SANITARY COMMISSION. IVo. S4. . REPOPJ ON THE OPERATIONS U. S. SAIITARY COMMISSIOI YALLEY OF THE MISSISSIPPI, Por the Quarter ending Oct. 1st, 1864- BY r>R. J. S. NEWBERRY, Secretary/ Western Department. Louisville, Ky., Oct. 22, 1864; Dr. J. Foster Jenkins, Gen. Sec. San. Com.: Dear Sir: — I herewith submit detailed Reports of the different departments of our work for the three months ending October 1st, which -will, I trust, give full and clear information of what has been accomplished, and how it has been done, in all parts of the field under my supervision. These reports I will preface by a general summary, present- ing in a condensed view all the information derived from this and other sources, which will be of interest, and have a practical bearing on the administration of the Commission. You are so well informed from my weekly reports, and from the public journals, in regard to the progress of military events in this department, that no detailed history of them will now be necessary or proper at my hands. Suffice it to say that our attention, as well as that of the public, has been in a great degree centered in that great move •on the military chess-board, the advance of Sherman's army anto the heart of Georgia, and the succession of battles and victories culminating in the capture of Atlanta. Most of the •events connected with that campaign occurred in a previous .quarter, and, so far as they had a bearing on our work, have 'been previously reported to you. Although, to a greater or less degree, embarrassed by the in- ;terruption of communication with the front, and by the want •of transportation, which we shared with every branch of the -service, up to the time of the capture of Atlanta we were able .to keep with the army so large a working force provided with so generous a supply of stores that we were at all times pre- pared to furnish to those needing it such an amount of mate- rial and manual aid as to considerably soften the hardships •of an arduous campaign, and fully sustain the reputation and /responsibilities of the Commission. The number of our agents paralyzed or removed by sick-r •ness rendered it necessary to send so large reinforcements to ithe field, that our corps presented a more formidable array of mames than ever before; compelling us to draw more laro-ely ■ on our privileges of passes and transportation than has ever before been necessary. In addition to this, a host of civilians, representing other benevolent organizations, or pursuing indi- vidual aims of a philanthropic or mercenary nature, reckoned themselves, or were reckoned by the military authorities — who, since the recall of Gen. Rosecrans, have never been careful to discriminate between the good and bad, the true and the false — in the category of "sanitary agents," of whom, at one time, eighty per week were receiving passes and transporta- tion from Chattanooga to the front. Impelled by a desire to abate this clear and formidable abuse, a step rendered neces- sary b}' the difiiculties surrounding the transportation of sup- plies to the army. Gen. Sherman issued a peremptory order pro- hibiting, with a few rare exceptions, the access of all civilians to the forces at the front, and limiting the number of our agents in the field. Under this order we were permitted to keep but two ^resident agents at Atlanta — a smaller number than was desir- able to sustain all the departments of our work, and yet, with ^the detailed help and other facilities cheerfully furnished us, sufficient to prevent serious embarrassment. The interests of the Commission with Sherman's army, and all along the line of communication with that army, are now in the hands of our most experienced and efficient agents, all important absen- tees having returned to duty ; and I have entire confidence that we shall enjoy in the future, as we have done for three years past, all facilities and privileges necessary for the thorough performance of our work. Dr. Read having recovered from the serious illness whic]i compelled him to w^ithdraw, has returned to take the super- vision of the field work in Gen, Sherman's army. We may be sure that, guided by his wisdom, it will not languish, nor be l^adly done. At Chattanooga, the agency is again under the care of M. C. Read, who, with Mr. Ilosford, has recently returned from sick furlough. The absence of both these gentlemen has been seriously felt, and I congratulate myself that they are again at their posts, in the enjoymeift of full physical vigor, and the exercise of the rare faculties which they possess. The garden at Chattanooga, under the management of Mr. Wills, has more than accomplished our anticipations of its usefulness. The' entire issues from it during the season to October 1st, have been 10,023 bushels of potatoes, tomatoes, beans, &c., and 1,784 dozen of corn, melons, squashes, cab- bage, with a large store of fall crops still remaining. At Knoxville, we have suffered serious loss in the death of Mr. J. H. Milliken, a most estimable and efi&cient man, who had the superintendency of the agency after the departure of Dr. Seymour. His place has since been filled by Mr. T. Y. Gardner, who is no less worthy of our respect and esteem. The hospital garden, in charge of Mr. Culbertson, although less extensive than that at Chattanooga, has played a no less important part in the supply of the hospitals there. During the month of September, Mr. Culbertson distributed from the garden 277 bushels of tomatoes, 264 bushels of beans, 6,347 dozens cucumbers (mostly pickles), 1,929 heads of cab- bage, etc. The " feeding stations" at Kingston, Dalton, Decherd, &c., have formed a most important, indeed, indispensable portion of our work, during the last quarter. Under the general supervision of Mr. Eno, and individually managed by Mr. Brundrett, Mr. Kennedy, Mr. Sutliffe, and Dr. Hillman, they have supplied food, and all needed care, to nearly every sick or wounded man transported from the front to the rear, ex- tending their benefits to many thousands, and performing a service of incalculable value. The agency at ISTashville has continued under the supervi- sion of Judge Root, and has been most wisely conducted, and highly prosperous. With its business offices, its warehouse, its Soldiers' Home, and agents' quarters, each occupying a distinct building, the Sanitary Commission at Nashville* is a very conspicuous and noticeable institution, yet I am sure uses to excellent purpose the wide space which it covers. Indeed, the work it is accomplishing has already outgrown its accom- modations. The "Soldiers' Home," unde'r the efficient management of Capt. Brayton, has become an institution so popular as to be constantly filled to overflowing, and has proved so inadequate in capacity to the demand upon it, that the military authori- ties have promised to give us, in exchangefor the building now occupied, one of the largest hospital buildings in the city. At Louisville no changes have occurred in our work or our corps of agents requiring special mention. Each department is moving on smoothly, and, as you will see from the accom- panying detailed reports, with steadily increasing importance. The Home has never accommodated near so many as within the past three months, having been daily crowded to its utmost capacity. And such has been the throng of fur- loughed and discharged men passing through the city, that the necessity has been laid upon us for the establishment of a similar institution on the opposite side of the river, of which mention will be made in the notice of the department of Special Relief. The warehouse has n«ver been so much crowded with stores as of late, nor the amount of goods received and shipped daily near so large. The condition of th^ Hospital Directory will be learned from the accompanying report of its Superintendent, and I -will only say in regard to it that the value of its reg- ister, now so immense, is receiving constant and increasing illustration. Reports from all the hospitals in this depart- ment come in with regularity, and I have reason to believe that the great importance of this branch of our work is now fully recognized, as well by the military and medical authori- ties as by the people. The demand for the Reporter has been gradually increas- ing, and we are now compelled to print an edition of about 7,500 copies. We have satisfactory evidence that we are far more than compensated for the expenditure by the influence it exerts, in spreading a knowledge of, and fostering an interest in, our work. The Pension Agency, as you are aware, but recently estab- lished here, has been rapidly gaining in importance, and has already secured the presentation and acceptance of the claims of very many deserving persons, too ignorant or too poor to prosecute them without its assistance. DISTRICT OF THE MISSISSIPPI. The work of the Commission on the Mississippi, so greatly reduced by the withdrawal of the Army of the Tennessee, has of late claimed more of our attention, from the activity of military movements in that quarter. The agencies of the Commission at Cairo, Memphis, and Vicksburg, have been constantly maintained, it is true, and the first of these has grown rather than diminished in importance, but the garrisons of the posts along the river have been comparatively small, requiring only a limited amount of assistance from us; and the army in Arkansas, mostly composed of troops from the Department of the Gulf, has been considered still within the sanitary jurisdiction of Dr. Blake, of JSTew Orleans, and ha;^ been followed by his representatives, who have, as a general rule, looked to him for supplies. The prevalence of a scorbutic taint in this army has, how- ever, created a demand for such a quantity, and such kinds of stores, as could not be readily supplied from the Atlantic States. In these circumstances, Dr. Blake appealed to me for vegetables, and other anti-scorbutics, and in answer to this, the Dunleith was fully freighted and sent down the Mississippi, delivering half her cargo at New Orleans, distributing the other half at way stations along the route. This shipment was most timely, and was welcomed with enthusiasm by Dr. Blake and the military authorities. As, however, it furnished but a temporary relief from the wants it was intended to meet, it has seemed to' me necessary to forward further supplies by the same means, and the Dunleith has been reloaded and again despatched on the same route. It is scarcely possible that the troops on the lower Mississippi and its tributaries can receive an adequate supply of anti-scorbutics from any other source than the "Western States ; and should the difficulties now existing of procuring adequate transportation thi'ough the Quartermaster's Department continue, it may be desirable to make further shipments by steamers chartered for that purpose. The business of the agency at Cairo, as I have intimated, has of late been greater than ever, and I cannot speak too highly of the zeal and wisdom with which it has been man- aged by Mr. Shipman. The Home at this point has been, for weeks and months past, literally inundated with the tide of soldiers that has Howed through it, and there are few who see the cl-owdifed and sheltered there who fail to ask themselves what would be the fate of these poor fellows were no such asylum provided for them. In compliance with the request of the Medical Director, Dr. D. W. Iv. Danforth, approved by Lieut. Colonel Allen, Medical Inspector, I have recently established a "Home" at Paducah, under the supervision of Mr. Edward D. Way. A commodious building, and all other needed facilities, have been provided by tlie military authorities, and I have reason to believe that the " Home" at this point, though not large, will be complete in its appointments, well managed, and a great blessing to those who may become inmates of it. DISTRICT OF KANSAS. During the past quarter, our work in Kansas has been thoroughly reorganized, and freed from some incumbrances by which it was formerly somewhat clogged. Our efficient agent there, Mr. J. R. Brown, embraced in his wide-spread sympathy every object of compassion or charity in any way consequent upon the war, so that the refugees and contrabands, as well as the sick and wounded of our soldiery, found in him a most earnest and devoted friend. So untiring and successful was he in his efforts, that he became recognized by both the people and the military autho- rities as the great, if not the sole, medium through which all cases of want and suffering, were to be relieved. As a natural consequence, he found himself rapidly involved in duties and responsibilities which made drafts on his strength and re- sources he was utterly unable to meet. After struggling bravely with accumulating difficulties, finally overburdened and discouraged, he applied to me for counsel and assis- tance. At my suggestion he accompanied me to New York, and presented the claims of the refugees to the officers of the societies formed for their care. As I hoped, his appeal was answered at once, and such provisions made for the sup- port of both white and black refugees, that Mr. Brown has relieved himself of all but a general supervision of their in- terests, and has thus been able to give a more undivided attention to our work. The present invasion of Missouri, and threatened invasion of Kansas, have given great activity to military operations in this quarter, and I have authorized Mr. Brown to employ additional assistance, if necessary', to meet the increased demand upon him. WEST VIRGINIA. The concentration of troops in the Valley of the Shenan- doah has withdrawn from Western Virginia the larger portion of those for whose care we have been in some degree respon- sible. Our work has therefore materially decreased in this district, and I have directed Mr. Tracker to break np the agency at Marietta and transfer any stores to Wheeling, trust- ing to be able to meet the demands arising in this district from that one station. All parts of this field have been re- cently inspected by Dr. Parker, and the change I have desig- nated has been made in accordance with his recommendation. SUPPLY DEPARTMENT. A marked change has taken place in our work in this de- partment since the beginning of the war. Then everything was needed, of diet, clothing, or medicine, by well men or sick, that we could furnish. Now, the number and variety of cases of disease in the veteran regiments is comparatively small. The heads of the hj-dra which formerl}- devoured at such a fearful rate our newly recruited forces, have been by various influences scotched, until but two formidable ones remain — Scurvy and Chronic Diarrhea. The resources and methods of the Medical Department have been so far improved, and its officers are now so thoroughly trained in their duties, that comparatively little is needed from us of clothing, medicine, and delicacies, of which we form- erly supplied such large quantities. Our elibrts, therefore, of late, have been mainly directed to the suppl}' of the universal and pressing demand for vegetables and other anti-scorbutics, which are not, and cannot be, fur- nished in sufficient quantities through the regular channel. During the year past, the quantity of potatoes, onions, and cabbages, fresh and canned tomatoes, kroftt, pickles, dried apples, &c., which we have forwarded to the army, has been, as you will see by our tabulated reports, unpreccdcntedly large. To procure these, our friends all over the JSTorthern States have 9 been actively engaged, and our agents have not only visited all our own markets, but also those of Canada. The season for the production and distribution of these articles had, at the 1st of October, but just commenced; but our shipments of onions, for example, had, up to that time and since the last report, exceeded twenty thousand bushels. In addition to the supplies just enumerated, soft crackers and codfish, not furnished in any considerable quantities by the Commissary Department, have formed an important part of our shipments. Of stimulants, since they are freely supplied through the regular channel, and are, of all stores, most liable to misappropriation, we have forwarded as few as possible. Concentrated beef and concentrated milk have been in such constant demand, and are articles so generally and decidedly useful, that we have been in the past, and shall be in the future, compelled to make them prominent items in our sup- ply table. From the statements I have made, it will be seen that we have now relieved ourselves from the most fruitful cause of anxiety and reproach in the administration of our Supply De- partment ; and any one who will examine the invoices of our shipments to the army will soon discover that canned fruits, wines, and other domestic delicacies, in regard to the use of which our contributors have had so much concern, form a very insignificant part of them ; and we may hereafter effectu- ally silence the criticisms of those who question the purity of our work in this department, by the assertion that scarcely one per cent, of our stores are such as are susceptible of mis- appropriation or unworthy use. In the transportation of supplies, we have had no other diificulties than such as were incident to the interruption of communication with the front, and the crowded state of the road when open. On the contrary, we have enjoyed every facility which we could ask at all points, and from the officers in every branch of the service. The recent break in the road has occasioned the accumulation of twelve car-loads of onions at Chattanooga, and six at JS^ashville, all of which were 10 intended for Atlanta. But since there is now a large force on this side of Tunnel Ilill, where the hreak begins, there is ample demand for all we have to issue. On the Mississippi, the interruption of trade has so far diminished the opportunities for shipment, that it has been necessary, as I have before stated, to charter a steamer for the supply of our stations in that district. As soon as adequate transportation can be otherwise procured, this source of ex- penditure will, of course, be removed. In our constituency of the Home Field a cordial and harmo- nious spirit of co-operation prevails. Where large funds have been collected by Sanitary Fairs, a disposition has been manifested to rest upon the unusual exertion made in connec- tion with them ; there has been a relaxation in the efforts to collect supplies, and, as a consequence, a diminution in the quantity received. In every field, however, the produce has been precisely proportionate to the thoroughness of the tillage, and there is scarcely a portion of the country from which we derive stores that cbukl not be made doubly productive by a more vigorous and systematic canvass. INSPECTORIAL DEPARTMENT. As the work of Sanitary Inspection is in charge of another officer, he alone is capable of reporting fully upon it. I may say, however, in passing, that in this department the w^ork has been entirely suspended, and the surgeons who were en- gaged in it have been withdrawn from the field, or have gone into the service of the Government. Of the chief Inspectors of Departments, whose duties are administrative and general, but two are now in the field — Dr. A. j^. Read, some time absent on sick leave, has just returned to the supervision of our work with the army of Gen. Sher- man, and Dr. Benjamin Woodward, who has lately been ap- pointed to the snperintendency of the Mississippi district — an office formerly filled with so much credit to himself and the Commission by Dr. H. A.Warriner. Dr. M. M. Seymour, Chief Inspector of the Department of the Ohio, has been compelled 11 by tlie demands of his private affairs to withdraw from the service of the Commission, and the position which he held 18 now vacant. Yet as its importance has been greatly dimin- ished by the changes in the location of Gen. Schofield's com- mand, it will not be necessary for the present that k should be filled. DEPARTMENT OF SPECIAL RELIEF. Oar work in this department has so far increased as to be inferior to no other in magnitude and importance, and there scarcely seems to be a limit to the work of mercy which may be done by the different offices and institutions which it in- cludes. The number of "Soldiers' Homes" under the super- intendence of the Sanitary Commission in this department w^as, at the date of my last I'&port, eleven, namely, those at ]S"ashville, Louisville, Camp Nelson, Memphis, Cairo, Cincin- nati, Columbus, Cleveland, Buffalo, Detroit, and New Albany. To these I have recently added one at Paducah, and another at Jeffersonville, Indiana. In the accompanying report will be found an enumeration of the lodgings and meals furnished to the inmates of these homes, during the past quarter, form- ing an aggregate of 93,555 lodgings, and 321,076 meals. While these large numbers will impress any one with the magnitude of the work accomplished by the "Homes," they form but an imperfect exponent of the many and varied good offices which they perform to the objects of their charities. I must refer you to the detailed reports from their superintendents for anything like a fair presentation of a subject to which space will not now permit me to do anything like justice. HOSPITAL TRAINS. The transportation of sick and wounded, at one time a con- spicuous portion of our work and expenditure, has now become so far self-sustaining as to require little intervention on our part. The hospital trains organized by the Sanitary Commis- sion, and for eighteen months manned and sustained by it, * were turned over to the medical authorities as soon as they 12 were willino: to accept the responsibility; and the major part of the expense attending the fitting np of the numerous and complete hospital cars on the road has been borne by the Government, although the contributions made by the Sanitary Commission have, in the aggregate, amounted to some thou- sands of dollars. In the transfer of the care of the sick to the care of the Government, Dr. Barnum, who was in our service, was em- ployed by the Medical Department, and he has since been given the supervision of the whole matter of the transporta- tion of the sick and wounded to the rear, and the superin- tendence of all the trains upon the road. By his wisdom and energy, the work has been so far systematized as to form one of the best ordered branches of the medical service in this department. To enable Dr. Barnum to accomplish his purposes full3', he has been authorized to draw freely upon the resources of the Commission, and a small number of his assistants continue to be paid from its funds. HOSPITAL VISITORS. The duty performed by the Hospital Visitors continues to hold the high place in my respect which I have heretofore given it, and m^- only regret, in this connection, is that the number of devoted and faithful men engaged in it cannot be largely increased. The reports of several of the Hospital Visitors are herewith submitted, and from them you may judge whether I over-estimate their value. The Commission has sustained a serious loss in the resignation of Rev. J. P. T. Ingraham, for the year past our Hospital Visitor at Nashville. Greatly to the regret of all with whom he has been associated, he has felt compelled to return to his pastoral duties. In regard to the Hospital Directory and Pension Agency, the remaining branches of the relief work, I have already spoken. The detailed reports which accompany this will give you any further information on these sul)jects which you may desire. N 13 lu this connection I ougbt to refer to two sources of ex- penditure whicli properly belong to the Department of Spec- ial Relief; of these, the tirst to which I refer is the pre-pay- ment of postage on soldiers' letters, retained in the offices of Chattanooga, Nashville, and Louisville. The number of letters, mostly kind words from home, thus made to reach their destination, is something like 16,000 per month, for- warded at a cost of about $800. I cannot but think that the present arrangement, useful as it is, should be but temporary, and that if this great and richly deserved blessing cannot be secured to the soldier through the Post Oflice Department, the subject should receive the attention of Congress at the com- mencement of the next session. lu accordance with permission from the Standing Com- mittee, I have expended $2,500 in the construction of a com- modious chapel in the Jeftersonville Hospital. The expense attending the erection of this building will considerably ex- ceed the sum specified, and the balance will be paid by the Christian Commission. Yours, Eespectfully, J. S. NEWBERRY. / APPENDIX. {A) FINANCES. The cash expenditures in this department have been almost entirely made from funds collected in the East and in the far West. The contributions made to the Sanitary Commission by the loyal States of the Mississippi Valley have equalled, both in gross amount and in proportion to the population, those derived from any and all other portions of the Union ; but tliey have been, for obvious reasons, mostly made in kind, and not in cash. The great "West is still comparatively poor in monej^, but rich in the vast though unconverted capital of her fertile plains and exhaustless mines, and richer still in the conspicuous patriot- ism of her warm-hearted people. That which she has had — the fruits of the field, the treas- ures of the earth, the products of the loom and anvil — she has given without measure. The East, richer in capital, has given most freely of that ; while the extreme West, too distant to send her less valuable products, has made her contributions in silver and gold. Thus it happens, that the cash expended through my hands has been drawn directly from the treasury of the Commission in New York, while the contributions of the Western States, as they have reached me, have been altogether in stores ; the cash collected by cities, towns, and villages, for the Sanitary Commission, by fairs or otherwise, having been kept by each, to be expended for such things as could be better bought at such points then elsewhere. The money expended by the Western Secretary is deposited to his credit in New York, and drawn upon as wanted. All 16 such money is accounted for witli rigid exactness. A statement of account, with vouchers, is forwarded at the close of each month, at which time the accounts of the Western Department, like all others, are balanced and closed. In addition to the careful examination of our accounts at the central office, at each quarterly meeting they are audited by such men as Prof. Bache, Horace Binney, C. J. Stille, J. Huntington Wolcott, &c., whose high character for intelligence, conscientiousness, and great business experience, are a sufficient guaranty that they have been accurately kept. A summary of the cash account of the Western Department for 18G1, 1862, 1863, and 1864, to July 1st, has already been published in the Sanitary Eeporter. Bringing this down to Oct. 1st, it stands as follows — Summary of the cash account of the Louisville Office, U. S. Sani- tary Commission, from Sept. 1st, 1861, to Oct. 1st, 1864: ADMINISTRATIVE DEPARTMENT. Office Expenses in all Agencies, viz: Stationery and Office Printing, Postage, Telegrams, Rent, Fuel, Lights, Compensation of Officers whose duties are general. Office Furniture, &c., - $33,049 74 INSPECTORIAL DEPARTMENT. Salaries and Expenses of Inspectors of Gamps and Hospitals, 27,638 59 SPECIAL RELIEF DEPARTMENT. Expenses of Homes and Lodges, Feeding Stations, mone}^ paid destitute soldiers and soldiers' rela- tives. Pension and Pay Agencies, Salaries of Relief Agents, &c., 58,59173 Hospital Boats, 1 ^ 3^ Oars, J ' Hospital Directory, - 20,136 06 Carried forward, - - - - . $156,456 51 1.7 Brought forward, - . . . $156,456 51 SUPPLY DEPARTMENT.* Purchase of Supplies, - $139,119 38 Transportation, - - - 45,404 12 Canvassing, _ . . 11^122 79 Distributing - - - . 62,718 70 258,364 99 PUBLICATION DEPARTMENT. Sanitary Reporter, Monographs and Reports, 7,022 25 Total, - - $421,843 75 * The items here enumerated represent all the cash expenditure involved in the collection, transportation, and distribution of hospital stores of the value of 13,176,250 01 in the home market ; and of the value of over four mil- lions at the water bases of the armies — Louisville, Nashville, and Memphis. If there had been no Sanitary Commission, and the articles it has furnished to the armies of the West had been purchased by or for the soldiers and de- livered to camps and hospitals as they have been, this coiald not have been done through any channel of trade left open for less than twice the last men- tioned sum. 18 SUPPLY DEPAKTMENT. The Hospital stores, distributed by the Sanitary Commis- sion in the armies of the West, have been mostly contributed in kind from the several branches of the Commission in the Western Department. In addition to such contributions, purchases of stores have been made from this office to the amount of $139,119 38; and others, of the value of $23,471 55, purchased in New York, and sent to Louisville. A statement of the kinds and quantities of stores distributed in this depart- ment, during the quarter ending Sept. 30th, 1864, and an- other showing the aggregate of distributions, from Sept. 1st, 1861, to the same 'date, are herewith given. The value of the supplies distributed by the Sanitary Commission in this De- partment, to July 1st, 1864, giving each article its value in the home market, was $2,790,811 01. During the quarter ending Sept. 30th, supplies of the value of $385,439 00 were distributed : adding these sums we have, as the value of supplies distributed in this Department to Oct. 1st, 1864, $3,176,250 01. The expense account of the Supply Department, for this period, is as follows : Canvassing, $11,122 79 Freight paid on Stores, - - - . 45,404 12 Distribution of Supplies, ... - 62,718 70 $119j245 61 To this should be added one-third of the expenses of gen- eral administration, viz., $11,016 58 — making the gross ex- pense account of the Supply Department $130,262 19, or about four per cent, on the value of supplies distributed. It should be remembered, however, that the expense at- tending the employment of Lecturers and Canvassers in the 19 Home Field — an item of $11,122 79 — in the preceding account, La3 inured to the benefit of the Aid Societies and Branches in all their interests, and is therefore not all chargeable to the Supply Department, and no part of it to be reckoned as the expense of distributing stores. The Freight Account, too, amounting to $45,404 12 — since it was altogether incurred in the transportation of stores ta the water bases of the different armies, Louisville, Cairo, Mem- phis, &c., conferred at least an equivalent value on the stores transported, and should therefore be reckoned with donated transportation, as an addition to the valuation of stores as before given. The distribution of stores of the value of $3,1T6,250 01 in the home market has been accomplished at a cost of less than 2 per cent, upon their valuation. Adding the cost of transportation to the value of the stores, and the cost of distribution would be If per cent, of that value. Giving the stores distributed their cash value at the water bases of the ar- mies supplied, and the cost of distribution would be 1 J per cent, of their value; and the whole expense account of the Supply Department would equal less than 3 per cent, of such vahiation. The manner in which the records of the Supply Department are kept, and the credibility of the results given above, can hardly be learned without an inspection of our books and methods ; yet I think I can safely say, that all the many ex- perienced men who have carefully examined our system have been satisfied that the methods pursued were economical of labor and money, and the results reported worthy of confi- dence. To those who cannot in person examine the manner in which the stores they entrust to us are handled and used, I may say briefiy, that the raising of supplies is especially the work of the members of our Branch and Auxiliary Societies. In the Home Field the methods pursued are theirs, and the re- spousiblity of the entire work is theirs. I have assumed no control over it, and have taken no part in it, further than to 20 tfurnisli by manuscript or printed reports, or by lecturers, fresh and full information in regard to the condition and wants ■ of the Western armies, the means taken to meet such wants, and such other matters as have a practical bearing on the home work. •From time to time assistance has been needed by the differ- ent Branch Societies, and it has been liberally afforded. Can- vassing agents, lecturers, messengers, and various assistants, in the work of the Supply Department, have been placed at their disposal, and money paid them from the general fund of the Commission to the amount of more than $60,000. As soon as stores are shipped to me or my representatives, from the various contributing depots, I become responsible for their proper use, and am vested with the control of them. The stores passing through Ohio and Illinois are transported free by the splendid liberality of the officers of the railroads ter- minating in Cincinnati and Cairo. On those coming through Indiana we are compelled to pay freight. Arriving here or at Cairo, stores are carefully checked off from cars and boats into the warehouses. All missing packages are at once looked up, and necessary repairs and cooperage done. From these 'points stores are forwarded as rapidly as possible, on the the- ory that any accumulation of stores should be near the army. "With all important divisions of the army, and in every hos- pital centre, depots are established in care of competent busi- ness men, by whom stores are received and issued to those needing them, on personal application, or on the requisition of agents of the Commission, or the Surgeons of hospitals and regiments ; for all of which receipts are given and record made. Weekly and monthly reports are sent to the Louisville • office of all issues from all the depots, and from these reports the tabular statements, now or heretofore given, of our aggre- gate issues, are compiled. 21 EEPORT OF DISBURSEMENTS Of the U. S, Sanitary Commission, Westej'n Department, from its Organiza- tion to October 1st, 1S64. BEDDING AND CLOTHING. Blankets, 14,305 • Night Caps, 4,901 Bedticks, 28,7S« Overalls, 21 Boots and Shoes, pairs, 1,301 Pillows, 104,311 Buttons, shirt, pr )SS, 75 Pillow-cases, 205,126 Comforts and Qui Its, 50,177 Shawls, 54 Coats, Pants, and Vests, 15,204 Sheets, 108,947 Drawers, cotton, Drawers, flannel, [ pairs, 175,157 Shirts, cotton, ] Shirts, woolen, J 306,390 Dressinsf-gowns, 16,415 Slippers, pairs, 20,876 Havelocks, 2,051 Socks, 121,348 Haversacks, 20 Straw, bales, 175 Hats and Caps, 90S Suspenders, pairs, 75 Mittens, pairs. 13,613 Towels and Handkerchiefs, 390,655 Mosquito Bars, 3,645 Rubber Blankets, 5 Napkins, 178 Rubber Capes, & Neck Ties, 1,080 HOSPITAL FURNITURE AND SURGEONS' SUPPLIES, Adhesive Plaster yards. 1,328 Clothes Wringers, 26 Alcohol, gallons, 25 Clothes Pins, gross, 26 Arm Rests, 6,765 Clothes Lines, 32 Alum, lbs., 103 Combs and Brushes, 5,769 Baj?s, 1,863 Camphor, lbs.. 5 Bandaijes and Rags, lbs., 302,097 Copperas, lbs., 300 Bath Tubs, 27 Corkscrews, 78 Baskets, 109 Cologne and Bay Rum, bots., 169 Batting, lbs.. 3,000 Coffins. 98 Beds, Featber, 9 Cotfee Mills, 44 Bedsteads, 1,101 Cottee Pots, 130 Bed Pans, 459 Cots, 342 Bladders, 198 Chambers, 831 Books and Pamphlets, 304,014 Cooking Ranges, 6 Bowls, 4,070 Cups and Saucers,. 2,275 Bread Knives, 6 Cushions and Pads, 79,128 Brooms, 820 Crutches, i^aii's, 4,202 Brushes, Scrub, 61 Desks, 17 Brushes, Whitewash, 54 Dippers, 217 Brushes, Blackin S, 24 Disinfecting Powders, bbls., 10 Buckets, 342 Door Mats, 43 Butcher's Steels, 12 Drinking Tubes, 108 Candles, lbs.. 1,832 Envelopes, 434,125 Candlesticks, 272 Eye Shades, 2,223 Canes, 144 Fans, 28,331 C!amp Chests, 2 Feeders, 180 Canteens, 27 Faucets, 60 Cauldrons, Iron, 2 Finger Stalls, 768 Carpet and Matting, yards. 647 Flat Irons, 15 Castors, 92 Fly Nets, 30 Chairs, 557 Fly Brushes, 167 Charcoal, lbs. 227 Foot Warmers, 6 Chlor. Linie, lbs. ) 24,670 Furnaces, ' 9 Chloroform, lbs.. 125 Games, 580 Cleavers, 4 Graters, 329 Clocks, 12 Hatchets, 57 22 €offee Mugs, 425 Fruit Cans, • 1,100 Ink. bots., 4S0 India Rubljer Cloth, yards, 25 Lamps and Chimneys, 230 Lanterns, 373 Lamp Oil, sails., 406 Lime, bbls., 14 Lint, lbs., 6 Liquorice, lbs,, 26 Loolvini? Glasses, 21 Lumber, ft., 176,000 Kettles, Iron, 14 Kettl-es, Camp, 87 Kettles, Tea, 53 Knives and Forks, 9,055 Knives, Butcher, 6 Mattresses, 723 Matches, gross, 30 Mutton Tallow, lbs., 198 Mess Pans, 41 Mops, 267 Nails, lbs., 2,820 Needles, papers, 110 Oakum, l)ales, 6 Oil Silk, yards, 16 Pans, Baking, 56 Patent Medicine, bot., 509 Pens, gross, 180 Pencils, doz. 27 Pincushions and Housewives, 39,259 Pins, papers, 24 Pitcliers, 97 Quinine, oz., 800 Razors and strops, 24 Saws, 18 Slates, 40 Spit Cups, 2,500 Spittoons, Spools Thread, Stretchers, Sauce Pans, Scissf)rs, Sconces, Stone Jugs, Soap, lbs,. Splints, doz., Si>oons, Sponges. Stoves, Cooking, Stoves, Fire, Shovels, Stationery, reams, Tables. Table Cloths, Tea Pots, Tin Cups, Tin Pans, Tin Pails, Tin Plates, Tumblers, Twine, lbs.. Urinals, Wash Basins, Wash Boilers, Copper, Wash Boards, Wash Machines, Washstands, Wash Tubs, White lead, lbs.. Lye Cone, lbs.. Sage, lbs.. Tin Ware, boxes, Water Coolers, Glass, boxes. Medicine Wafers, ARTICLES OF DIET AND DELICACIE.S. Ale and Cider, galls., Apples, bush., Apple Butter, galls.. Arrowroot, lbs,. Barley, lljs.. Beef, Dried, lbs,. Beef, ('oncent'd, lbs., Beets, l^ush.. Beans, bush.. Brandy, galls., Bread, lbs., Broma, lbs.. Butter, lbs., Cabt>age, liush.. Crackers, lbs.. Carrots, bush.. Cocoa, lbs., Chocolate, lbs., Chickens, Cigars, boxes. Cinnamon, lljs., ttlric Acid, lbs.. Cloves, lbs., Coti'ee, lbs., Cotl'ee, Extract, lbs., 29,119 2,81.s 4,(583 3.399 24,200 22.102 96,784 2,951 680 84 12,216 201 101,331 740 405,418 2.>8 944 788 6,801 10 25 40 25 5.107 Corn Meal, lbs.. Cheese, lbs.. Corn, Dried, lbs.. Corn, Parched, lbs.. Cakes and Cookies, lbs., Cranberries, bush.. Catsup, bot., t'odrtsh.lbs.. Eggs, doz.. Farina and Corn Starch, lbs.. Figs, lbs., Flavoring Extracts, bot., Flaxseed, lbs.. Flour, bbls.. Fruit, Preserved, cans. Fruit, Dried, lbs., Gelatine, lbs., Cxinger, 1I)S., Ginger Extract, bot., (Gooseberries, qts., Gro(!eries, lbs.. Groats, lbs., Grajies, lbs.. Halibut, lbs.. Herrings, boxes, 833 1,311 16 163 71 144 612 7,956 84 6,928 2,528 14 21 32 1,935 59 907 6 10,754 150 68 8.923 1,176 135 319 1,143 2 50 28 100 16 50 25 891 26 9 I 6,500 46,699 16,! 108 1,236 (539 5,296 5J 3,902 119,783 52.635 53,583 80 180 034 87 145,739 8S1,718 41 467 16 369 9,478 176 3,217 40 30 23 Hops, lbs., 970 Herbs, lbs., ^ 2,661 Honey, lbs., 785 Homfny, lbs., 1,788 Horse Radish, bet., 3,418 Hams, lbs., 11,934 Ice, tons, 375 Jelly and Shrubs, qts.. 1,320 Soup, Chicken, lbs.. 1,007 Hickory Nuts, bush., 29 R. Vinegar, bot., 1,111 Lime Juice, 1,320 Almonds, lbs.. 30 Lemons, boxes. 664 Lemon Extract, bot., 732 Lemon Syrup, bot., 6,375 Lobsters, cans, 26 Melons, 1,834 Milk, Fresh, qts.. 339 Milk, Concentrated, lbs., 170,813 Mackerel, lbs., '•70 Mustard, lbs., 1,769 Macaroni, lbs.. 160 Nutmegs, oz., 27 Oatmeal, lbs., 2,5% Oranges, boxes. 193 Oysters, cans, 4,816 Onions, bush., 52,388 Parsnips, bush.. 543 Peaches, bush.. UU Pepper, Black, 1 ,. Pepper, Red, J ^^^" 768 Pepper Sauce, bot., 2,187 Pie Plant, boxes. 65 Porter, bot.. 1,440 Potatoes, bush., 143,832 Pickles, galls.. 139,298 Prunes, lbs., 1,900 P.ice, lbs.. 5,024 Raisins, lbs., 500 Sago, lbs., 3,855 Saleratus, lbs., 40 Salt, bbls.. 11 Ploughs, MISCELI 25 Cultivators, 3 Hoes, 126 Rakes, 72 Spades, 36 Trucks, "Warehouse 3 Sardines, boxes, 54 Sausages, lbs.. 494 Sourkrout, galls.. 78,193 Split Peas, bbls.. O Starch, lbs.. 1,822 Shoulders, lbs.. 556 Spices, lbs., 641 Strawberries, qts., 464 Sugar, lbs., 64,701 Syrup and Molasses, qts., 789 Tamarinds, lbs.. 336 Tapioca, lbs.. 2,660 Tea, Green, lbs., 21,558 Tea, Black, 530 Toast, lbs.. 5,887 Tobacco, lbs., 7,602 Tomatoes, bush.. 1,396 Tongues, 238 Turkeys, 129 Vermicelli, lbs., 70 Vinegar, galls., 1,888 Whiskey, ] !,„*.„ Wine, ^' [^^^■''•' 96,640 White Fish, btjls.. 4 Clams, Concentrated, cans. 554 Tomatoes, cans. 6,600 Dessicated Kggs, lbs., 26 Lettuce, bush., 1,417 iNIustard, " 1,645 Radishes, " 786 Peas, 486 Sweet Potatoes, bush., 442 Spinach, " 146 Radishes, Winter, '* 8 Cucumbers, doz.. 2,962 Squashes, Summer, 6,078 Table Corn, ears, 118,318 Okra, doz., 1,888 Peppers, doz., 1,054 Squashes, Winter, 343 Pumpkins, 1,276 Flower Seeds, papers. 6,357 Plants, Cabbage, Plants, Tomato, Plants, Sweet Potato, Ambulances, Hospital Car-Loops, Sundries, boxes. 35,000 35,000 25,000 6 450 4,264 24 REPORT OF DISBURSEMENTS Of the U. S. Sanitary Commission, Weste7-n Department, from July 1st, 1864, to October 1st, 1864. BEDDING AND CLOTHING. Blankets, 19 Bedticks, 621 Boots and Shoes, pairs, 42 Comforts and Quilts, 1,039 Coats, Pants, and Vests 201 Drawers, cotton, pairs, ) iqac- Drawers, flannel, " J ^"^'^^'^ Dressing-gowns, 714 Havelocks, 187 Haversacks, 2 Hats and Caps, II Mittens, pairs, 121 Mosquito Bars, J,015 Napkins, 178 Neck Ties, Night Caps, Overalls, Pillows, Pillow Cases, Sheets, Shirts, cotton, ) Shirts, woolen, J Sli2ipers, pairs. Socks, pairs. Straw, bales. Suspenders, pairs. Towels and Handkerchiefs, HOSPITAL FURNITURE AND SURGEONS' SUPPLIES. Arm Rests, 2,928 Bandages and Rags, lbs., 30,178 Bath Tubs, 7 Baskets, 13 Batting, bales, 5 Bedsteads, 220 Bed Pans, 60 Books and Pamphlets, boxes, 170 Bowls, 220 Bread Knives, 6 Brooms, 79 Brushes, Scrub, 13 Brushes, Whitewash, 6 Buckets, 30 Candles, lbs., 135 Candlesticks, 2 Canteens, 3 Castors, 36 Chairs, 14 Chlor. Lime, lbs., 70 Clocks, 4 Clothes Wringers, pairs, 8 Clothes Pins, gross, 2 Clothes Lines, 14 Combs and Brushes, 390 Camphor, bots, 20 Corkscrews, 6 Cologne, bots., 33 Cotfee Mills, 9 Cottee Pots., 6 Chambers, 30 Cooking Ranges, 1 Cups and Saucers, 120 Cushions and Pads, 6,285 Crutches, pairs, 396 Desks, 4 Dippers, 6 Disinfecting Powders, lbs., 7 Envelopes, 345,000 Eye Shades, 266 Fans, Finger Stalls, Flat Irons, Fly Brushes, Games, Graters, Hatchets, Housewives, Ink, bottles. Lamp Chimneys, Lamps, Lanterns, Lamp Oil, galls.. Looking Glasses, Lumber, ft.. Kettles, Iron, Kettles, Camp, Knives and Forks, Knives, Butcher, Mattresses, Matches, gross. Matting, yds., Mess Pans, Mops, Nails, lbs., Needles, papers, Oil Silk, yds.. Pans, Baking, Patent Medicine, bots., Pens, gross. Pencils, doz. Pincushions, Pins, Papers, doz.. Pitchers, Saws, Spittoons, Spools Thread, Sauce Pans, Scissors, pairs. Soap, lbs.. 3 30 11 5,309 7,793 2,552 26,820 712 2,338 30 6 20,167 4,300 246 3 167 230 6 6 67 208 60 20 40 50 11 55,000 8 6 4,731 6 7 6 65 13 30 220 110 6 6 165 30 20 800 2 1 6 20 55 3 15 703 25 Spoons, 1,320 Twine, lbs., So Sponges, lbs., '67 Urinals, 6 Stoves, Cooking, 4 Wash Basins, ^i Shovels, 6 Wash Boilers, Copper, 2 Stationery, reams, 735 Wash Boards, . ' 26 Table Cloths, 55 Wash Machines, 16 Tea Pots, 6 Wash Tubs, 6 Tin Cups, 3.121 Water Coolers, 9 Tin Pails, 20 Fruit Cans, 1,100 Tin Plates, 8,000 Glass, box. 1 Tumblers, 26 Medicine Wafers, 5,500 ARTICLES OF DIET AND DELICACIES. Ale and Cider, galls., 2,855 Lemon Extract, bot.. 321 Apples, bush.. 3 Lemon Syrup and Cordial, bot ., 2,707 Apple Butter, galls., ■ 32G Lettuce, bush.. 1,417 Btef, Dried, lbs.. 2,065 Melons, 1,837 Beef, Concentrated, lbs., 12,265 Milk, Concentrated, lbs.. 42,236 Beets, bush.. 1,722 Mackerel, lbs.. 220 Beans, bush., 637 Mustard, lbs.. 275 Bread, lbs.. 1,535 Must:ird, bush.. Ijedft Butter, lbs., 2,926 Nutmegs, lbs.. '2 Cabbage, Heads, 11,837 Okra, doz.. 1,888 Crackers, lbs.. 111,398 Cysters, cans. 816 Chocolate, lbs., 381 Onions, bush., 22,600 Chickens, 196 Peas, bush., 486 Citric Acid, lbs.. 9 Peppers, doz., 1,054 Coffee, lbs., 1,982 Pie Plant, lbs.. 33 Cone. Clams, cans, 554 Potatoes, bush., 6,524 Corn Meal, lbs.. 5,992 Pickles, galls., ^26,237 Cheese, lbs.. 263 Prunes, lbs.. 65d Corn Starch, lbs.. 12,214 Pumpkins, 1,267 Cakes and Cookies, lbs.. 352 Radishes, bu.sh.. 786 Catsup, bot.. 843 Radishes, Winter, bush., 8 Codfish, lbs.. 20,243 Salt, lbs.. 280 Cucumbers, doz., 2,962 Sour-krout, galls., 8,763 Dessicated Eggs, cans, 26 Starch, lbs.. 1,822 Eggs, doz.. 1,107 Spices, lbs.. 573 Flaxseed, lbs.. 275 Spinach, bush.. 146 Fruit, Preserved, cans., 8,790 Squashes, Summer, 6,078 Fruit, Dried, lbs.. 86,370 Squashes, Winter, 343 Gooseberries, qts., 369 Sugar, lbs., 4,781 Groceries, lbs., 6,063 Sweet Potatoes, bush.. 44U Groats, lbs., 176 Syrup and Molasses, qts., 176 Hops, lbs.. 62 Table Corn, Ears, 118,318 Herbs, lbs.. 550 Tamarinds, lbs., 36 Horse Radish, bets.. 244 Tapioca, lbs.. 72 Hams, lbs.. 900 Tea, Green, lbs.. 2,065 Ice, tons. 168i Tea, Black, lbs., 530 Lime Juice, bots., 1,320 Toast, lbs., 220 Almonds, lbs.. 30 Tobacco, lbs.. 2,431 Miscellaneous articles ) not enumerated, J 3,693 Tomatoes, bush.. 1,396 Tomatoes, cans. 6,600 Lemons, box., 105 MISCELL Wine, bots., ANEOUS. 16,238 Flow^er Seeds, papers. 6,356 Rubber Loops, Hosp'l Cars, 451 Mule Ambulances, 6 Boxes sundries, 500 26 HOMES. number of Meals and Lodgings furnished at nine Homes during the moniha of July, August, and September-. CAIRO, ILLS. Meals. Lodgings. For the month of July, 15,284 4,374 " " " August, 13,262 4,593 " " " September, 17,630 7,712 Total, ....46,176 16,679 NASHVILLE, TKNN. For the month of July, 14,552 4,546 " " " August, 16,956 5,731 ♦♦ " " September, 2.5,820 9,518 Total, 57,328 19,795 MEMPHIS, TKNK. For the month of July, 4,176 913 " " " August 5,187 1,214 •♦ '• " September, 4,501 1,335 Total, ......13,864 3,462 LOUISVILLE, KT. For the month of July 15,929 8,427 " " " August, 23,320 10,761 " " " September, 26,329 Total, 65,578 19,188 CAMP NELSON, KT. For the month of July, 37,179 13,470 '♦ " " August, 5,173 1,385 •♦ " " September,...., 12,805 5,995 Total 55,151 20,850 NEW ALBANY, IKD. For the month of July, 2,372 762 ". " " August, \ 2,614 1,010 " " " September, 2,391 674 Total, 7,377 2,446 27 DETROIT, MICHIGAN. McOlS, LodgiTigg. For the month of July 1,914 1,149 " " " August, 3,462 1,638 Total, 5,376 2,787 CINCINNATI, O. For the month of July, 13,894 1,573 " " " August, ; 18,146 3,135 " " " September, 44,282 8,451 Total, 76,322 13,159 CLEVELAND, O. For the month of July 1,485 242 ♦' " " August, 2,610 619 •• " " September, 1,608 333 Total, 5,703 1,194 28 HOSPITAL DIRECTORY. Summary of Report of Hospital Directory, Western Department, Louisville, Ky., October 1st, 1SG4. No. of Hospitals which have reported 31« No, of Hospitals now reporting 10J< No. of Regiments reported 1,196 No. of names on record 519,254 Whole number of Inquiries 15,908 Whole number of Inquii-ies answered 11,171 No. of Personal Inquiries 12,575 No. of Personal Inquiries answered 8,991 No. of Inquiries by letter 3,33o No. of Inquiries by letter answered 2,180 No. of letters written regarding Inquiries 7,637 ITEMS. July 1, '64. Oct. 1, '64. Increase. No. of Regiments reported 1,138 1,195 57 No. of Names on Record 436,255 519,254 82,999 No. of Inquiries 13,037 15,9()S 2,871 No. of Inquiries answered 9,050 11,171 2,121 No. of Personal Inquiries 10,358 12,575 2,217 No. of Personal Inquiries answered 7,284 8,991 1,707 No. of Inquiries by letter 2,679 3,333 654 No. of Inquu'ies by letter answered 1,706 2,180 414 No. of letters written 6,042 7,537 1,495 List of States and Number of Hegiments and Names on the Records of th« Hosjntal Directory, Westcrri Department, Louisville, Ky., Oct. 1st, 1864. STATES. NO. REG. NO. NAMES. Ohio 170 115,308 Illinois 147 100,557 Indiana 139 77,791 Iowa 50 30,556 Kentucky 48 26,840 Carried over, 554 351,052 29 STATES. NO. REG. NO. NAMES. Brought over, 554 351,052 Michigan 32 24,513 Wisconsin 40 24,417 Missouri 50 24,198 Tennessee 19 16,843 U. S. Regulars 57 15,238 Pennsylvania 68 12,480 New York 144 10,894 Kansas 18 4,274 Minnesota 16 3,741 New Jersey 28 3,006 Massachusetts 39 2,125 Virginia IG 1,567 Alabama 2 1,051 New Hampshire 15 946 Connecticut 12 942 Arliansas 5 751 Colorado 6 472 Rhode Island 9 274 Maine, 20 215 Nebraska ; 1 200 Maryland 4 142 Mississippi 1 133 Louisiana ^ 5 57 Vermont 3 30 North Carolina 5 27 Delaware 1 5 Veteran Reserve Corps 20 4,820 Pioneers 5 364 Miscellaneous 8,131 Artillery s624 Navy 1,920 Rebels 3,802 Whole No. of Regiments 1,195 Whole No. of Names 619,254 30 {E) HOSPITAL GARDENS. liummary of Issues from the Hospital Gardens of the TJ. 8. Sanitary Commis- sion, at Chattanooga, April 15th to November lith, 1864. Lettuce, bushels, Beets, bush., (3nions, bush., Mustard, bush., Irish Potatoes, bush., Radishes, bush., Peas, bush., Snap Beans, bush., Lima Beans, bush., Tomatoes, bush.. Sweet Potatoes, bush., Spinach, bush.. 1,289 1,563 1,407 1,496 904S 715 442 431 148 1,269 384 133 Turnips and Winter Radishes, bus. 7A Cucumbers, dozens, 2,693 Summer Squashes, 5,526 Cabbage, heads, 10,761 Table Corn, ears, 107,562 Okpa, dozens, 177 Peppers, dozens, 958 Melons, 1,668 Winter Squash, 312 Pumpkins, 1,152 Flower Seeds, papers, 5,779 Estimated value at Chattanooga, ?66,375 70. The crop of winter radishes and turnips remains to be issued. LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 013 673 674 7'