The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1864-12-01
Thanksriyinr in Hospital.

hele where NON EnSlauu, ana MASSACHUSETTS
in particular, has been so often misrepresented
and traduced, the muniacence and catholicity
Of yankee" generosity should shine conspic-
uous. However much pleasure it mignt nave
afforded the good people Of the "Hub" to put
candles in their windows, light torcnes anu
touch off rockets in celebration OF recent
events, it must surely have given them lar
more tn convert their combustibles into edi-
bles for the hungry mouths of our soldiers,
and instead of consuming their greenbacks
in a grand display, to transmute them, through
! a most patriotic and Christian use, into the
gold of the kingdom of heaven.
The day preceding the holiday was busy
one. The hospitals, barracks, and indeed the
whole city, were animated with the joyful
spirit of the coming festival or the tons up
on tons of turkeys, chickens and delicacies of
all sorts received here from the North and
were needed-of the bakings, roastings and
stewings sending up sweet smelling SAVIOR
from ali the cisy-of the busy hands and flush
ed faces in the spacious hospital kitchens-or
of the numbeyless happy countenances among
the boys in blue-of the general stir and bus
tie of preparation and expectancy, cannot
undertake to speak in any other than the most
general way. Ga the whole, it was such
day as was never Sc en- before in this federal
metropolis.
Thanksgiving morning came glorionsly
clear, and crisp and bracing and as cool with
al as if some sly donation OF the New Eng
hand climate had come along with other gifts
from TIE Yankee land. Indeed, no better
sauce for the dinner could have been desired
taan the keen, northern air, thrilling the frame
with delicious exhlaration and setting ra-
zoF's edge upon the appetite.
It was u little past twelve when, at the
Armory Square Hospital, the bugle sounded
the signal for serving the special diet" the
initiative of the days feasting. OF the poor
fellows whose pale, patient faces are SO apt to
look up with mute appeal to the visitor pass
ing between the long rows of cots with some
delicacy for friend or acquaintance among the
sufferers. no one Is forgotten to-day. For ev-
cry one such delcacies have been provided as
are consistent with his physical condition and
can be safely enjoyed. 1t is a pleasant sight
indeed to see the brave fellows, some sitting
up on their cots, some supported half upright
by pillows, and others unable to be raised at
all, enjoying what the kindness of friends and
countrymen has sent them; enjoying more
than all the consciousness that in their weal-
ness and pain they are tenderly and grateful
ly remembered. Very quiet is the easting,
and very calm the happiness upon many
pale, thin face.
Ward X, recently repaired, is to-day tie
banqueting hall of the "ful diet" patients,
and very full diet indeed do they seem like
ly to have. Down the whole length of the
ward, which is decorated with that best of
all decorations for the soldiers eye-the stars
and stripes-extend two center and two side
tables laden with the feast. Roast beef, roa st
veal, boiled ham, roast turkey and goose,
chicken pie, smoked beef, Bologna sausage,
baked rock fish and boiled cod, oysters stewed
and oysters raw, sweet and Irish potatoes
with other vegetables, cranberry tarts and
sauce, apple pie, mixed cakes and jellies, ice
cream, apples, raisins, figs, almonds, coffee, tea
and cocoa, with some other dishes, are served
in abundance. The tables are neatly spread,
and decorated with bouquets Of such flowers
as are to be had at this season.
Again the bugle sounds, and the men, who
have been previously formed outside, enter
the room in double file, arranging themselves
standing at the tables. Though many 'limp
in on crutches," and not a few shave each but
a hand" every face is bright and cheerful, and
the glances cast upon the tables tell how diff
ferent is the repast in waiting from the sol
dier's accustomed fare. The absence of hard
tack calls out jest. "Last Thanksgiving,'
says Maine boy to me, 1--WE were at Mine
Run getting shot and shell instead of turkey .
At length the rear of the line enters, brief
prayer is offered by the Chaplain, the boys,
five hundred strong are seated, and without
more ado assail the works before them. The
assault is made in silence excepting the clat-
ter of knives and forks; but never, l think
did the bravest here, charge mp to the devour-
ing battery or upon the level bayonets with
better heart or more determined purpose
Many friends are busting about in the rear,
not bearing off the wounded exactly, but car
rying up and down huge pots of tea and cof-
fee, helping the one-handed and making them
selves useful in any way that offers. Even
DR.. Bliss, the surgeon in charge, pouring tea,
carrying food and wiping dishes, is "as one
that serves" At length the men waver, fall
ter and fall back. Sad as it may be, repulse
is inevitable; yet we will be just to the brave
fellows. They have accomplished all that five
hundred men could do.
The after-dinner exercises passed off very
pleasantly. Excellent music, appropriate sen.
timents and pleasant speeches gave wings to
the hours. Among the other exercises short
poem was read, which, though hastily prepar-
ed like the other performances, may bear in
sertion.
Through another year eventful,
/ With its tail and strife aud change
We have passed as those who journey
Through land unknown and strange.
And 20 HIM whose hand almighty
Still has led us our way
Eyer wisely, ever kindly,
We do reader thanks to-day,
Fer the springtime's gentle beauty,
Sailing skies and breezes bland,
Summer sun and timely shower,
Autumn plenty in the lard.
For full many wreath of triumph,
Won mid batte-smos Q and din
Fen for failure, which shall teach us
How another time 10 win
For each sign of love and favor, ea
For each e3ded chastisement,
For whatever ia Thy wisdom
ARA Thy kindness Thou hast sent
Looking upward through the darkness
Turning from our grief away,