The National tribune., 1893-10-26
THE RELIEF CORPS.
Gleanings from National Headquar-
terS---NOtes from the Departments
NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS.

Sept. 10 Maj. Mink, late OF Mlnk's battery,
and National President Sarah c. Mink spent
the 25th anniversary of their wedding. They
spent it in so quiet way that they really
thought that no one knew anything about it.
But what was the surprise of the National
President when a number of friends entered
National Headquarters, bringing with them a
set of silver teaspoons, Louis XIV. pattern, with
their warmest congratulations
Mr.. E. B. stillings, official printer W.R.C.,
happened to be at Headquarters, Syracuse, on
business that day, and added as his gift a
beautiful crystal inkstand. silver mounted.
The visit of Mr.. Stillings to Headquarters was
greatly enjoyed by the National officers, as he
is so thoroughly up in all the details of Ma
tional work, and is always in demand as an ad-
wiser in affairs National and Department..
From Syracuse Mr. Stillings went to Chicago
to confer with Past National President
Wilkins, who is completing revisions and pre-
pairing minutes of National Convention. Gem
eral Orders, No. 9, will shortly be issued from
National Headquarters. There has been some
unavoidable delay owing to the bereavement of
the Past National President and the necessary
suspension of official work.
National Secretary Phillips has resigned
as President of Root Relief Corps, New York,
in order to give her full time to the duties of
her Office. Her successor was elected on annual
inspection day, the Department Inspector be-
ing present official duty, and National
President Mink in attendance. All in all it
was memorable day in a Corps that has, from
the first been in the front ranks in relief
work in the Empire State.
The National Secretary has been very popu-
lar in her own Corps. She is the daughter as
well as the wife of soldier. Her husband at
the age of Is went out with the first call for
troops, April, 1861, and did brave service for
his country. 1t was touching scene when
she announced that the election was in order
and expressed her thanks to her associates for
support and sympathy in her work.
But whatever regret she felt soon gave way
to surprise, when National President Mink, on
behalf of the Corps, and with many sweet. COM
forting words presented her an elegant watch
1t is of fine workmanship. and just what she
had long wished for. Past President o.
strander, of Lincoln Corps, San Francisco, and
Department Chaplain Goss, of Vermont, were
among visitors present.
AT THE NATIONAL W.R.C. HOME
DEAR TRIBUNE: Twen ty-four members of
Custer Corps. Of Conneaut; SO members of
Bowers Corps. Geneva, and members Of Burn
ham Corps, Madison, have enjoyed basket
picnic at the National W.RC. Home. The in
mates and officials were invited to dine with
the guests.
Vesta ]. Shoemaker, Of Dayton. o.; Lena
Sprngstein, President Memorial Corps, Cleve-
land; Mr.. and Mrs. Bushnell, Cleveland, and
Mrs. Mead, Department of California. W.R.C.,
visited the Home the same date, and the meet
ing was mutually happy.
Mrs Helen Barnum, Secretary, Bowers Corps,
attended the Indianapolis Encampmen going
from there to Chicago on journalistic work.
She was recalled from the Worlds Fair by a
telegram announcing that her husband had
suffered a stroke of paralysis. He is now better.
Laura Rosamond White.
NOBLE ARMY NURSE. -
DEAR TRIBUNE: You are doing nobly for
the boys in blue, and be sure you are truly APP
preciated by all Union-loving people. THE
NATIONAL TRIBUNE will be always a welcome
friend to our home.
/ want to tell you of old Aunt Betsey, the
good and faithful nurse who was with the 10Th
Mich; this is specially for their eyes. She is
now living in Wymore. Neb. She is trying to
get pension, and truly if ever anyone earned
it she did. She went to the boys in August
1863, at Bolivar, Tenn, and served with the
18th Mich. until 1865. Two of the 18th boys
saw her at our State Reunion. One is in the Sol
diers Home; he is very sick, and it is thought
he cannot possibly recover. Aunt Betsey spent
a few hours with him one day. He told
her he was glad the Lord had spared him to see
her once more.
John Ploof was at the Reunion and saw her
every day while there; also, a Mr.. Beagle, who
was in the brigade with the 18th. He knew
Amt RafGev and hrnuuht ha WI ia md dan h
ter to her tent.
Boys, you will remember how you kept Aunt
Betsey with you and dressed her in your suit
of blue She marched with you when it was
against orders to have woman with you. You
remember her Oh the battlefelds of Corinth,
Iuka, Hatchie, Middleburg, and Vicksburg
At the risk of this good colored womans life
she was with you. when old Mr. Squres
was shot all to pieces" she said, 80 nursed him
back to life" ]. NJ. Ploof, Co. G, 18th Mich,
says: "She saved my life as we'll as many
others"
l think you will all be happy to hear from
her. She married colored man by the name
of Harris, in Bowling Green, Ky, in 1868. If
it is in your power to help her, old 18th, know
you will gladly do SO to get her pension she SO
dearly earned. Her address is Mrs. Betsey
Harris Wymore, Gage County, Neb.
Ii. z. C., Central City, Neb.
DEPARTMENT OF CONNECTICUT
DEAR TRIBUNE: Harriet j. Dodge, of Hart
ford, was elected National Chaplain of the
Woman's Relief Corps at indianapolis at the
1lth annual Convention. She is the wife of
George K. Dodge, and was at the head of the
State Department OF Connecticut for two years.
During her administration the W.R.C. of the
State made decided progress. She is woman
of marked force Of character, and is very popu-
lar in the Connecticut organization. 4
The Reunion of the 10th Conn. was held in 4
Meriden this year. About 100 were present in \
Guiding veterans and their wives. Dinner wasf
held at the Winthrop Hotel. 1t was voted to
hold the next Reunion at the same place next
year. "
The 1st Conn. Cav. held their Reunion at
Savin Rock, near New Haven. A shore dinner
was served at Stewards Pavilion. Mary J.
Dyer, Past Department President W.R.C., and
widow of the late Charles Dyer of New Haven,
was made an honorary member of the Associa-
ton.
Mary J. Rogers, of Meriden, wife of Depart
ment Commander Wilbur f. Rogers, and Past
President of Merriam Corps, was a delegate to
the Convention at indianapolis.
Merriam Corps visited Mr.. and Mrs. Sylvester
Hooper at their new home on Kensington ave-
nue.. Quite number of the comrades were
present. Supper was served, and the hostess
entertained her guests with fine musical selec-
tions.
Eliza F. Cutting, Department Corresponding
Secretary.
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