SOUTHERN WAYSIDE
HOMES, SOLDIERS' HOMES,
AND SOLDIERS' RESTS
Note: Includes articles about organized sites for
feeding and sometimes housing transient soldiers. They may or may not
include medical services, but are not considered regular hospitals. This
does not include women who regularly brought food to passing trains.
CHARLESTON MERCURY, January 4, 1862, p. 2, c. 2
Charleston Wayside Hospital and Soldiers' Depot.
Every train will bring large numbers of soldiers hungry, fatigued, and
many perhaps sick and faint. Refreshments
are essential immediately upon their arrival.
Our City Council has appointed the undersigned a Committee to attend to
this matter. The new building
erected as a depot for the South Carolina Railroad Company, has been kindly
given up for the reception of the soldiers, and ample accommodations prepared
for the sick and disabled.
We want cooks, waiters, nurses, fuel, hospital stores, &c., &c.
Our citizens, we are assured, will immediately come to our aid.
All communications should be addressed to Prof. F. S. Holmes, the
Superintendent, at his residence, corner of Calhoun and St. Philip streets, or
at the depot of the South Carolina Railroad.
H. R. Banks,
}
F.
S. Holmes,
} Committee.
J. S. Riggs,
}
CHARLESTON MERCURY, October 16, 1862, p. 1, c. 5
Soldiers' Rest at Greenville, S. C.
The Ladies' Aid Association, of Greenville, has been, in proportion to
its means, one of the most efficient in the State.
Rising two thousand dollars have been given and expended since its
formation, and an untiring industry displayed in making garments for the
soldiers. It was organized July
19th, 1861, and has carried through its objects with quiet energy, distributing
money, clothing and provisions in every available channel.
After sending large supplies, from time to time, to Virginia and other
places, it was thought expedient to study the wants of our soldiers here, and,
with this view, a Wayside Table was furnished, in the summer, at the Station.
This was bountifully supplied, and regularly attended by the ladies, who
would cheerfully have continued their pleasant duty, but it was ascertained from
the soldiers themselves that the liberal supply at Greenwood rendered Greenville
refreshments superfluous.
In view of expected attacks on our seacoast, where so many of our
mountaineers are stationed, who may be returned sick or wounded, the
Association, within the last month, have established a Soldiers' Rest,
superintended by the Lady Directors in person.
Already twenty sick or weary soldiers have found food and lodging on
their homeward way, and some who were destitute of means have been assisted to
pay travelling [sic] expenses. The
Soldiers' Rest is pleasantly situated on College, near Buncombe street, and a
conveyance is provided by the Association to convey the sick from the cars to
the spot.
Greenville
being the terminus of the railroad, travellers [sic] are subject to delay; under
these circumstances, the ladies are desirous that no sick, or wounded, or
indigent soldier, who requires aid, may pass to his home without a helping hand
being extended to him, gratefully remembering that our armies are giving the
strength of their manhood to protect the women and children of the Confederacy.
A Refugee.
Greenville, S. C., October 4.
SOUTHERN BANNER [ATHENS, GA], October 29, 1862, p. 3, c. 1
Way-Side Home for Soldiers at Union Point.
Our readers are already informed
of the existence of the home for soldiers at Union Point.
While at that place the other day we had an opportunity of witnessing its
practical workings. Hundreds of sick and wounded soldiers are relieved and sent
on their way blessing the patriotic and Christian ladies that "minister
unto them."
In connexion [sic] with this, we will mention that during the past week,
Miss Asenath M. Dorsey, and Mrs. Anna Gallaway, have raised in Athens, the
handsome sum of five hundred dollars for the wayside home.
These ladies deserve great credit for the zeal they have exhibited in
this matter, and have set an example which others might well imitate.
Our ladies generally have done much in aid of the cause, and we hope they
will continue in the good work.
MOBILE REGISTER AND ADVERTISER, November 5, 1862, p. 2, c.
2
Messrs. Editors: It is a
beautiful September night. The moon
rises majestically above the tree tops, and one by one her myriads of attendant
stars appear. The sentimental of
both sexes gaze with delight through the open car windows out upon the
ever-shifting scene, ever-shifting all but that resplendent sky. A soldier whom four days subsequent travel has wearied to
slumber reclines upon one of those comfortable seats for which the Georgia
Railroad is so famed. The whistle
for brakes is heard, the cars stop, a man puts his head in at the door and calls
"Union Point." The head
is withdrawn, and there succeeds the beautiful profile of a Georgia fair one,
followed by another and another. The
profile approaches the sleeping soldier, a charming form bends over him, a small
white hand gives his shoulder a gentle shake.
The sleepy eyes unclose, look up, and Mars springs to his feet with a
"Yes, Miss, take my seat." "Will
you walk out and take some supper?" says sweet sixteen, smiling.
"With pleasure," and La Belle leads forth her willing captive.
A few steps and they enter the supper room, where Mars merges into
Epicurus, as he seats him at a table groaning under its weight of chicken, ham,
eggs, butter, rolls, biscuit, muffin, sweet and butter milk, coffee, &c.
A knife and fork are seized and add their clatter to that of those
wielded by a score of other soldiers. The
fair forms of Mrs. Dr. B. Carlton, Mrs. Dr. Moore, Mrs. J. B. Hart, Mrs. John
Carlton, Mrs. Young, Mrs. Deal, Mrs. F. Carlton, Mrs. Watson, Mrs. Dilworth,
Mrs. Printup, Mrs. Bynum, Mrs. Crosby, Miss Julia Grayson, Miss Jennie Bowls,
Miss Lizzie O'Neil, Miss Fanny Deal, Miss Jennie Hart and Miss Mattie Haughton
flit around the board, ministering angels that they were.
With a "God bless you, ladies!" the young soldier left them,
and never once will he forget the "Wayside Hospital" at Union Point,
Green county, Georgia. And he takes
this method of informing the traveling community of soldiers that here, upon the
arrival of every train, are the choicest viands, prepared by the patriotic fair
of the Empire State.
North Carolina.
Messrs. Editors: I was
requested by the ladies having charge of the above enterprise to call the
attention of traveling soldiers to their Hospital in the Mobile papers.
I select yours as having the widest circulation.
The kindness shown your correspondent, as narrated above, was
inexpressibly gratifying to one who was for the first time south of the Palmetto
State, and he sincerely trusts you will publish the only return he can make
them.
Very respectfully, your ob't ser'vt,
________ ________
Lt. Corps of Artillery, C.S.A.
Oven Bluff, Oct. 27th, 1862.
NASHVILLE DAILY UNION, December 13, 1862, p. 3, c. 2
Kentucky Sanitary Commission.
We find in a late number of the Louisville Democrat a very interesting
report from the Kentucky branch of the United States Sanitary Commission, which
will be read with pleasure by thousands of our soldiers at this place, as well
as by others who take an interest in the soldier's welfare.
The members of the Commission are indefatigable and enthusiastic in their
noble work, and their praises are on the lips of multitudes in the land.
Rooms of Kentucky Branch Union
}
States Sanitary Commission,
}
Fifth Street, near Main,
}
Louisville Kentucky.
}
Messrs.
Editors: As the operations of this
Commission have assumed considerable magnitude, it has been thought that its
patrons and friends should be able to find in the public prints occasional
statements of the condition and actual workings of the enterprise, with such
abstracts of the minutes of the weekly business meetings as would be of general
interest.
Members of U. S. Sanitary Commission,
Kentucky Branch.
T. S. Bell, M. D., President
Geo. D. Prentice,
Rev. J. H. Haywood, V. Pres't. R. C. Hewett,
M. D.
L. A. Civill, Rec. Sec.
W. B. Belknap,
Arthur Peter, Treas.
Joseph
Holt,
J. F. Speed,
R. J. Menifee.
In
addition to the more generally known direction given to the labors of this
Commission, it has had the exclusive care of the "Soldiers' Home,"
providing for its weekly expenses, etc.; and now, with the co-operation and
assistance of Dr. Newberry, the accomplished and efficient official
representative in the West of the United States Sanitary commission, it has the
pleasure to announce that a more suitable building for the "Home" will
be immediately constructed, and in a more eligible location than the present
one, where greatly increased facilities will be secured for promoting the
comfort and well-being of the inmates.
In
response to a request from the Commission at Washington City, a female delegate
was sent to the "Council of Ladies," to confer with officers of that
Commission in reference to securing needed supplies for our sick and wounded
soldiers, commencing November 22, 1862. Extracts
from the printed report of that "Council" will probably be offered to
you hereafter for publication.
Major
Will C. Moreau has recently been employed by this Commission to canvass for
Sanitary supplies. One of the
results of his first trip was a contribution (through the influence of one of
the Committees of the Cincinnati Branch,) of twenty-three boxes and three
barrels of Sanitary stores.
You
have already published the sum of $325, as the proceeds of the concert recently
given by the Anderson Troop, for the benefit of our treasury.
The promise of other entertainments, for the same good object, has also
been made.
An
item of interest at the last meeting, was the appointment of a committee to
investigate the claims of a superior knitting machine—from which great results
are expected.
Report of "Soldiers' Home."
Soldiers received during three weeks, ending December 1, 1862, 253.
These
men averaged five meals each—making total number of meals 1,265.
In
addition to these, Mr. Maloan reports that three families of Tennessee refugees,
who had been deprived of all things except their seven children, were provided
with a supper, lodging and breakfast, and transportation to the ferry, on their
way to Indiana.
Timely
aid has been rendered by Mr. M., to several sick men, in procuring their pay,
and securing transportation.
The
following is a memorandum of Sanitary stores sent by the Kentucky Branch, United
States Sanitary Commission, Louisville, to the sick and wounded soldiers at
Perryville, Danville, Harrodsburg and Lebanon, from October 11th to November
11th.
One thousand one hundred and thirty-two comforts and blankets, 821 bed
ticks, 486 pillows, 352 pillow cases, 25 pillow ticks, 2,210 sheets, 2,262
shirts, 2,341 pairs drawers, 725 handkerchiefs, 1,462 towels, 324 coats, 12
vests, 89 pairs pants, 191 pairs socks, 80 cushions, 6 pairs slippers, 1,397
lbs. bandages, 525 abdominal bandages and pads, 72 pin cushions, 1,167 lbs rags
and lint, 32 dressing gowns, 2 bolts calico, 1 bolt jeans, 20 eye shades, 61
pairs crutches, 20 canes, 260 cans fruit, 1,628 lbs dried fruit, 1,073 lbs.
butter, 40 lbs. cheese, 160 lbs. crackers, 234 lbs. groceries, 130 lbs. farina,
121 ½ lbs tea, 575 lbs. white sugar, 40 lbs ground flax seed, 50 lbs rice, 72
lbs. chocolate, 111 lbs. dried beef, 150 lbs canvassed hams, 675 bottles liquor,
wine and cordials, 16 bushels green apples, 103 bushels Irish potatoes, 21
bushels onions, 2 bushels sweet potatoes, 320 loaves bread, 157 fowls, 4 kegs
pickles, 2 kegs syrups, 3 boxes lemons, 50 lbs. chewing tobacco, 1 box ink, 298
dozen eggs, 1 kit mackerel, 5 hhds. ice, 40 sponges, 39 lbs corn starch, 43
packs envelopes, 45 quires paper, 1 box sardines, 69 lbs. Castile soap, 400 lbs.
German soap, 200 lbs. candles, 120 cans concentrated milk, 99 cans beef tea, 287
books, magazines and papers, 1 gross matches, 36 medicine cups, 2 boxes
medicines, 18 pairs mittens, 81 combs, 24 buckets, 100 tin plates, 100 tin cups,
34 wash bowls, 24 spittoons, 12 brooms, 5 coffee pots, 6 lanterns, 6 cotton
mops, 12 chambers, and 2 boxes tin ware.
At the
rooms on Fifth street, the Commission has a commodious and comfortable office,
where those having business with it can find, during business hours, Mr. John
Patterson, the book-keeper, or some one or more of the members, and to which the
soldier's friend, male or female, whether resident of, or visiting the city, is
cordially invited.
L. A. Civill,
Recording Secretary.
SOUTHERN CONFEDERACY [ATLANTA, GA], January 15, 1863, p. 4,
c. 1 [Summary: List of ladies
"appointed to cook for "Soldiers Rest," for the week beginning
January 12th, 1863" (day by day); "appointed to Visit the Soldiers'
Rest, Daily,", "Appointed to Stay at the Wayside Hospital;"
"appointed to prepare food for the wounded soldiers who are arriving daily
from Murfreesboro, commencing January 4th, 1863;" "appointed to visit
Soldier's Rest daily, by Hospital Association, commencing 13th January."]
SAVANNAH [GA] REPUBLICAN, March 7, 1863, p. 2, c. 3
Savannah Wayside
Home
(Late the Pavilion Hotel,)
Under the Direction of the Georgia
Relief Hospital Association,
Is now open, in charge of the Ladies of Savannah, for the
accommodation of Soldiers, when passing through the city.
An ambulance will be in attendance on the arrival of the railway trains.
All Soldiers, whether Georgians or not, traveling on furlough, either
home or to camp, are welcome to the care and comforts of this Wayside Home.
Donations, in money or provisions are solicited from the patriotic and
benevolent.
SOUTHERN CONFEDERACY [ATLANTA, GA], March 24, 1863, p. 2, c. 3
Atlanta Correspondence of the Charleston Courier.
Atlanta, Ga., March 7, 1863.
I scarcely know how to commence a letter from this busiest of all busy
cities of railroads, whence countless iron tracks branch from and connect with
all parts of our glorious young Confederacy. .. . . Near the spacious Car Shed,
at the suggestion of Gen. Johnston, a fine "Soldiers' Rest" has been
erected. It is built of wood, in a
circle, with neat little beds arranged around; and here, instead of lying on the
floor of the Car Shed as formerly, the sick soldiers are removed immediately on
their arrival, to await distribution to the different hospitals, of which there
are a great many in successful operation, containing now only 1,400 sick and
wounded, a considerable decrease from the immense crowds of a month ago. . . .
Aliene.
SAVANNAH [GA] REPUBLICAN, May 4, 1863, p. 2, c. 1
Theatre—An entirely new play, of the patriotic type, from the pen of
Mr. Hewitt, will be presented to-night. Those
who have read it in manuscript speak very highly of its merits.
The leading parts will be sustained by Miss Fanny, Master James and
Master Andrew.
A new son, entitled "All is quiet along the Savannah to-night,"
the words by Miss Sinclair, and music by Mr. Koenigsburg, will be sung by Miss
Laura. The entertainment will, no
doubt, draw a full house.
It will be seen that Mr. Waldron, whilst putting money in his own purse,
is not unmindful of other objects which have claims on all who are able to aid
them. He has set apart to-morrow
(Tuesday) night for the benefit in behalf of the Savannah Wayside Home, an
institution which is doing much for the relief and comfort of our traveling
soldiers. Let our citizens see to
it that not a vacant seat or standing place is left in the house.
SAVANNAH [GA] REPUBLICAN, May 26, 1863, p. 2, c. 2
Millen Wayside Home.--The ladies of Burke county have completed their
beautiful and patriotic arrangements at Millen, and are now dispensing their
hospitality daily to large numbers of traveling soldiers.
We dropped in a few evenings since and found a well supplied table and
every comfort prepared for our brave defenders, the gentle hands that provided
these benefactions rendering them doubly acceptable.
We wish them every success in their praiseworthy undertaking, and as they
rely on contributions and their own means alone for the support of their
"Home," we hope the public will deal liberally with them.
Will not the friends of the soldier in Savannah lend them a helping hand?
We feel assured they are so disposed, and we would add that, to save them
trouble, all contributions left at this office will be promptly acknowledged and
forwarded.
SAVANNAH [GA] REPUBLICAN, June 10, 1863, p. 2, c. 1
Lecture To
Night.—By a sudden withdrawal of a portion of our troops from this vicinity,
families in many instances have been left in very destitute circumstances.
This coming to the knowledge of the lady managers of the Wayside Home,
they are endeavoring to relieve them. To
aid them in this good work, the Hon. H. R. Jackson will deliver a lecture
to-night in the Masonic Hall, to commence at 8 o'clock—the proceeds of which
to be applied to further their laudable undertaking.
The subject of the Lecture will be:
"The radical and fatal defects in the civilization of the United
States of America."
[MARSHALL] TEXAS REPUBLICAN, July 18, 1863, p. 2, c. 1
Wayside Hospital.
We, the ladies of Harrison county, desirous of establishing a wayside
Hospital at this place, do most urgently entreat all who feel an interest in our
sick and wounded soldiers to aid us by sending [illegible] and every thing
necessary for a hospital, such as Tea, Rice, Medicines, Wine, Brandy, &c.
Look for further particulars next week.
Mrs. Burress, Matron.
[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, July 24, 1863, p. 1, c. 2
Soldiers' Home at Brenham.
Brenham, Texas, July 16, 1863.
Editor
Telegraph:--The County Court of Washington County, aided by contributions from
the citizens of the county, and by funds raised by a "Misses' Fair,"
recently held in this place, have established here a Soldiers' Home, for the
benefit of all sick and wounded soldiers, returning from or to their commands,
and all other soldiers who may be in need of assistance, where they can have
board, lodging, medical and surgical attention free of charge.
It is placed under care of a lady resident in the house, who will see to
it that her table, beds, &c., shall be comfortable, and is under the
superintendence and direction of an experienced and skillful physician.
Will
not all the papers and conductors on railroads, give publicity to this, that
such as need care and attention traveling this way may know where they will
obtain it, rendered most cheerfully and heartily.
J.
B.
AUSTIN STATE GAZETTE, September 1, 1863, p. 2, c. 1
We are glad to see that in several parts of the State efforts are being made by
the ladies to establish Wayside Hospitals for the accommodation of sick soldiers
who may be passing through their neighborhood.--This is a most praiseworthy
undertaking, as many, when on their way to their homes require the attention of
nurses and such treatment as cannot be had in hotels or private houses.
We notice meetings have been held in Houston, Rusk, and several other
counties for this purpose, and as we learn one of our hotels will close shortly
in this city, we feel assured the ladies of Travis will not be behind those of
other counties in this work of charity and benevolence.
SAVANNAH [GA] REPUBLICAN, September 11, 1863, p. 2, c. 5
Madame Teresa,
The Lecture to have been given on Thursday Evening, Sept.
10, 1863, at Masonic Hall, by this distinguished lady, the daughter of Sir James
Tate, and grand-daughter of Lady Elizabeth Appleby of Yorkshire, is postponed
until Monday Evening next, the 14th inst.
Subject of the Lecture—The War.
Admittance, $1. Tickets can
be procured at the Pulaski House, Scriven House, Marshall House, and at the door
of the Hall.
The proceeds of the Lecture will be placed in the hands of the Ladies in
charge of the Wayside Home in this city, for the benefit of said institution.
SAVANNAH [GA] REPUBLICAN, November 5, 1863, p. 2, c. 2
Savannah Wayside Home.
This admirable institution was opened on the 6th of March, 1863, since
which time it has dispensed its benefits to 5,136 soldiers.
It received in the commencement $700 from the Georgia Hospital and Relief
Association, and since, in contributions from individuals and from lectures
pronounced in its behalf, $6025.
In consequence of its large number of beneficiaries since the battle at
Chickamauga, and the exhorbitant [sic] prices of articles of food, its funds are
nearly exhausted. Its Lady Managers
are satisfied that this simple announcement will summon to its relief and aid
the liberal contributions of those interested in this excellent and necessary
work.
Mrs. E. L. Campbell is Treasurer.
SAVANNAH [GA] REPUBLICAN, November 13, 1863, p. 1, c. 2
Covering for the Soldiers.
The constant demand for blankets for the soldiers, has induced the Lady
Managers of the Wayside Home to make arrangements for receiving any donations
which the citizens may feel disposed to make for the purpose. Persons wishing to give their carpets, to be made up into
blankets, are notified that they will be received by Capt. Hardee, at the Home.
If already made up, will be so much gained—but if this is not
convenient, the ladies will have them made a suitable size; and being desirous
to give the employment to the needy women, will be glad of any friends for
aiding the work.
[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, November 27, 1863, p. 2, c.
1
We had
the pleasure of a call yesterday from Mrs. Lancaster, of the Ranger, and her
accomplished little daughter, whose performance at the Soldiers' Home Concert
gained so much applause. Mrs. L. is
untiring in her efforts for the soldiers.
SOUTHERN BANNER [ATHENS, GA], December 16, 1863, p. 3, c. 5
A Military and Dress Ball
Will be given at the Lumpkin
House, Thursday evening, the 24th of December.
The proceeds to be given for the benefit of the Wayside Home.
Tickets of admission can be procured of Mr. C. S. Reese, at Long's Drug
Store, or of either of the undersigned committee.
Gentlemen wishing to obtain Ladies invitation tickets, can get them by
applying to the Committee of Invitations, at Long's Drug Store, every evening
between the hours of 4 and 5 o'clock.
Tickets of admission $10--Supper included.
W. N. Burrows,
}
Thos. Hall,
} Committee
W. H. Simms,
} of
J. Harper,
} Arrangements.
Chas. E. Stephens.
}
W. M. Rudolph.
}
Dec. 16.
MONTGOMERY WEEKLY ADVERTISER, December 30, 1863, p. 1, c. 5
[Communicated.]
The Women of the South.
[Summary: The
article starts with long general praise of the women of the South]
We have this day visited the "Soldiers' Home," of this city,
under the management of its patriotic women; and the comfort, the cleanliness
and good order which prevail throughout the establishment, give ample evidence
of the ability and constant attention bestowed upon it. We learned from the obliging clerk that on the first of June
last a change took place in the management of the Home, by which all the funds
then on hand were transferred to another hospital under government management.
Since the first of June the "Home" had expended (to the 1st of
December) for provisions, medicines, &c., $1,487, the greater part of which
are still on hand and there was on hand, on the first of December also, cash to
the amount of $8,543,10, all which had been accumulated out of the per diem
allowance made by the government to the sick and wounded soldiers.
It must not be supposed for a moment that the soldiers have been stinted
in anything needful for their comfort, in order to effect this saving! On the contrary, we hesitate not to affirm that in no
hospital in the confederacy are there more comforts or as many supplied to the
inmates. This gratifying result has
been produced by the liberal contributions extended to the managers of the Home
by the citizens and the faithful attention paid to their preservation and
distribution by the managers. We
take pleasure in recording these things, which redound so much to the devotion
of the ladies and the liberality of this community. We were furnished with the following resolutions, which were
unanimously adopted at the meeting of the Society, on Monday last, and which we
think deserve a place in your columns:
Resolved, That the thanks of this Society are eminently due, and hereby
tendered to Mrs. Bibb, for her untiring devotion and energy and perseverance as
President, and the cheerful, courteous and obliging manner in which she has
discharged the duties pertaining to her office; and it is the sincere desire of
the members of this Society that she would still retain her position.
Resolved, That to Mrs. Wm. Bell we return our sincere thanks for her
unremitting kindness and attention to the sick and wounded of the
"Home," her unceasing efforts to alleviate the sufferings of all, by
both kindness and liberality, have won our heartfelt admiration, and awakened
within us a desire to emulate her noble example.
We could say much more on this subject, but having made this
communication sufficiently long we close for the present.
A Traveler.
MONTGOMERY WEEKLY ADVERTISER, January 6, 1864, p. 1, c. 5
[Communicated.]
Christmas at the Soldiers' Home.
There was a jolly good time generally through Montgomery on Christmas
day. Everybody seemed to think a
duty to enjoy themselves upon that occasion.
"Hard times" were forgotten for the time being and good will
and plenty of good things, were every where to be seen.
The "Soldiers Home" was the scene of much pleasant enjoyment,
which it did one good to behold. Early
in the day the ladies of the society under whose management this admirable
institution has been established, began to assemble bringing with them large
contributions for the contemplated celebration.
The eyes of the soldiers sparkled, and their countenances beamed with
joyful anticipation of the coming feast. Soon
the clatter of merry voices were heard, and the drumming of spoons and forks
beating up the eggs for the Christmas beverage of EGG NOG, was delightful music
to the ears of the invalid soldiers who had not seen the shadow of such good
things since they left their homes. While
this busy note of preparation was going on the soldiers in the number of some
two hundred or more had collected together in the main hall of the building and
having improvised a band of ethiopian minstrels from their number entertained
themselves, and a crowd of visitors with songs and well executed airs upon the
violin, banjo and bones. Soon the
young ladies were seen bearing the foaming glasses of the luscious egg nog, and
distributing them to all the soldiers. Every
ward was visited and every invalid soldier had a gannymede to present him with a
cup of the true nectar—then came the preparations for dinner; and surely the
soldiers will long remember the sumptuous entertainment prepared for them by the
ladies of Montgomery. From ten
o'clock until two there were constant arrivals of roast turkeys, geese, ducks,
fowls, old and new hams, beef in all its varieties, roasted pigs, looking so
brown and crisp that they would have tempted an anchorite or dervish from his
faith; then the rich, yellow sweet potatoes dressed in various ways to please
the most fastidious tastes. After
all this came the pies and puddings of all rich and racey characters, and piles
of fragrant cakes, and sweet oranges, altogether presenting a scene of good
cheer, which surrounded as it was, by the smiling faces of women in their
loveliest character of ministering angel to the wants of humanity, has nothing
more lovely upon this chequered earth. The
dinner with all its enjoyment came to an end, and the well pleased soldiers
again assembled in the hall and the band of minstrels were once more introduced,
and renewed their pleasing entertainment. There
was a large number of visitors during the day, and particularly during the
performance of the minstrels. At
the close of the evening performances, Mr. B. H. Richardson, of Baltimore, being
present, in response to a call from the company, made a few brief and
appropriate remarks which were well received by the audience. We noticed amongst the active ladies of the occasion Mrs.
Judge Bibb, Mrs. Crawford Bibb and Mrs. George Bibb, Mrs. and Miss Bell, Mrs.
Reese, Miss Chisholm and many others whom we had not the pleasure of knowing.
This occasion will not soon be forgotten by the soldiers.
Its moral effect upon their minds and its beneficial effects upon their
health cannot easily be estimated. The
soldier who finds such appreciating friends at home will remember it upon the
battlefield, and his arm will be nerved with new power when he knows that he is
not only battling for political and social liberty, but that the smiles and the
approval of God's last best gift to man is to be his sure reward. All honor, say we, to the noble and liberal women of
Montgomery, and may their own homes ever be brightened by the smile of love and
the sunshine of prosperity.
ALBANY [GA] PATRIOT, January 21, 1864, p. 3, c. 1
Wayside Home.
The ladies managing the Macon
Wayside Home have appointed me Chairman of the committee to procure provisions
for them. They are in great
need, as upon a daily average seventy five to one hundred soldiers, who are
unable to pay $4 00 per meal, are fed at the Home.
They are soldiers from Southwestern Georgia, and all parts of the
country. The citizens of Macon have
liberally sustained the home from its beginning, at great expense, and yet the
responsibility rests equally upon the people all over the country, as their own
neighbors are befitted. I hope all
who can donate small quantities of butter, lard, pork, meal, peas or chickens,
will [fold] remember the poor war-worn soldier, as he returns to his home from
the battle field. Those who wish to
contribute to the Home, will deliver their contributions to J. M. Cooper,
Albany, who will receive them, and take a list of the names of contributors.
For Mitchell county the produce can be delivered to me on my plantation,
and I will haul it to Albany and forward to Macon.
Let all remember the Wayside Home.
J. W. Fears,
Chairman.
MOBILE REGISTER AND ADVERTISER, May 5, 1864, p. 2, c, 3
Letter from
Montgomery.
The Hospitals of Montgomery—The Soldier's Home,
or Ladies' Hospital—Stonewall Hospital—Madison
Hospital—St. Mary's Hospital—Concert Hall—
Wayside Home, &c., &c.
Montgomery, April 30, 1864.
I took a stroll this morning among the Hospitals of this city, and
thought a general sketch of their whereabouts and condition, with their general
capacity, might not be entirely uninteresting at this time.
The Soldiers' Home, under the management of the ladies of Montgomery,
with Mrs. Judge B. S. Bibb as President, is one of the very best conducted
institutions of the kind in the Confederacy.
It was the first established in this city, and has ever been deservedly
popular among the sick and wounded soldiers.
For a considerable time it was supported entirely by the voluntary
contributions of the citizens, and has had at one time within its enclosure over
four hundred patients. The
unwearied care and skillful attention of surgeons and nurses have resulted in
the restoration to health and service of a very large number of soldiers, who
would, under ordinary circumstances, have died or been disabled.—There are
this day but 145 patients in this institution, some fifty having been returned
to the army during the last week.
To show the comparative state of the several Hospitals here, I submit the
following brief statement:
Ladies' Hospital—Patients, 145; cooks, 5; nurses, 14; matrons, 4;
laundresses, 7; surgeons, 3.
Stonewall Hospital—Patients, 81; cooks, 10; nurses 13; matrons, 4;
laundresses, 13; surgeons, 4.
Madison Hospital—Patients, 77; cooks, 6; nurses, 23; matron, 1; ward
masters, 2; laundresses, 6; surgeons, 4.
St. Mary's Hospital—Patients, 112; cooks, 4; nurses, 26; matrons, 5;
laundresses, 7; surgeons, 4.
Total now in Hospitals—Patients, 415; cooks, 26; nurses, 76; matrons,
14; laundresses, 31; surgeons, 15.
In addition to these institutions, there is an establishment fitted up
for the reception of patients by the General Superintendent, Dr. J. W. Gentry,
and known as Concert Hall, which, in tome of need, can accommodate a respectable
number of patients. The capacity of
these united institutions will be little short of 2,000.
Besides these, there is the Wayside Home, where the weary and hungry
soldiers, as he passes through the city, can always find a wholesome meal and a
night's repose.
The liberality of the citizens, or, we might better say, their just
appreciation of the soldier, has been no where more strikingly manifested than
in the little city of Montgomery. The
citizens give of their means liberally, cheerfully and continuously.
They have not wearied in well doing.
And Montgomery has the honor of having first started a home for the
orphan children of our soldiers. Over
one hundred thousand dollars have been subscribed in this city for this noble
charity. May we not, in the language of the good book, say to every
other city, town and county, "Go ye and do likewise"?
SAVANNAH [GA] REPUBLICAN, May 23, 1864, p. 1, c. 5
The Savannah Wayside Home.
Mr. Editor: The friends of
the Wayside Home noticed with particular pleasure the handsome gift to it of
$1,000 by Capt. A. P. Wetter, as stated in the Republican a few days ago.
Such generous liberality may well excuse the publicity you have given it,
especially as it suggests to other wealthy and liberal men the like course of
conduct. This noble charity—the
Wayside Home—commends itself, both by its excellent objects and by the actual
good it has accomplished, by the steady support of the benevolent citizens of
Savannah and the State. Established
in March, 1863, it has from that time to the present offered a free home to the
furloughed soldier passing through the city.
No one with a proper claim has ever sought admittance in vain.
On some days as many as 250 have been entertained at its table.
In one week more than 1,500 received its hospitalities.
Food and lodgings for so many made heavy costs, and it need not surprise
the public to know that the total expenses of the Home, for the fourteen months
of its existence, have been about $30,000—half of which are for the last three
months. These are its money
expenses. But who can reckon its
cost in the labors and sacrifices of the noble women of Savannah, who originated
this charity, and whose daily task it has been to minister to the wants of their
brave defenders. The soldier
blesses them, and an approving conscience is their rich reward.
The
receipts of the Wayside Home have about equalled its expenses.
These have been partly private donations and partly the proceeds of
public lectures, concerts, &c. The
latter income has now entirely ceased, and the Home must depend in the coming
season for its support chiefly on private liberality.
Fortunately, its expenses are now
comparatively small, as but few soldiers are passing through the city, but its
funds, even at this reduced scale, need constant replenishing; and what shall be
done when the stream of travel again brings its crowd of furloughed soldiers?
This will soon set in when the spring campaigns are over, and the Wayside
Home must still keep open its hospitable portals to receive the weary and the
hungry. This will require vastly
more means than the Home has now at its command, and we trust the generous
citizens of Savannah, never weary in well doing, will not relax their efforts
now, and that new friends will arise to give of their abundance for the relief
of the needy soldier. The
Charleston Wayside Home has just received the munificent sum of Ten Thousand
Dollars, from the "Bee Steamship
Company," to supply its wants. Has
not our Home some good friend to make it the recipient of some like benefaction?
Whoever helps it in its need may rest assured he could have aided no
worthier charity than the
Savannah Wayside Home.
ALBANY [GA] PATRIOT, August 4, 1864, p. 2, c. 2
Albany Wayside Home--The citizens of this city have at last seen the necessity
for a Wayside Home; they have according established one, and placed it under the
superintendence of the Ladies' Battle-Field Relief Society.
This will certainly be welcome news to our readers in the country, who
may have friends or relatives in the army.
They will now have comfortable quarters, free of charge, when returning
home on furlough, or wounded from the battle-field.
Our lady citizens will exercise their utmost to make the Home everything
it should be, but they will have to be aided in the good work, otherwise their
efforts will be in vain.
GALVESTON WEEKLY NEWS, August 8, 1864, p. 1, c. 4
We have been shown
a letter from Beaumont to Rev. Mr. Castleton, stating that since he left that
town, a Soldiers' Home has been successfully organized in that place.
This is the beginning of the good work.
We expect soon to present our readers with a list of Soldiers' Homes, and
will keep it standing for the information of the public.
GALVESTON WEEKLY NEWS, August 8, 1864, p. 1, c. 5
Soldiers' Homes in Texas.
One in Houston, in charge of
Sergt.
C. A. Scales
One in Beaumont, in charge of
Wm. Fletcher.
One in Millican, in charge of
Wm. R. Ellis.
One in Rusk, in charge of
_____________
We hope our friends throughout the country will give us early information
of the establishment of Homes in their respective neighborhoods, that we may add
them to our permanent list, for the information of our soldiers.
They will also please give us the names of such persons as may be placed
in charge, and to whom application by the soldiers may be made.
GALVESTON WEEKLY NEWS, August 17, 1864, p. 2, c. 3
Independence, August 14th, 1864.
Ed. News:--Will you allow me to make a statement as to the condition of
affairs east of the Mississippi river, for the information of your many readers,
who are, to a great extent, cut off from all means of information.
And as I visited most of the troops, I can speak with certainty as to
their condition.
. . . I visited the hospitals [in Atlanta], and was gratified to find
they were so well kept; everything that can be done for the sick and wounded is
done, by both the army surgeons and the citizens, especially the ladies who are
as untiring in their devotion to the soldiers as they were when the war first
broke out. Nothing that will
contribute to the comfort of the sick and wounded is left undone.
On the route from Richmond, along the railroad, at every depot, I found
ladies with baskets of provisions for the soldiers, or else long tables set for
them, and in some instances, when citizens found it difficult to get something
to eat, the soldiers had more than they could eat.
All this kindness and devotion is not wasted—the soldiers are not
insensible to such kindness, and will never lay down their arms while the homes
of such women are in danger. I
found the feeling of the people to be hopeful and cheerful everywhere, the money
very day, strange as it may seem, in those districts that have been over run by
the enemy and where every thing was destroyed; for the Yankees left their trail
in fire and ruin; every village burnt, every cow, hog, sheep and chicken killed,
the horses and mules taken, and the provisions that could not be carried away
were burnt, yet among these people I found more kindness, patriotism and
liberality than in any other section. This
contrasts strangely with our people at home, for if they would only charge
Yankee batteries with half the unrelenting, savage ferocity that they charge
wounded, sick and furloughed soldiers coming home or returning to the army, my
deliberate opinion is that the Yankees wouldn't have a cannon left in their army
in a week.
And why it is in our State that there are not soldiers' homes all through
the country, I am at a loss to imagine. Texas
is overflowing with provisions, has never been invaded, (thanks to the
soldiers,) and our people have both the means and the time to do this much for
our soldiers, and it is their duty. It
is humiliating to think that a man who has returned wounded, a cripple for life,
should be charged a month's wages for a bed to sleep on and a little bread and
meat to eat. . . .
I visited Dr. Bryan's Hospital, at Auburn, where there are four hundred
sick and wounded soldiers. The Dr.
kindly showed me through the different wards, and even the kitchen. I found it far ahead of the other hospitals, and the people
of Texas ought to contribute liberally to that hospital, for it is for Texas
soldiers, and contributes greatly to the comfort of our unfortunate sick and
wounded. The ladies at and in the
vicinity of Auburn are doing all in their power to aid in taking care of our
men, and they deserve the thanks of our people for their devotion to our wounded
and sick soldiers. Dr. Bryan has
done his part nobly, and deserves the gratitude of our State.
I will not trespass upon your space any further, Mr. Editor, and hope you
will pardon me for sending so long a communication, but hope you can make room
for it for the information it will give those whose sons are in the armies east
of the river.
Respectfully,
Jno. R. Baylor.
MONTGOMERY WEEKLY ADVERTISER, August 24, 1864, p. 3, c. 2
The Wayside Home.
Mr. Editor:--In behalf of this benevolent institution, permit me to ask
you the favor of reminding our friends in the country, that it is supported
wholly and exclusively by voluntary contributions, when these contributions
become "like Angel's visits, few and far between," the poor furloughed
soldiers cannot avail themselves of its benefits on their way to and from their
respective homes, but have to suffer in many instances for the want of that
temporary food and nourishment that all who remain at home should be willing to
provide for them to the best of their ability.
If the Wayside Home were not in existence among us, the poor travel tired
soldiers would have no way to obtain their meals upon the road but by applying
to the doors of our citizens. Is it
not far better for us to extend our aid liberally to the Home itself, where
every soldier may feel sure of obtaining good nourishing food, than to let so
excellent an institution languish from absolute neglect.
These brave men have left their own homes and all that makes life
endurable, and can we do too much for them in return? Certainly we cannot!
Those who place a proper estimate upon the invaluable services these
brave men are now rendering in the Confederacy, will bear in mind that hundreds
of soldiers pass through the city every week, and have no place to obtain food
and shelter but at the Home. If
they love the soldiers and the cause for which they fight, they will contribute
a part at least of their means in money or provisions, leaving them with Albert
Stassberger, Esq., the excellent superintendent, at 102 Commerce street, or at
the Home Buildings, corner of Bibb and Coosa streets.
Amicus.
DALLAS HERALD, August 27, 1864, p. 1, c. 1
A dramatic entertainment was given at the Court House in this place last
night, under the management of Messrs. Walter and Foley, late of the Houston
Dramatic Association, for the purpose of raising funds with which to establish a
Soldiers' Home in Dallas. We regret
our inability to attend, but learn from those present, that the performance was
very creditable, the house well filled, and every thing passed off pleasantly.
Another performance with change of programme, is to be given for the same
object, on Wednesday evening next. The
object of the entertainment, if nothing else, should insure a full house.
AUSTIN STATE GAZETTE, August 31, 1864, p. 2, c. 4
Soldiers' Homes in Texas.
One in Houston, in charge of Sergt. C. A. Scales.
One in Beaumont, in charge of Wm. Fletcher.
One in Millican, in charge of Wm. R. Ellis.
One in Rusk, in charge of ---------------
One in Crockett, in charge of -------------
One in Hempstead in charge of J. R. Ward.
One in Anderson, in charge of Mrs. Hendrick.
One in Red Top, in charge of Col. Bookman.
One in Chappell Hill, in charge of Judge Thomas.
One in Austin, in charge of Mrs. Shaw.
Mr. Wash. West, of Sweet Home, Lavaca co., also writes the
"News," that soldiers, with proper papers, will be accommodated at his
home free of charge.
AUSTIN STATE GAZETTE, September 14, 1864, p. 2, c. 1
By reference to an advertisement in another column, it will be seen that
Col. Jacob Schmitz, former proprietor of the Guadalupe Hotel, in New Braunfels,
has again taken charge of that establishment, which he has had rented out during
the past year. It will be
gratifying to those travelling that route, to see again the familiar, smiling
face of Jacob, when the Hon. Miss. Murray, in her tour through Texas, designated
as "the prince of Bonifaces." It
requires in these times more than an ordinary man, as Dan Rice, the clown, used
to say, "to keep a hotel," but we think Jacob is equal to the task,
especially since he has become a Colonel, and will therefore know how to treat
soldiers. We hope soon to be able
to announce the establishment of a soldiers' home in New Braunfels, towards
which we feel assured the host of the Guadalupe Hotel contribute liberally. Such establishments are becoming general throughout the
country, and we know of no point where one is more needed than in New Braunfels,
through which soldiers are constantly passing and repassing.
We may here also add that Colonel Schmitz has greatly enlarged his
building which is now capable of accommodating private families and as many
transient visitors as may come along.
SOUTHERN BANNER [ATHENS, GA], October 19, 1864, p. 1, c. 5
Your
Georgia readers will be glad to hear that the Georgia Relief and Hospital
Association continues to dispense its benefits to the soldiers from that
patriotic State. Mr. E. Saulsbury
is the present agent of the Association in Virginia, and has charge of the Way
Side Home in Richmond, the store, baggage of the soldiers &c., &c.
Dr. James Camak is the Surgeon, whose duty it is to look after sick and
wounded Georgians wherever they are to be found, whether on the battle field, on
the ambulance trains, or at the Wayside Home. He is one of the best men and most energetic and faithful
officers I have ever known. Rev.
Mr. Crumley, the Chaplain of the Association, has his headquarters at the Home,
but devoted all his time to the spiritual welfare of the sick and wounded in the
hospitals around the city, in the field, on the cars, in the streets, wherever
indeed there is a suffering Georgian who requires comfort and encouragement, or
a deceased one to be buried. . . .
The St.
Charles Hotel, on the corner of Main and 15th Streets, was opened as a Georgia
Wayside Home the 20th of April, 1863. Here
all Georgians passing through Richmond, either on the way to their homes on
furlough, or on their return to the field, or when proceeding from the hospital
to their commands, are accommodated with food and lodging free of expense.
In this way 32, 342 men, besides officers, has been lodged and fed here
up to the 25th ult. Government furnishes about one half of the rations
consumed; the balance, as well as the house, furniture and servants, is supplied
by the Association. . . .
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, October 22, 1864, p. 1, c. 4
Fine
Music.—The Charleston Brass Band, led by Prof. Mueller, serenaded Gen. Hagood,
at the South Carolina Soldiers' Home (formerly Exchange Hotel), last night.
The music was surpassingly fine—the symphony and chords rivalling the
tone of an organ, and filling the air with sweetest melody.
The band numbers ten performers, including the bass and kettle drummers.
It left South Carolina at the beginning of the war as a regimental band,
but is now the brigade band of General Hagood's brigade.
We hope that, during their stay in Richmond, they will favor the ladies
of our city with a concert on the Capitol Square.
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, October 25, 1864, p. 1, c. 3
The
Richmond correspondent of the Mobile Register writes:
"The
'Soldiers' Home' is supposed to be a place of rest, and is kept upon the
principle of a free hotel.—Each State has one at Richmond, where soldiers
passing through register their names, and by an agreement with the Confederate
Government the officer in charge of the house draws rations corresponding to the
number of inmates. These rations
are cooked there. Some of these
places, where the proper attention and care has been given to them, are a very
great convenience and luxury to the soldier who has not been seated at a regular
table for months. Several of these
places are preferable to the Richmond hotels; but I must say that the Alabama
Home is a disgrace to the State. Thousands
of bedbugs and vermin infest the beds, and the general table will not commence
to compare with the living the men have in camp, and God knows that is hard
enough. The poorest and meanest
'extras' have to be bought out of the small pittance of the soldiers.
This is a crying shame. There
is no earthly excuse for it. What
one State can do by energy another can accomplish.—Whether the fault lies at
the door of the State Government or the officer charged with the conduct of
these establishments, I have no means of information.
I am not writing for the purpose of fault-finding, but simply to call
public attention to impositions which hourly and daily the soldiers are made to
suffer, and because I know that public appeals are listened to with much more
attention than private letters. What
I write is from observation, and can be substantiated by hundreds of witnesses.
There is another point connected with this place.
Its location is such that a gentleman who is known in Richmond, or
respects himself, is ashamed to be seen going there.
Nearly every house around it is a den of the lowest and vilest
prostitutes, and it seems to have been selected with an eye to cheapness, and
not convenience or comfort. I know
many officers and men who have nothing in the world but their army pay, who can
ill afford $30 a day at the hotels, who would like to take advantage of this
house, who deny themselves the comforts and necessaries for camp, and spend
their money with the hotels rather than go to this filthy hole."
SOUTHERN WATCHMAN [ATHENS, GA], October 26, 1864, p. 2, c. 2
Soldiers' Wayside Home.
A "Wayside Home" for our
brave soldiers has been established at this place, at the Old college, and is
under the management of Mr. E. D. Stone.
The object of this institution is to furnish food and lodging to soldiers
on their way to or from the army--many of whom are sick or wounded, and nearly
all without money to pay their way. Such
an establishment at this point is actually necessary, as it is due to the brave
defenders of the soil that they should be made comfortable wherever they go.
It is proposed to sustain the "Home" here as similar
institutions are sustained elsewhere, by voluntary contributions.
To this end, it is expected that every one who is able will contribute
something. To the people of the up
country, whose sons, brothers, &c., will be the principal beneficiaries of
this establishment, we feel we may confidently appeal for contributions. No one need wait to send money.
Everything in the shape of food, both animal and vegetable, is needed.
Send bacon, beef, mutton, lard, butter, poultry, eggs, potatoes, dried
fruit and everything eatable. Send
candles, tallow, soap and such other necessaries as you may have to spare.
Let those who live near enough, send firewood. Let all send something.
If you cannot spare any of the articles necessary to keep up such an
establishment, send money.
We publish this week a list of contributions up to Monday morning last.
Contributions will be acknowledged from week to week.
AUSTIN STATE GAZETTE, October 26, 1864, p. 2, c. 1
Ladies Fair.--We have been informed that it is the intention of the ladies in
Austin to hold a Fair on Thursday evening in the Confederate Court Room, the
proceeds of which will be applied for the benefit of the Soldiers' Home in this
city. We hope our citizens generally will attend, especially those
who have not already contributed to the support of this most valuable
institution, which we understand is now being kept up at the expense of a few,
while it is a matter in which we all ought to be deeply interested.
GALVESTON WEEKLY NEWS, October 26, 1864, p. 2, c. 1
A letter from Fairfield says: "I
am pleased to inform you that there are now Soldiers' Homes established in this
county (Freestone) at three different points:
One at Fairfield, one at Cotton Gin, and one at Butler—there are two
separate houses at Butler at which soldiers can stop, one owned by H. Manning,
Esq., and the other by Mr. Wm. M. McDaniel.
All of the Homes are well supplied by the good citizens of the immediate
vicinity of each of said Homes."
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, October 26, 1864, p. 1, c. 3
A
soldier ordered from the Army of Tennessee to join Forrest's command gives,
through the columns of The Appeal, an interesting account of what he saw and
heard on his trip. We have,
however, only room for one paragraph of his letter.
He says:
"Arriving
at the famous city of Montgomery, in a dirty and wearied condition, we felt that
we had arrived at the birthplace of the Confederacy, and that no croakers,
stragglers or men exempt could be found within her walls.
Alas for human hopes! Things
have gone from bad to worse. I
stood upon the streets, and lo! a
sea of human beings pass before me. Where
are they from, and whither are they going?
To the front?—'No,' replied a bright-eyed little fellow, (who will some
day make a general,) 'they are not. That
big fellow you see tending to that store is exempt because he superintends the
Wayside Home; that other one has a contract for hauling wood to government
shops; that one is the Governor's aid; that one driving the fine bay is a
Quartermaster; and that one, &c., &c.,' continued the boy, giving
descriptions of their business as each passed before us, until more than double
the number of our entire company had passed."
AUSTIN STATE GAZETTE, November 2, 1864, p. 2, c. 1
The
Soldiers' Fair and Supper.--This splendid entertainment came off on last
Thursday night. We were
complimented with tickets, and regret much that it was out of our power to
attend. It is represented by those who were present to have surpassed
any thing of the kind heretofore gotten up in Austin, netting to the
"soldiers' Home" upwards of $300 in specie and near $3,000 in
Confederate money. A fine
description of it has been prepared for our paper, and we regret, for the want
of space, we must lay it over until next week.
The ladies of Travis are not to be out-done in their attentions to the
comforts of our brave soldiers.
[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, November 16, 1864, p. 1, c. 2
Soldiers' Wayside Homes.
Greenwood, Nov. 5, 1864.
Editor
Telegraph:--After a long and dangerous illness (bilious fever) and after
bringing upon myself three relapses by resuming my work too soon, I am once more
able to write you and recommence with caution the good work of establishing
"soldiers' homes." Minden,
Homer and Pleasant Hill, in Louisiana, have been established and are in full
operation.
I am
happy to learn that the good people in Goliad, Hillsboro, (Hill county) Butler
and Fairfield have moved of their own accord and established homes for our
wayfaring troops. All honor to such
patriotic devotion! Perhaps other
places have done the same.
The
principal object of this communication is to give you and the public information
of General Smith's plans to aid this enterprise.
In
answer to my application he has ordered the following letter:
Rev. Thomas Castleton:
Sir—The
General Commanding directs me to say in response to your application to purchase
subsistence stores, that after the "homes" shall have been established
and their location approved by him, he will direct the Commissary Department to
sell to the superintendent of the several homes a quantity equal to that which
appear upon the Superintendent's affidavit to have been used by soldiers during
the previous month." (A true copy.)
Thus
it will appear—1. That General
Smith takes the responsibility of aiding us in the only serious embarrassment we
have to suffer; that is, the difficulty of obtaining the food needed in some
places. Government depots are
everywhere, and can supply where the community cannot.
This is very opportune. In
some places we need no help; in others we are unable without it to supply our
home.
2.
That while generous and liberal, the General Commanding is cautious, and
limits his pledged supply to approved locations.
By this he means to guard against too numerous establishments.
Homes must not be located too near each other.
On
this point I will say for general information and as a suggestion to General
Smith, that the number of miles apart cannot in all cases decide the propriety
of a location. It often happens
that "cross lines of travel" intersect direct lines, and what is
actually upon the direct line too near other homes, is absolutely needed on the
cross lines, and at a proper distance from the other homes upon that cross line.
Thus,
when running a direct line at proper distances, I am obliged to make that a
convenience to establish one to meet a cross line at its point of intersection
with the direct line. Gen. Smith's
good sense will doubtless decide that each community will be able to judge
correctly as to the location of homes.
Of
course the homes which draw rations for each soldier as he passes, will not
apply for subsistence by "purchase."
Many homes will not apply at all. Others
must.
The
second object in writing is to urge affectionately and earnestly the citizens of
all important points upon the main lines of travel from Louisiana and Arkansas
through Texas, to go at once to the work and establish homes every where.
It is time, high time to act. Much
precious time is almost lost. Hundreds
of soldiers have already passed to their abodes and back to their command,
bitter with the memories of repulses and refusals at the hands of many; and will
tell their wrongs and impart their bitterness to the army; while others wounded
and way-worn, have gone home to die, with the bitter thought corroding their
brave bosoms that after three and a half years of battle and camp services they
were refused food and lodging by those for whom they have fought and suffered.
How long shall this continue? Till
I can visit every town and run every line in the State?
Years will be too short a time for that.
Up, then, my noble fellow citizens, and do the work. Follow the example recently set by Goliad, Cotton Gin,
Fairfield, Butler, Pleasant Hill, &c. You
can—you only need to determine upon success.
Let no obstacle hinder you, make it succeed, and a hearty will is success
made sure.
Gen.
Smith has also promised to sell cooking utensils from the Q. M. Department
wherever needed for a home. Do the
best you can, and better afterwards; but do it, and do it at once.
Respectfully,
Thos. Castleton.
P.S.—The
following suggestions are respectfully made to all our homes:
1.
Look well to it, that the person to whom the soldier is sent to obtain a
ticket to the home for admission, be so chosen as to be easily accessible.
In my
travels I have met a number of soldiers who said of certain homes, "it took
me so long to find the ticket for
admission that I was obliged to leave a good meal untasted," "the
whistle blew," or "the stage started and I was sent off hungry."
This ought not to be. It
must not be.
2.
Let constant arrangements be made to furnish "cooked rations"
for one, two, or three days, as the case may demand, so that "the
haversack" may supply the lack of homes until they can be established
everywhere. These cooked rations
should be entered upon "the register" as if eaten in the
"home."
Galveston
News, Caddo Gazette and Washington Telegraph, &c., please copy.
STANDARD [CLARKSVILLE, TX], November 19, 1864, p. 2, c. 3
Liberal
Donation.—The negro band, Shreveport Minstrels, have recently given four
concerts for the benefit of the Soldier's Home, of this place, which netted
$2235, the amount has been paid over to the treasurer of the
association.—South Western.
[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, November 25, 1864, p. 1, c.
1
Prairie Plains, Nov. 21, 1864.
Editor
Telegraph:--My place has been announced as a Soldiers' Home, and has been such
since the 1st of august, but the task and expense is too much for a man in my
circumstances. I am willing to do
my part, but I can't do it all. I
have supplied some two hundred men and horses since August, without one cent.
outside of my own means, and it has exhausted my substance.
I do not think there is another such Home in the State.
If I could draw on the Commissaries I might manage to get along, but
having to draw from my own resources exclusively, and paying the same tythe as
others, it comes rather too hard. If
the tythe could be used for feeding the soldiers and paying their expenses, It
would make matters much better; then they could stop at almost any farm house,
and not be compelled, as now, to stop two or three hours before night, or travel
till very late to reach regularly established Homes.
I have only given you a hint of what might be made to bear equally on
all, and you will do me a great favor by stating in your paper that the Home at
Prairie Plains is discontinued from and after December 1st, 1864.
&nb