The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1865-06-16
Union Volunteer Refreshment Saloon,
Philadelphia, Pa.

DiUpbfOhD, ouuc ICOc.
EDIroR OF USioy AND JOURNAL SOL
diers Of no Government On the face Of the
earth are so tenderly cared for rs those who
have volunteered since the breaking out of
this unholy rebellion to stand between the
republican liberty of America and a ruthless
despotism that would subvert and destroy it.
The United States can point with pride to
her VOLUNTEER SOLDIERS and their military
service as showing higher advance in civili-
zation and the humanities Of life than can
be claimed by any other nation; yet tho the
purposes of our Government are SO generous,
and its plans for the most part so thorough,
thrust be evident that, in the relation of q
department whose details are so countless, so
intricate and so new, us those Of our militia
ry, many oversights have been made and
many thoughtless blunders committed. This
Saloon was established to supply the one and
remedy the other.
IL is in no way National or State affair,
but was founded by and through the exer-
tions Of few noble hearted men in that city
and has grown from its former diminutive
size to the vast and spacious saloon 1t now is
by contributions from the citizens Of the city
Of Philadelphia. Most prominent in the
movement was Mr.. Bazila S. Brown, not q
wealthy man us some may suppose but one
of the best OF Gods good men, a man whose
name will be cherished byour tired and half
iamished soldiers who have partaken Of his
inequalities in common with the rest Of the
Union committee (whose names | have for
gotten,) as long as memory lasts.
Here not only men, but women (God bless
them) are always in attendance night and
day with hearts laden with love as heavily
as are the tables loaded with choice viands OF
any and all kinds the markets afford.
Here we find the old and the young alike
striving one TO Guido the other in acts OF
kindness and care for our noble soldiers who
have sacrificed so much TOR the cause Of Lib.
erty. Here no distinction is made. but SOL
diers are cared for. from whatever State they
belong or hail from, it's all the same so long
as they are Union soldiers. There is an cx-
ccllent Hospital connected, where the sick
and wounded receive the kindcst Of care from
the careful surgeons and CONGRATULATIONS
OF this good city--brotherly love.
Again, in connection with the saloon ar
raugements we find the Philadelphia Firemen
ever "On the alert" to do good and ALWAYS
Ready" for each company has provided itself
with magnificent ambulance. painted and
fitted up in magnificent style for the purpose
of removing the sick and wounded, and when
browns" gun gives the signalon goes their
harnesses and away they drive to the depot
or steamships landing. lis grand sight
| can assure you. to witness this line Of easy
wagons vending their way along on errands
Of mercy. driven and furnished by these no.
BILE and kind hearted fremen. in whose breasts
beat rs true and unsel6sh hearts rs man is
capable Of carrying. God speed them in
their good and holy work and bless one and oil
who are in any way connected with the Union
Volunteer Refreshment Saloon and Fireman's
Association Of Philadelphia.
With these few words, | will take my leave
feeling that n few words in behalf Of these
institutions will be heartily appreciated by
thousands OF returned Maine Veterans, and
many from the city Of Biddeford.
remain yours truly.
FRANK lIurcnlxos: