Prescott journal. [volume] (Prescott, Wis.) 1861-1871, 1866-03-17
INTELLIGENCE
SECOND ANNUAL REPORT OF THE WIS
CONsIN SOLDIERS HONE.
A Detailed Statement Of the COntribu-
lions from each Ouhty TO the SOldiers'
Home Fair, held at Milwaukee,
SECOND ANNUAL REPORT.


Milwaukee, Feb I, 1866
In compliance with the requirements of the
charter, we have the honor to submit to the
Legislature the second annual report of the
Wisconsin Soldiers Home. A report, dated
history of the proceedings Of the unfnc or Or
ated society of ladies at Milwaukee, organized
in March, 1864, to meet the pressing exigen.
cies of the times, by providing a temporary
Home, or Soldiers Rest, at this place: also OF
the proceedings of the incorporate institution
from the time when it received it's charter in
February 1865 to the date ofthat report The
present report is intended to cover the period
from January LIST, 1865, to February LIST, 1866.
We cannot at the outset omit to record our
gratitude to the Almighty Father who up
holdeth all, for the sustaining hand that has
borne us up, and given us the great aud I'M
expected measure of success which we have
thus far been permitted to attain.
Next, for ourselves, and in behalf of the
manned and disabled soldiers of the Republic
who have received aid or comfort at this insti-
tuition, we desire to return thanks to the peo-
pie of the States whose ready hberality rem
deTed possible all the good which has been
accomplished.
The idea originally prominent with the pro-
jectors of the Home was to furnish the tempo
rary rest and aid so much and so frequently
needed by soldiers, who found themselves in
the city destitute of means-without personal
friends, and oftentimes disabled.
From that original idea We never deviated
and in that way alone it is believed that in
valuable good has been accomplished, by re-
heving the temporary wants and cheering the
respondent hearts of great number of men
who deserved well of the country.
The Home has, at all times since its COM
mencement, afforded free temporary rest to
all soldiers of the Union from whatever part
of the country, who sought its aid. This office
of aiding the passing soldier became more inn
portant during the last season, from the great
er number then returning, discharged, from
the seat of war.
There have been thus tranciently sustained,
during the last year, 10, 43G men. In this num-
Der there were represented the residents of
twenty different states. Union refugees, rebel
deserters, and cOlOred soldiers from nearly
every part of the South, also have appealed
to our sympathies and received the necessary
relief.
The whole number of free meals served
during the period covered by this report,
according to the account kept by the Super
intendent is ~, 486. Average number of meals
per day, $50. The number of inmates, more or
less permanent, aside from those stopping
for a single day, has varied from twenty five
to eighty, at different periods, and has been,
for the last two or three months, about
seventy-five. The Institution at present occu-
pies rented rooms, paying 8l7 per year. In
these rooms the men arc comfortable, thou al
we hope to be enabled to add greatly to neir
comforts in the new building to b. erected
during the present year. The greatest care
is taken to secure cleanliness, healthful
atmosphere and wholesome diet. Thus far
it is believed the sanitary regulations have
proved eminently succt ssful. Four men only
have died at the Home since the last report
Henry F. Kimball, 37th iii. Inf, died April
9th, of consumption.
Jacob Duen, I'd Wis. Cav, died May 23d, of
typhoid pneumonia.
Charles Reick, sd Wis. Inf, died June 20th
0f chronic dlarrhe.
John Sherry, 9Th Wis. Battery, died January
ith, OF consumption.
These men all came to our care sick and in
helpless condition.
The Home has been enabledby the generos
ty OF the Trustees Of the Forest Home
cemetery to purchase, for a nominal price,
Our lots III said cemetery. These are neatly
'odded, and in the center is erected a monu-
nent presented to the Home by Moffat &
1ccles. All soldiers buried from the Home
lave been inferred here, and neat headstone
marks each grave.
or the present inmates of the Home all
kept one are in some way disabled. The
reception is bright drummer lad, fifteen
ears OF age. His father was killed in battle.
nd he is now boarding at the Home while he
J In school. hoping soon to lit himself for en-
loyment, which will prove means of support |
)ne man has lost both arms. ten have lost |
ach one arm, twelve have each lost one leg, |
light are blind or nearly so, nine have lest |
ach the use OF one hand three are without |
efficient intelligence to care or provide for |
themselves. Each and al of the OF her inmates |
re in some way, by wounds received or |
isease contracted liz the service of the coun- |
y. disqualified to earn their own livelihood. |
me veteran, aged So, wounded in the war of |
3l2, fifer in the recruiting service of the late
ar, claims the home as an asylum for the /
smnant of his days, and by his earnest piety /
nd unfailing patriotism, serves as an example /
II the younger men. At the present time
genty-three of the men who are MANNED are
tending some one of the commercial colleges
the city, preparing themselves for book