The Portland daily press., 1865-01-16
-Portlapd Soldiers Rest.

This institution is located on Chatham
street. 1t was opened In August last, since
which time it has Accommodated no less than
1889 furloughed soldiers, passing TO and fro
through the city. A furloughed soldier is
entitled to rations the same as if in camp, no
matter where he may be, and if he does not
receive his rations from Government direct,
the deficiency is committed on settlement, he
being allowed the amount the rations cost the
Government. asss v1s7 g1Hs ris ~ 81
The principle on which the crest" is founded
isthis; The house is hired by the Government,
and supplied with beds and necessary furhi-
ture and fixtures for the purposes intended.
1t is supplied with provisions the same as a
military encampnent or barracks. The fur
Laughed soldiers passing through the city go
there, where their names, regiment, company,
&c, are registered, and they lodge and re-
ceive their meals. Returns are made to the
proper authorities at Washington, so that
when the pay rolls of such soldiers are made
up the rations thus supplied are charged to
them instead of being commuted. Every
soldier in the city, therefore, though he may
not have cent of money, can 60 to the
Crest andh the benefit of his rations the
same as though he was in his own Company
tent. Since the establishment of the s.RestY
the expense to Government has been only for
the rent of the building with some trifing ad-
ditions. The "Rest" will accommodate fifty;
the average number provided for is about half
that number. No sick soldiers go to this
place; they are provided for elsewhere; at
the Soldiers Home" and similar establish
nlents, supported by private charity, or at the
U. S. Hospitals. The Soldiers Rest" is
conducted in all respects like an orderly no.
tel, kept on strictly temperance principles.
There is small Office where the names are
registered; there is spacious sitting room
where smoking and innocent games are allow
ed. The dining room, kitchen and wash room
are ample and convenient. Above is neat
reading room well supplied with the papers of
the day, and large writing table where, on
application to the Sergeant in charge, station
cry is furnished for the soldier to write letters
to his friends.
! Colored cooks are employed who thorough
ly understand their business; two women are
employed to make the beds, wash the floors,
and keep the house in order, and from cellar
to garnet all is clean, sweet and well yentila-'
ted. 1t is an honor to the Government. os
The surplus rations, like those of compa-
ny, are allowed to be computed to make
fund which is drawn upon for the supply of
such articles as are not provided for in the Ar
my Regulations, soNthat the table is supplied
not only with all the articles furnished to the
army, but also with all ordinary vegetables,
molasses, butter, cranberries, dried apples, etc.
The table, in word, is as well supplied as
that of any second-rate hotel or first class
victualing cellar.
The institution was established through the
efficient efforts OF Capt. HENRY INMAN, u.
S. Quatermaster for this Post, and he never
fails to visit and inspect the establishment
twice day. Capt. Inman has been supply
ing the "Rest" with some needed furniture
and comforts, such as he was not allowed to
provide for at Government expense, and to
meet this and to raise fund for other needful
purposes in connection with the Institution, is
the object of the Promenade Concert to come
off Wednesday evening, which we hope may
be largely attended. ea. q -
i I.4 81