Western Reserve chronicle. [volume] (Warren, Ohio) 1855-1921, 1864-02-03

United States, and who have seen much
hard service. Its organization was deem
ed necessary by the Government, in Or
der to break up the many convalescent
Camps and field Hospitals, which were
becoming so numerous, upon the laying
quiet of the army and when a march or
an advance was ordered upon the enemy,
it was not possible to convey the sick and
wounded with them.
The duty required of us, is garrison,
guard, patrol, &c, by those who are able.
Our further duties upon the field of
action have been taken away from us, for
reasons already stated, and concentrated
at points where the execution of our du-
ty is actually wanted such as guarding
rebel prisoners who have been sent North
for safe keeping until they are properly
exchanged. We have many of these
pictures of misery and degradation, at
Camp Morton, indianapolis, Indiana, in
the immediate vicinity of Burnside Bar
racks, where the Invalid Corps are quar-
tered. The number of Invalid soldiers
is about 1000, which nave been ordered
here to guard these same rebel prisoners.
which number about 1000. More mis-
cradle looking specimens of the human
race, my eyes never looked upon. When
my attention is drawn toward them. |
have often thought, can it be possible
that the human family can become so de-
graded. They are quarted in frame bar.
racks, and have stoves and plenty Of fuel
to keep them warm, together with good
wholesome %rations; but somehow or other.
they cant stand the pressure"
The Invalid Corps are made comfortable
in almost every respect good quarters,
plenty of good warm clothing and sub
stantial living. So, as far as that is con-
cerned, we cannot complain. But the
difficulty we labor under. is, we have en-
tirely too much guard duty to perform
this severe weather; say about 10 hours
out of the week, which calls forth much
indignation from the soldiers, and fire.
quent cases Of relapse by sickness. which
frequently proves fatal, occur conse-
quently. the Invalid Corps looses its vir
tue, as its organization becomes fully de
veloped. They are required to perform
much more guard duty. han in the field
with the old regiments. An investiga-
ton of this fact Is urgently demanded,
and ! am confident it would not meet the
appreciation of the President and the War
Department, but would be immediately
rescinded by those officials.
Camp Burnside and Camp Morton are
pleasantly situated upon the outskirts Of
indianapolis, Indiana, on the old Fair
Ground; the location being of the most
healthy character, and surrounded by a
beautiful and well cultivated country, in
close proximity to indianapolis, affords
us every capacity to procure the necessa-
ries for our comfort. The Camp in ap-
pearance presents that of q fine country
village. From the manner in which it
has been laid out, the streets and bar
racks all running parallel with each 9th
er, and cleanliness and neatness are posi-
lively ordered, which is generally com
piled with by the soldier in every respect.
Making these requisites prominent feat
ures of the Camp, the soldiers are alsore-
quire to observe the greatest cleanliness
in their persons. These good traits draw
forth encomiums of praise from the stran-
ger and visitor, and encourages the sold
Ter TO present as neat an appearance as
possible.
The company | am connected with. Is
commanded by Lieut.. Simmons, a young
officer of fine military ability, and kind
disposition to those whom he commands,
but strict in the performance of his duty,
which cannot but meet the appreciation
of the company. This fine young officer
has been engaged on several hard contest
ed fields, and his wounds bear evidence
of his bravery and endurance, and proves
conclusively that he is Of the pure metal.
and worthy of a better position in the
army; but there are many officers
here who are unworthy of being connect
ed with the Invalid Corps, and who upon
its organization presented themselves 10
the Wa Department in glowing colors
for commissions, when they had never
been on the CORY field OF action; but mere
shirks, and an incumbrance upon those
whom they have had the good fortune to
become associated with. These aspirants
for military honors should be sent to the
front, to have their military abilities test
ed, and when they have become worthy
of being companions for 'old veterans"
then, and not till then, should they be
recognized in our midst. TYPO.