Perrysburg journal. (Perrysburg, Wood Co., O. [Ohio]) 186?-1965, 1879-12-05
NATIONAL HOME LETTER
SOLDIERS HOME, CESrRA1 BRAxcH, |

SOLDIERS HOME, CENTRAL BRANCH, |
MONTGOMERY Co, o., Nov. II, '79.
Mr.. EDrroR thanksgiving Day, and
with it comes one of the finest dinners for
the soldiers of this Home. The tables
groaned under roast turkey, oysters, mince
pies, and every delicacy the market could
afford, and was equal, il not better, than
any hotel in this United States, for excel
lency OF selection, and beauty Of arrange
ment. Three cheers for Captain William
Thompson, our excellent Steward, a noble
good fellow and gallant one armed soldier,
who has stood the storms of war, with its
hardships, and glorios in the boys having
good dinners. Why can't VIC have Thanks
giving every day? All work is suspended
to-day, and every one is taking a rest. Rest
is never so sweet AZ after a long struggle
strength never 80 strong as through trial
10y is much more blessed thing after sor-
row; and the fair dawning of sunny days
could never come il we had no night All,
| do not want 10 be, at least, would never
want to add one sorrow more 10 the world
already too full How still the water is on
the depths Of the sea; how far nobler to
bear the heaviest grief in silence how self.
ish to suppose the world would care to
share every creatures sorrow. No, no, the
golden grain has never withered In my
hold, nor have my brightest hopes turned
to pain. There are no shadows tonight
"peace beyond comparison" has found
its way into my soul.
"Sofly, swesty, sadly clear,
Ring the memory bells to night,
Near and far, and far and near
Echoing with wild delight"
Chaplain Ernshaw gave the boys a good
sermon to day, on Thanksgiving, but, alas
frail, poor humanityl While their bodies
were in the sanctuary, their hearts were on
the unfortunate goblers that are TO adorr
the "platters OF the dining hall to-day
| The comforts and beauties OF this Home
are highly appreciated, and blest is the land
and Nation that sustans it.
"There IL no land in all the world,
| SO lovely and so fair
As where the modest bluebells grow,
And scent the balmy air."
On the Goth inst, an inmate OF this home
| whose name il Fist, was crushed beneati
the wheels OF cars in Dayton, and died the
same night. Fist had been on 4" jam
boree" When, in Heavens name, will tb,
dark, damnable clause of our laws, Will
ono fell stroke be erased from its pages
the right to sell death warrants TO human
ity? Is it possible that day and night
year in and year out, that this liquid, fry
Kissing, burning, soul and body destroying
monster, Rum, shall diench the land il
blood, death, crime, misery, poverty anC
all the dark gloom of hungry orphans erie
for bread and protection; of the fountain
of widows tears and heart broken sobs, ant
the waliings Of loving wives pleading
and implorings for the redemption OF lost
ruined husbands; of the utter disregard o
the laws Of God-outraged moralty-sin
staining, soul-destroying fend incarnate-
whiskyi And an enlightened, inteliigen
people of this u. S., stand and look on IL
silence Could the veil OF the dens o
wee and crime be drawn back so that hu
manity's eyes could look into its woefu
depths of misery, they would stand aghas
in astonishment, and hold up their hand
in frightful horror.
They are re-pavng the streets and n,ak
ing general improvements at our Home
They have placed n new bell in the towe
OF the fire department and large force o
men added thereto The garrison was nev
er more healIhy-3,500 men in camp, 2SI
in the hospital.
The Wood county boys are all we'll. Col
Thomas is looked for every day from hi
European tour.
Hope to greet my old Perrysburg friend
on Christmas, when anticipate a goo,
time among as generoNs people us Ohio cal
boast Of
Happy Thanksgiving to yourself and in
telligent r0nders.
Your old friend,
WIN. THos MCDOWELL.