Year: 1869

or all the government buildings and institutions
In and around New York we have no hesitancy In
asserting that there are none with which the public
are less familiar than the one which, OF all others,
affords the greatest comfort and consolation to the
wearied sailor, who, after weathering many gale
in the service OF his country finds his constitution
shattered aud he himself wreck thrown upon the
clemency OF generous government. We allude to
the United States Naval Hospital. Brooklyn.


The hospital in question is large white marble
structure, standing on an eminence on the south
side Of Flushing avenue, between Ryerson street
and Grand avenue. The grounds attached to the
hospital have an area OF about thirty-dve
acres, and are neatly and tastefuy laid out
wall OF yellow painted brick surrounds the
place, while guard OF marines is posted at various
ssweak points'' on the premises to prevent con-
vaiescents from getting away without authority.
which some OF the patients have been known to
attempt when grown tired Of confinement and too
much nursing. These predatory expeditions TO the
outer Sworld, when successful, are invariably more
pernicious IN their effect to the recovering of the
mprudent invalid, as Jack will mbibe .'the ardent
in undue proportions whenever the latter Is ''corne
atable,n let the consequences result how they may.
Hence the necessity for the exercise OF vigilance,
but OF course in the latter in all other rules there
are honorable exceptions





thirty-two years ago prior to which an old frame
building served the purpose Of naval hospital), is
three stories in height and capable Of accommo-
dating $780, During the war there were at one time
upwards of 500 sick under treatment here. Surgeon
Palmer Is the present custodian and chief OF the
hospital, and Is assisted by an executive medical
oflcer and three assistant surgeons the lat
ter Drs. Robert A. Marmion and Beaumont. One Of
ms there Is nos more Than ss
sailors and marines under treatment there,
and no contagious diseases. the princl-
and such complaints as may arise either from ex-
posure or indiscreton. The first floor is devoted
nacie st is at present Clear, the executive officers
and assistant surgeons rooms, apothecartes' hall
and the library. The latter Is not very extensive
one by any means. There are few volumes Of
popular histories OF various countries works OF
travel miscellaneous novels, OF no particular merit,
with very extensive collection Of general
literature such rs IL furnished by the Ameri-
can Tract society the religious, Literary 9 pro-
Jacks taste for indulgence in study OF the law Of
profound theological Ideas contained In this cheap
ing on the shelves from sheer want Of ventilation, so
seldom are their leaves turned. Here Is an oppor-
tunity for philanthropist to accomplish prac
such standard works as may be or profit as well as
interest to the sick mariner who seeks to begue the
weary hours within the walls Of the hospital The
second roor Ia devoted to the use OF enlisted men.
This story Is divided into two corridors designated



PATIENTS q cooking apartment washing rooms, &c.
The place Is heated by steam and Is well lighted.
The diet is excellent and no deiicacy that the mar
ke can afford is denied TO tempt the appetite OF the
sick man. When patient is able TO walk about,
and is regaining his strength, he Is placed on what
is termed .shalf dlefn but which In reality means
full and ample supply OF fresh meat, vegetables,
bread &C., with the exception OF butter The negro
ward is In q long wooden house connected with the
main building. The basement on the ground floor is
occupied as the culinary department, ior wash
rooms, storage, &c., and each detail presents most
credtable appearance as to order, cleanliness,
economy, and discipline In management and super
VISION The surgeon IN charge resides on the grounds
in commodious and handsome dwelling. There
IL o fine kitchen garden, probably cultivated,
OF the hospital. AS soon as O patients term OF
service has expired he is discharged except In cases
where man may have no home or friends for hlm,
In which latter event he Will be retained, but with
out pay from the government.


Attached to the hospital Is laboratory or consid-
able capacity, under the charge OF Surgeon Bache,
while among the weeping willows and the fragrant
cedar trees cluster round the silent abode OF those
who In life were wont to mix In stirring scenes OF
those


whose strife Of life Is o'er,"


and lend consollng effect TO o spot sacred with
memories evergreen In the hearts of CRATE
ful country. Buried here are Lieutenant Camp
Burns: Boatswain John smith, who at the
time OF hts decease, 1S45, was senior boatswaln
OF the navy; gunner Gustave Newman, and gunner
Joshua Bryant. There are great many heroes OF
the late war resting beneath the wen kept grassy
mound within the confines OF this cemetery.