The weekly Ottumwa courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1857-1872, 1864-08-04

AUGUST 4, 1904.
ly Of stalwart sons. Some Of them are fatA-
ers in appearance, for here is the famous
''Greybeard" regiment, the 37th Infantry,
whose clocks arc intermingled with grew"
Not to particularize other regiments. let me
mention the I'd, Sd and 4th Cavalry regi.
ments. The Sd suffered severely in the
Sturgis expedition. The I'd, under the lead
ership Of Colonel (now GeneraD Hatch will
long be remembered for it's fighting share in
the famous Grierson raid through Missis'pi.
This regiment has lately returned from vet.
sran furlough. filled to it's maximum num-
beI. Far be it from me to dispavage the
troops from other States. All are worthy
Of honor. But. Mr.. Editor. could you see
the sons Of Iowa on parade. in camp, or on
the march, you would rejoice that Iowa had
such representatives.
LrBsRALrrY or rHE raoors.
You have doubtless heard Of the Orphan 3
Home. which II is proposed to build some
where in lows, for the support and educa-
ton Of the children OF deceased soldiers
from the State. 1t is intended to be real
home for those whose fathers have
fallen in this bloody struggle for national
existence. The idea of such home origin.
ated, I think, somewhere on the prairies Of
Iowa, and its liberality and largeness be-
speaks its rigin. Rev. P. P. ingalls,, for
merly chaplain Of the Sd Iowa Cavalry, Wis
tied Memphis IN connection with this object.
I heard him address the 9Th Iowa infantry,
commanded BY Col Geddes. And those
500 men, who were present, put their hands
in their pockets and gave $s.s75. Four
hundred and tifty men Of the 12th infantry
gave $4.93s. One company IN the Sd Cav
airy gave $500. The 4th Cavalry gave $s.-
900. Such iberality is unparalleled.
PORT PICKERING.
A minute description Of this might be In
teresting, Il will incur the risk Of furnish
ing you oontraband news) 1t is piece Of
ground neither large nor small, surrounded
with an embankment neither high nor low
and ditch, neither deep nor shallow, hav
ing some guns, and soms men to work them.
NEGRO TROOPS.
Here are some regiments of colored troops.
saw them on regimental parade, and the
manner In which they vent through the
Of arms and military evolutions ia
not generally surpassed by volunteer white
regiments. Among them is the 55th U. 8
colored. The majority Of the man in this
we've brought by Sherman from
the interior of Mississippi on the great raid
last winter. Six months ago many of them
had never fred gun. Will they fight p
Ask Guntown, where nearly third Of the
vas left on the field. Each compa-
ny OF this regiment has employed . white
teacher, paid by voluntary monthly tax
They make rapid progress in learning Each
Of these regiments has chaplain.
THE CHRISTIAN COMMISSION.
An opportunity was afforded me of ob.
serving the working Of this institution. 1t
aims to benefit the soldier physically, men
tally and morally. PAysically, by aiding
the wounded on the battle field or the sick
in camp and hospital; mentally. by supply
ing reading material, books, papers, etc.. to
the men when idle in camp or garrison
morally, by distributing the scriptures and
preaching the gospel wherever the way may
be open. Its delegates are cordially receiv-
ed and welcomed by the soldiers. They re-
cognize them as messengers from home, that
dearest spot" to him who, deprived of all
its blessings. is periling his life for home and
country. The soldiers see in this institu-
ton an evidence that they are not forgotten
at home This thought doubles the value
of the gifts. Contributors to this great
work can he assured that their donations
are placed directly in the hands of the sol,
diers.
SANITARY KITCHENS
Have been introduced into several of the
hospitals here, Is we'll as throughout the
Department Of the Mississippi. These. too,
are under the auspices Of the Christian
Commission. Mrs. Wittenmeyer of Keokuk
has beer the efficient agent 10 bringing them
INTO use. Each kitchen is under the charge
Of an experienced lady, and will prepare at
one time enough food for 400 or 600 patients.
The government supplies the substantisls,
and the Christian Commission the delicscies.
Prepared by skillful hands, and judiciously
distributed with kindly word among the
cots Of pale sufferers, many . war-worn,
weary soldier blessed the "Florence Night
ingale" who ministers TO him with . wo-
mans gentle hand and thanks the christian
commission for its timely and generous ben,
efactors.
Aingling with the soldiers and vitress,
ing the hardships aud privations they en-
dure, one cannot but feel more deeply i'm
pressed with the untold Importance of sus-
tanning them with cheering words and sym
pathising acts from home, and with more
earnest prayer to Almighty God to crown
their efforts With speedy success. 90 that
soon with the country saved. the govern
ment restored to the whole land and ths
Union pr served, they may return to the
dear delights Of their quiet homes.
Truly yours. WAPsLLo.
The Rebellion lMcXC usa BILE.
ny ALEXANDER r. arRPHENa