Cleveland morning leader. [volume] (Cleveland [Ohio]) 1854-1865, 1865-03-18


pains to turn the corner Of the Union
Depot TO give q passing look at the flourish
ing Soldiers Home stretching its white
length along the pierI 1t has certainly
done its best to attract the peoples afec-
tionate attention, not only covering itself
with mighty signs as with garment, but
adorning itself with the flag which con-
verts all places under its shelter into SOL
diers' homes, As the representative of our
city's hospitalities to the sick and wounded
soldiers, to the returned prisoner, or to any
of our national army who need food and
shelter, it has now SO good q name that all
who have contributed to its support may
well be proud.
The last few days have brought an un-
usual number of guests to its door-on
Wednesday one hundred and fifty, and on
Thursdsy one hundred and seventy more
having been entertained there. Eastern
hospitals are in process of depletion to
make room for new arrivals from sher-
mans army, of those who have fallen by
the way in the grand march. Gonzales
cents they call these weary men who
hobble on crutches about the door, and
crowd every available space within the
Home limits, yet each bears his mark
of disease or wound, either in pale face and
feeble gait, in useless arm or crippled
limb. But all differences in individual
cases are merged in the one absorbing
interest with which the still closed dining
room door is watched. Behind that pro-
tecting barrier all is now bustle and active
preparation, and under the influence of
quick fingers the meal is in readiness,
soon enough for the patience even Of the
hungry crowd waiting beyond the door.
Now the word is given, and in troops the
first instalment of aen, very slowly and
feebly-not as they marched away with
Sherman - SOr theas must be carefully
helped to their places at the bountiful
table, with crutches slowed away in close
proximity this one must have some kind
hand to supply the place of the arm now
hanging useless by his side, and anOther's
fierce appetite Graves some variation from
the ordinary fare. The guests names
must be recorded as accurately as the war
fare of knives and forks will permit,
rough Government crutches exchanged for
the comfortably padded ones furnished
by the Sanitary Commission, and many lit
tie deficiencies in clothingnotsd and RENE
died, while the men do justice to the fare
before them. Nowonder the faces brighten
under the combined influence of kind words
and good cheer. Did the maker of these
marvellous cookies realize the exquisite
relish with which the appetite of conval-
escent regsI ds them7 These vegetables and
spple-butt,r with which some thoughtful
country al society has furnished the Home
lsFder, are delightful beyond belief to men
50 long confined to salt beef and hard tack,
while the butter and soft bread receive such
special attention that reinforcementB are
speedily required. A low hum of applause
and approving comment runs round the
tables; one and anothersays audibly enough
to rejoice the attendant ladies, "Well, this
looks like home" or, "I haven't seen any
thing like this since left home" Many
pay only the compliment of full justice to
tb 9 meal, while here and there one sum
mons up courage to mako neat little
speech of thanks ss he rises from the table.
But whether silent or complimentary, the
feeling of all, we believe, is expressed in
the words of the tall, pals Sergeant who,
rising with difficulty on his crutches, says !:
0Ladies, kind friendsl It's worth the little
we have suffered for our country to meet
such a warm welcome at home"
Now the room is finally emptied of its
frst guests, and the tables hastily prepared
for the second instalment, and then for
third and fourth. ALI honor to the worthy
Matron that her larder stands brAvely such
repeated attacks, and her coffee boiler stout
ly replies to all drafts made upon it. What
q relief, that the last poor fellow who linger-
ed near the table has Jared ss we'll as the
first who rushed eagerly in to the assault
The same programme is repeated on each
occasion, with variations in individual cases.
One forever helpless man is carried in the
arms of brother soldier that he, too, may
have the pleasure of sitting at table with
the rest, and he pulls out the fatal bullet
which s' ruined" him, as he says, to exhibit.
Meanwhile there are many in the sleeping
wards, too feeble to care to leave its com
fort, whose taste must be consulted, and to
whom food must be carried. Here one
mans wound needs dressing, smother asks
for fresh bandage; here slipper is want
soldier must have some strengthening
remedy from the medicine chest. At last
all are fed, all rested, and all wants at
tended to the whistle of the train is heard,
and the soldiers depart with strength
enough gained to carry them on their jour
ney, leaving behind them blessing for the
Home. But their departure brings little
rest to the Home Corps. The debris must
beremOved, and fresh preparations made for
the arrival of the later trains which may
bring as many more guests to be enter
tanned again and lodged over night.
The changes now being made in transfer
ing men to the hospitals of their own
States, together with the care of the return
ed prisoners passing through the city, will,
for the present, crowd the Home to its ut
most capacity, and draw heavily on its re-
sources. Will any of our Cleveland house
keepers remembsrt the hungry crowds daily
to be left there2
Abuses I'm the Sanitary Commission.
Enrnc- Ma m a rrn,,ld hnnitntn