANTON,
Secretary Of War.
, 1864-11-23
TIE REVIVAL at CITY POINT.

1foCHESIEH1 ". l., sept - 15o4.
DEAR BRoTnER-Therc were some facts and
Important incidents during n7 experience in
the work Of the Christian Commission, worthy
Of mention. The friends Of the Christian
Commission will be interested generally to
know that the Spirit Of God Is working with
Increasing power md effect In the hospital at
City Point, Va.
During all the time I labored thee, meet
fngs were held every evening. These meet
tnEs we're characterized by great interest,
sOlemnity, md wonderful manifestations Of
the Divine Spirit.
Every night from eight to fifteen men were
led ~ the Holy Ghost 70 cry for mercy and to
usk the prayers Of Christians.
and we're increasing daily in number and In.
terest. There were some wonderful scenes
witnessed in that prayer meeting. There
we're SCARED war-worn veterans, melted down
and become as little children. Bowed In
prayer, in broken trembling accents they
psayed for themselves, their comrades, and
ness, energy and melting power in wrestling
at the throne Of grace, which have never
heard surpassed elsewhere. It was like the
impetuous and swift charges they had made
in storming and taking the enemy's strong
holds.
wicked comrade, and 50 deeply did hc feel
the STRINGS of tho Spirit, Tint then aud
there he would rise up and express his deter
mination, bT the grace Of God, to live the new
life.
One evening, after o most precious meeting,
dovout Christian soldier; remarkably gifted
with unction and power Of prayer, came aud
asked me whether they could meet In the
chapel during the day for prayer. He re-
marked: I'VE have no secret chamber here
in the hospital into which We can 60, and
shut to the door, and prny to our Father in
heaven. As for myself, 60 of two or three
miles daily into the woods among the great
tall pines, and there hold sweet and heavenly
communion with my Savior; but many Of
these young converts are wounded and sick,
md cannot 60 SO far. In their tents they are
surrounded by their ungod1y comrades, nor is
there any tent or house or secret place on the
ground whittier they can 90 to pray"
The next day q meeting 'wns appointed for
prayer, at 2 o'clock, for Christian soldiers and
converts. That was the beginning Of daily
prayer-mceting, which, trust, will be conlin-
ucd there as long Us there Is hospital.
wanted 10 say, in connection with the &C.
count OF the prayer meeting, to experienced
and settled pastors, that there Is no place on
earth where their services arc SO much want
cd, and where they could do so much good, as
st City Point. Especially do the converts
need the Instructions Of men who have had
experience and success as pastors.
In passing through the camp Or the tent,
everywhere saw squads Of new recruits be-
ing Trained and drilled by experienced men.
This the Government thinks indispensable
before going into action. So it Is to the re-
clui1s for the army OF the cross.
.: ROBERTS.
, 1864-11-23

" received and faithfully given. These things
form bright side to the fearful scene of sui:
fering and death that / Witnessed every day
iu thE hospitals, and gave me confidence that
God was with us in moving the hearts Of peo-
ple to noble and generous deeds and guiding
Us through seas oi blood TO victory founded
In righteousness and true liberty.
For the privilege of going as a delegate Of
this Commission, I am truly grateful, and /
trust my labo e hare not been in vain.
MEs. ". 4. RAxNEY.
SPECIAL oRDri;s, NO. 3G3.
WAE DBpAnrxENT, ADyT. GEH.'s OrF1os,
Washington, Oct, q, 1851
E1TRAcT.}
=
66. Permission to visit the q. 8. General
Hospltals within the lines OF the several Mill
lary Departments Of the United states, for
the purpose of superintending the prepara-
ton Of food in tho Special Diet Kitchens of
tile same, is hereby granted Mrs. Annie Wit
tennyer, Special Agent o. s. Christian Com
mission, and such ladies as she may deem
proper 10 employ, by request Of United States
Surgeons The Quartermaster's Department
nill furnish the necessary transportation.
By order Of the Secretary Of War,
E. D. TowNsnSD, Asst. Adjt. Gen,
f,nnsoutyafSf7 TioHf Nit L{sk of n a. A. csr.r17
, 1864-11-23
L SOLID WORE.

Rev. John l. ~BroWnlco writes:
"Aly religious training" in the Associate
Prcsby tcrian Church, and my matured con-
rictions as well, have not led me to look with
much favor on religious meetings character
lied by great amount Of animal excitement,
Yet am free 10 say that my honest conyic-
tions are. that the meetings held at our quar-.
ters, In the 9th corps, were not only greatly
edifying to saints, but instrumental fn con.
rcrtirE not q fcH from nataro's darkness md
lnY1daFe to the rfOrfotls 1itsht and liberty o1
, 1864-11-23

Christian Commission has absolutely, In ac-
cordance to the divine Injunction, neither
purse nor scrip; hence he has q ready access
to ths heart.
should hare been glad to have remained
longer than si1 weeks, but my church hiss
claims upon me. hops to 90 as Q delegate
again in the spring Ii tEe war continues.
Yours truly, N. e. TARpo1.
Aucsburg, Sent. 10Th. 1864
, 1864-11-23

When you have read this Supplement,
p1casc lend 1t to your ncighbor: and II sever
al copies reach you, circulate them as widely
as possible before Thanksgiving.
, 1864-11-23

boy, held up BY his comrade, with fingers
dripping With blood. and trembling in death,
WROTE
ssFather, meet me in Heaven"
He tried to w1ite his name, but It WAS too
late. Life had led.
Say, fathers and mothers, what will you not
do for your sons, whose waking, and dreama-
Ing, md dying thoughts are homsRard turncds
, 1864-11-23
THE COOKING WAGON.

''s soon, then, as they were come to land, they
saw fire Of Goals, and fish hid thereon, md
bread. Jesus eattl unso them, come and dfnc."-
(John XII, Q. f.l
Il must refer particularly to one prominent
feature Of their work for weary, wounded
bodies, on this day, which, for its novelty and
usefulness, deserves especial attention. Some
Of the newspapers have mentioned new
cooking wagon, presented by the inventor to
the Christian Commission, which is thorough
1y sui GeHeris. It is constructed somewhat
like battery caisson, so that the parts eau
be unlimbered and separated from each other.
The 'linber,n or forward part, bears a large
chest, which Is divided into compartments, to
contain coffee, tea, sugar and corn starch,
with place also for two grfdirona and an axe.
From the rear portion rise three tall smoke
pipes, above three large boilers, under which
there Ia place for the fire, and under the fire
a box for the fnel. Each boiler will hold
fourteen gallons, and It Is estimated that In
each one, on the march, ten gallons Of tea or
coffee, or chocolate, could be made in twenty
minutes, thus giving NINETY. gallons Of nonr-
ingenious and beuiAcent invention.
There was call for coffee. Il party Of del
cgAtes at once volunteered to respond to the
cali. The fires were lighted, the water boiled,
the coffee mnde, and soon the vehicle, drawn
bY two powerful horses, and attended by half
score Of willing l.b9rcrs, vas On its way,
avenue it ruubled and rolled, passed the long
rows Of white tents, stopping at this cluster
and that, giving to all from its generous sup
ply.
Ycu should have seen the wondering look
Of the men us it passed BY. They rolled
themselves over to get glimpse oft, They
stretched their necks for sight Of it. Tho
wounded heads forgot to ache, ind tile wound
cd limbs almost forgot to CRY for nursing In
that moment of eager curiosity. Was 1t q
new sort OF ambulance? It didn't look like
one. What did those three black pipes
mean, aud those three glowing fires? Is II d
steam fire engine, and are they going to give
us shower hath But the sarory odor that
saluted their nostrlls, and the delicious bere-
soon put the matter beyond all doubt. They
soCn found that there WIS no necromnncy
about 1t, for it had q, substantial blessing for
each one OF them, and they gave 1t their bless-
ings In return. One By one such as we're able
crowded about 1t with curious faccs, and the
wagon, as it stood stearning and glowing IN
the midst, was the theme Of many affection
ate comments.
*sI say, Bill, ain't that bully machinc:"
Yes, Sir, its tho greatest Institution lever
''That's what yon might call The Christian
Light Artillery" said third.
"Good deal pleasanter ammunition in It
than the Rebs sent us this morning.
"Well, Doctor, sold delegate to asnrgeon,
"What do you think OF tl,is"'
,s:I thank the Lord for It. That's all can
say" WAS the reply.
And 50, on d sudden, the new invention
was crowned with the praises and bcnedic-
tions Of the admiring crowd. It WASH marked
feature In the work of the dag, and must be
set down as one of the peculiar Institutions
Of the Commission
, 1864-11-23
COFFEE AND BULLETS FOR DIVISION.

COFFEE AND BULLETS FOR DIVISION.
Mr.. j. A. Cole has put the Cooking Wagon
to new use, refreshing our battlc-Worn ret
Grams on the field. He says:
"The Coffee Wagon was kept at work, and
1was really means Of giving q great deal Of
comfort. It was tnken to the lines, where
bullets lew about it, and every soldier in the
fort on Chapin's farm, had good drink Of
hot cotfec--What they had not had for three
wet, muddy days. The machine is getting to
, 1864-11-23

These notes wil1 show the friends of the
Commission what the delegates are doing.
I uay add that have seen its operations IL
the hospital and In the trenches, and can
speak ii unqualified terms Of its efficiency
and power to do good. There are some sur
geons who are opposed 10 it. There are some
indiscrete delegates, but 1t has strong hold
upon the affections Of the men. It reaches
them. The supplies contributed do not go
to the officers, but are placed In the hands of
the men by tho delegates, and by the Chap
1ains Of the regiments. It is entitled to Tie
fullest confidence Of the community.
, 1864-11-23
Ge1aeral nutlceS.


~ following splendid list OF
WATCHES, CHAINS, GOLD PENS AND PzSCu.Ss
dc. DC, WORTH s5oooo
To be sold 1t ONE DOLLAR each, without regard to
ynlue. and not to be paid until ron know what Jou
, 1864-11-23
spHE II. STANTON,
Secretary Of War.
T1OA TuQ ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF wAE.

WAR DErA1yNExr.
WAsHrsaToN CITy, Oct =, 1851
DEAR SIE-1 hare read with great interest
the report Of the dolngs Of the Christian Com
mission during the year 1868. which you have
70 kindly sent me. Some Of the facts which
1t narratcs ! had myself witnessed, bnt the
comprehensive view Of your noble enterprise,
ing. God bless the Christian Commission, and
may its efforts be as successful as they aru I'D
1nirab1e. Yours faithfully,
C.. A. DANA.
, 1864-11-23
r1:oM REAR ADMIRAL FoorE, CHIEF OF TIE
BUREAU OF EQC1TAEST AND RECRUITING.
BCEEAu or EQUIPMENT Axn RECRUITING.
1H

BUREAU OF EQUIPMENT AND RECRUITING.
BCEEAu OF EQuIrKERT Axn RECRUITING,
WAsHEs0roE, Febrnhry IL, 1868. {
ApM1nAI Bureau has been charged
tons Of the Christian Commission to the ar
my and navy, so far as the navy is concerned.
1t is the wish Of the Department to haye for
warded moral and religions works, with hes
pital delicacies, ETC., to the different squad
rons, in vessels bound to these squadrons.
Tou will please, therefore, have the benc1-
cent object Of the Christian Commission in
yicw. and afford it every possible reasonable
accommodation consistent viii, the public In
tcrest, and forward such articles as it wishes
for the temporal and spiritual welfare OF those
engaged in the naval serFice-
Please refer to the Bureau applications for
nassagt, which must be made and indorsed
by some one in connection with the Associa.
ton. ..
The officers of The Society arc gentlemen o1
| the highest standing in NeT York.
Respectfully, &c.,
A. g. FooTR, Chief Of Dureau.
Rear Admiral HIRAM PACLDl,sG, Command
| 2nt Navy Tard. New York.
, 1864-11-23

All the goods In tho above list will te sold wieort
reservation, FOR ONE DOLLAR EACH Certificates
OF all the various articles placed In similar enycI-
Of delivered At office, wtthyur regard {. choices
On receiving Certificate you Will what article il
isi saa rsssiss sns article a named Of my etsr II ha
charge for forwarding tho Certificates paying postaSa
and donE the hesiness, :; cent? each Ftyc Certia
sixty. ave, for so: and one hundred, for $l5.
We guarantee entire satisfaction In every Instance,
AEESTS-Sptcinl terms to Agents. Adl1rs3 GEO.
DE3lEk1T 4 CO. as3 broadway, New York.
noel W1Stak T&HAisk4tW
, 1864-11-23

ARE WANTED FOR
OGooda now in M Warehouse, marked IA follows;
[Sl 10 bbls. Apples
C.B. Primer, 1s bbs. Vinegar.
J. Frcst, case Matches
G. #. Brown, WaEon+
, 1864-11-23

Market street, between Washington and Na1l4ou7sts
no1r rE7SR3ta :,
, 1864-11-23

Another delegate just returned from the
army al Petersburg, said that he had come
across a drummer boy Of one Of tho Massa,
chusetts regiments, . member Of The Sab
batil-school at home, who had lost lis Bible
during The campaign, bn: had written the
heads Of his drum all over with texts oi
Scripture from memory. he beat : gospel
drum.
An hon. was spent in hearing the reports,
and the meeting closed By singing " Nearer,
my God, to Thee"