USA > Michigan > Annual report of the Adjutant General of the State of Michigan for the year, Vol. I > Part 21
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The next largest amount of expenditure was for the Michigan Home. For an account of its establishment and its operations, I would refer to the Secretary, under whose immediate supervision most of the expenditures for this purpose were made.
After the closing victories of the war, the great armies of Grant and Sherman were encamped about the city for several weeks preparatory to being mustered out of the service.
The Government thought it best not to pay the men until they had arrived at their homes. This policy was undoubtedly the best, everything considered, but was the cause of many individual cases of hardship. The rations of the army were poor, and very many of Sherman's army suffered from want of vegetables. Supplies of potatoes, pickles, butter, dried apples, tobacco, etc., were purchased and distributed among all the Michigan regiments of both armies.
For the purpose of visiting regiments and hospitals at a distance, it was thought to be. the most economical to purchase a horse and buggy, at a cost of $250. These were sold, after we had done with them, for $220.
In conclusion, I beg leave to congratulate the Association on the termina- tion of our benevolent work, and to assure them that the care and economy exercised in making purchases and expenditures in former years, have also governed the outlays during the past year. I hope I may be pardoned a little vanity in stating that during the four years that I have acted as the
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ANNUAL REPORT OF THE
Treasurer of the Association, I have performed a very large amount of labor in an extensive correspondence, making purchases, collecting, keep- ing the books; and that aside from the labors which I have freely given for the cause in which we have been mutually engaged, the responsibility of holding and disbursing in small amounts the money placed in my hands has been no trifling care and risk.
I am now prepared to surrender my charge according to the pleasure of the Association, and in doing so I desire that a committee be appointed to inspect my accounts and vouchers.
Z. MOSES, Treasurer.
WASHINGTON, September 19, 1866.
Receipts and expenditures of the Michigan Relief Association from March 31 to September 19, 1866.
RECEIPTS.
Cash in the Treasury at date of annual report. $2,779 84
Refunded Association amount loaned by Mrs. Mahan to L. L.
Cavender 9 00
$2,788 84
EXPENDITURES.
Donated to S. Stonehouse, 27th Infantry, to get cork leg repaired $5 00 Donated to S. Stonehouse, 27th Infantry, being entirely desti-
tute, to enable him to travel to Michigan 25 00
To Mrs. Mary E. Hill, towards procuring tobacco for soldiers in Harewood Hospital. 5 00
To Mrs. Van Boskerck, to pay fare to Michigan
22 00
To Mrs. Brainard, to pay fare to Michigan
20 00
Reimbursed Mrs. Mahan, money loaned to Michigan soldiers and never returned to her. 15 50
Paid John Burnside for damages to house while occupied by Association 25 00
$117 50
Balance in Treasury, Sept. 19, 1866 $2,671 34
Z. MOSES, Treasurer.
HISTORY OF ORGANIZATION.
The Michigan Soldiers' Relief Association of the District of Columbia was organized in the autumn of 1861. It was the product of necessity, and was composed of the few Michigan men then resident at the National Capital. Soon after the first arrival of troops under the call for 75,000 volunteers, the 1st Michigan Regiment (three months' men) appeared here.
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It contained many who were personally known to the citizens of Michigan then residents of Washington, and this, with the noble cause in which they were enlisted, soon aroused a deep feeling of friendship between the mem- bers of the regiment and all those hailing from the same State. This friendship was manifested by various and numerous acts of kindness and appreciation. Among them, special solicitude for all in the service whose failing health made demands upon this feeling for those attentions which were impossible in the then inexperienced and unprepared state of the hospital service.
For the first few months the efforts made to relieve and comfort those of our friends in the service were unorganized, and though throwing great labor upon the few engaged, hardly kept pace with the growing demands incident to the rapid increase of the army. The battle of Bull Run, in which our friends suffered severely, aroused afresh the sympathy of all whose bearts beat honestly for the country, and demonstrated the utter inadequacy of the Government preparation for any such sudden emergency. It seemed impossible for the public authorities at this time to appreciate the necessity of ample preparations for the wounded and sick. Their attentions seemed constantly directed to the increase of the army by new enlistments. The importance of providing for its health was but slowly admitted, and hardly admitted at all until it became evident that the ranks could only be kept up by such provisions. To reach this point and this degree of preparation, required the experience of an entire campaign. The consequence was, that there was all the time an urgent call, we might almost say an imperative demand, for volunteer aid. Such aid was com dially given, but yet fell short of what was absolutely essential. It became apparent that we could no longer meet the demand upon us by individual and unorganized effort. We must have system, and an assignment of duties. We must have contributions far beyond the means of the small number of Michigan citizens then here. These urgent demands so pressed upon us, that the citizens of Michigan then in the District assembled for- consultation, and the result was the organization of the Michigan Soldiers' Relief Association, then composed of a set of officers and an Executive Committee. It claimed as its members all citizens of the State, residents of the District, and the Michigan delegation in Congress. The Association commenced by levying a tax upon its members, which was frequently repeated during the first few months of its existence, and has been resorted to for emergencies from that time to the present.
This organization was the first of the kind in the field upon the Atlantic slope, and the last to leave it. Its history, so far as it has not been written, will be briefly alluded to in the following pages.
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ANNUAL REPORT OF THE
ITS OPERATIONS.
The Association having been thus organized, it was called into full ac- tivity in May, 1862, after the Army of the Potomac had made a commencement of its Peninsular Campaign.
The battle of Williamsburg, in which several of our regiments partici- pated, filled the hospitals of Baltimore and Fortress Monroe with wounded men; and from this time forward to the close of the war, the whole energies of the Association have been taxed to their utmost limits.
By referring to the reports of our operations for 1862, 1863, and 1864, it will be seen that our means were limited; but as the services of the indi- vidual members of the Association have, in all cases, been gratuitous, and always cheerfuliy rendered, the money we had was used in such a way as secured the greatest amount of relief.
In the year 1862, the first, in fact, of our activity, the whole amount of money received from all sources, was, $2,166 13
Expended, 1,945 84
In 1863, 2,350 39
Expended, 2,037 61
In 1864, 6,779 78
Expended, 5,488 48
This is, of course, exclusive of specific contributions of clothing and hospital stores always liberally furnished by the soldiers' aid societies through the State, and which we endeavored to apply faithfully to the purposes intended.
. In the summer and fall of 1862, after the dreadful closing battles of the Peninsula, and the disastrous campaign of Gen. Pope, the whole city of Washington became a vast hospital.
The public buildings, the churches, and many private residences, were made receptacles of wounded and sick soldiers.
Scattered all through these our own brave men lay and languished, and many died. But weare assured that the kind offices of the members of this Association assuaged their pains, and carried relief to all within their reach; and doubtless many owe their recovery to those special attentions, impossible to be secured from the assistants detailed for the care of sick and wounded men in hospital. During the fall of 1862 something like system was inaugurated by the Medical Department of the Government, commensurate with the magnitude of the exigency. Columbia College was made a permanent hospital. Carver, Finley, Mount Pleasant, Emery, and subsequently Douglas, Stanton, Campbell, Harewood, and Lincoln, were provided with ample accommodations for twenty thousand patients; and in 1863, with the hospitals in Alexandria, Baltimore, Philadelphia, New York, Annapolis, Frederick, and other places north, the whole oper- ations of the Medical Department assumed something like order, efficiency
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and permanency, and it became necessary for us to employ agents who could give their whole time to the work.
Mrs. Brainard was early engaged, and perhaps the first among our regu- lar workers-she certainly was the last to leave. Her services were in- valuable, and have never been fully appreciated and acknowledged. The services of Miss Wheelock, Mrs. Barnard, Mrs. Maban, Mrs. Gridley, Mrs. Plum, Mrs. Johnson, Mrs. Hall, the Misses Bull, Miss Ozier, and others, who have labored in the field and hospitals under the auspices of this As- sociation, have all richly earned the thanks of the people of Michigan, and ยท especially of the thousands of soldiers who received their kind ministra- tions. Their reports are necessarily excluded for want of space. In the summer of 1863, the battles around Fredericksburg, and those of the cam- paign of Gen. Meade's army in Maryland and Pennsylvania, and the crowning carnage at Gettysburg, absorbed our entire energies.
Our agents were early at their work, and remained as long as there was suffering to be relieved.
In 1864, the bloody struggles of the Wilderness and Spotsylvania, and the daily conflicts during those forty days of Grant's persistent advance to Richmond, again filled the hospitals around Washington, and gave ample employment to our agents and the members of the Association, and drew upon our means so that we were well nigh exhausted.
It is due to ourselves to acknowledge the generous co-operation of the Christian and Sanitary Commissions during this summer. To the former we have ever been indebted for the most generous consideration and liber- ality; and to the latter for extraordinary kindness in furnishing our agents, Mrs. Brainard and Mrs. Mahan, with valuable and much needed supplies, to the amount of more than two thousand dollars in three months, and at a time when our own were exhausted.
On the 1st of January, 1865, the report of the Treasurer shows $1,291.30 available funds on hand. This amount was soon after increased by the most liberal contributtons from several associations and individuals in Michigan, and especially from the noble hearted people of the Lake Supe- rior region, till our whole receipts for the year 1865, including the sum on hand, amounted to $14,914.24.
With the prospect of a campaign of unexampled activity, on the south side of Richmond, by the combined armies of Generals Grant and. Butler, and the reasonable anticipation of a stout and protracted resistance on the part of the rebels, we early made preparations for meeting promptly the demands that would most likely be made upon our Association. We established a magazine of supplies at City Point, and sent thither an ef- fective force to receive and provide for such as should, in the coming struggle, be sent back disabled. We also established in Washington a " Home, " where our men in passing could find shelter for a night, without being thrown into the bad associations of the city.
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ANNUAL REPORT OF THE
It had long been felt that sach an asylum was needed, and we had been prevented from establishing one chiefly from scarcity of means. This ob- jection no longer existed, and the association rented and furnished a house with comfortable and cheap furniture, engaged a competent matron, and from April 1st to September 1st, 1865, were able to provide for the wounded and sick a comfortable resting place. The whole expenditure in this en_ terprise, as shown by the Treasurer's Report, was $2, 675.38, diminished by the sum of $507.30 received for furniture, &c., on breaking up the house-making the whole expense $2,168.08.
The sudden and unexpected collapse of the rebellion, and the recall of the Army of the Potomac, and the arrival of Sherman's grand columns in Washington, worn and fatigued by the longest and most remarkable march yet recorded, imposed new work upon us.
Our returned regiments were visited by our agents, and supplied with much needed vegetables, pickles, tobacco, bread, &c., to the amount of $4,000. Our force was withdrawn from City Point, and furnished ample employment here till the armies were disbanded and sent home.
At the " Home," during the month of June, all were received who came. Col. Pritchard's detail for Jeff. Davis' body guard was lodged and feasted. The records, imperfect though they are, have the names of about 8, 000 who took one or more meals under the roof and at the tables of the "Home," faithfully and ably conducted by the Matron, Mrs. Van Boskerck, whose executive ability, industry, and fidelity cannot be too highly commended.
The accounts of the "Home " show that as many as 725 meals were served in a day, and the bread consumed averaged from 300 to 425 loaves a day for many days. Above all the labor and care bestowed upon this house, the matron had especial care of ten or fifteen patients at Douglas and Stanton hospitals, near the house, for two months, visiting them daily, and furnishing them with delicacies.
The Executive Committee desire here to acknowledge their obligation to all the agents who have been employed, for devotion to their duties, and to all members ef the Association for cheerful co-operation in the work in which we have been engaged during the bloody struggle now passed.
All the services rendered by the Association have been entirely gratui- tous, and the agents have labored for little more than actual expenses. The motives of all, it is believed, were patriotic and humane; and the only reward sought, or desired, was the consciousness of having discharged well the duties imposed by the exigency. We have at least endeavored well.
To the individuals and associations at home who have so nobly sup- ported us with contributions of money and material, and surely not least, with their encouraging words of commendation and counsel, we desire to say, that your noble efforts in behalf of the brave and self-sacrificing young men who have given their services, suffered toils, hunger and thirst, en-
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countered dangers and disease, and death, for the perpetuation of the Government, in defense of liberty, and in the cause of humanity, have no parallel in the annals of the world.
If there can be any compensations in such a war as we have just emerged from, the chief must be sought in the grand outpouring of gener- ous humanities all over the entire loyal portion of the country, in endeavor- ing to ameliorate the condition of the soldier, and assuage his sufferings.
Happily, the war is ended. The grand armies that fought its battles have returned to their families and to peaceful pursuits. Too many, alas! have found their last resting-place far from kindred and from home. They found bloody graves in a hostile land. Their memories live in the hearts of a grateful people, saved by their devotion and valor.
All honor to the dead hero; his wife and children demand our care, and must not be forgotten or neglected.
J. M. EDMUNDS, President. Z. MOSES, Treasurer.
C. CLARK, Secretary.
At a meeting of this Association, held pursuant to notice published in the daily Chronicle, at the rooms of Hon. J. M. Edmunds, at 266 F street, the foregoing report of the Treasurer and Secretary was accepted and adopted, and the Secretary was ordered to have one thousand copies printed and bound in beat pamphlet form for distribution among the friends of the Association, to be by them preserved as a memento of a noble charity.
On motion, it was resolved that the Treasurer, Z. Moses, Esq., has, by his faithful and laborious performance of the duties imposed upon him in receiving, keeping, and disbursing the funds of this Association during the five years of its active existence, without compensation, and without loss, well earned the thanks of the Association and its friends.
An official communication, to be found in the Appendix to this Report, was presented from Dr. Duffield, President of the Board of Trustees of Harper Hospital, giving a history of its origin and objects, and pledging the Trustees to use faithfully all such sums as should be donated for that especial object, to the care and support of disabled Michigan soldiers seeking an asylum at the Hospital.
Thereupon the following resolution was offered and unanimously passed, to-wit:
" Resolved, That of the surplus funds of this Association, the sum of one thousand dollars be donated to the Trustees of Harper Hospital, at De- troit, Michigan, to be by them used in the care and maintenance of such disabled Michigan soldiers as may from time to time become its inmates."
J. M. EDMUNDS, President.
O. CLARK, Secretary.
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APPENDIX.
DETROIT, MICH., Aug. 23d, 1866
C. CLARK,
Secretary Michigan Soldiers' Relief Association,
Washington, D. C .:
DEAR SIR: In reply to your kind inquiries, I write in the name and on behalf of the Trustees of the Harper Hospital, of this city, the following official statement, viz .: The Trustees are seven in number, possessing corporate powers, under a charter granted by the State of Michigan, for thirty years.
The institution originated in the donation by the gentleman whose name it bears, of lands, which have been sold and proceeds invested in securities at 7 per cent. interest, out of which the sum of $1,200 in annuities have to be paid during his lifetime-one-half, and the other half to an old lady who donated the ground, or five acres of it, in which the buildings are erected. No other revenue, as yet, exists, though it is believed that voluntary subscriptions and pay patients will soon become available resources.
The present reliable revenue from its own funds does not much exceed $1,000, if so much, deducting expenses for repairs, taxes, &c.
The objects of the institution, as stated in the rules and regulations, that will soon be published, are-
Ist. An hospital for the reception of the more extreme and dangerous cases of indigent sick, as far as means are provided for their medical treatment and care.
2d. Also for the medical treatment, nursing, and care of sick patients who may, for reasonable compensation, avail themselves of the advantages it may extend to them.
3d. An hotel for invalids, who may obtain the comforts of a home, and the advantages of medical skill and nursing, at a moderate and reasonable expense; and especially for the brave invalids and disabled soldiers of the State of Michigan who have been honorably discharged, and entitled to the benefits of the institution.
4th. A department for the benefit of lying-in women, who may seek to avail themselves of. the nursing and medical skill adapted to their condi- tion, to be afforded for reasonable compensation, according to the rules and regulations adopted by the Board.
5th. A surgical department for the treatment of patients who may be suffering from wounds, or disease, or injuries, or requiring amputation of limbs, and the use of instruments in the hands of skillful performers.
6th. The department for the relief and care of that class of diseases for which resort is too commonly had to inexperienced, uneducated quacks, and the impositions of empirics, who rob their patients and effect no permanent cure.
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7th. The elevation and advancement of medical science and practice, in connection with and by means of clinical lectures and instruction.
Boards of attending and consulting physicians have been organized, comprising four_physicians and four surgeons.
The determination of the Trustees is to provide for the wants, both pres- ent and future, of disabled soldiers, as far as they will be furnished with the necessary means. There are at present, and have been from its organization, from twenty-five to fifty, averaging about thirty-six disabled soldiers, under the care of the institution, and furnished with comfortable board and lodging, and conveniences of a home.
The funds for this purpose have been moneys paid to the Board of Trus- tees for that purpose by the public, and the society organized during the war for sanitary purposes and establishing a Soldiers' Home, which funds have not been expended, and may be available till the meeting of the next Legislature, when it is believed that the State of Michigan will make pro- vision for the support of her gallant wounded sons, as favored pensioners, and not as paupers, in the reception of private charity.
The buildings generously granted by the United States Government to the Trustees furnish no revenue. The grounds furnish the summer vegetables needed, by proper cultivation, and nothing more.
The Trustees will thankfully receive and faithfully appropriate, for the benefit of sick and disabled soldiers, whatever funds may be put into their hands.
Soldiers discharged, not wishing a permanent home, or needing it, have often, when taken ill in different parts of the State, or needing surgical aid, had themselves conveyed to the Hospital and been successfully treated. The last days of not a few, incurable from consumption, have been rendered comfortable as they passed down to the grave.
The above is respectfully submitted by order of the Board.
(Signed, )
GEO. DUFFIELD,
President of the Trustees of the Harper Hospital.
DETROIT, September 26, 1866. C. CLARK, EsQ. :
DEAR SIR: I gratefully acknowledge, on my own behalf and that of my associate Trustees of the Harper Hospital, the receipt of your very friendly letter, and the draft for $1,000, payable to my order, which I have paid over to the Treasurer, D. Cooper, Esq. I yield to your request, and cordially thank you for the interest you express in our institution and the noble soldiers of Michigan. Please to express to the Soldiers' Relief Asso- ciation our thanks, and the high consideration with which we acknowledge ourselves,
Your much obliged and obedient servants,
GEO. DUFFIELD, President H. H.
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ANNUAL REPORT OF THE
From the commencement of the war up to the muster out of the regiments, the business of this office had been increas- ing and accumulating, and it was found impossible, with the force employed, to accomplish more than to keep up the most urgent part of the business, leaving a large amount behind at the close of the war. The muster-out of the troops created a great addition to this, and the recent Bounty Act still more. The business now consists in entering up the muster-out rolls, and completing the records-giving certificates of information therefrom to the various Departments at Washington, to claim agents, soldiers and their families, throughout the State, which cannot be obtained from any other source, and which is neces- sary for the settlement of soldiers' pensions, bounties, claims for pay, and other allowances; also giving information to the families of deceased soldiers relative to the time, manner and place of death, which requires a laborious searching of the records, and a very large correspondence, all of which still makes the business of the office very heavy and arduous, and it cannot, without doing much injustice to the soldiers and their families, be lessened for some time yet.
Since the publication of the last Report, the official relations between this Department and Michigan troops in the field have ceased; and it is but justice to them, and becoming me, to state, which I do with much pride, that from their commence- ment to their close, these relations, both with the officers and men, have been to me of a most satisfactory and agreeable nature, and that their intercourse with this office has been in keeping with that high reputation which they acquired in the field as officers and soldiers, and which they now sustain &s citizens of the State.
It is due to the officers of Michigan troops to state that du- ring the war they have exhibited a disposition on their part cheerfully to furnish this office with such papers and reports as were deemed necessary to secure a record of the operations and services of their respective commands, and, so far as could
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ADJUTANT GENERAL.
be expected under the circumstances, it is believed this has been done, entitling them to the gratitude of the soldiers and citizens of the State, and for which they will please to accept the thanks of the officers of this Department.
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