Delaware State journal and statesman., 1864-11-29
Communicated.
Thanksgiving Festivities at the Hospital.
Nm Entrop
Communicated.

Thanksgiving Festivities at the Hospital.
Ma. EDIroR
II you will allow me Q little
space in your valuable columns, | will give
rough sketch Of the incidents connected with the
bountful repast SO kindly spread for the inmates
Of our Hospital by the loyal ladies Of Whining.
ton, on Thursday last, the day appointed by the
President aud Governor, as one to be set apart
for the special purpose OF rendering thanks to
Almighty God for the blessings of the past year,
aud for the great successes which have crowned
our armies and naviee.
To the loyal ladies Of Wilmington, headed by
the ever active and benevolent Mrs. II. l..
Tatnan, and Mrs. Broese belongs the credit Of
first starting aud carrying into effect this laud
able object. As soon as the plan was definitely
liked upon. the contributions poured In from all
sources. Each family seemed inspired with but
one object ench We'd with the other, and the
result was splendid dinner. At o'clock Of
that morning, the immense dining hall was
scene Of great activity. The long tables were
being set, walls and ceiling gracefully fesiooned
with dags, which were literally loaned for the
occasion, and the ever busy ladies' (GoI bless
these angels of mercy) were hurrying tc and fro
with dishes, while continual string Of young
! ladies and servants was pouring in with baskets
aud trays loaded with turkeys, pies and every
Thing elsa to cheer the heart of a hungry man
Every thing was ready ut p. NJ, and the
call TO dinner sounded, when the men were
marched in, fling down each side of the table in
the long hall, When all were in, oidsrs were
issued for tho men to give three cheers for the
| President, three for Grant, Sherman, and Sheri
dan, and three for the officers OF the Hospital,
which were given with hearty good wil-when
some one from the ranks, we thinkl cried out
three cheers for the loyal ladies Of Wilmington
which were given with such vehemence, as to
convince all present that the efforts Of said ladies
| we're duly appreciated by all for whom they
were made. The order for silence was then
passed, and there being three tables, Chaplain
Mcleod took the upper table, Rev. MIR. Cole
man, OF St. Johns, the second, and the Rev J.,
s. Dickerson, OF the Second baptist Church, the
third. During the invocation Of the blessings
/ Of Almighty God, and the return of thanks for
the bounttul meal prepared for them, the most
solemn silence was maintained, and many m eye
which could not restrain the tears, showed how
touching the scene was
| The order was given to be seated, and then
commenced the onslaught on the yiands Every
one enjoyed himself TO the full, but regret TO
| say chat there were several apparently fine
looking men who were not able to eat much, on
account OF loss Of appetite consequent upon their
wounds The tables were waited upon by the
ladies and gentlemen, who could not do too much
for the defenders Of their homes aud fire sides.
Among the ladies were Mrs. Tatnall, Mira.
Bteese, Mrs pusey, Mrs. VIM. Candy, Mrs.
Chandler, Mrs. Qnigley, and many others whom
We did not know, aud the gentlemen, Col II. s.
McComb, Rev. Leighton Coleman, $. NJ. lIar-
fingtou, Jr., DR.. W. r. Bullock, G. Chandler,
IL. l.. Tatnal, and many others. DR.. Bailey,
Surgeon in charge did every thing in his power
to forward the interests Of all concerned.
| The recollection Of this day has sunk deep into
the hearts Of those bronzed warriors, and every
return of this day will recall to their minds the
occurrence at Wilmington Hospital, Thanks
| giving, 1864, and such remembrance will carry
with it their prayers for the ladies OF this city
Yours, So, LooKBa On.