The National tribune., 1880-11-01
Soldiers Comllrlllifa.lonY.
NATIONAL MILITARY HOME,
NEAR DAYroN. MoNTaoMERY Co. OHIo,

Oc06eT I5 1880.
MIR. EDITOR In compliance with your request, / will
endeavor to give few statistics regarding the Central
Branch Of The National Home for Disabled Volunteer
Soldiers Not having been quite years,
and having been unfortunate to fracture both limbs
in three places, each in fall while in attack of cpl
epsy (Which contracted while in the United States
vice. renders incapable of getting about with aac
rity and investigating thoroughly the nnumerable
blessings and pleasures with which benehcent Gov
ernment has surrounded us might be capable of
who less afflicted than myself; however, will en-
deavor to give you little idea of our pleasant surround
ings.
In March, 1865 Congress authorized the establishing of
this Home Dayton, Ohio. farm Of $40 acres
purchased about three miles west of the city, prom
nence from which you the city and the rich fe tile
valley of the Miami well known for its beauty and
lubrity. Additional purchases since made of adjoining
land have increased the Home 10 nearly double its original
dimensions Ib is enclosed by high fence, with gates at
entrances, calculated prevent the inscrimnate ab
of the inmates although those of ordinarily good
behavior without trouble, procure passes to go to
the city, fuoughs to visit their homes and friends
The taken in September 1879 gave the following
figures Inmates in barracks 3,023 in hospital 312
absent on fufioughs 1868; total 4VS The lnoFease IN
the intermediate time has undoubtedly been 800
There twentysix barracks, each three stories high
size twenty-five hy one hundred feet containing forty
persons to each floor OF the barracks of brick
and have been built within the past three years the re-
mander are good substantial frame buildings The Sleep
ing arrangements excellent the bedsteads
the single abundance of good blankets, tick
pillows, sheets and pillowslips FOR each, which
changed weekly. Each inmate must take bath Sat
uray and put clean clothing. The dining hall is am
immense three-sory brick building with table accommo-
arranged barracks The food furnished is Of the best
and most substantial character and many of the elica
cies
The hospital is large and commodious buick OF three
Stories with wings tache contains seven wards
each accommodating forty invalds besides in the build
ing is dinng-room kitchen, public hall, drugstore,
waiting rooms, surgeons Office chief warunasters
rons and various other offices by Two other
wards for invalids, department for insane, sc.
The headquarters business department fine large
brick containing the principal business offices OF the Home
overhead of which reading the full size of the
building. containing the immense Putnam Library,
donated TO the institution by Mary t. Putnam mother of
General Putnam; also the Thomas Library. About fifty
feet north Of headquarters stood Memorial Hail.
tine brick, capable of seating 1900 persons de
stroyed by fire about year since bur Congress has gr-
ciousy donated $40,o00 and it is rapidly being rebuilt
upon the spot.
About fifty feet north from this stands beautiful
stone church. of the Gothic pattern, surmounted by tine
tower stretching heayenwafd, which is large clock
plainly designating the hour from all sides there
large bell for calling the woIshipers together that
cast from artillery captured from the enemy during our
. late unpeasantness
There is also building the size barracks used
Ton quartermastera stores also another used
another posofce, besides other buildings
and line residences which the homes of the officers
chaplain, farmer SC.
The inmates of the Home are of course promscuous
gathering coming from loyal State i'll the Union of
all nations, tongues sizes shapes, colors ana ages The
charge frcm the United States Army Navy second
disability by wounds received sickness incurred In the
line OF duty. One wishing to become inmate should
write TO Gen. Al r. Patrick, Governor of the Home, who
viii send hn blank application which should be filled
ont directed and returned him. III he is admitted
he will be notified and tickets of transportation him.
lhe osect IN view appears to be 10 provide ali the
forts OF home chapels for religious service halls for
concerts and lectures hospitals experienced surgeons and
nurses, comfortable clothing, libraries reading g-rooms,
schools, amusements telegraph Offices work shops farm