The National tribune., 1882-12-07
NEBRASKA.
How the Grand Army Takes Care Of Sick Com.



TadCs.
To the Editor NATIONAL TRIBUNE:
On Sunday evening, November 10Th, was
informed that Comrade Henry G. Jessup,
living five miles southeast Of Lincoln, who has
been laid up with a cancer for the last two
months, was worrying or troubled about his
inability to gather his corn in the field, and so
on Monday, Nov. 20, at eleven o'clock, I sent
notice TO the Ne5rS and State Democrat, calling
meeting of soldiers and members of Farragut
Post 25, at the store of D. and c. L. Baums at
halfpast seven o'clock that evening. Quite a
number turned out, to whom stated the object
Of the meeting, namely, to husk our comrades
twenty-five acres of corn. The names of COM
rades who volunteered were taken and they
were instructed to report at the above store at
seven o'clock on Monday, the 22d inst, with
teams and three days rations in their haver-
sacks. l did not think that l would be able to
go out myself, but l told the boys l would send
my better half Mrs. Helmcamp, as a substi-
tute, and asked the boys to take good care of
her I sent word to several of the comrades
wives TO bake beans bread, cakes and pies, or
anything else that was good for the boys"
and promised to send my team after the sup
plies. On Wednesday morning the comrades
were ready to march, with Adjutant II. Y.
Hoagland in command. One hour later Com
rade Wilson drove up with the supply-tran,
with Mrs. ". II. Dobson and Mrs. HeImcamp
to guard the supplies Mr. and Mrs. A. Abbott
Deighbors, had already gone with supplies
Three flags were taken along to decorate thee
table with-one for each pan of beans longed
to be there. As l had never missed campaign
during the war, I did not want to miss this
At 1890 o'clock my employer returned and said
to me: Why, Joe, I thoughty you were goingto to
the husking" took the hint and went atonce
am no talzer myself so 1 asked Comrade ].
Il. McClay, who had a substitute in the field,
TO go out with me, but found him engaged,
and he substituted Major N G. Franklin, who
was also represented in the field. We arrived
on the ground in time to help the boys shuck
the beans. The boys and neighbors were too
numerous TO be entertained in the house, so
they took dinner in the old way, out of doors
on the sunny side of the house. l am not able
10 give the names Of all the ladies who kindly
volunteered their services that day. As no
table was set the little flags were presented to
Comrade Jessup by Mrs. Heimkamp. He held
them in his hands, while lying on his bed, and
said he would keep them to remember the day
by, and the big tears rolled down his cheeks
After dinner we smoked box of cigars, do
mated by w. w. English, one-legged soldier,
mot a member Of the Posi- although We hope
he soon viii be-. The roll was then called, and
we went out to finish husking the corn 1t
was a grand sight to see ali the wagons and
men in the field. At two o'clock went to the
- ha1,, L.,
keep them all there until all the corn had been
stored. At o'clock We had completed the job, |
and l marshalled the boys in two lines-the |
ladies on the right. We mustered forty-seven
men and eighteen teams. At the request of /
cur sick comrade, we marched around the |.
house So that he could review US from his bed /
and then drew up at the window at the head /
of his bed in close column. Major Franklin 1
then thanked the comrades and neighbors for
the services they had rendered. At Comrade /
Jessup's request, the Army Beans Song was /
sung, and you can imagine that the boys felt /
happy then. Three cheers were then given /
for Farragut Post. The boys, the ladies and |
the neighbOrs all hurrahed as they never did !
before. After this three cheers were given for /
the generous neighbors. l would not have /
missed being present for SO. Deeds Of this |
kind, / am sure, viii bring more recruits to our
ranks than anything else. have already re-
ceived two applications; two more viii come
from the country tomorrow, and l have the .
promise Of three tomorrow night These are /
volunteers. We have not made any draft yet, |
and l don't think we viii have to. Our Post |
has mustered in all 2I9 members up to date.
have three recruits that viii be mustered on
the 25th, and l hope that by the 10Th Of De-
cember / VIII have a dozen ready to be mus
tered. ! went out to see our sick comrade to-
day. lie had had a sinking spell, and l found
that he was getting weaker. He said to me:
g hope to be able TO meet with you again."
and, grasping me by the hand, added: "Send
me one Of the large badges l viii not need it,
but my family can keep it a relic to show
that was a member Of the Grand Army" |
promised our comrade that we would stand by
him and his Yours, in F., c and L.,
JAS. HELMKAAp,