The National tribune., 1884-05-01

favorites with designers, leading to some very
striking effects
Our Weekly Experience Meeting.
OLD SOLDIERS IN THE AIMS HOUSES - THE
ANDERsoNvILLE QUILTS TOBACCO GOOD
OR BAD.
CARDINGToN. ONO, April s. 1884.
To the Editor NATIONAL TRIBUNE:
cannot help feeling indignant when read OF
our soldiers of the g. A. r. aiding Confederate
ried TO the county house to be cared for read in
THE TRIBUNE of April Sd that +" The purpose of the
Order so far the maintaining of relief funds is
concerned is distinctly limited TO the assisting of
such former comrades as need help and protec-
ton :" and have always supposed that to be the
special aim and object of the q. A. II. But only
last week, from own town here, there was
old soldier, with head white as the frost, and
his aged Wife, carried to the county house because
he had the misfortune to break his arm last winter,
and could not keep his paid. He only got be-
hind six dollars and half believe in two years.
He had been paying the eXtortionate price OF three
and half dollars a month for an old tumble-down
shanty, fit only for rat harbor, but Shylock de-
manded his pound of flesh and had the old
couple carried to the county house. 1t is we'll that
vengeance belongs to God alone; and it is not inn
possible that these same mseTs for he has help
mate) may yet end their days there as some of
their ancestors have already done. How sad this
old veteran must feel to hear his comrades talk of
sending aid 10 Confederate veterans, and himself
compelled to go to a place he loathed so much.
that he said when they came TO take them away,
that if it not for the sin he would go and end
his life in the mili-pond rather than suffer himself
to be taken there. Why, in the name of God and
humanity. the G. A. Il. permitted it to be dene L
cannot tell for certain il is that Fraternity, Char
ty and Loyalty never can be construed to mean
county-house home for gray-haired old soldier.
think, Mr.. Editor, you will have to allow me to
correct you little where you say Charity begins
at home" Would it not read better to say charity
should begin at home? believe that in our desires
to be charitable sometimes go abroad too far
and overlook very great amount of utter want
and the most dire necessities that lie unsuccored at
cur own doors. SoLDIER's WIFE.
THE ANDERsoNyILLE QUILT.
To the Editor NATIONAL TRIBUNE:
l have read with no little interest the history of
several quilts that were made and sent to the boys
in the army and the varied incidents connected
with them, until am persuaded to speak of one
knew. it was not a quilt of many devices,
with beautiful designs, inwrought with autographs
or inscribed with notices and words of cheer and
patriotism. Nor was il put together by the hand
of kind and loving mother. an aHectionae sister,
loved one 1t could boast OF none OF the pleasant
recollectioDs of home and friends. No mothers
benedietion followed it; but it was conceived in q
place of misery and want, and never knew
mothers touch q sisters care.
In September the advance of Sherman forced us
from Andersonville to different points. 1t was my
lot with others TO be sent to Charleston there ig-
nOrantly TO await the completion of the stockade at
Florence. had been suffering with severe attack
OF scurvy iii my lower limbs. and was unable to
walk except by throwing my hands under and
working along my back Thinking might be
benefited If / could get in the hospital got per-
ground outside the camp, with guard around II.
There were no tents covering except the broad
heavens. The night / entered however nature
had provided an extra cover in the form of dark
cloud ] soon found a eomrade, who offered to
share his bed with me. He was an old man. with
silver threads running through his hair and think
from Connecticut; but his name ] have forgotten.
As we prepared to lay down on the ground he un-
rolled his bundle or quilt-one unlike any had
ever before seen. / saw that it was thick and
warm, and / asked him how he came by it. He
told me he had been robbed of all he had when
placed in Andersonville and had no means of get
ting shelter so he had gathered all the socks that
had been cast off after the feet had been worn
off; these he took and cut open and by means of
ravelings and a needle made from bone had sewed
them together; this he had done until il was the
size of ordinary quilt and three thicknesses.
making it warm and soft. And how he spoke of
the comfort he had in making it; with what salts
faction each sock leg was added until completed,
and in this way prepared himself covering so
much needed. Under this we lay down supper
! less. sick, and administered to- Soon the cover
nature had supplied began to leak badly and con-
tinued so ali night In the morning we found our
selves In bad plight; quilt so heavy our
united strength could not lift il to wiring it out and
only by folding and kneading il could we reduce
it so could wiring it, We felt thankful however;
if it could not shed its water off it could gather
and hold il from US. Feeling the hospital no inn
provement. babe my coInrade goodbye and went
to camp. If living should like to hear from him;
/ but / think ere this he has answered to the last
E. II. WILLIAMS,
VI II I7d InTc