UNITED STATES SANITARY COMMISSION. PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATES. AN APPEAL TO THE PEOPLE OF PENNSYLVANIA FOR THE SICK AND WOUNDED SOLDIERS. Half a million of men have been summoned to arms in our loyal States, and nearly that number are already in the field, to maintain, at the hazard of life and limb and health, our national unity and our national territory. Men unused to exposure and hardship have become by scores of thousands tenants of the camp. We are not to forget that their prompt response to a call of mili- tary duty imposes upon all that remain at home corresponding civil duties. So deep has been our slumber of peace and our sense of security, so completely have we been absorbed in the pursuits of productive labor and trade, that not only the art but the very thought of war had almost forsaken us. The lapse of a few weeks launched us into a contest of pro- portions so vast as to place it among the greatest of modern times. Officers and soldiers thus unexpectedly called into mili- tary service, having for the most part everything to learn per- taining to their new position, its duties and dangers, now realize a truth too little known or felt respecting armies, that the dis- eases incident to camps and soldier's life are far more deadly foes than sword and fire-arms. It is sad to think that while the soldier is undergoing all the severity of military discipline to nerve his arm for a trial of strength and courage, a host of enemies is gathering round him against which strength and courage avail nothing. Our soldiers are too new in the camp to have learned how to meet such assaults 1 0 or how to avoid them. "We who are safe at home, surrounded by all the comforts of domestic life and all the appliances of medical skill, must think and act for men thus exposed; we must send the forces required for their defence against these dreaded enemies. For every soldier in the field there should be a dozen volunteers male and female at home ready for any work or ser- vice necessary to maintain our armies in the fullest possible effi- ciency. It is for us of the home forces to provide the means and devise the measures that may be effectual in aiding the proper authorities and officers to put the many deadly diseases which hover round the camps to flight. It was this thought which inspired Florence Nightingale and sent her to the Crimea; it is this thought which now inspires thousands of female hearts and sets their fingers at work for their defenders in the field ; it is this thought which prompted the generous and enlightened men who originated and organized the Sanitary Commission, which we now appeal to you to uphold by your personal efforts and contributions. Let us not boast of our half million of men so soon rallied to the standard of their country, but be as vigilant, earnest, and liberal in our sanitary measures as they were prompt to offer themselves and their services in this national emergency, or we may soon shudder to hear that from 30,000 to 50,000 of the very men upon whose vigor so much depends have fallen powerless under diseases which place them nearly in the grasp of that enemy who, when he secures his victims, makes no exchange and suffers no return. ^ ; The soldier has committed himself to the guardianship of others; he can make no provision for himself. He incurs all the risk of incompetent and careless officers; and it would be expect- ing too much if in the hastily assembled levies of our armies some officers had not found a place who may prove too careless, too inert, 3 or too ignorant to take proper precautions and measures for the comfort and health of their men. The unfitness of misplaced officers may sacrifice more lives than the shrewdest strategy or the most destructive weapons of their enemy in the field. Even in the best regulated European armies this criminal negligence and disregard of the soldiers' life and welfare are found, and if officers of armies long trained to their duties fail, as we know they failed cruelly in the Crimea, how much more should we apprehend danger where officers and men fresh from civil life are alike without experience. In the beginning of this campaign we know that soldiers suffered for want of food, because those whose business it was did not know how to draw and furnish the daily rations. But in addition to the neglect and incapacity of officers, from which multitudes of soldiers in large armies not only suffer more than can be told, but perish in multitudes, the sudden changes and casualties of war produce results for which no fore- sight nor skill could provide. Chaplains, surgeons, and the best officers are sometimes killed or taken prisoners, and soldiers may be for a time fatally neglected; in some situations sick- ness and death may overtake them before official aid can be ob- tained. Let us then assist in alleviating the cases of suffering against which no provision could be made, because they could not in the remotest degree be foreseen, and for which official formal- ism cannot furnish a remedy which will not arrive too late. Wherever official responsibility fails, where the fortunes of war deprive the soldiers of their best friends in the army, and expose them to special privations and suffering, it is for their friends at home, who are watching over them, to fly to their relief with their oil and wine and with hands ready to supply what is needed, and to ward off what is threatened. Let science and skill step in, too, for prevention and cure where military agencies have failed. Let the soldier feel that we, who are at home, have not forgotten 4 those who are in the field; that our eyes are watching for their welfare; that our hands are ready to supply what is deficient; that our purses are open to sustain every agency which specially regards his health and comfort. Let the soldier know that the national heart feels for him, and that the national hand is beneath him; and let him know that the prayers of the people constantly ascend to the God of all grace for his success in arms and his welfare, temporal and eternal. Although the objects and labors of the Sanitary Commission were from the beginning fully known to and expressly sanctioned by the President, the Secretary of War, the Commander-in- Chief, and many other officers of the army, the whole expense has been borne by private contribution. The Commission has not drawn upon the public treasury, but upon the generous sympa- thies of the country to defray the heavy expenses they have in- curred. It is believed that the moral effect upon the army of these spontaneous offerings and their judicious application, will far more than repay all the sacrifices which have been made. We appeal to the people of Pennsylvania, which has now more than 100,000 men actually in service, and to the people of Philadelphia in particular, to aid liberally this effort to ame- liorate the condition of the men in the field. It is not a super- fluous labor. Many similar agencies would find enough and more than enough to do. Hundreds of female associations have been already formed and are engaged in this work. There is room for more. The instincts of female kindness are not at fault. Let this sympathy and these labors spread wider and wider; there is no danger, on this occasion, of doing too much. We ask then the people of this City and State to sustain our special under- taking. Of the $30,000 already furnished thus far, New York has provided $27,000. There are now fifteen medical agents in the various divisions of our army, East and West, men compe- 5 tent to examine and report upon all that concerns the health and comforts of the soldier, whether it pertains to prevention or cure. Many more are wanted, together with the means of paying them. Will not Philadelphia furnish both men and means ? To these inspectors the Commission looks, in part, for the indication of oc- casions to exercise its good offices. It is the special wish of the Commission and its agents to be useful to the many associations formed by ladies for the benefit of the soldiers, and to increase their numbers. " The Woman's Central Association for the Sick and Wounded of the Army" is a branch of the Sanitary Commission in New York. And as there is now a very efficient Ladies' Aid Society for this object in Phi- ladelphia, which has accomplished great good, it is desirable that similar organizations shall be extended over this and the adja- cent States, which object we shall labor to promote. In all this work we ask for your co-operation. And while we receive the larger gifts of the rich, we ask for the more numerous offerings of those who can only give dollars or parts of dollars, which may bring to our treasury a larger sum. We ask also the prayers of all who feel deeply interested in our armies and their efficiency, that every effort to promote the health and com- fort of the soldiers may be under the guidance of the Wisdom that never errs. Horace Binney, Jr., M. W. Baldwin, H. A. Boardman, John C. Cresson, J. I. Clark Hare, Edward Hartshorne, John Forsyth Mkigs, Samuel Powel, Thomas T. Tasker, Executive Committee of the Philadelphia Associates of the United State3 Sanitary Commission. Philadelphia, November 29th, 1861. ORGANIZATION ASSOCIATES OF THE SANITARY COMMISSION IN PHILADELPHIA. List of the Philadelphia Associates of the U. S. Sanitary Commis- sion at the Present Time, December 3d, 1861. Lewis R. Ashhurst, Wm. H. Ashhurst, Jacob Alburger, Dr. D. H. Agnew, Matthias W. Baldwin, Rev. Albert Barnes, C B. Barclay, Rev. Dr. Thomas Brainerd, W. Dwight Bell, Dr. John Bell, Horace Binney, Jr., Rev. Dr. H. A. Boardman, John A. Brown, Adolph E. Borie, Joseph Carson, M.D., Henry C. Carey, John C. Cresson, Caleb Cope, Arthur G. Coffin, Stephen Colwell, Dr. James M. Corse, Mordecai L. Dawson, Rev. H. W. Ducachet, D.D., Rev. W. H. Furness, D.D., Prof. J. F. Frazer, Frederick Fraley, Samuel D. Gross, M.D., B. Gerhard, Hon. J. I. Clark Hare, Charles Hartsborne, Edward Hartshorne, M.D., Isaac Hayes, M.D., Rev. Dr. Hutter, Wilson Jewell, M.D., Rev. John Jenkins, Thomas Kimber, Jr., Dr. F. W. Lewis, Dr. Joseph Leidy, Dr. John L. Leconte, J. H. B. McClellan, M.D., Morton McMichael, J. Forsyth Meigs, M.D., S. V. Merrick, E. Spencer Miller, Caspar Morris, M.D., Rev. H. J. Morton, D.D., Sketchley Morton, G. W. Norris, M.D., Dr. Joseph Parrish, Rt. Rev. Alonzo Potter, D.D., Samuel Powel, William L. Rehn, Dr. Lewis Rodman, Evans Rogers, Fairman Rogers, F. Gurney Smith, Jr., M.D., Charles J. Stille, Dr. A. Stille, Hon. William Stronjr, George H. Stuart, Thomas T. Tasker, B. T. Tredick, William M. Tilghman, John Edgar Thompson, John H. Towne, Lewis Wain, John Welsh, Ellis Yarnall. 7 Executive Committee, Horace Binney, Jr., M. W. Baldwin, Rev. Dr. H. A. Boardman, John C. Cresson, Hon. J. I. Clark Hare, Dr. Edward Hartshorne, Dr. J. F. Meigs, Samuel Powel, Thomas T. Tasker, Morton McMichael. Committee on Finance, John A. Brown, S. E. corner 12th and Chestnut Sts.; M. W. Bald- win, 1021 Spruce St.; Horace Binney, Jr., 227 S. Gth St.: Caleb Cope, Continental Hotel; Lewis R. Ashhurst, 16 S. 3d St; A. E. Borie, 153 Dock St.; Stephen Colwell, 1031 Arch St.; B. T. Tredick, 18 S. Front St.; John Edgar Thompson, 3d St. and Willing's Alley; Benjamin Ger- hard, 326 S. 4th St.; Morton McMichael, 132 S. 3d St. Contributions may be handed or sent to any of the above-named gen- tlemen. Committee on Supplies, S. V. Merrick, Samuel Powel, Thomas T. Tasker, Fairman Rogers, M. L. Dawson, John Welsh, Dr. Joseph Parrish, Rev. Dr. Boardman, Rev. Dr. Brainerd, Rev. Dr. Hutter, Dr. Caspar Morris, Charles J. Stille, Jacob Alburger, William H. Ashhurst, Ellis Yarnall, Charles Hartshorne, Thomas Kimber, Jr., chairman, Rev. Dr. William H. Furness, Judge Sketchley Morton, Judge William Strong, John H. Towne, Dr. Edward Hartshorne, F. Fraley, William M. Tilghman, Ar- thur G. Coffin? Dr. James M. Corse, Dr. Lewis Rodman, C. B. Barclay. Committee on Medical and Sanitary Inspection, John C. Cresson, Judge Hare, Dr. John H. B. McClellan, Dr. George W. Norris, Dr. J. F. Meigs, Dr. E. Hartshorne, Dr. W. Jewell, Dr. Hays, Dr. A. Stille, Dr. F. G. Smith, Dr. Joseph Leidy, W. Dwight Bell, Dr. F. W. Lewis, Rev. Dr. Morton, E. Spencer Miller, Dr. Car- son, Dr. John Bell, Dr. D. H. Agnew. Treasurer, Caleb Cope. The Depository of the Sanitary Commission in Philadelphia is at 1235 Chestnut Street, where all supplies may be sent. Communications on that subject are to be addressed to Charles J. Stille, at that place. The complete plan of organization of the Sanitary Commission, as set forth in publication No. 25, pages 12 to 20, having been exhibited to him, the Secretary of War approved it as follows : 8 "War Department, Washington, June 13, 18G1. I hereby approve of the plan of organization proposed by the Sanitary Commission, as above given ; and all persons in the employ of the United States Government are directed and enjoined to respect and further the incpiiries and objects of this Commission, to the utmost of their ability. Simon Cameron, Secretary of War. SANITARY COMMISSION UNDER AUTHORITY OF SECRETARY OF WAR. Henry W. Bellows, President, New York. Prof. A. D. Bache, Vice-President, Washington. George T. Strong, Treasurer, New York. Fred. Law Olmsted, General Secretary, Washington. George W. Cullum, U. S. Army. Alexander E. Shiras, U. S. Army. Robert C. Wood, M.D., U. S. Army. William II. Van Buren, M.D., New York. Wolcott Gibbs, M.D., New York. Elisha Harris, M.D., New York. Samuel G. Howe, M.D., Boston. Cornelius R. Agnew, M.D., New York. J. S. Newberry, M.D., Cleveland. Horace Binney, Jr., Philadelphia. Rt. Rev. Thos. M. Clark, Providence, R. I. The following extracts from documents and letters are appended, to exhibit the history and objects of the Sanitary Commission, as well as its mode of proceeding, the extent and nature of the aid it requires, and the agencies it would employ. From an address to the Secretary of War, dated Washington, May 18, 1861. Convinced by inquiries made here of the practical difficulty of re- conciling the aims of their own and numerous similar associations in other cities with the regular workings of the Commissariat and the Medi- cal Bureau, and yet fully persuaded of the importance to the country and the success of the war, of bringing such an arrangement about, the 9 undersigned respectfully ask that a mixed Commission of civilians dis- tinguished for their philanthropic experience and acquaintance with sanitary matters, of medical men, and of military officers, be appointed by the Government, who shall be charged with the duty of investigating the best means of methodizing and reducing to practical service the al- ready active but undirected benevolence of the people toward the Army; who shall consider the general subject of the prevention of sickness and suffering among the troops, and suggest the wisest methods, which the people at large can use to manifest their good-will towards the comfort, security, and health of the Army. It must be well known to the Department of War that several such commissions followed the Crimean and Indian wars. The civilization and humanity of the age and of the American people demand that such a Commission should precede our second war of independence—more sacred than the first. We wish to prevent the evils that England and Fiance could only investigate and deplore. This war ought to be waged in a spirit of the highest intelligence, humanity, and tenderness for the health, comfort, and safety of our brave troops. And every measure of the Government that shows its sense of this, will be eminently popular, strengthen its hands, and redound to its glory at home and abroad. From a letter of the Acting Surgeon-General, Dr. R. C. Wood, to the Secretary of War, advising the institution of "A commission of inquiry and advice in respect of the sanitary interests of the United States forces." Surgeon-General's Office, . May 22, 1861. Hon. Simon Cameron, Secretary of War: Sir : The sudden and large increase of the Army, more especially of the Volunteer force, has called the attention of this office to the neces- sity of some modifications and changes in the system of organization, as connected with the hygiene and comforts of the soldiers; more particu- larly in relation to the class of men who, actuated by patriotism, have repaired with unexampled promptness to the defence of the institutions and laws of the country. The Medical Bureau would, in my judgment, derive important and useful aid from the counsels and well-directed efforts of an intelligent and scientific Commission, to be styled, " A Commission of Inquiry and Advice in respect of the Sanitary Interests of the United States Forces," and acting in co-operation with the Bureau, in elaborating and applying .such facts as might be elicited from the experience and more extended observation of those connected with armies, with reference to the diet and hygiene of troops, and the organization of Military Hospitals, &c. 10 From a letter of the Secretary of War, with his approval and that of the President. The Commission in connection with a Surgeon of the U. S. Army, to be designated by the Secretary, will direct its inquiries to the principles and practices connected with the inspection of recruits and enlisted men; the sanitary condition of the volunteers; to the means of preserving and restoring the health, and of securing the general comfort and efficiency of troops; to the proper provision of cooks, nurses, and hospitals; and to other subjects of like nature. The Commission will frame such rules and regulations, in respect of the objects and modes of its inquiry, as may seem best adapted to the purpose of its constitution, which, when approved by the Secretary, will be established as general guides of its investigations and action. A room with necessary conveniences will be provided in the city of Washington for the use of the Commission, and the members will meet when and at such places as may be convenient to them for consultation, and for the determination of such questions as may come properly before the Commission. In the progress of its inquiries, the Commission will correspond freely with the Department and with the Medical Bureau, and will communi- cate to each, from time to time, such observations and results as it may deem expedient and important. The Commission will exist until the Secretary of War shall otherwise direct, unless sopner dissolved by its own action. Simon Cameron, Secretary of War. I approve the above. A. Lincoln. June 13, 1861. OBJECTS OF THE COMMISSION. The general object of the Commission is, through suggestions reported from time to time to the Medical Bureau and the War Department, to bring to bear upon the health, comfort, and morale of our troops, the fullest and ripest teachings of Sanitary Science, in its application to military life, whether deduced from theory or practical observation, from general hygienic principles, or from the experience of the Crimean, the East Indian, and the Italian wars. Its objects are purely advisory. SPECIFICATIONS. I. Material. —II. Prevention.—III. Relief. I. Material of the Volunteers.—The Commission proposes a practical inquiry into the material of the Volunteer force, with reference to the 11 laws and usages of the several States in the matter of Inspection, with the hope of assimilating their regulations with those of the Army proper, alike in the appointment of medical and other officers and in the rigorous application of just rules and principles to recruiting and inspection laws. This inquiry would exhaust every topic appertaining to the original material of the army, considered as a subject of sanitary and medical care. II. Prevention.—The Commission would inquire with scientific thoroughness into the subject of Diet, Cooking, Cooks, Clothing, Tents, Camping Grounds, Transports, Transitory Depots, with their exposures, Camp Police, with reference to settling the question, How far the regu- lations of the Army proper are or can be practically carried out among the Volunteer Regiments, and what changes or modifications are desir- able from their peculiar character and circumstances ? Everything ap- pertaining to outfit, cleanliness, precautions against damp, cold, heat, malaria, infection ; crude, unvaried, or ill-cooked food, and an irregular or careless regimental commissariat, would fall under this head. III. Relief.—The Commission would inquire into the organization of Military Hospitals, general and regimental; the precise regulations and routine through which the services of the patriotic women of the country may be made available as nurses; the nature and sufficiency of Hospital supplies ; the method of obtaining and regulating all other extra and unbought supplies contributing to the comfort of the sick; the question of ambulances and field service, and of extra medical aid; and whatever else relates to the care, relief, or cure of the sick and wounded—their investigations being guided by the highest and latest medical and military experience, and carefully adapted to the nature and wants of our imme- diate army, and its peculiar origin and circumstances. FURTHER STATEMENT OF THE OBJECTS OF THE COMMISSION. The employment of sanitary agents or inspectors to reside in or near the several great military centres is deemed of great importance. Of these six have been already employed and are in the field, at various points from the Chesapeake to the Missouri. If the Commission were provided with means to employ twenty instead of six, the community at large would thereby probably save ten times the additional outlay. These inspectors act under detailed instructions and make weekly reports to the resident secretary of the Commission (Frederick L. Olmsted, Esq.), at Washington. Their duties are, generally, to visit the camps, barracks, quarters, and regimental hospitals, systematically and regularly, with a 12 view to discover and remedy defects in their drainage, ventilation, &c., in the quality of the food and water supplied the men, in the system (if any) of camp cooking, in clothing, camp police, medicines, bedding, and hospital stores, in the supply of disinfectants, and in every other par- ticular by which the health of the troops can be affected. It is the natural and excusable ignorance of a very large proportion of our newly- appointed volunteer officers on these and other sanitary points, and the fact that they do not appreciate the immense importance of attending to them daily and systematically, which constitute the chief source of peril to our troops. Officers generally take it for granted that their duty to- ward their men begins and ends with drill and parade, forgetting that camp disease is by far the most dangerous enemy they have to fear, and at the same time the only enemy against which vigilance and precaution are almosf certain of success. It is believed that the constant attention and care of intelligent and educated inspectors charged with the sole duty of watching over the sanitary condition of camps, &c, and of calling the attention of officers and men to the serious defects that are almost in- variably found there, is the only available remedy for this evil. The inspectors thus far employed are members of the medical profes- sion, of high standing, and have made sanitary science a special pursuit. The actual and necessary expenses of each while engaged in his duties (travelling included), cannot be estimated at a rate less than fifteen hun- dred dollars per annum. Though they are clothed with no official power to order the correction of the evils they find existing, their advice and suggestions have generally been thus far gratefully received and promptly carried out, at least for the time. Even with the small number of agents the Commission has thus far been enabled 'to employ, great good has been effected, many abuses have been corrected, and (it is confidently believed) many lives have been saved. Resident agents are also needed to act as inspectors of the general hospitals at Washington and elsewhere. One has been appointed and is now engaged in his duties. These are analogous to those required of the camp inspectors, and with the additional charge of seeing that the volunteers, while in the hospital, have all the care and comfort that pro- fessional skill, good nursing, and intelligent liberality can give them. Funds are also required to supply both general and regimental hospitals with various surgical and other appliances (and, if possible, with com- forts), which the Medical Department does not supply—such as water- beds, wire frames to keep bed clothes from contact with wounded limbs, and other articles well known in private surgical and medical practice. Extra hospital clothing, additional supplies, and model appliances have 13 already been provided by the Commission as liberally as the funds under its control would justify. Large supplies of ice for the hospitals (fur- nished by private liberality) have been forwarded to Washington at the expense of the Commission, and most thankfully received. Though the hospital stores furnished by Government are abundant, and excellent of their kind, the list of articles it provides has been, of course, made up with reference solely to the wants of the regular army. But among the rank and file of our volunteers are to be found representa- tives from every class in society, including many to whom certain addi- tional comforts are matter of necessity, the want of which retards convalescence, if it do not prevent recovery, and those comforts the Commission hopes to be enabled in some degree to provide, without dis- tinction, to all who need them. The Commission proposes also to distribute among officers and men printed rules for the preservation of health in camp, calling their at- tention particularly to the various points already alluded to as involv- ing danger. It will also issue from time to time other publications, in- tended to direct the attention of the military authorities to such sanitary reforms and improvements as experience and observation may suggest. It is in constant receipt of supplies of stores, clothing, and other articles contributed by patriotic individuals and associations throughout the country, which involve large outlay for expense of transportation and storage. It will be called upon to pay the wages of male nurses for the hospi- tals, and sundry other necessary expenses not provided by Government. Other minor sources of expense, such as advertising, insurance, tele- graphing, postage, clerk-hire, &c, need not be specified. It will be perceived that the chief objects for which funds are re- quired are the employment of camp and hospital inspectors, the supply of certain extra hospital appliances, and the printing and circulation of documents. For these purposes, and supposing the inspectors to receive compen- sation at the rate of six hundred dollars per annum over and above their necessary expenses,* and that twenty-five are employed by the Commis- sion (and a smaller number cannot do the work required), an annual ex- pencmure of not less than sixty thousand dollars is required. It is for the community to decide whether it can or will furnish this * Most of the inspectors thus far employed have consented to serve without com- pensation beyond their actual expenses, but it is hardly to be hoped that a sufScient number of educated and competent men can be found who will labor effectively and permanently on these terms. 14 large sum, and whether it will not, in the end, save money by enabling the Commission to do its work thoroughly and efficiently. It should be remembered that the life of every soldier who dies of disease, which sanitary precautions could have averted, is simply wasted, or worse than wasted, since others must be withdrawn from duty to pro- vide for his wants during his illness. Each of our volunteers (regarded from the lowest possible point of view) represents a certain considerable amount of mere money value to the nation at large, and this value is steadily increasing, day by day, as he gains experience in his daily duties. If he is allowed to perish because he has no one to advise him or his officers that a camp badly policed is sure to breed a pestilence—that the air within an ill-ventilated tent is converted into poisonous gas, and that ill-cooked or ill-kept food will produce dysentery, the community which permits him so to perish for want of advice and help, and which (in many cases) burdens itself, moreover, with the support of a destitute family, is, to say the least, guilty of reckless extravagance, peculiarly inexpedient at the present time. No economy can be more effective in the prosecution of the present just and necessary war than an exacting, vigilant, and scrupulous economy of the health and life of every volun- teer soldier we send into the field. With sufficient means at its command, the Commission, cordially sus- tained as it is by the authorities at Washington, can do much to promote this great national object. . It is to be borne in mind, however, that the seeds of mischief are already sown by months of negligence and disregard of sanitary precau- tions. It is to be feared that these will soon bear their legitimate fruit, and that we shall hear of epidemics in our camps, and malignant forms of disease in the General Hospitals. It is probably too late to com- pletely avert these evils. What the Commission has already done— though necessarily on a limited scale—will no doubt diminish their se- verity; and during the few weeks that are still left before the perilous fall months are upon us, the Commission hopes to make still further progress, and do much to mitigate the evils by which the army is threat- ened. The extent to which it shall be able to do so depends mainly on the amount of means which the community shall place at its disposal. The old adage says, " An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure." This expresses most tersely a truth very fully acknowledged by all sanitary observers. To understand its force, let the mind revert, for a moment, to the incalculable benefits of vaccination; to the methods so perfectly effectual for the prevention of scurvy in armies and navies; and to the greatly diminished mortality under the inspiration of a How- 15 ard, a Dix, and a Nightingale, in prisons, hospitals, and camps, from those epidemic diseases which have so often scourged the prisoner, the patriot, and the soldier. France sent to the East, in ten years, 309,268 officers and men; of these, 200,000 were under medical treatment: 50,000 for wounds, and 150,000 for disease. " In the Crimean war," says Dr. Howe, " in its early stages, the soldiers died like rotten sheep. Late in 1854, they died at the rate of 33 per cent, a year. The rate afterwards increased so fearfully and rose so high that if it had continued, and recruits had not been poured in, the whole army would have perished in less than a year. The British Government sent out a Sanitary Com- v mission, and Miss Nightingale sent out herself. In consequence of ac- tive, wise, and resolute efforts, the number of deaths immediately began to lessen, until, in the first quarter of 1856, the mortality was as low as it is usually among men of the army ages in the most healthy rural dis- tricts of England." The second object of the Commission is the care of the sick or wounded soldier. For this purpose are needed hospital supplies: bed- steads, beds, medicines, delicate food, surgical instruments and apparatus, bandages, splints, under-clothing, socks, slippers, &c. These ought to be supplied by Government, but how can Government, within a few months, obtain such supplies for an army of 500,000 men, with the machinery intended to work for only 15,000 men? It is simply impos- sible, and this is one of the difficulties of this war which the Commis- sion seeks to bridge over by an appeal to the loyal people of the country. The Commission has been organized and at work, under the sanction of the President and the War Department, since the early part of June last. It has fifteen able and intelligent medical men employed as in- spectors, who have visited the various camps near Washington, those in the valley of the Ohio and the Mississippi, and in Northwestern Vir- ginia. These inspectors go forth, under the auspices of the Commission, to spread before the army the full light of a beneficent sanitary science by means of personal advice, and by the distribution of printed pam- phlets containing in small compass the most judicious information on all important points connected with the hygiene of military life. They visit the hospitals and report upon their wants to the Commission at Washington. At Washington depots of hospital stores have been and are being collected. These are distributed as they are needed upon the representations of the inspectors. From Dr. S. G. Howe's letter to his Excellency Governor Andrew. From the moment a man enlists in the army, his bodily and mental powers belong to the country. He is called upon by honor, duty, and 16 patriotism, to devote his time, strength, and life even, if need be, to her service. These obligations are kept continually before his eyes, and those of the world, in prayer, prose, and verse, to say nothing of army regulations; but there are others which are apt to be forgotten. Obligations between parties are reciprocal, and the country is bound by as strong ties of honor and duty to the soldier as he is to it. The soldier's health is his capital—bis stock in trade. It yields a certain daily income in the shape of bodily strength and activity. All of this the country has a right to; but it has no right to touch the capital un- J necessarily, or in any way to diminish it. Nay ! it is bound by moral considerations, if not by army regulations, to increase it, if possible, so that the soldier may be richer when he is mustered out than he was when mustered into service. Any unnecessary fatigue or exposure, therefore, any needless lack of wholesome food and clothing, any avoid- able violation of sanitary laws, by which the soldier's health is broken, is a fraud upon him. Government ought to take as much care of the soldier's health as it does for its personal estate, its implements of war, or its horses, but it does not. For instance, it is well known that the use of straw between the ground and the soldier's blanket is very important in a sanitary point of view; it is useful, too, for horses. Now the United States army regu- lations allow one hundred pounds a month for each cavalry horse, but only twelve pounds a month for each soldier. These straws show which way the wind blows. The Government owns both the capital and the income of the horse's vital force, and economizes both; but it owns only the income of the soldier's vital force, and neglects the capital. True, a horse needs more straw than a man, but not eight times as much. The point is, that he is provided, whenever it is possible, with all that is needful for his well-being, but the man is not. Let us glance at the imperfect statistics of mortality in our armies. In the Mexican war, 1,549 of our men were killed in battle or died of wounds, while 10,986 died of disease; that is to say, for every man whom the Mexicans slew, disease slew seven. This, however, does not tell the whole story. A man slain in battle is one man less in our army; but for every man sick enough to be in the hospital there are several others ailing, and only half fit for duty, while every patient requires the care and attention of others ; so that 1,000 men on our sick-list dimin- ishes our force at least 2,000. Again: To the slain man there is a sad end. If he does not benefit, he does not cumber the world; but of your sick men, many are inva- lided for life. In the Mexican war, 9,749 were discharged as unable to 17 do further military duty. These were young men, and most of them broken down by exposure and fatigue, and many forever ruined in health. From the Appeal of the Executive Finance Committee in the City of New York, July 18, 1861. Never before, in the history of human benevolence, did a gracious Providence vouchsafe an opportunity for doing good on such a scale; to so great a number; in so short a time; and with comparatively so little money. Of the immense array of three hundred thousand men now in arms in our defence—to be swelled, if necessary, to five hundred thou- sand—the experienced military and medical members of the Sanitary Commission declare that one-fifth, if not one-fourth, may be saved by proper care, who must otherwise perish. Reducing the results of indi- vidual action to a form still more precise, they estimate that every dol- lar, honestly and judiciously expended in a sanitary measure, will save at least one soldier's life. Cannot a city like ours, find forty or fifty, or even sixty thousand dol- lars, to save a like number of the sons, the brothers, the friends, the fellow-countrymen now gone to battle for the very purpose of rebuilding its own broken fortunes, of restoring, in fullest measure, its former pros- perity ? Fellow-citizens: We cannot afford that any one of our brave defend- ers shall needlessly perish. All our interests, commercial, fiscal, politi- cal, and moral, are crying aloud for a speedy termination of this great national conflict. In such a struggle, it is madness to waste a single hour, still more a single life. Most of all, should we avoid the ruinous delay of slowly replacing in the wasted camp, the tens of thousands which our neglect may thoughtlessly leave to die, almost within our sight. Men and women of New York ! We beg you to awake to instant action. Death is already in the breeze. Disease, insidious and inevitable, is now stealing through the camps, on scorching plain, in midnight damp, me- nacing our dearest treasure—the very flower of the nation's youth. You surely will not permit them thus ingloriously to perish. In the name of humanity and patriotism—in the name alike of justice and manly gene- rosity, bidding us save them who stake their lives in saving us—in the name of the honored ancestors, who fought for the land we live in—in the name of the Blessed Being, the friend on earth of the sick and the suffering, we now commit this holy cause to your willing hearts, your helping hands; with our earnest assurance that, whatever you do will be doubly welcome, if done at once. 18 From the Washington circular of the Sanitary Commission, asking for contributions, June 22, 1861. It is supposed that fifty thousand dollars could be expended with the greatest advantage during the present year in the work of the Commis- sion, and that every single dollar so spent would save one life. Every dollar less than this placed at the disposal of the Commission must be considered as the needless exposure and probable loss of a life ! It is hardly necessary to suggest that every soldier who survives the exposure of the next four months will be worth for military purposes, two fresh recruits; that every man lost by neglect makes a complaining family, and forms a ground of unpopularity for the war; that every sick man deprives the ranks of one or two well men detailed to take care of him; that pestilence will demoralize and frighten those whom armed enemies cannot scare; that the men now in the field are the flower of the nation; that their places cannot be filled, either at home or in the ranks; and that the economical, the humane, the patriotic, the success- ful conduct of this war, and its speedy termination, is now more depen- dent on the health of the troops than any and all other conditions com- bined. Help us, then, dear sir, to do this work, for which our machinery is now complete ! Help us generously; help us at once ! The following circular contains the latest directions as to supplies. U. S. Sanitary Commission, Woman's Central Relief Association; 10 Cooper Union, Third Avenue. LIST OF SUPPLIES. 1. Bandages—Assorted, without selvedges; shrunk and tightly rolled. 1 dozen, 1 inch wide, 1 yard long. 2 dozen, 2 inches wide, 3 yards long. 2 dozen, 2£ inches wide, 3 yards long. 1 dozen, 3 inches wide, 4 yards long. % dozen, 3$ inches wide, 5 yards long. J dozen, 4 inches wide, 6 yards long. 2. Lint—Scraped and ravelled, in equal proportions, packed in boxes of uniform size. 3. Ring Pads and Cushions stuffed with hair and feathers. 4. Long Cotton and Canton Flannel Shirts, 1£ yards long; 2 breadths of unbleached cotton, | yard wide, open 9 inches at the bot- tom; length of Sleeve, f yard; length of Arm-hole, 12 inches; length of Band, 20 inches; open in front, to the bottom—a piece 4 inches wide lapping under—fastened with tapes. 19 5. Short Shirts, made like long, only 1 yard long, and open in front. 6. Loose Canton Flannel and Woollen Drawers. 7. Dressing Gowns of double calico. 8. Eye-Shades, of Green Silk, with elastics. 9. Handkerchiefs, towels, and slippers. 10. Bed Sacking, of ticking, 7 feet long and 1 yard wide; open at one end, with strings. 11. Pillow-Sacks, of ticking, 16 inches wide and 30 inches long; Pillow- Cases of Cotton, one-half yard wide, 1 yard long. 12. Linen and Cotton Sheets, 4 feet wide and 8 feet long. 13. White or Gray Flannel Hospital Undershirts—two breadths flannel, gusset at the neck, narrow neck-band. 14. Blankets for single beds. 15. Quilts 7 feet by 50 inches. 16. Knit woollen socks. 17. Articles of Queensware. B^° Some of the shirts should have the sleeves open on the outside to the shoulder, with strings. Edibles. 1. Arrowroot; Condensed Milk. 2. Whiskey; Brandy; White Wine—for wine whey, &c. 3. Pure Lemon Syrup. 4. Tea, Coffee, Cocoa, Sugar, Oatmeal, Crackers. 5. Spices, Condiments, Desiccated Vegetables. 6. Tobacco, Farina, Sago, Tapioca. 7. Pickles. 8. Dried Beef. TO THE PRESIDENTS AND OFFICERS OF THE VARIOUS LIFE INSU- RANCE COMPANIES OF THE UNITED STATES. Gentlemen : You are directly and largely interested in the lives of our brave soldiers, so many of whom are insured in your several offices. Their principal danger comes, as you are well aware, not from the force of the enemy, but from the ravages of those diseases always active in camps and fortresses, and especially so among inexperienced volunteer troops, suddenly subjected to change of climate, to unusual heat, and to great exposure. The officers in charge of the principal portion of these lives are brave, intelligent men, ready to shed their blood for the liber- ties of the country; but they are without experience in the care of 20 their soldiers, and, with the best intentions, must fail if not supported by extraneous efforts and experience, in saving them from pestilence and destruction in a ratio too fearful to name. Our case is urgent, and every hour's delay is a serious blow to our suc- cess. We ask for prompt, nay, for immediate action. We wish to send skilled agents to every point of danger—men armed with the influence and authority of the Sanitary Commission—to put all general officers and all medical men, the captains and all other responsible persons, whether in camps or fortresses, upon their guard ; to arouse an unusual attention to the subject of good cooking, regular meals, absolute clean- liness and proper ventilation. From the last circular of the U. S. Sanitary Commission, addressed to the Loyal Women of America. Treasury Building, Washington, October 1st, 1831. Countrywomen : You are called upon to help take care of our sick and wounded soldiers and sailors. It is true that Government undertakes their care, but all experience, *n every other country as well as our own, shows that Government alone cannot completely provide for the humane treatment of those for whom the duty of providing, as well as possible, is acknowledged. Even at this period of the war, and with a much smaller proportion of sick and wounded than is to be expected, there is much suffering, and dear lives are daily lost because Government cannot put the right thing in the right place at the right time. No other Government has ever provided as well for its soldiers, so soon after the breaking out of a war of this magnitude, and yet it remains true that there is much suffering, and that death unnecessarily occurs from the imperfectness of the Government arrangements. This is partly owing to the ignorance, partly to the indo- lence, and partly to the inhumanity and knavery of various agents of Government, as well as to the organic defects of the system. But hu- manity to the sick must, to a certain extent, be sacrificed, under Govern- ment, to the purpose of securing the utmost possible strength and efficiency to the military force. Whatever aid is to be given from without, must still be administered systematically, and in perfect subordination to the general system of ad- ministration of the Government. To hold its agents in any degree re- sponsible for the duties with which they are charged, Government must protect them from the interference of irresponsible persons. 21 Hence, an intermediate agency becomes necessary, which, without taking any of the duties of the regular agents of Government out of their hands, can, nevertheless, offer to them means of administering to the wants of the sick and wounded much beyond what could be obtained within the arbitrary limits of supply established by Government, and in strict accordance with the regulation necessary for maintaining a proper accountability to it. The Sanitary Commission, a volunteer and unpaid bureau of the War Department of the Government, constitutes such an agency. Under its present organization, every camp and military hospital, from the Atlantic to the Plains, is regularly and frequently visited, its wants ascertained, anticipated as far as possible, and whenever it is right, pro- per, and broadly merciful, supplied directly by the Commission to the extent of its ability. For the means of maintaining this organization, and of exercising, through it, a direct influence upon the officers and men favorably to a prudent guard against the dangers of disease to which they are subject, which is its Grst and principal object, the Commission is wholly dependent upon voluntary contributions to its treasury. For the means of administering to the needs of the sick and wounded, the Commission relies upon gift-offerings of their own handiwork from the loyal women of the land. It receives not one dollar from Government. A large proportion of the gifts of the people to the army hitherto have been wasted, or worse than wasted, because directed without knowledge or discrimination. It is only through the Commission that such gifts can reach the army with a reasonable assurance that they will be received where they will do the most good and the least harm. The Sanitary Commission has established its right to claim the confi- dence of the nation. The Secretary of War and Major-General McClel- lan have both recently acknowledged, in the warmest terms, the advan- tages which have already resulted from its labors, and the discretion and skill with which they have been directed. Its advice has been freely taken, and, in several important particulars, acted upon, favorably to the health of the army, by the Government. There has scarcely been a company of volunteers in the field, with regard to which some special defect, error, or negligence, endangering health, has not been pointed out by its agents, and its removal or abatement effected. There has not been a single instance in which its services, or advice-offered through all its various agencies, have been repulsed; not a single complaint has been received of its embarrassing any officer in his duty, or of its inter- fering with discipline in the slightest degree. Its labors have, to this time, been chiefly directed to induce precautions against a certain class 22 of diseases which have scourged almost every modern European army, which decimated our army in Mexico, and which, at one time, rendered nearly half of one of our armies in the war of 1812 unfit for service. It is a ground for national gratitude that our present armies have passed through the most trying season of the year wonderfully escaping this danger. That there are grander causes for this than the labors of the Commission cannot be doubted, but that, among human agencies, a large share of credit for it should be given to those labors, it is neither arro- gant nor unreasonable to assert. In this assurance, what contribution that has hitherto been made to the treasury or the stores of the Commis- sion is not received back again tenfold in value? More than sixty thousand articles have been received by the Com- mission from their patriotic countrywomen. It is not known that one sent to them has failed to reach its destination, nor has one been received that cannot be accounted for. It is confidently believed that there has not been of late a single case of serious illness in the army of the Po- tomac, nor wherever the organization of the Commission has been com- pletely extended, in which some of these articles have not administered to the relief of suffering. After full and confidential conference with the Secretary of War, the Commander of the Army of the Potomac, and the Quatermaster-General, there is reason to ask with urgency for a large increase of the resources of the Commission, especially of that class of its resources upon which it must chiefly draw for the relief of the sick and wounded. The experience of the Commission has so well acquainted it with the earnest desire of the women of the North to be allowed to work in the national cause, that it is deemed unnecessary to do more than announce that there is a real and immediate occasion for their best exertions, and to indicate convenient arrangements for the end in view. It is, therefore, suggested that societies be at once formed in every neighborhood where they are not already established, and that existing societies of suitable organization, as Dorcas Societies, Sewing Societies, Reading Clubs, and Sociables, devote themselves, for a time, to the sacred service of their country; that energetic and respectable commit- tees be appointed to call from house to house, and store to store, to ob- tain contributions in materials suitable to be made up, or money for the purchase of such materials; that collections be made in churches, and schools, and factories, and shops, for the same purpose; that contribu- tion boxes be placed in post-offices, newspaper offices, railroad, and tele- graph offices, public houses, steamboats and ferry boats, and in all other suitable places, labelled "eor our sick and wounded;" and that all 23 loyal women meet at such convenient times and places as may be agreed upon in each neighborhood or social circle, to work upon the materials which shall be so procured. Every woman in the country can, at least, knit a pair of woollen stock- ings, or, if not, can purchase them. In each town let there be concert on this subject, taking care that three or four sizes are provided. Fix upon a place for receiving, and a date when a package shall be trans- mitted, and send it as soon as possible to the most convenient of the depots of the Commission: DESCRIPTION OP ARTICLES MOST WANTED. Blankets for single beds; quilts, of cheap material, about seven feet long by fifty inches wide; knit woollen socks; woollen or Canton flannel bedgowns, wrappers, undershirts, and drawers; small hair and feather pillows and cushions for wounded limbs; slippers. Delicacies for the sick—such as farina, arrowroot, cornstarch, cocoa, condensed milk, and nicely dried fruit—can be advantageously distri- buted by the Commission. Jellies should be carefully prepared to avoid fermentation, and most securely packed. Many articles of clothing have been injured, in packages heretofore sent the Commission, by the break- ing of jars and bottles. Over every vessel containing jelly, strew white sugar to the depth of half an inch, and paste stout paper (not brandied) over the mouth. Jellies sent in stone bottles arrive in the best condi- tion, and there is no difficulty in removing the contents for use. Every bottle, &c, containing jelly should be labelled. Aromatic spirits and waters; light easy chairs for convalescents; nicely made splints for wounded limbs; chequer and backgammon boards, and like articles for the amusement of wounded men; books, for desultory reading, and magazines, especially if illustrated, will be useful. All articles should be closely packed in wooden boxes, or in very strongly wrapped bales, and clearly directed. On the top of the contents of each box, under the cover, a list of what it contains should be placed; a duplicate of this list should be sent by mail. Arrangements for free transportation should be made, or freight paid for in advance. (The express companies will generally convey goods for this purpose at a reduction on the usual rates.) Packages may be directed and sent. as is most economical, from any point, to any of the addresses below. ("For the U. S. Sanitary Commission :") Office of the Woman's Central Relief Association, Cooper Union, No. 10 Third Avenue, New York. Care of Samuel and William Welsh, No. 218 South Delaware Ave- nue, Philadelphia. 24 Care of Dr. S. G. Howe, 20 Bloomfield Street, Boston. Care of Dr. W. H. Mussey, Cincinnati. Care of Dr. C. D. Griswold, Wheeling, Virginia. Care of F. L. Olmsted, 211 F Street, Washington, D.C. Acknowledgments will be made to all those who forward parcels, and a final report to the Secretary of War will be published, recording the names of all contributors, so far as they shall be known to the Commis- sion. The Sanitary Commission is doing a work of great humanity, and of direct practical value to the nation, in this time of its trial. It is en- titled to the gratitude and confidence of the people, and I trust it will be generously supported. There is no agency through which voluntary offerings of patriotism can be more effectively made. A. Lincoln. Winfield Scott, Washington, September 30th, 1861. In order to make it perfectly easy in towns and villages where no association exists, to form a society to work for the benefit of the soldiers, in connection with the " Woman's Central Association of Relief," and the Sanitary Commission, we here furnish some plain directions. 1. Let the first woman whose heart is stirred with yearnings to do something in her own town, go to two or three of her neighbors and take counsel. 2. Let them agree on some convenient day and hour for a meeting of ladies, in the lecture-room of some place of worship, or in the town-house, or schoolhouse. 3. Let notices of this be written, and carried to the pastors of all the churches in town, with a request that they be read, with comments by the pastor, in each society, at the close of service. 4. Let the ladies meet—select a President and Secretary; then let such portions of this pamphlet be read by the President as will serve to explain the nature and working of this Society. 5. Then let the ladies present form themselves into a Soldiers' Relief Circle, to meet once a week from 1 to 4 p.m.,—the time to be spent in sewing or knitting for the soldier. 6. Let them, in addition to the President and Secretary already elected, choose a Treasurer and two committees,—one on supplies and work, of three ladies, and one on correspondence, forwarding, and all other business, such as storing, engaging rooms, &c, of the same number. 7. The duty of the officers should be as follows : 25 I. The President—to call and preside at all meetings, and have a general charge of the interests of the Circle. II. The Secretary—to enrol the names of the members (each lady simply pledging herself to give three hours per week, either in the meeting or at home, to the service of the soldier); to keep a record of the meetings; the amount of work done weekly; the number present, and their names; and to make a monthly report, to be read at the first meeting in each month. III. The Treasurer—to keep all donations of money, collections in churches, or funds raised by other means, and disburse them at the order of the President, on vote of the Circle, and to make a monthly report of receipts and expenditures. IV. The Committee on Supplies—to solicit donations in kind from stores, farmers, and citizens in general, in yarn, wool, cotton cloth, and other articles, to be made up by the industry of the Circle; also, to de- termine the kind of work to be engaged in by the Circle, and to dis- tribute it properly; to put out work to those willing to receive it at home, but unable to attend, and to see to its collection; to form, with the President's advice, plans of work, and endeavor to get the largest possible stock of goods against the monthly reckoning. This Committee, on the first meeting in each month, shall report a plan of work for that month, and report in full the results of the work of the last month. V. The Committee on Correspondence, Forwarding, and Storage, shall have for their duties, first, the custody, care, and storage; then, the packing and forwarding of the goods; and, finally, all the correspondence with the "Woman's Central Association of Relief," either for instruc- tions, counsel, sympathy, or business. They shall send a monthly letter, and, if possible, a monthly package, to the Woman's Central. VI. The best methods of packing and directing are all found in the preceding address to the loyal women of America, and should be care- fully followed. The following extract of a letter from Mr. Fred. Law Olmsted, the Secretary of the Sanitary Commission, to one of the Ladies' Relief Societies in Pennsylvania, shows the mode in which the Commission proposes to co-operate with such associations. Our plan has been to receive into our common storehouse from all parts of the country the supplies sent to our care for the sick and wounded soldiers; and then from this general stock, distribute to all the regiments according to their several necessities, maintaining, as far as possible, a just rule of proportionate division. These supplies are furnished by us whenever we can ourselves find 26 wants existing, or upon the application of the regimental surgeon, or of any other person who really knows of the soldiers' needs. Allow us, then, to say that if cases of suffering or need come to your knowledge which your supplies do not readily meet, we shall be glad at any time to meet any requisition you or your agents here may make upon us, subject only to the same rules by which we are ourselves go- verned in our distributions. These are that a disproportionate share of the comforts furnished for distribution among all shall not be assigned to any one brigade, regiment, or hospital; and, second, that no surgeon or officer shall be unnecessarily relieved from his responsibility to secure for those dependent on him all the supplies which it is his duty and right to demand directly of the Government. With assurances of co-operation and respect, I am, madam, Your very obedient servant, Fred. Law Olmsted, Secretary. Extract from a letter of the President of the Sanitary Commission. I hope that you are all convinced that our Inspection system,—the preventive measure on which we chiefly depend,—is worthy of the most vigorous and self-sacrificing support. It is, of course, very expensive, but it is productive to a hundred-fold degree. My own full conviction is, that every inspector we send, creates a thousand inspectors, by the attention, the interest, the thought he awakens; and that we owe the quite general awakening throughout the Army and the country to sani- tary matters, to the wide-spread influence which our once feeble and struggling Commission has exerted through its documents, all based on the visits, returns, and direct observations and communications of our inspectors. Let us set four-and-twenty efficient and competent inspec- tors in the field, and the work will be done! If we can support them six months, their duties will cease to be necessary, because fulfilled by the regular authorities, who will be aroused, initiated, and in emulous rivalry with each other. It is not an endless job, therefore. But it wants vigor now; and the sinews must be made in part of Philadelphia gold ! We are greatly in want of inspectors. Our field enlarges every day, and inspection is our most radical and efficient service. Could not Phi- ladelphia furnish some competent medical inspectors, and the money ne- cessary to support them ? If Philadelphia would undertake this, were it only for six months, it would be a practical service of the highest im- portance. 27 The following are extracts of letters from a lady who visits the hospitals and camps on the part of the Ladies' Aid Society of Philadelphia. Washington, Nov. 12th, 1861. My dear Mrs.---: The morning was spent in the Patent Office hospital; found there 75 sick, only a few very ill; ten of those whom I had seen when last there had gone, I would humbly hope, to a happy home in heayen. It is comforting to feel that heaven may be the resting-place of our tossed and weather-beaten soldiers; would that we might confidently say it is. Gave the men some writing materials, which were very acceptable; dis- tributed some tracts, and heard the histories of some poor fellows, who were glad to have a sympathizing listener. The eggs and butter from the Norristown farmers, and the other delicacies from the Ladies' Aid, were highly valued, especially the butter and eggs, both of which are scarce here and generally quite too mature to be grateful either to stomach or palate. The patients wish much for more contributions of these staple articles of food ; did not hesitate to tell their longings in the full assu- rance that they would be gratified, if possible. The general expression is, the ladies are all right; let them manage for us, and we ask no more. Mrs. W. a friend of Mrs. D., and most untiring in her efforts to com- fort and cheer our soldiers, drove Mrs. D. and myself out to Bladensburg this afternoon; these ladies had visited several Pennsylvania encamp- ments the day previous, and finding their sick without any comforts, not even beds or blankets, resolved to supply them. They succeeded in setting a few delicacies from our Depository, to which Mrs. D. added 15 shirts,ri2 pairs drawers, and some towels, which had been sent to her from Massachusetts; these, with some tracts and stationery, we carried out with us. We drove first to the hospital of the 45th Pennsylvania regiment. Our visit was hailed with unusual heartiness. The first hospital tent we entered presented a scene of destitution and suffering not before witnessed; eight poor fellows were lying on boards, rolled up in their blankets, with their overcoats spread over them; no pillows, not even knapsacks; the boards being inclined raised their heads slightly. We passed from one to another with hearts so full of sympathy and sadness, as to be hardly able to utter words of encouragement. When I reached the last sufferer, a poor lad of eighteen, emaciated to the last decree with large lustrous eyes and almost childish features, he was tossing his arms up into the air trying to reach home, wholly unconscious of his°surroundings. Once he raised himself quite up, when I grasped his hands and exclaimed, " My poor dear boy!" He caught the sound and exclaimed, " I knew it, yes, I knew it; I knew you were near your boy;" and then he fell backward, muttering low sounds of touching sad- ness. His cousin, a lad of 17, stood by him mingling his tears with mine, saying, " I wish you had come sooner to pray with Thomas; he tried to pray himself before his mind went. I think he will go safe;" and so we had to leave him. I never felt my own weakness and insufficiency so painfully. The poor Thomas is perhaps now in glory. I would fain think so. It seems he had the seeds of consumption in his system when he en- listed. The surgeon says he ought not to have been enlisted, but he was full of ardor and a good fellow, so he was enrolled, and in the inscrutable 28 providence of God, brought to die in the condition I have described; and yet the young cousin who witnessed his deaththroes and wept bitterly, told me that he never regretted having come. From this harrowing scene we went to another, little less so: ten men of the same regiment lying in a forlorn house; these had cots, but no pillows; two of them were unconscious. The surgeon tried to raise one of them by telling him my name, which was familiar to him, but of no avail. I passed on, trying to hold up Christ to the gaze of the poor fellows. On my return, the poor fellow first alluded to, put out his hand and grasped my dress. I stooped down and repeated, " The blood of Jesus Christ cleanses from all sin." I am sure by the pressure he gave my hand he understood it. He was speechless. I shall meet him in judgment. The cause of unusual suffering in this regiment was thus explained. A large proportion of the men and officers, including surgeons, have been absent for a fortnight on picket duty, none remaining excepting the very sick, few in number, one only I believe, and those who were not quite equal, in consequence of colds, &c, to the exposure incident to picketing; rain set in, and the men were improvident; the officer left in charge sick- ened, and there was no one to manage for them. When the regiment returned on Monday last, they found the state of things I have attempted to describe, feebly indeed; it beggars description. The officers were doing everything they could to improve the condition of the sick, being all kindhearted men, some of them Christian men. The chaplain had just arrived amongst them, and had not visited the hospitals. Sent an urgent message to him through the colonel, beg- ging him to see them. The chaplain is a Presbvterian, an old friend of ours. Hope he will give himself wholly to his work. From this we went to a Brigade Hospital, composed of the Pennsylvania 26th, Mas- sachusetts 1st and 11th, and New Hampshire 2d. A woman was ma- naging for this hospital. A glance told the story. An air of cheerful comfort, at least so it seemed in contrast with that just witnessed, per- vaded the different apartments. None of these men were dangerously ill. The remains of one brave boy were lying in the dead-room await- ing burial. The men, thus taken as a whole, were remarkable for in- telligence and refinement. One of them, Mr. Gunnison, a private in the 2d New Hampshire, is the author of those touching verses : " Do they miss me at home ?" and his sister the author of the reply, "Yes, we miss thee!" They seemed to enjoy our visit; left them reading-matter, for which they were very eager, and some stationery. They at present are supplied with delicacies; will call upon us when they need anything. I had with me " Just as I am" set to music: distributed a few copies among them, and, before we left, had the pleasure of hearing it sung by a band of the convalescents. They told us last Sabbath was a day mem- orable for its sadness. They had buried four fine fellows, one from each of the regiments. The steward of the 2d New Hampshire, and the son of a celebrated physician, is a most interesting young man. He said in a simple childish way, " I wish I was a Christian. I wept my eyes sore as I stood at the deathbed of my comrade who was buried on Sab- bath ; he was so patient and submissive, I saw he had something to sus- tain him, which I had not. I am going to try for that something." His 29 chaplain, Mr. Parker, who is eminently a good man, is absent now; will be home soon; will tell him of this young man, though indeed this will hardly be necessary, as the lad is so anxious for his return, and will, I doubt not, keep his counsels. I might multiply incidents like the above, but time fails. Find so much to do here, fear I shall not get to Pooles- ville for some days; we go over to Virginia to-morrow; have had a most flattering pass given me; will subjoin a copy. It includes, as you will observe, two ladies and a driver. Mrs. W. will take me in her carriage. One of the great wants is bed-sacks; the next, flannel shirts and drawers and blankets. We are having bedsacks made of sheets, there being no demand for sheets ; they are not used in regiments. Send anything you can spare ; everything is needed; slippers are wanted much. Those carpet ones will be most comfortable for the poor boys in bed; help to keep their feet warm. The mittens will be most gratefully received. The men in active ser- vice say they have suffered much already for want of them. Pillows, pads, blankets (carpet or flannel), shirts, drawers, stockings, ox feelings, as the Northern boys call them, rags, gun or poultice ban- dages, whiskey, wine, brandy, jellies, fruits, pickles, &c. &c, are all needed. Wished much for some spices and brandy yesterday. The matron at the hospital says they are always needed. I must close and get about sleep. Washington, D. C, November 11th, 1861. My dear Mrs.---: I reached Baltimore Thursday evening; was received warmly by Mrs. Wm. C, a warm friend of the Union and sick soldiers. I spent Friday and Saturday in the hospitals; found the ladies most diligent and con- stant in their attentions upon our sick defenders. The ladies interested are such as Mrs. R. J., Mrs. B., Mrs. McK., Mrs. A. T., &c.,&c. The demands upon them are heavy; they need, as they deserve, our co-ope- ration. These ladies, and others of like character and spirit, visit the hospitals, general and regimental, daily, distributing with their own hands delicacies prepared either in the rooms of the Association or by Union ladies in their own families. The Association has all the neces- sary conveniences for carrying on their culinary operations in their rooms. A gallon of milk is furnished by a farmer every morning; others furnish chickens, &c, &c. The milk is subjected to a variety of changes, and comes out cocoa, blanc mange, cafe au lait, &c, &c. The chickens appear in respectable proportions boiled, after having furnished a tureen of savory broth. Then a deputation of ladies assisted by some colored men carry it to the several hospitals, the ladies generally riding. I had the honor of riding in a carriage with two pairs of nice boiled chickens, two buckets of soup, and a large tureen of baked apples; and then came the pleasure of seeing them distributed among the convalescent soldiers, who seem quite as much pleased with the attention of the ladies as they are with the food provided, to which they do ample justice. I had the pleasure of meeting some old acquaintances whom 1 had last seen very sick in the Georgetown hospitals; they greeted me kindly. One poor fellow wept on seeing me, saying, " it seemed like home to see a face he had seen before, all around being strangers." " Cheer up, cheer up, my 30 boy," I exclaimed, " we are all homeward bound; wait until the war is over, then you can enjoy friends and home without any one ' to make you afraid.' " " Oh," he replied, " do not think I want to go home until the stars and stripes float over all our country; homesick as I am, nothing could induce me to leave my regiment without first striking a blow for my country." This is the spirit of all the men. Will you please send the Baltimore ladies some nice jellies, pickles, cocoa, tea, corn-starch, &c, &c. The boxes we forwarded two weeks since have not been heard of by these ladies. Direct the packages, "Ladies' Union Relief Association, care of Mrs. Streeter and Mrs. A. Turnbull, 39 Lexington Street, Baltimore." Hope to write you more at length again. I am surrounded by com- pany who are discussing the news of the day. The accounts from Beau- fort are most encouraging if true. They are believed in knowing circles. A magnificent torchlight procession is now going forward; ten thou- sand soldiers, it is stated, are taking part in it. At the same time there is a grand display of fireworks. The whole is designed to cheer the men. An onward movement is anticipated. My friend Mrs. D., has been out to Bladensburg to-day; she reports destitution in the hospitals. I had intended going to Poolesville to- morrow, but think I must first go there. Please send to my address 434 H Street, any hospital supplies you may have. Do not need sheets, but anything and everything else. Number boxes and send list of con- tents. Will hope to write again to-morrow. I write as usual in great haste. Washington, Nov. 14th, 1861. My dear Mrs.---: Accompanied by two ladies, driven by one of them, I started at eight o'clock this morning for the camps of our Pennsylvania Reserves. Crossing the Chain Bridge, we found ourselves near the hospital of General Smith's Brigade. Stopping to inquire the condition of the sick, not intending to go in, but the simple statement of the steward, " We have some very sick; one poor fellow from Vermont dying; the men would take it as a favor if you would come in," was enough. I left the ladies in the carriage, and followed the steward into the house. The first room we entered was occupied by six Vermonters, intelligent men, who expressed surprise and pleasure, saying, " You are the first lady visi- tor we have had." After distributing some tracts and other reading matter, I was about leaving the room when it occurred to me to ask them if they had stationery, remarking in an apologetic way, " I know you New England gentlemen are a good deal addicted to writing, and you may not be able to get it conveniently." No one spoke, and I was about to leave them when one of them, with evident emotion, said, "Thank you; nothing would be more acceptable. As you entered the room, one of our number wished some good fairy would bring us paper. Did you hear it ?" " Oh, no, but the ladies of Philadelphia know you need the ar- ticle, and that you cannot always get it, and so have sent me to offer it to you." After a little more talk, and promise to see them again, I went into the adjoining room. Near the door, as I entered, my eyes fell upon the dying man, whose fine intellectual face was shrouded with an expression 31 of anguish not often witnessed. His breathing was labored, his breast heaving convulsively. His two companions, not able to endure the sight, had turned their faces from him, no doubt thinking how hard it was to die far away from mothers and sisters, surrounded by men occupied with their own sufferings and anxious forebodings. " No heart at leisure from itself to soothe and sympathize." I knelt at the side of the dying man, and re- peated those blessed words, " Come unto me, all ye that are weary and heavy laden, I will give you rest." " I am the resurrection and the life; he that believeth on me, though he were dead, yet shall he live." When I rose, he fixed his dying eyes upon me ; I stooped and kissed him for his mother. He tried to speak, but failed. His wistful gaze was fixed upon me, but I could not stay. I left him, oh, how reluctantly, and with so sad a heart. I thought it not prudent to visit any of the other pa- tients, although I was told " The boys up stairs are Pennsylvanians, and want to see you." I felt the necessity of seeking some change before visiting any more sick. We then rode on to Langley, on the Leesburg road, visiting the hospitals of the 6th, 8th, 12th, 1st, and that of Kane's Pennsylvania sharpshooters, all in McCall's Division. Were welcomed every place; found many sick and needing comforts, especially bed- covering, flannel shirts, &c. The surgeons begged for cough mixtures. Friday, 15th.—Have had visits from the surgeons of three of the re- giments this morning. I succeeded in getting, in addition to the com- fortables contained in the boxes, some nice blankets and pillows, together with cocoa, jellies, lemon syrups, tapioca, pearl barley, and port wine, from the Patent Office depository. These had come from the West Chester ladies, which we divided amongst these surgeons, reserving some, which we carried this afternoon to Bladensburg, intending to visit three hospitals; but, when we reached the camp of the 45th, of which I told you in my last, two of the men of whom I told you, had passed away. One of them had been buried; the other awaited burial. Both wore shirts sent by you, and a third one was laid aside for the consumptive boy, who still lingered. When we went into the cabin where he laid, I was surprised to find reason burning brightly,—the glare which so often precedes the going out of life. He was still without a pillow, when I slipped one under his head. The look of gratitude would have brought tears from the most hardened. His only expression was, " How good ; I can die easier now." Whilst with this poor youth, the plaintive sounds of the dead march fell upon our ears. The sick all noticed it, and a nervous shiver passed round, the consumptive remarking, "Another gone before me." On learning that the dead soldier would be buried but a short distance off, we determined to go to the grave. We two women, accompanied by two officers of the 45th, went to the place of interment. It was a sad, sad sight. A part of two New Hampshire regiments es- corted the remains of their comrade to their resting-place in the land of strangers. Our flag was thrown over the coffin, and all honor was paid them by his fellows in arms. After prayer and short address, the usual salute was fired, and the body of the brave boy was given back to earth, whilst, we hope, his soul was with God. This service over,_ we found night closing in, and very reluctantly came home without visiting the 96th regiment. Will try to do so soon. With much love to all, yours. 32 Washington, Nov. 20th, 1861. My dear Mrs.---: I reached Washington at 12 o'clock yesterday, and soon learned from Mrs. D. how urgently bed-covering, &c, &c, was needed in two Vermont, regiments, who had the misfortune to be located in a very unhealthy district, and were suffering severely in consequence, having between two and three hundred in hospital. Friends at home had made liberal provi- sions for ordinary sickness, but this was extraordinary, and an appeal was made to the Washingtonians in their behalf. Our boxes not having arrived, and Miss M. not having as she said, much to give, 1 went again to the Patent Office, where I found several nice boxes from Vermont, and some from Massachusetts. Permission was at once given to take what I needed, which was gladly done. I got a nice supply of comfortables, blankets, pillows, wine, jellies, oranges, lemons, cocoa, &c, which was carried to Mrs. D. to be ready for an early start this morning. When I got home with my treasures, I found our boxes had arrived, and Mrs. D.'s two sons busily engaged unpacking them ; all in the house interested in the work. As blanket after blanket, and jar after jar was taken out, old Aunt Barbara, a valuable old colored servant, would exclaim, "Thank the Lord, thank the Lord for dese North people. Dey has sent all dese hosses and wagons and men, and nowdeys senden all deysgot to eat and cover demselves with." The slippers were admired much, and came most opportunely. Everything carried well; nothing broken. We added pillows, stockings, slippers, and other jellies to those already pre- pared for the Vermonters, and made arrangements for leaving before the crowd should get the start of us, which the grand review and free passes over the Long Bridge would attract to the neighborhood where our sup- plies were needed. But we were doomed to disappointment. The car- riage appropriated to us had, in some way, no one knew how, been broken, and could not be repaired in time to be used to-day, as all hands were going to the review. Col. Scott, on hearing of this, tried to get us another, but none could be had at any price, all carriages being already in requisition. I might have gone to the review with some friends, but did not care to go. Providence was kind as usual in throwing this diffi- culty in my way. I was quite sick for a- few hours, and could not have been useful to our sick had I gone. Bed was the best place for me. I am as well as usual this evening, and hope to go out early to-morrow, accompanied by Mrs. D., and a Vermont lady intimately acquainted with the officers of the afflicted regiments. I have learned this evening from Mrs. D. that seven boxes from Delaware will be here shortly, so we will probably not need any further supplies this week from you. I will be able to tell you better after seeing the sick to-morrow. With much love to the ladies, and an earnest wish to be remembered by them, Yours, most affectionately. WSg*- An interesting and instructive article on the subject of Military Hospitals, &c, will be found in the December Number, 1861, of the Atlantic Monthly, page 718. AN APPEAL FOR OUR SICK SOLDIERS. Philadelphia, October 24, 1861. The undersigned, Pastors in the city of Philadelphia, beg to call the special attention of those into whose hands this cir- cular may fall, to the subjoined appeal of the " Ladies' Aid." The Society here named was formed at the commencement of the war. ft comprises ladies belonging to more than twenty churches of various denominations. Its affairs have been con- ducted with the utmost prudence, economy, and efficiency. It enjoys, as it deserves, the confidence of this community, and some thousands of our soldiers have received substantial bene- fits at its hands. The Society is now employed in providing for our sick and wounded soldiers. Every one knows that the sick require nu- merous comforts which no Government hospital can supply. With this view they have established a Depository at Wash- ington, under the care of experienced and excellent ladies, who visit the hospitals on both sides of the river, and minister to the relief of the suffering with their own hands. These ladies have been aided by the personal counsel and labors of the philanthropic Secretary of the Society. The books of the establishment are kept with accuracy, and systematic reports are made of every day's receipts, disburse- ments, and labors. The war has produced nothing which appeals with greater power to the best sympathies of the human heart than the pri- vate journals of the ladies who have been attending upon our sick soldiers. It is satisfactory to know that they have minis- tered alike to the temporal and the spiritual wants of these 3 34 poor sufferers, and that they have received the devout thanks of many a dying soldier whom they have pointed to the Lamb of God that taketh away the sin of the world. The patients in the hospitals are very numerous and increas- ing. We know of no method by which so much can be done for their relief at so little expense and trouble as through the agency here recommended. Major-General McClellan, it will be perceived by the subjoined certificate, has given it his cor- dial endorsement. We respectfully commend it to your atten- tion. There is no village, scarcely any congregation, in which something might not be done by way of co-operating in this good work. And we beg to suggest the expediency of form- ing an Auxiliary Society in your church or neighborhood, with a view of forwarding this humane and patriotic object. Respectfully and fraternally yours, Henry A. Boardman, Pastor of Tenth Presbyterian Church, Philadelphia. John Jenkins, Minister of Calvary Presbyterian Church, Philadelphia. T. W. J. Wylie, Pastor of First Reformed Presbyterian Church, Philadelphia. Thomas Brainerd, Pastor of Pine Street Church, Philadelphia. John Walker Jackson, Pastor of St. Paul's M. E. Church, Philadelphia. Henry Steele Clark, Pastor of Central Presbyterian Church, Philadelphia. William J. R. Taylor, Pastor of Third Reformed Dutch Church, Philadelphia. J. Wheaton Smith, Pastor of Spruce Street Baptist Church, Philadelphia. J. W. Cracrapt, Rector of the Church of the Epiphany, Philadelphia. Richard Newton, Rector of St. Paul's Church, Philadelphia. John Chambers, Pastor of First Independent Presbyterian Church, Philadelphia. E. W. HUTTER, Pastor of St. Matthew's Lutheran Church, New Street, Philadelphia. 35 " Head-quarters Army of the Potomac, "Washington, October 21st, 1861. " The Association known as the < Philadelphia Ladies' Aid/ in behalf, and for the relief of the sick and wounded soldiers of this army, has my confidence and approval; and I commend its officers and agents to the War Department for necessary facilities in furtherance of its efforts. " Geo. B. McClellan, " Major-General U. S. A." "Pittsburg, Pa., October 25th, 1861. " To the members of the Ladies' Aid Society, Philadelphia. " The three bales of clothing for the suffering among the colored people at Fortress Monroe were duly and most grate- fully received by our sisters, and their distribution was the occasion of many thanksgivings unto God. " While acknowledging this timely gift, permit me to bear testimony to the labors of your excellent Society in providing for the bodily comforts of the sick soldiers in and near the capital. In this work of mercy, the efforts of the various individuals and associations over the land are above all praise. " W. A. Passavant, " Director of the Deaconess Institute." REPORT OF THE Ladies' Aid of Philadelphia. On the 26th of April, 1861, " The Ladies' Aid" of Phila- delphia was organized, " for the purpose of affording aid and comfort to the sick and wounded of our army and navy, and of providing, for the men in active service, such necessary clothing as is not furnished by the Government." Since that date the Association has received contributions in money, from about twenty churches and from a number of individuals, amounting to $4990 28, and in new material from several business firms and individuals, amounting to $2117 96, besides large quantities of medicines, bandages, lint, and second-hand clothing, together with jellies, pickles, preserves, and other delicacies, the value of which has not been estimated. To hospitals, regimental and general, and to soldiers mus- tered into the service, the Society has furnished 25 iron bed- steads, 54 mattresses, 162 pillows, 150 pillow ticks, 672 sheets, 1505 towels, 188 blankets, 138 bed-spreads, 584 hospital shirts, 38 double wrappers, 1455 pairs drawers, 300 pillow cases, 92 pairs slippers, 277 pairs hose, 5231 gray flannel shirts, 981 flannel bands, 4461 havelocks, 286 pocket hand- kerchiefs, 1008 combs, 6000 bags, each containing pins, needles, buttons, and thread, 391 bed-sacks, 50 fans, 8 camp libraries, and over 200,000 pages of .other reading matter. Also, 1 cask of queensware, 3 barrels crackers, 3 chests of tea, 24 37 cans solidified milk, 100 pounds farina, 100 pounds cocoa and chocolate, 4 dozen Jamaica ginger, 2 dozen Wright's tonic mixture, 2 dozen Wright's carminative balsam, 5 gallons spirits of camphor, 7 gallons brandy, 3 gallons bay rum, 1 dozen syrups, assorted, 1 box sugar biscuit, 3 gallons black- berry syrup, 50 bottles wine, 112 jars jellies, 60 jars pickles, 20 cans tomatoes and peaches, 4 dozen seidlitz powders, 3 dozen gum drops, 18 pounds arrow root, 50 pounds castile soap, a lot of dried rusks, and 6 kegs of pickles. In addition to the foregoing, the Society has forwarded to hospitals in and near Washington and Alexandria, from a few ladies of Philadelphia, through the hands of Mr. H. McCrea, 1 barrel of groceries; from ladies of Princeton, N. J., by Miss Breckenridge, a large and valuable box of clothing ; from Mrs. Strickland Kneass, of Philadelphia, a valuable box of hospital stores; from Canton, in Bradford County, Pennsylvania, 2 boxes stores; from Trenton, N. J., 4 boxes stores; from Eli- zabeth, N. J., 3 barrels pickles, for 1st and 2d New Jersey regiments; from Mrs. Maris, of Germantown, Pa., 1 box sun- dries ; from ladies of Haverford, Delaware County, Pa., 3 boxes sundries; from ladies of Clinton Valley, Lycoming County, Pa., 2 boxes, 2 kegs, and 1 package sundries; from Miss Nowel, of Philada,, for 19th Massachusetts regiment, 1 box sundries; from Mrs. Hale, Pennington, N. J., 1 box sun- dries ; from Florence Nightingale Association, at Paterson, N. J., 1 box sundries; from Marlton, Burlington County, N. J., 2 boxes sundries; from Port Penn, Delaware County, Pa., 1 box sundries; from Ladies' Aid, at Reading, Pa., 6 boxes sundries; from Mr. Nichols, of Reading, 5 gallons pure wine, and from Mrs. Nichols, a basket of fine grapes; from ladies of Lancaster County, Pa., 3 boxes sundries; from ladies of Scranton, Pa., 1 box sundries; and from a lady of Marietta, Pa., 13 pairs knit hose. The Society has also forwarded to Fortress Monroe, 3 large bales of clothing for contrabands. 38 Our report would be incomplete did we not record the gene- ral heartfelt interest in our work manifested by all classes and conditions. The afflicted inmates of our asylums for the or- phan, the deaf, and the blind, mingle their offerings of bags, pincushions, &c, for the use of our brave soldiers, with those of the gay and happy children and youth of our public and private schools, thus testifying their appreciation of that Go- vernment under whose fostering care those benign institutions have reached their present state of efficiency. We would make grateful acknowledgment of the courtesy and kindness of the Trustees of the Tenth Presbyterian Church in allowing us the use of rooms and affording us other facili- ties for carrying on our work. And now, resolved to persevere in so honorable a work, and desirous of enlisting our countrywomen in the same great cause, we ask their attention to the following statement: Immediately after the battle of Bull Run, our Secretary went to Washington, and has since then spent six weeks in visiting the camps and hospitals in and around that city. These localities, she reported as presenting a wide field for our benevolent operations. This field we at once resolved to occupy, and with the assistance of Col. Scott and Mr. Lesley of the War Department, we Have established in Washington a Depository for such stores as it may be deemed expedient to send to that point. This measure was needful to insure the prompt and judicious appropriation of stores intrusted to us for our soldiers. The Depository has been placed under the care of excellent ladies of Washington, who will co-operate with us in the distribution of our supplies. The Association has also opened a correspondence with surgeons, chaplains, and lady nurses, by means of which, and by occasional visits by some of its members, they will be made acquainted with the wants of the camps and hospitals respectively, and thus these wants can sometimes be supplied more promptly, and at less expense than through the Depository. 39 To the gentlemen of the Adams Express Company, as well as to some in the War Department, we are indebted for special facilities in the prosecution of our work. Our undertaking is one of magnitude, but one from which patriotism and humanity forbid us to shrink. If the ladies of our country could witness the scenes presented in the hospitals after a battle, there is no sacrifice they would not willingly make for the relief of the sufferers. If they could hear the wounded soldier's expression of gratitude, or see his despon- dency giving way to cheerfulness, and to courage for a renewal of the conflict, on the slightest manifestation of woman's sym- pathy, donations would flow in so that our depositories would not contain them. To the men of our land belongs the honor of fighting our country's battles; ours is the duty and privilege of ministering to the comfort and relief of our brave defenders when sick, or wounded. To the ladies of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and adjacent States, we therefore confidently appeal for aid and co-opera- tion in our glorious undertaking. We call upon them as lovers of their country, as friends of humanity, as followers of Him who went about doing good, to forward contributions in money, or in such hospital stores not furnished by the Government as they may judge needful. Red and gray flannel shirts and drawers, Canton flannel shirts and drawers, and ordinary unbleached muslin shirts of different sizes, also knit woollen socks, knit woollen mittens, with thumb and fore-finger, crash towels, handkerchiefs, old or new, and especially blankets, are at this moment urgently called for. Other articles, if not indispensable, are most acceptable. Such are jellies, dried fruits, butter, apple butter, eggs, crack- ers, wine, brandy, ale, white sugar, tea, cocoa, chocolate, farina, pickles, dried beef, ham, citric acid, lemons, oranges, and apples. 40 Money is urgently needed. Our treasury is overdrawn, and willing hands are ready to make up all the material that can be procured. Careful packing is important. Jars or bottles containing fluids, jellies, &c, should be packed in small boxes, and no- thing packed with them that can be damaged by leakage or breakage. Too much care cannot be taken in corking and sealing. Much loss has already been incurred in consequence of improper packing. Patriotic transportation companies will forward hospital stores gratuitously. Packages under this arrangement, or freight pre-paid, may be sent to Ladies' Aid, care of J. P. Rhoads, 701 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, or on Fridays to the Church corner of Twelfth and Walnut Streets. A list of contents should accompany each package. Money may be remitted, and letters addressed to either of the subscribers. Mrs. Joel Jones, President Ladies' Aid, 625 Walnut Street, Philadelphia. Mrs. Stephen Colwell, Treasurer Ladies' Aid, N. E. cor. 11th & Arch Streets, Philadelphia. Mrs. John Harris, Secretary Ladies' Aid, 1106 Pine Street, Philadelphia. Philadelphia, October 20th, 1861. P. S. Where blankets cannot be procured, woollen carpets and drugget are substitutes of much value in camp, or on picket duty. The material should be washed, cut into proper lengths, and bound. The length should be seven feet, and the breadth four and a half or five feet. If thin, the material may be doubled and slightly stitched.