yseP~a~Mcrc*~lrara~~rYloul r i m- l --- MM _-aslugu WommmiglnlaP- a % lhassachaftt-t.>s 2iasa. h w.,.Vokiflctceei r IAid Assoc iition ri3S 7i gj I I I ~~~~~~~~~WDB" ~l~~ L1411YP~~~~ 1IB~~I~vwr~slW — e~ d I i:I 8 * *.: ~ t;~I~s ~., -i.ii:";~ ~2t Y) - Lo-0, I i r, MASSACHUSETTS HOSPITAL SHIP BAY STATE rL Work of the Massachusetts Volunteer Aid Association z During the X X X X War with Spain 1$ a X X 1898 COMrILED BY EDWARD 0. MANSFIELD. f I ALFRED MUDGE & SON, PRINTERS, 24 FRANKLIN ST.. BOSTON. THE MASSACHUSETTS VOLUNTEER AID ASSOCIATION. i IN time of war there is always a need of some voluntary organization of citizens to assist the government. However carefully planned the military provisions may be for the care of the sick and wounded, a severe battle or an epidemic of disease makes such extraordinary demands that the government cannot meet them. This has been demonstrated in every modern war. Then, when the soldier is discharged from the service for disability, a patriotic people will not permit him to be treated as an incompetent or pauper. To preventthis, assistance other than that which the usual charitable associations can furnish is essential. In Massachusetts there is never a lack of patriotic spirit among her men and women when the government is assailed and the lives and rights of its citizens are at hazard. All that is necessary is to centralize and direct this willing force. After the plans are matured and the lines of relief work defined, there has never been any difficulty in this State in securing for the government able and generous assistance. But unless some wise and general plan is conceived at the beginning there is a great waste of energy and means and a liability that more harm than good may be done. No voluntary work of citizens can be of much service without the hearty co-operation of the regularly constituted military authorities. Among the first things done by the promoters of the Massachusetts Volunteer Aid Association was to consult with the military and naval 4 Massachusetts Volunteer Aid Association. authorities, offering aid and asking advice as to the way in which the members could be of the best assistance. In every instance the response from the Secretary of War and the Secretary of the Navy and their assistants was prompt and courteous, the qffers of.assistance gladly received and painstaking and valuable advice freely given. Having ascertained what was best to do, the next step was to gather funds to carry out the plans proposed. It was evident at the outset that a large sum of money would be needed. It was thought best, however, instead of asking contributions of large sums of money from a few individuals well known to be generous givers, to contrive a plan whereby every one could help as they were prompted. This plan worked admirably. The response from people in all walks of life, native and foreign born, was immediate and generous. Moreover, the plan of small contributions burdened no one and not only enabled the officers to make other appeals as funds were needed, but afforded a competent and available financial backing for the Association even if the war had been a long one. The financial resources were not exhausted at the beginning. When an army is expanded four-fold in a few weeks, as was done in the Spanish-American war, the supplies of food, clothing, and medicine are liable to fail, and an important consideration is to provide for the manufacture and procuring of articles, many of which cannot be purchased in the markets. The next step after the procuring of funds was the organization of working forces in every city and town in the State, to provide such articles for hospital and camp needs as had been endorsed and recommended by heads of departments and officers of regiments in the field. This was effectively done by using the town or city as a unit and putting the work of that locality in charge of some responsible person or committee, who reported to the central organi Purpose. 5 zation. Patterns and plans were furnished these local societies, and careful directions given where to ship manufactured articles when completed. This gives another permanent source of assistance, and the amount of supplies which can be provided in a very short time by such methods cannot be comprehended by any one inexperienced in such work. Then capable and intelligent agents should visit the hospitals and camps to see what the needs of the men are. Often ill and homesick, men in camp or hospital require, to keep up their health and spirits, many things that might be considered, from a military standpoint, unnecessary. Above all, the public should be acquainted, through the public press, of the wants of the soldiers and the progress of the work, The newspapers of the State are never appealed to in vain; they give generously of their space and influence, and the most important factor in the success of this Association was the patriotic press. The work and history of the Sanitary Commission, which did such effective work in the Civil War, prompted the beginning of the Massachusetts Volunteer Aid Association, and the advice of its surviving workers was invaluable. It is in the hope that the record of this Association may be of similar service, should the need require, that the following report is respectfully submitted. ORGANIZATION.. IT was on Saturday, April 30, I898, within ten days of the first call of the President for volunteers, that Governor Wolcott issued invitations to fifty of the leading citizens of Massachusetts to be present at the Council Chamber in the State House on Tuesday, May 3, for the purpose of forming an association which should have for its object the care of the sick and wounded soldiers and sailors in camp and hospital. The invitation sent out by the Governor was as follows:BOSTON, April 30, I898. Dear Sir,- It seems to me to be the duty of public-spirited citizens to form at once a soldiers' relief organization with purposes similar to those of the Sanitary Commission during the Civil War. Such an organization would take entire charge, in Massachusetts, of volunteer relief work for the men in service, and would co-operate with all citizens of the State in their efforts in that direction. As it is necessary that the work should be entered upon immediately; I have asked a limited number of gentlemen to meet at the Council Chamber at the State House, Tuesday, May 3, at eleven o'clock, to organize such an association, and I earnestly request your presence. Yours very truly, (Signed) ROGER WOLCOTT.: In response to the Governor's invitation, the following gentlemen gathered in the Council Chamber: - GOVERNOR ROGER WOLCOTT. HON. GEORGE H. LYMAN, Collector of the Port of Boston. COL. HENRY L. HIGGINSON, of Lee, Higginson & Co. Organization. 7 EBEN S. DRAPER. HON. PATRICK A. COLLINS, former Consul General at London. WILLIAM H. BARTLETT, Commander of the G. A. R. of Massachusetts. COL. HENRY A. THOMAS, Postmaster of Boston. HON. JOHN L. BATES, Speaker of the House of Representatives. HON. GEORGE E. SMITH, President of the Senate. THOMAS F. RING, President St. Vincent de Paul Society. FRANK H. BRIGGS, President Sons of the Revolution. GEN. FRANCIS H. APPLETON, President Sons of the American Revolution. DR. SAMUEL W. ABBOTT, Chairman State Board of Health. CHARLES E. ADAMS, President State Board of Trade. RT. REV. WILLIAM LAWRENCE, Bishop of Massachusetts. VERY REV. WILLIAM BRYNE, V. G. DR. EDWARD EVERETT HALE. REV. GEORGE A. GORDON. HON. JOHN Q. A. BRACKETr, ex-Governor. HON. GEORGE S. BOUTWELL, ex-Governor. HON. ELIHU B. HAYES. ROBERT M. BURNETT. ROBERT TREAT PAINE. REV. HORACE F. BARNES. DR. H. P. WALCOTT, State Board of Health. GEN. EDWARD SHERWIN, President N. E. Tel. and Tel. Co. WILLIAM ENDICOTT, JR. COL. WILLIAM D. SOHIER, Member of Governor's Saff. EDWARD WV. HOOPER, Treasurer of Harvard College. WILLIAM H. BALDWIN, President Young Men's Christian Union. A. S. JOHNSON, President Young Men's Christian Association. REV. LEWIS B. BATES. GEN. CHARLES J. PAINE. DR. HERBERT L. BURRELL. DR. F. T. BEATTY. HON. WINSLOW WARREN, President War of 1812 Association. Letters were received from the following gentlemen expressing their entire sympathy with the objects of the meeting: - 8 Massachusetts Volunteer Aid Association. HON. W. MURRAY CRANE, Lieutenant Governor. HON. EDWIN U. CURTIS, ex-Mayor of Boston. HON. WILLIAM W. CRAPO. J. MONTGOMERY SEARS. EX-GOVERNOR WILLIAM CLAFLTN. JAMES PHILLIPS, Jr. Gov. Wolcott called the meeting to order and made a brief address, referring to the work accomplished by the Sanitary Commission during the Civil War as an example of what could be done by such an organization as was proposed. Rev. Horace F. Barnes, associate pastor of Tremont Temple, officiated as Secretary of the meeting. Gov. Wolcott suggested that the meeting take steps towards forming a relief association, and Mr. Eben S. Draper, of Hopedale, offered the following resolution which was unanimously adopted:We hereby associate ourselves as the Massachusetts Volunteer Aid Association, for the purpose of assisting the civil and military authorities of the nation and State in furnishing supplies and relief to the men of the army and navy during the war with Spain. The Governor shall appoint an Executive Committee of ten, which shall have full power to appoint all the officers of this Association from their own numbers or otherwise; it shall have full power to fill vacancies in its own membership, to secure and provide medical aid and hospital treatment, and to do all acts to further the objects of this association. It shall also have the power to add other members to this Association from time to time; to constitute and appoint all such committees, of men and women, as it may from time to time deem expedient, and to determine their powers and duties. This committee may establish auxiliary organizations throughout the State, shall superintend their work, and shall provide for the proper distribution of all supplies which may be collected. It may co-operate with national and State bodies organized for similar purposes. The Executive Committee may call meetings of the Association at any time. Organization. 9 In accordance with the above resolution, Mr. Draper moved the appointment of an Executive Committee of ten by the chair, and the following gentlemen were appointed: — EBEN S. DRAPER, of Hopedale. HENRY L. HIGGINSON, of Boston. GEORGE V. L. MEYER, of Hamilton. ARNOLD A. RAND, of Boston. PATRICK A. COLLINS, of Boston. ELIHU B. HAYES, of Lynn. ROBERT M. BURNETT, of Southboro. CHARLES J. PAINE, of Weston. T. JEFFERSON COOLIDGE, Jr., of Boston. JAMES PHILLIPS, Jr., of Fitchburg. Brief addresses were made by Dr. Herbert L. Burrell, Rev. Horace F. Barnes, Rev. L. B. Bates, Mr. A. S. Johnson of the Young Men's Christian Association, and others, after which the meeting adjourned. Directly after the adjournment of the meeting, the Executive Committee was called together. Mr. Eben S. Draper was chosen chairman, Maj. Henry L. Higginson, Treasurer, and Hon. Elihu B. Hayes, Secretary. It was voted to issue an address to the people of Massachusetts, and the following was unanimously adopted: - To the People of the Commonwealth: At a meeting called by Gov. Roger Wolcott, and held in the Executive Chamber on May 3, this organization was formed for the purpose of assisting the civil and military authorities and furnishing supplies and relief to the men of the army and navy during the war with Spain. The Executive Committee, appointed at this meeting by the Governor, invite the people of the State to become members of this Association and co-operate in the movement. All persons subscribing one dollar or more will be enrolled as members. Subscriptions to any amount will be received by the Treasurer, Henry L. Higginson, 50 State Street, Boston, and be duly acknowledged. o Massachusetts Volunteer Aid Association. Offers of co-operation or services by associations should be addressed to the Secretary, Elihu B. Hayes, Commonwealth Building, Mt. Vernon Street, Boston. It is the purpose of the Association to afford any individual in the Commonwealth an opportunity to render effective aid to our soldiers and sailors in the service of the country. EBEN S. DRAPER, Chairman, HENRY L. HIGGINSON, Treasurer, ELIHU B. HAYES, Secretary, ' GEORGE V. L. MEYER, PATRICK A. COLLINS,.JAMES PHILLIPS, Jr., ROBERT M. BURNETT, ARNOLD A. RAND, CHARLES J. PAINE, T. JEFFERSON COOLIDGE, Jr., Executive Committee. iXa 1im 11 0 rn H O l ll li m..... wn gwk ww.....- x - -............... - - ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ --- —--------.......... * Iliwll 11 llX IIIE 111111i m..~. ~1~iF~,;'~ Il~iiillIwwwwww iili 1811111 1~~~~ 1-111'U | _0,,, X!i~i~BA W~pgl 0 OFFICE. THE Association was assigned rooms by Sergeant-at-Arms Capt. J. G. B. Adams in the Commonwealth Building, opposite the State House, Boston, and on Monday, May 9, the Secretary, Hon. Elihu B. Hayes, of Lynn, formally opened them for the use of the organization. Mr. Edward C. Mansfield, of Boston, was chosen Assistant Secretary and Miss Amy Robinson, of Hudson, was appointed stenographer. As soon as the office had been opened for work, a large number of offers of assistance were received. These offers came from nurses, physicians, clerical help, etc., and as soon as received they were acknowledged, and were duly filed. Lists of nurses and physicians were prepared, the former being arranged so as to show the previous experience, age, residence, and other particulars, as far as could be obtained, of the individual volunteer workers. His Excellency the Governor sent to the Association many offers of assistance which he had received, and these were also placed upon the lists. The formation of the Association and its outlined work was at once noted and commented upon in the most favorable terms by the newspapers throughout the State and country, and, in order that a complete record from the newspaper standpoint might be kept, a series of scrapbooks was opened, and the services of a press-clipping bureau secured. Every clipping referring to the work was sent to the office, and properly entered in chronological order. The result is that a series of eight scrap-books has been compiled, containing more than two thousand pages and between fifteen thousand and twenty thousand clippings. Letter-books and letter-files were made use of from the first. Each letter and telegram sent out was properly copied, and every letter received duly filed. The first meeting of the Executive Committee was held on Tuesday, May Io, the day after the formal opening of the rooms. Mr. Draper 12 Massachusetts Volunteer Aid Association. presided, and there was a full attendance of members. At this meeting the Chairman and Secretary were appointed a committee to select a Finance Committee of seven, a Committee on Distribution and Transportation of five, and a Medical Advisory Committee of three. This committee was requested to report at the next meeting of the Executive Committee. At this meeting also it was voted to issue a call inviting the women's societies throughout the State to send representatives to a meeting to be held ih the Council Chamber at the State House, on Thursday, May 19, in order to consult as to the best method of organizing a Women's Committee to work with the Association. At the meeting of the Executive Committee held in the following week, on May 17, the appointment of the following sub-committees was unanimously confirmed by the Executive Committee: - Finance Committee, —Eben S. Draper, of Hopedale; Nathaniel Thayer, of Lancaster; J. Malcolm Forbes, of Milton; J. Montgomery Sears, of Boston; Dudley L. Pickman, of Beverly; Isaac T. Burr, of Boston, and Henry Parkman, of Boston. Transportation Committee, —Henry B. Chapin, of the Boston & Albany Railroad; Lucius Tuttle, president of the Boston & Maine Railroad; Henry M. Whitney, Collin M. Ingersoll, of the New York, New Haven & Hartford Railroad, and Arthur M. Graham, Boston agent of the Merchants & Miners Transportation Company. Medical Advisory Committee, -Dr. Henry P. Walcott, of the State Board of Health; Dr. Herbert L. Burrell, Dr. Samuel A. Green, and Dr. Edward H. Bradford. The Executive Committee increased its membership by adding Hon. Sherman Hoar, who was elected a member on June 7, Mr. Henry E. Warner and Mr. W. Cameron Forbes on August 24, and Dr. Edward H. Bradford on August 31. The officers and committees gave a great deal.of time and thought to the work which the Association would be called upon to perform. Men and women who had been prominent in the work of the Sanitary Commission during the Civil War were consulted, and many valuable " suggestions were obtained from this source. As long as the troops were located in camps in this country there Office. I3 were no unusual conditions in the matter of forwarding supplies to them to be foreseen; but the probability that the troops would be sent to Cuba and possibly to other islands in the West Indies, which could be reached only by water transportation, presented new and difficult problems. From the very beginning, therefore, the question of the desirability of a hospital and supply ship was uppermost in the minds of members of the Committee. The great obstacle to be overcome in this connection was the matter of expense, as no one could then foresee accurately the generous response which would be made by the people of Massachusetts to the request for funds..The Secretary consulted Surgeon-General Van Reypen of the United States Navy in regard to the cost of fitting out the hospital ship " Solace," with a view to ascertaining the probable cost of a hospital ship, should the Committee decide to fit one out. Surgeon-General Van Reypen designated Surgeon C. A. Siegfried, United States Navy, stationed at Newport, as one who was able to give full information upon this subject, and detailed Dr. Siegfried to go to Boston and give to the Committee all the information possible in regard to the outfitting of a hospital ship. Dr. Siegfried, in consultation with several members of the Committee, pronounced the idea of a hospital ship not only feasible, but of the utmost importance, if the Association desired to do the most effective work in the war between Spain and the United States. Mr. Robert M. Burnett, a member of the Executive Committee, was therefore requested to ascertain if a suitable ship could be obtained at a price which would be reasonable. After examining many ships he was informed that the steamship "Marmion," belonging to the Boston Fruit Company, and soon to arrive at Baltimore, could be bought for a very low price. Dr. Siegfried and Mr. Burnett went to Baltimore, examined the " Marmion," and she was pronounced by both of them to be the most suitable ship for the purpose of all those which they had examined. The ship was accordingly bought on May 3I, and sent to Boston to be fitted out. In the meantime, and soon after the opening of the rooms, requests for supplies began to come to the Association from the surgeons and hospitals of the various Massachusetts regiments which had entered the service of the United States. The equipment of these regiments 14 'Massachuselts Volunteer Aid Association. by the State, previous to their mustering in to the service of the United States, had been very thorough and complete. But in actual camp life the surgeons found a great variety of things necessary which they did not have at hand, and which they asked the Association to supply. These appeals were responded to invariably with promptness and willingness. As soon as the troops began to move South into the camps at Chickamauga, Falls Church, Tampa, and Huntsville, the anxiety of the people at home in regard to the welfare of the soldiers became manifest, and from this time on, until the hospitals at Montauk were abolished, the office was a centre for information. All through the summer months, when many of the Massachusetts men were lying sick in hospitals in this country, as well as in Cuba and Porto Rico, the anxious relatives of the men came to the Association to obtain information in regard to their condition. Pathetic scenes were of almost daily occurrence when information was imparted to relatives of the sickness or death of their loved ones. Through the courtesy of the surgeons in charge of the many hospitals in which the sick Massachusetts men were lying, as well as through the devotion shown by the agents of the Association in different locations throughout the country, the inquiries made by its officers were given prompt attention and every necessary detail of information furnished. The number of inquiries for sick soldiers often involved as many as fifty individual cases in a single day. To each inquirer courteous attention was paid, the circumstances concerning the illness of the soldier were ascertained, and assurances given that every effort would be made to furnish the information so anxiously sought. The value of organized effort in procuring information was never more clearly apparent than in this work. When the requests of individuals were often laid aside by the army officials because of the physical impossibility of answering each inquirer, the requests of the Association for information were given prompt attention and its -influence acknowledged and recognized in the most generous and courteous manner. Through its agents, also, the Association had an exclusive and valuable method of securing information, and the fact that these representatives of the central organization were located in Offire. I5 the most important centres for information, such as New York City, Santiago, Porto Rico, Montauk, Fort Monroe, etc., made it possible to gain information and details which it was oftentimes impossible for individuals to obtain. No expense was spared in this connection. The telegraph was freely used, and a registry of inquiries was opened in which was kept the name of the man for whom inquiries were made, with his company, regiment, its present location, if possible, and also the name and residence of the *- ~person making inquiry. A record was also kept of the Massachusetts men located in hospitals. The newspapers published lists of them at frequent intervals, and these clippings were used as the basis for these records. The soldier's name, company, regiment, and name of the hospital, together with the disease and general condition when known, were entered and kept for reference. Several hundred cases were thus kept on file, and this work was of great assistance in locating the sick men widely separated throughout the country. This branch of the work was of the greatest importance, and probably appealed more strongly to the inquiring friends and relatives of the soldiers than any other work which the Association was able to perform. Toward the latter part of July, when the men who had been engaged in the campaign in Cuba first began to arrive home, the Association commenced its work of assisting the returned soldiers. The first wounded men to come North to New England came from the hospital at Fortress Monroe, where they had been landed by the transport which brought them from Cuba. These men were landed at Providence Aug. 4, and were there met by a representative who procured them a breakfast and then furnished them transportation to their homes. Every detail of returning soldiers sent to Boston was met upon their _i ~arrival by representatives of the Association, and every care and attention was given them. The returning men were in many cases in absolute want. This was especially the case with men who had no relatives or friends in Boston. They naturally came to the office for assistance. In some instances the appeals came from soldiers who ' were actually suffering from hunger. Other men came in the chill autumn weather clothed only in canvas uniforms without underclothes, in the most helpless condition. Still others came suffering from malaria. i6 Massachusetts Volunteer Aid Association. These men desired to secure a temporary home until their recovered strength would enable them to return to their regiments, or, if discharged from the service, to work at their usual business. The Soldiers' Home in Chelsea, and the hospital at Long Island, received a number of these latter cases and cared for them until they were able to care for them- selves again. In some cases aid was given to men convalescent from typhoid and malaria who were not properly hospital cases, but who needed temporary help to provide the proper kind of food and medicine with which to build up their systems and make recovery sure. Transportation was given to scores of soldiers who did not possess the necessary funds to carry them to their desired destination. Soldiers who had been mustered out of the United States service came to Boston, sometimes to obtain work, sometimes to seek friends; being unsuccessful, they often found themselves absolutely without money or resources, and they made application for transportation either to their homes or to some other city where they had friends or a prospect of work. No deserving case was refused assistance, and the help thus rendered them has been gratefully appreciated. There was kept at the office a supply of underclothing, stockings, and similar articles of wearing apparel with which to meet the needs of the soldiers who called at the rooms for assistance, and this supply was the means of making comfortable many men who were thoroughly deserving and practically destitute of warm clothing. Through the courtesy of Adjt.-Gen. Dalton, overcoats and parts of uniforms were sent to the office, upon request, to be given to soldiers actually in need of the same. This clothing, furnished by the State, was of great assis-. tance, and the promptness and readiness with which the State authorities co-operated in this branch of the work has been the means of rendering prompt aid in many deserving cases. The Association was called upon to send home the bodies of several deceased soldiers belonging in Western States who had died in Boston hospitals. A feature of the work which deserves special mention has been the ' furnishing of large and commodious tents for the Massachusetts regiments, in which the men could gather and find means of amusement Office. 17 and recreation in camp life. The Army Christian Commission of the Young Men's Christian Association inaugurated this work among the volunteers, and its efforts met with unqualified success. One of the greatest dangers of camp life is the absence of facilities for engaging the men's attention when their military duties are not claiming them. At such times the men become listless and homesick, and while in this condition they are often led into questionable habits. The Army Christian Commission in the camps sought in every way to meet these conditions, and to provide a healthy moral atmosphere in which the soldier might be elevated and restrained from vicious habits by occupying his leisure time profitably and healthfully. The Massachusetts Volunteer Aid Association provided tents for the Second, Fifth, Sixth and Eighth regiments, and the Army Christian Commission sent agents to care for the tents and to manage the work to be carried on therein. Writing materials were freely furnished to whoever desired them, an organ was placed in each tent, and games and literature were at the disposal of all soldiers who came. Entertainments and impromptu concerts were of frequent occurrence, and the tedious round of camp life pleasantly relieved. Among the first supplies received from the generous people of Massachusetts were vast quantities of reading matter, including illustrated papers, magazines, and periodicals. It came packed in barrels, in boxes, and in small parcels, from societies, churches, and individuals. Tens of thousands of periodicals were thus received, assorted, and then repacked into cases of average proportions. The magazines were naturally in a rough state, and in order that they might present a more attractive appearance they were sent to a bindery and trimmed. This work was done gratuitously by Alfred Mudge & Son, of Boston, and greatly improved.the appearance of the magazines. The literature thus received and repacked was forwarded to the soldiers in the camps, and a great many cases were taken to Cuba and Porto Rico by the hospital ship "Bay State." The value of it to the soldiers was inestimable. It enabled them to occupy their leisure moments profitably, and was thereby a source of entertainment, instruction, and a relief for the prevailing malady of homesickness. The Massachusetts Volunteer Aid Association was the first of such i8 Massachusetts Volunteer Aid Association. organizations to be formed in any of the States, and it was owing to the promptness with which Massachusetts acted that other States called for information concerning its purposes, its work, and its plans. Some few weeks after the Association had been at work, a communication was received from citizens of New Hampshire, asking for information concerning the organization, and later a committee called upon Secretary Hayes, and was given full details of its organization and the scope of its work. This information was of much value to the New Hampshire Soldiers' Aid Society, and assisted them materially in the organization of that society, of which Gov. Ramsdell was the President. Inquiries of a similar nature were received from a society at Portland, Me., from a society in San Francisco, Cal., and also from societies in other states. Full details of the work were furnished in each instance and all possible assistance given. From the very beginning of the work for the soldiers and sailors the newspapers of Boston and throughout the Commonwealth gave freely of their space for the advancement of the cause. Editorially and in the news columns they endorsed the work, and were unstinted in the help which they rendered. The papers published day by day the lists of contributions received by the Treasurer, and the editorial columns teemed with appeals for funds. In Boston several of the newspapers detailed special correspondents to note the daily occurrences at the rooms of the Association. In consequence of this the papers contained a continuous and interesting account of the work, and included scores of stories concerning the details which otherwise would never have been known to the public. Thus the details of the equipment of the hospital ship " Bay State," of the supplying of the needs of the soldiers in southern camps, and of the multiple other interests, were kept continually before the public attention, and the people at large were thereby satisfied as they could have been in no other way that their generous gifts were being worthily used. To the generous co-operation of the newspapers of Massachusetts is due in the greatest degree the success which has attended the efforts of the Association to relieve the suffering of Massachusetts soldiers, for without their powerful co-operation the people could not have appreciated the need and extent of the work, nor would it have been possi Office. I9 ble to have collected such a magnificent fund as was given by the people. There were many generous contributors to this work, but none so unselfish and effective as the press of the Commonwealth. On Thursday, April 20, I899, the'final meeting of the Executive Committee was held. At this meeting it was voted that the records of the organization be placed in the custody of the State Library for reference in future years. A Board of Trustees, consisting of Henry L. Higginson, Robert M. Burnett, and Eben S. Draper, was appointed to have charge of the money remaining in the Treasury, and the committee adjourned without day. Hon. Sherman Hoar became actively connected with the Association on June 7, on which day he was elected a member of the Executive Committee. He was at once asked to attend to the legal matters connected with the transfer of the hospital ship to the Association. He successfully accomplished this undertaking, as well as the arrangement with the government by which the ship was permitted to fly the Red Cross flag. He personally attended to the shipment of supplies by the "St. Louis" to Santiago, and on July I9, accompanied by Dr. George E. Titcomb of Concord, he left Boston to visit many of the hospitals in the South. He looked up the Massachusetts men confined in these hospitals, secured furloughs for such of them as were able to travel, gave them transportation and ration money with funds supplied by the Association, and sent them home to Massachusetts. As a result of this trip, Mr. Hoar secured the issuing of orders by the War Department providing that sick soldiers on furlough should be given.transportation and rations as well as sleeping car accommodations to their homes at the expense of the government. In many cases, he left money with the surgeons in charge of the hospitals, in order that they might buy such additional food and delicacies for the sick soldiers as the government did not furnish. On Aug. 4 Mr. Hoar made another trip to the hospitals in the South, this time being accompanied by Dr. D. F. Jones of Boston. On his way 20 Massachusetts Volunteer Aid Association. home, he visited Montauk Point and on account of what he saw there earnestly recommended the establishment of diet kitchens for the relief of the sick soldiers in that camp. Mr. Hoar became greatly exhausted on account of his tireless exertions, together with the heat and loss of sleep incident to the long railroad journeys he was obliged to take. Soon after the first of September he was obliged to give up his work on account of illness; typhoid fever developed, and, although he made a gallant struggle for life, he finally passed away on Friday, Oct. 7. His untimely death, coming as it did so quickly after the splendid work which he had performed in behalf of the sick soldiers, left a lasting impression of regret upon all who had followed his labors in connection with the Massachusetts Volunteer Association as well as the public generally. The funeral occurred at Concord, Mass., on Monday, Oct. Io. On Tuesday, Oct. I8, the Executive Committee of Massachusetts Volunteer Aid Association unanimously adopted the following tribute to the memory of Mr. Hoar: - ' "With the deepest sense of personal loss, the Massachusetts Volunteer Aid Association sadly place upon their records an affectionate remembrance of the noble life of their associate, Sherman Hoar. " They gratefully appreciate the immense value of his work and the unselfish devotion and force of character displayed in all that he undertook. He served his country in a time of peril with a zeal and ability born of the highest impulses that can influence a patriotic maln. " To his countrymen he leaves a grand example, illustrated by a character of rare integrity and singular beauty. Sincere and earnest, without affectation; manly and strong, yet tender in his sympathy for others; vigorous and impulsive, but with well balanced judgment; honest, high-minded, and true - he was of the best type of American citizenship. "To the soldiers of the war he gave his life with unswerving devotion; for their comfort and welfare he labored unremittingly, cheerfully obeying the call of duty and forsaking all to earn the reward of an approving conscience. Office. " Their gratitude will keep his memory ever fresh, and his career will be to them an embodiment of the highest ideal of civic duty and Christian virtue." The women's committee of the Massachusetts Volunteer Aid Association also adopted a testimonial to Mr. Hoar, which read as follows: "RESOLVED, That while in the death of Sherman Hoar this'community has met with an irreparable loss, we find this no time for mourning, for in the presence of- such a memory a true spirit of loyalty to him should lead us to meet our loss bravely, cheerfully, and without thinking of ourselves. "That he was a splendid example of a patriotism that knew no limits and a heroism that counted not the cost. "That we regard it as a privilege and an inspiration to have witnessed his work and shared his counsels in this Association. "That his courtesy, under the pressure of anxiety and hurry, has never failed, while his suggestions have made difficulties clear and burdens light. "That with abilities that easily commanded any position and any success, he gave them all with chivalrous devotion to succor the weak and suffering. "That while we offer our deepest sympathy to his wife and family we rejoice that his radiant memory will remain a light in the darkness, an inspiration to all who knew him, a priceless inheritance to his children, and an honor to our Commonwealth of Massachusetts." FINANCES. THE magnificent response which the people of Massachusetts made to the appeals for funds to inaugurate and carry forward the work of the Massachusetts Volunteer Aid Association was a splendid example of the patriotism and generosity of a State famed for its great beneficence and its support of every movement for the relief of suffering humanity. With the declaration of war and the call of the President for troops, came a realizing sense of the privations and suffering, the sickness and death, among the soldiers of the State, which is the inevitable outcome of warfare. The organization of the Massachusetts Volunteer Aid Association, on May 3, was the first act on the part of the State towards relieving the suffering and distress among her soldiers. At the meeting of the Executive Committee on that day an appeal was made for funds, and the response was at once large and encouraging. At a meeting of the Executive Committee on Tuesday, May ro, the Chairman, Mr. Eben S. Draper, and the Secretary, Mr. Elihu B. Hayes, were appointed a committee to select a Finance Committee, and report at the next meeting pf the Committee. On May I7, therefore, the following gentlemen were reported as a Finance Committee, and their selection was unanimously confirmed by the Executive Committee: - EBEN S. DRAPER. J. MONTGOMERY SEARS. NATHANIEL THAYER. DUDLEY L. PICKMAN. J. MALCOLM FORBES. I. T. BURR. HENRY PARKMAN. The Finance Committee met at once, and organized with the cnoice of Mr. Draper as Chairman. It was voted to issue an appeal for funds, and the following request for subscriptions to carry on the- work was unanimously adopted: - . AFT HURR ICANE DECK FOR CONALESCENT PAT ENST lOKl NG FORW ARC, HOaSPTAt SHIP " BA A VOW~ ~........_...................... I: I "I finances. 23 To the People of Massachusetts: It is the record of this Commonwealth that in every war in which the nation has engaged, Massachusetts has cared for her sick and wounded soldiers and sailors. The friends at home of the men in the field in this war desire to continue and, if possible, improve upon the relief work carried so successfully forward in the War of the Rebellion under the Sanitary Commission. To this end Gov. Wolcott caused the formation of the Massachusetts Volunteer Aid Association soon after the declaration of war with Spain. The Executive Committee thereof have since been devising ways and means to organize and carry forward relief work to aid the soldiers and sailors from Massachusetts who are now serving in the army and navy of the United States. After consulting the military and medical authorities, National and State, the Committee has decided that the most efficient and practical help can be afforded by providing a steamship that shall serve as a floating hospital, supply ship, and transport for the sick and wounded. This vessel will be equipped with cold storage to carry fresh food, well stored with medical supplies, and will have on board experienced surgeons and trained nurses ready for any emergency of battle or disease. It will also serve as a transport to bring back sick or wounded soldiers, either from Cuban battlefields or Southerb camps, to hospitals or places of refuge nearer their homes in the invigorating climate of Massachusetts. Such a ship has been secured. Her name will be the "Bay State," and she is admirably adapted for the work of a relief ship. She will sail under the Red Cross flag, and, thus protected from hostile interference, she will carry substantial comforts and the good will of our. people to the sick men at the front. To fit out, man, and run this ship is the special work of the Massachusetts Volunteer Aid Association, and to accomplish this good purpose we cordially invite the earnest co-operation of all the patriotic men and women of Massachusetts. To change and adapt the ship for this special work and properly equip her will cost probably thirty-five thousand dollars. To supply and pay her running expenses will probably require five 24 Massachusetts Voluntee Aid Associalion. thousand dollars a month, and it is necessary to prepare at the outset for at least a year's service, for, whatever the events of the war may be, we shall certainly have for that period sick and disabled soldiers to care for. Therefore, a hundred thousand dollars will be required. The first appeal of the Committee is for money, and it respectfully asks each person to give what he or she can afford for this definite purpose. There will also be needed many supplies of clothing which can be made by the women of the Commonwealth, patterns and samples of which will be furnished to clubs and societies for this purpose. The ship is now at the Atlantic Works, being fitted for the service she is to render, and the work of preparation will be vigorously pushed. Make your donations generous, and send promptly to Col. Henry L. Higginson, Treasurer of the Massachusetts Volunteer Aid Association, 50 State Street, Boston, Mass. EBEN S. DRAPER, NATHANIEL THAYER, J. MALCOLM FORBES, J. MONTGOMERY SEARS, DUDLEY L. PICKMAN, I. T. BURR, HENRY PARKMAN, Finance Committee. This appeal was also mailed to every clergyman in the State with a letter requesting that it be read from the pulpit. This request was quite generally acceded to, and, in many instances, marked the beginning of the work in those localities. An engraved certificate was prepared for the acknowledgment of subscriptions to the funds, and these certificates were sent to every person contributing one dollar or more. This plan proved most successful. The certificate was handsomely engraved, and serves as a memento of the Association's existence as well as the fact that the holder was a member of it through his or her contribution. The certificate read as follows: Finances. 25 onmmanoicaltth SEALI of Lassarcu5tte. This is to certify that is a member of the MASSACHUSETTS VOLUNTEER AID ASSOCIATION, and has volunteered to assist the civil and military authorities of the Commonwealth in furnishing supplies and relief to the men of the Army and Navy duringwar with Spain. Amount received, $ EBEN S. DRAPER, Chairman. H. L. HIGGINSON, Treasurer. ELIHU B. HAYES, Secretary. On June 25, the Treasurer sent out an appeal for money through the press, of which the following is a copy:BOSTON, June 25, I898. The State of Massachusetts has to-day paid for the steamship to be used by the Massachusetts Volunteer Aid Association as a hospital ship for the relief of sick and wounded soldiers. The ship is not fitted up for its work, and yet it should be in service to-day. The Committee of the Massachusetts Volunteer Aid Association is asking for money. The Committee has received $12,000, and needs in order to prepare this ship for service $60,000. It needs also at least $6,ooo per month to run the ship. Two leading physicians of this city will go in command of the medical department of the ship, and will be aided by excellent young surgeons. They will also be aided by efficient and trained nurses, and will do all in their power, to save life and health. I ask the citizens of Massachusetts to give freely and at once of their money. The Committee should have $50,ooo more before contracting for the preparation of the ship, and it will not sign contracts which it cannot keep. I also again remind the citizens of 26 2Massachusetts Volunteer Aid Association. Massachusetts that this ship, once in commission, is to be supported. Everybody can do something, and many people can do much. I ask this for the good of our fellow-countrymen, and in the name of our common humanity. Yours truly, HENRY L. HIGGINSON, Treasurer. Again, on June 28, Mr. Higginson appealed through the daily press for money for the outfitting of the hospital ship, in order that the work of preparation might go on rapidly. This appeal was addressed to the editors of the papers and read as follows: - To the Editor: May I bring to your attention the following matter: The State of Massachusetts has bought and paid for a hospital ship, and has got a charter for her as a hospital ship from the United States, giving her every possible right and protection. The Commonwealth expects its citizens to fit out and run this ship, which will take charge of the sick and wounded men in the army. To fit out this ship contracts amounting to $60,000 must be made, and yet the committee cannot contract for them until it has the cash in hand. It is not a question of approval of the war, but of humanity which is before us. Any one may have a son or a brother in this army, and every one has a neighbor. I strongly urge the need of immediate and liberal help from the readers of your paper. The committee is doing its best to carry out the plans for the welfare of our citizens, and only remind you of the old proverb, more true than ever in this case, that "He who gives quickly gives twice.' HENRY L. HIGGINSON, Treasurer. BOSTON, June 28, 1898. At the meeting of the Executive Committee on June 27, it was agreed that the raising of money throughout the State would be made a much easier matter if the Association had as local treasurers in different large centres men of prominence in the community, to whom the contributions from that particular locality might be paid. Mr. Finances. 27 Higginson and Mr. Meyer of the Executive Committee were therefore appointed a committee to select such representatives to act as local Treasurers. The list was made up with much care, and the following letter was sent to each gentleman selected:Dear Sir,- The Massachusetts Volunteer Aid Association has made a call for subscriptions. Already $20,000 has been received. It is necessary, however, to raise at least $40,000 more, in order thoroughly to equip the steamship "Bay State," which is to be sent, under the Red Cross, to Key West and Cuba, to take hospital supplies and bring back the wounded and sick on the return trip. Saving of time now in equipping the ship means saving of many lives later on. You have been appointed local treasurer. In order to assist the cause, please have a call published in all your local papers, asking to have donations sent to you or to my address, 50 State Street, Boston. Yours truly, HENRY L HIGGINSON, Treasurer. The list of local Treasurers was as follows: Worcester, - A. C. BULLOCK, President State Mutual Life Assurance Company. Springfield, - H. S. LEE, Treasurer Springfield Institution for Savings. New Bedford, - W. W. CRAPO, President New Bedford Institution for Savings. Fall River,-JOHN S. BRAYTON, B. M. C. Durfee Trust Company. Pittsfield,-JOSEPH TUCKER, President Berkshire County Savings Bank. North Adams, - S. V. BRAYTON, President Adams National Bank. Lawrence,-J. SHAcTUCK, President Essex Savings Bank. Lowel, - C. J. GLIDDEN, President Traders' National Bank. Haverhill,- DUDLEY PORTER, President Merrimac National Bank. Greenfield, - W. H. ALLEN, Treasurer Franklin Institution for Savings. Taunton, - GEORGE A. WASHBURN, President Taunton National Bank. 28 Massachuset/s Volunteer Aid Association. Nor/hampton, -OSCAR EDWARD, President Northampton National Bank. Fitchburg, - CHARLES E. WARE, President Fitchburg National Bank. To emphasize the need of more money to hasten the outfitting of the ship, the Treasurer, Mr. Higginson, wrote a letter to the editors of the Boston papers, on June 30, as follows: — To the Editor: This morning comes a letter from a Boston surgeon, who is at Fort McPherson, Ga. I quote his words: "Sixty patients came up last evening from Tampa, and it will not be long before we have four hundred or five hundred cases. At present there are only about two hundred. Running a government hospital is a very different matter from one like the John Hopkins Hospital, where there is everything one needs, and plenty of assistance, while here supplies of all sorts run short, and one has to be satisfied with a little." This only emphasizes the need of quickness in preparing our hospital ship. There will be no delay in such preparation except for lack of money. I again ask for liberal supplies of cash this week. The preparation of the ship alone will cost $60,ooo. I recognize that our citizens expect the Committee to furnish this ship at a very early date, and the Committee cannot move without money. HENRY L. HIGGINSON, Treasurer Massachusetts Volunteer Aid Association. BOSTON, June 30, 1898. In response to these urgent appeals for funds, the people of Massachusetts came forward with a will. So rapidly did the money come in, that during the month of July the clerical force at the Treasurer's office was increased in order to take care of the sums received, and enter them upon the Treasurer's books. The money came from people in every walk in life, and in sums great and small. Societies, churches, and private individuals contributed to swell the total. The Daughters Finances. 29 of the Revolution, the Daughters of the American Revolution, and the Woman's Relief Corps worked to raise the money so much needed. The branches of the Massachusetts Volunteer Aid Association in the many towns and cities throughout the State raised money in. a hundred different ways. Lawn parties, dances, hurdy-gurdy parties, concerts, military tableaux, private theatricals, sweet-pea shows, living picture exhibitions, and scores of other enterprises were undertaken for the purpose of raising funds. At Worcester a base-ball game was arranged, the participants being the leading professional and business men of the city. A great crowd attended the game, and a large sum was realized. At Salem a base-ball game, between the police and the firemen, was the means of securing a considerable sum. At the Chamber of Commerce in Boston, on July 29, was sold a bale of cotton at auction. The bale bore this inscription: " First bale of cotton from the South, I898 crop, presented by H. & B. Beer, of New Orleans, to President McKinley." This bale had been sent to New York, by order of the President, and had been sold at auction for the benefit of the Red Cross Association. From New York it was sent to Boston to be resold, and was finally knocked down to Mr. John Shepard for the splendid sum of $525, which amount was turned over to the Massachusetts Volunteer Aid Association. On Monday, Sept. 12, a benefit performance was given by the members of the " Way Down East" Company, then playing at the Tremont Theatre, through the kindness of Mr. John Schoeffel, the proprietor of the house, and the members of the company, and a liberal sum was realized. Ministers addressed their congregations upon the care of our sick soldiers, and pleaded for money with which to carry on the work. Many special collections were taken up in churches and the money sent in to the Treasurer., The local Treasurers were very active in the collection of funds, and thousands of dollars passed through their hands and were entered upon the books of the Treasurer. Individual contributors by the hundreds either sent in their contributions by mail or called at the Treasurer's office on State Street, or at the rooms on Mt. Vernon Street to leave their money in person. The willingness and the generosity of all classes of the people were unsurpassed. The cause appealed to every 30 Massachusetts Volunteer Aid Association. one and a common expression which was repeated incessantly was, "I have brought you a small contribution; I only wish I could give more." Little children gave of their small savings; money which they had been hoarding for the purpose of celebrating the Fourth of July was gladly sent to aid in caring for the sick soldiers. A longshoreman brought to the Treasurer's office a large roll of one dollar bills which had been contributed by his fellow-workmen along the docks out of their wages. Members of the police and fire departments of the city of Boston sent in substantial sums to be added to the rest. It would be impossible to chronicle one half of the touching evidences of the patriotism and sympathy with the soldiers at the front which were shown by those who contributed money. The rich gave of their plenty, while those less favored with worldly goods gave according to their means. All were actuated by the same spirit of generous liberality, and it was through their patriotism and 'help that the Association was enabled to accomplish the great good which has resulted from its efforts. The lists of the contributors, together with the amounts contributed, were printed day by day in the daily papers. Every effort was made to keep the acknowledgments up to date with the receipts, but this was found to be an utterly impossible thing to do. So great was the response to the appeals for funds that at one time during the month of July the clerical force employed to take charge of the contributions found itself unable to keep pace with the flood of incoming subscriptions, and heroic measures were taken to enter the accumulated mass of contributions, make out and mail the certificates acknowledging the receipt of the same, and prepare the lists for the press. Naturally the acknowledgments were somewhat delayed during this period, but eventually the difficulty was cleared away as the subscriptions fell off in number, and each and every one was thereafter acknowledged promptly. Towards the middle of the month of August the work at Montauk developed, and the need of a large sum of money to carry it on became evident. It was not known how long the need might be prolonged, or what sum would be necessary, and it was decided to appeal to the public for money for this special object. The Treasurer there Finances. 3I fore issued a general letter which was printed in the newspapers, and obtained wide circulation. The letter follows:BOSTON, Aug. 23, I898. We, of the Massachusetts Volunteer Aid Association, promised the other day that when we needed more money we would ask for it. We now need a considerable sum. We have spent much more than we expected in preparing the hospital ship "Bay State " for actual service. She is now in the West Indies, where she will get sick men and bring them North and perform this work for many weeks still. We do not as yet know the cost of running her, but it will be a considerable sum, and meanwhile she is in fine condition and busy. We have now a fresh duty on hand. So soon as the camp at Montauk was established we prepared to send a diet kitchen, with cooks and fresh provisions, under the care of Dr. Prescott, in order to relieve the sick and wounded men in the hospitals, and in order to feed the convalescents and half-sick men who are coming from Cuba. We knew that prompt action would save a great deal of suffering and a great many valuable lives, and we are doing the best in our power. We have established a boat service from New London to the wharf near Montauk Point. We have sent six cooks and a number of physicians and sixteen nurses to that camp, together with carloads of provisions, and we have prepared ourselves to feed the sick and wounded from any State, and also those of the regular troops. We obtained our permit from Secretary Alger to establish a diet kitchen on the condition that we should treat all sick men alike, - the volunteers and the regulars. In the zeal of the people to succor men of their own State, the United States regular troops, who have necessarily borne the brunt of the hard work and who have done fine service, are neglected. They are the real soldiers, well trained, well commanded by accomplished officers, and are our mainstay. They come from all the States and deserve the admiration and kind treatment of all citizens. I, for one, wish to use our provisions at Montauk for 32 Massachusetts Volunteer Aid Association. them as well as for the Massachusetts men, and ask givers to approve of this wish, if they will. A friend has given us a boat for twenty days, which runs regularly from New London to Montauk Point. All this is costing money, and will cost a great deal more, but what is the cost in comparison with the sacrifices already made of the suffering and lives which we may save? We therefore appeal for generous gifts once again in order to accomplish this special work at Montauk. The war is over, but the damage caused by the war is not repaired. We appeal urgently, because now is the time of all times when we need to make our very best efforts to heal the sick and to save many more men from being sick. HENRY L. HIGGINSON, Treasurer. The response to this appeal was most generous. Within a few days the fund amounted to over ten thousand dollars, and in all the amount subscribed for the work at Montauk Point exceeded thirty-five thousand dollars. t 4.FORWARD) HU)RRICAN[ DECK; LOOKING AM S64A 8M iJAtL K k b TREASURER'S STATEMENT. Receipts. Subscriptions, General Fund, $I78,639 53 Montauk Fund, 35,431 91 Interest on deposits. Received from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts as a loan to purchase the hospital ship, " Bay State" Received from the United States Government, from sale of the hospital ship, "Bay State".. Total receipts. $214,071 44 1,050 60 50,000 00 I00,000 00 $365,122 04 Expenditures. Bay State: Paid to Boston Fruit Company for the steamship " Marmion" Cost of rebuilding and refitting hospital ship.. Cost of outfitting, supplying and operating the hospital ship, including medical and food supplies, coal, wages, etc..... Paid to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, to return the purchase price of the hospital ship $50,000 oo 16,419 o6 28,071 20 50,000 00 34 Massachusetts Volunteer Aid Association. Agents: Money disbursed by officers and agents, for travelling expenses, aid, transportation for sick soldiers, letters of credit, etc.... $3,577 75 Montauk: Cost of organizing, maintain- ing and operating diet kitchens, transportation of supplies by boat and rail, teaming, labor, etc.. IO,132 36 Office: Expenses at office at Mt. Vernon Street (in part), and at Treasurer's office, including clerical assistance, aid, transportation, supplies, telegrams, etc...... 8,815 75 Store-house: including rent, labor, express, and freight, etc..... 2,449 75 Supplies purchased: including cost of supplies sent to hospitals, camps, etc.. 4,856 49 Transportalion: including cost of transporting sick soldiers, special cars, etc...... 1,835 09 Woman's Relief Committee: for aid to sick soldiers..... 3,59 47 $299,748 92 Cash on hand May 15, I899.. 65.373 I2 $365,122 04,/' I:. Finances. 35 Receipts and Expenses at Office, II Mt. Vernon Street Receipts. Amount received from Treasurer and Agents $9,I 8 I8 Expenses. Clerical assistance Stationery, postage, printing, and mailing, Aid rendered sick soldiers Transportation of sick soldiers Express and freight Cable and telegraph Supplies purchased Agents supplied with funds Expenses at store-house, paid through this office.. $2,300 52 639 59 569 5o 672 o6 276 28.5 6 I 96I 79 I,089 31 2,093 oo $9,II8 I8 Receipts and Expenses at Store-house. Receipts. Amount received from Treasurer and from office, II Mt. Vernon Street....... $2,78I 32 Expenses. Salaries and labor.. Teaming, express, and freight Hardware and miscellaneous expenses Rent.... Packing cases. Telephone.. $I,251 42 678 oi 178 14 450 oo I68 87 54 88 $2,78I 32 SUPPLIES. VAST quantities of supplies were sent by the Association to the soldiers in camps, hospitals, and at the front in Cuba and Porto Rico, during the months from June to.December, and carried to every Massachusetts soldier, who could be reached by them, the realizing sense of the care which his State was exercising over him. Tens of thousands of articles of clothing and tons of food and medical supplies were shipped from the storehouse to alleviate the distress and sickness among the soldiers of the Commonwealth, as well as those of other States, and the regular a my. The furnishing of supplies to the volunteers from Massachusetts began the latter part of May. The First Massachusetts Regiment Heavy Artillery had been sent to garrison the fortifications along the coast of Massachusetts, and the different batteries soon began to feel the need of medical supplies, which, as the regiment had been mustered into the service of the United States, would have to be obtained through requisition upon the medical department at Washington, if not otherwise furnished. The Association was asked to supply the few articles needed, and did so gladly and promptly. A large number of stoves, which were greatly needed during the frequent storms and chilly nights to warm the tents of the men, were sent to the camps of this regiment. Large oil heaters were supplied to several of the hospitals to make the interior of the hospital tents more comfortable. The Second Regiment was in camp at Lakeland, Fla., during the latter part of May, and the Association supplied the regimental hospital with a quantity of articles of necessity of which it stood in need. Reading matter was sent to the camps of the First Regiment along the coast, and also to the men in, camp at Framingham and at Camp Alger. Requisitions for supplies for the hospitals came from the Sixth Regiment, in camp at Falls Church, Va., in June, and these requisitions Supplies. 37 were at once honored, and the goods shipped. Canned soups, alcohol, hot-water bags, ice bags, towels, condensed milk, sponges, wooden pails, soap, malted milk, sheets, pillow cases, Jamaica ginger, abdominal bands, old linen, lime water, made up a partial list of the supplies sent to the Massachusetts troops during the month of June. Many of the articles asked for were upon the lists of supplies furnished by the Government, but as each thing needed had to be obtained upon requisition on the Quartermaster's Department at Washington, it would have required a long time to secure these necessary supplies, owing to the tremendous amount of work with which the War Department was burdened at that time in the preparation of the army for active service. Naturally and promptly the gap thus caused was filled, and the surgeons and commanding officers were asked to send for whatever they needed. The Women's Committee of the Association, appointed by the Executive Committee, met for organization on June 7. A sub-committee on supplies was at once appointed; consisting of over thirty ladies, of which Miss Mary Morison was chosen Chairman, and Miss Alice S. Clement, Secretary. From this time on, the Supply Committee of the Women's Committee took full charge of the gathering of supplies of hospital clothing; etc., among the auxiliary associations and societies throughout the State. As the sickness increased among our soldiers, the need of additional supplies became imperative, and the list of articles asked for by the Supply Committee increased in proportion. This list included abdominal bands, pajamas, hospital shirts, surgical shirts, sheets, pillow-cases, face cloths, mosquito canopies, comfort bags, stockings, shoes, handkerchiefs, hammocks, towels, and many other articles of lesser importance. During the month of June the preliminary work of planning, making patterns, and sewing went on among the scores of societies which had engaged in the work, as well as among hundreds of individual workers who did not belong to any of the branch associations. The latter part of June saw the beginning of the flow of completed articles which set in towards the rooms on Mt. Vernon Street. The supplies came in cases, barrels, and parcels of every description. The bulk of them came by express, but scores of the smaller bundles were brought in 38 Maassachusells Volunteer Aid Association. person by the enthusiastic and energetic workers themselves. The need of larger accommodations and a system in handling the great and increasing amount of supplies became apparent, and, on July 9, the storehouse on India Street was secured and opened for their reception. After this date all supplies were sent to this storehouse, and cared for under the excellent system adopted. The first large shipment was that made by the United States ship "St. Louis," which had been sent to Portsmouth, N. H., with a number of Spanish prisoners of war. Permission was obtained from the Navy Department to forward a quantity of supplies on the ship, and the opportunity of thus reaching directly the Massachusetts regiments then in Cuba,-the Second and Ninth, —was quickly grasped. Hon. Sherman Hoar took charge of the details of the shipment. Special transportation was secured through the co-operation of the officials of the Boston & Maine Railroad Company, and on Friday, July 8, two car-loads of clothing and food as well as medical supplies were sent to Portsmouth to be placed on board the "St. Louis." This shipment consisted of forty-six cases of clothing supplies, and over eight tons of canned foods and delicacies for the sick and wounded. Expert packers were furnished by Messrs. Houghton & Dutton, and Col. William D.' Sohier, a member of the Governor's staff, Mr. Robert M. Burnett of the Executive Committee, together with ladies of the Women's Supply Committee, all worked most energetically to assist in the preparation and forwarding of the supplies. To. the Second Regiment were sent I,5oo abdominal bands, 14o mosquito nettings, Ioo hammocks, 165 surgical shirts, 25 hospital shirts, 400 towels, two barrels of old linen, comfort bags, malted milk, lemonade and lime juice tablets, and a large amount of acid fruits, besides one third of the amount of canned foods included in the entire shipment. To the Ninth Regiment a like shipment was made, and a third part was intended for the Sixth Regiment which it was expected was to go to Santiago in the immediate future. These supplies were intended to supplement those already sent to these regiments while they were still in Florida. Of the canned fruits which were sent, one half was sent to the sailors of the war vessels, then doing duty in front of Santiago and along the coast of Cuba, the rest being intended for division among the Massachusetts regiments. One Supplies. 39 important item in this shipment consisted of three thousand corn-cob pipes and about one thousand pounds of tobacco, which were to be divided among the regiments. The "St. Louis" sailed from Portsmouth for New York, where she stopped on her way to Santiago, and while there the Association sent to her by express an additional consignment of clothing, pipes and tobacco, and limes for the marines at Guantanamo, who had made such a gallant fight against superior numbers, and who were reported as being destitute for want of these supplies. The second large shipment went on July i6 by the United States ship " Harvard," which vessel had also come to Portsmouth, N. H., with Spanish prisoners. This shipment comprised forty-seven cases of food and clothing supplies, and was sent to Portsmouth, N. H., in charge of Mr. Sumner Clement, of Newton, who superintended the transfer of the goods from the train to the lighter and thence to the "Harvard." The thanks of the Association have been tendered to the Piscataquis Transportation Company of Portsmouth, N. H., through its President, Henry A. Yeatton, for the service rendered by it in the transportation of the supplies sent by the "St. Louis" and the "Harvard" from the wharf to the ships. A tug and lighter were placed at the disposal of the representatives of the Association, and the generosity and kindness of the officers of the company assisted them materially in the discharge of their duties. To Admiral C. C. Carpenter, to Capt. Goodrich and the officers of the "St. Louis," and to the officers of the "Harvard" have been extended the cordial thanks of the Association for the many courtesies which were extended by them to its representatives. Previous to the sailing of the " Bay State " two other large shipments of supplies were made by sea, - one on July 26 by the Boston Fruit Company's Steamship "Alfred Dumois," and the other on Aug. I by the "Barnstable," a steamship owned by the same company. Transportation of these supplies was furnished free by the Boston Fruit Company to Jamaica, from which port it became necessary to find a means of transporting the goods across to Cuba. This was readily done by means of sailing vessels usually employed in the coastwise fruit trade, 40 - Massachusetts Volunteer Aid Association. and at small expense. Thus, through the kindness of the officials of the Boston Fruit Company, the Association was enabled to forward several tons of supplies direct to Santiago at a time when they were most needed, and when they were made use of in the best possible manner by Dr. Brackett, the agent at Santiago. In the*first shipment, by the " Alfred Dumois," there were included fifty-three cases and seven barrels of supplies, and on the " Barnstable " were sent ninety-nine cases. The "Dumois" shipment comprised thirty-three cases of clothing supplies and twenty cases and seven barrels of foods and delicacies. The "Barnstable" shipment of ninety-nine cases was divided into twenty cases of clothing supplies and seventy-nine cases of canned foods, fruits, tobacco, pipes, etc. Upon the arrival of the shipments at Jamaica sailing packets were secured, and the goods were transferred and forwarded to Santiago. Dr. Brackett and Mr. Austin, who went in charge of the " Dumois" and the "Barnstable" shipments, respectively, attended to this part of the work, and superintended the safe delivery of the supplies at Santiago. At the urgent request of Gen. Leonard A. Wood, then in command of Santiago province, Dr. Brackett remained at Santiago for several weeks and assisted in taking care of the many sick soldiers in the hospitals. He established a hospital and by means of the supplies sent from Massachusetts, was enabled to do a great deal of good. As agent at Santiago, Dr. Brackett was frequently called upon by cable to ascertain the condition of men reported sick belonging to Massachusetts troops and rendered invaluable assistance. Mr. George v. L. Meyer of the Executive Committee attended to the shipment of the supplies by the "Dumois," a work which demanded several days of constant labor. In order that the supplies sent to Cuba might be allowed free entrance at the port of Santiago the Secretary wrote to the Secretary of the Treasury asking that the supplies might enter free. This request was referred to the War Department and the following letter of permission was received: - Supplies. 4I WAR DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, Aug. 17, I898. Dear Sir, -The Department is in receipt by reference of your letter addressed to the Honorable the Secretary of the Treasury, under date of the Iith instant, asking, in behalf of the Massachusetts Volunteer Aid Association, the free entry to the island of Cuba of a quantity of Red Cross supplies shipped by the said Association for free distribution among the camps and hospitals on that island. In accordance with the wishes of your Association, the Commanding General, Department of Santiago, has been requested to admit free of duty the supplies in question, as shown by the invoice which accompanied your request - the articles to be used entirely for gratuitous distribution. Very respectfully, G. D. MEIKLEJOHN, Assistant Secretary of War. ELIHU B. HAYES, Esq., Massachusetts Volunteer A id Association, Commonwealth Building, Boston, Mass. The Association was given most efficient and courteous co-operation by the officials of the navy and army during the war. Not only did the Secretary of War and the Secretary of the Navy assist in every way possible by letters of authority, but in the forwarding of its supplies every facility was given for their safe delivery. The Association was very materially aided in the shipment of supplies by the following authorization received from the War Department regarding the transportation of shipments to hospitals: — WAR DEPARTMENT, ADJUTANT-GENERAL'S OFFICE, Mr. ELIHU B. HAYES, WASHINGTON, July 19, I898. Sec'y, Volunteer Aid Association, Boston, Mass. Sir, -In answer to your telegram addressed to Hon. Henry Cabot Lodge, under date of June i i, last, referred to this department, on the subject of transportation of medical stores furnished by the Volunteer Aid Association, I have the honor to inform you 42 Massachusetts Volunteer Aid Association. that the Assistant Secretary of War decides that packages of donations addressed to the surgeons commanding any of the general hospitals, and the chief surgeons of any army corps in the United States, will be transported at Government expense by the quartermaster to whom they are delivered. Very respectfully, H. O. A. HERSTAND, Assistant Adjutant General During the early part of June a committee on the distribution of supplies was appointed, consisting of Dr. Robert A. Blood, Surgeon General of the State of Massachusetts, Dr. Myles Standish, Captain Ambulance Corp, M. V. M., and Dr. Morton Prince of Boston. This committee held frequent meetings and decided that the best results could only be obtained by a personal investigation of the camps where the Massachusetts troops were located, by one of its number. Accordingly, Dr. Morton Prince visited Camp Alger and spent several days in investigation. Upon his return the committee drew up a series of recommendations, which were of great value to the Executive Committee. On July 5, at a meeting of the Executive Committee, a supply committee was appointed, consisting of leading business men in Boston representing the principal lines of trade, to assist in the purchasing of supplies. This committee met on July r6 and organized, with the choice of Mr. Samuel Johnson of Boston as Chairman and Mr. Elihu B. Hayes, of Lynn as temporary Secretary. The committee was divided into sub-committees representing each trade, as follows: - EBEN D. JORDAN. Dry Goods... EDWARD C. JOHNSON. JOHN SHEPARD. Bootsand(s ROBERT BATCHELLER. Boots and Shoes. Lois. P OWE. ' Louis P. HOWE. HARRY DUTTON. V Drugs.. J. S. BADGER. ANDREW G. WEEKS, JR. Supplies. 43 (WALLACE L. PIERCE. Groceries.... g JACOB P. BATES. C. F. GOODRIDGE. LWILLIAM J. SEAVER. Dairy Products.. FREEMAN J. DOE. Sugar. WILLIAM S. SPAULDING.,ProduceI GEORGE V. FLETCHER. Produce.J... ( JACOB FOTTLER. Provisions... SULLIVAN B. NEWTON. Canned Fish... EDWARD B. NEWTON. 5 HOWARD L. SHURTLEFF. SurgicalInstruments. REEN. N. GREEN. These various sub-committees investigated the cost of supplies in their particular lines of trade and reported to the purchasing committee for their guidance. A purchasing committee was appointed by the Executive Committee, consisting of the Secretary, Hon. Elihu B. Hayes, Hon. Sherman Hoar, and Hon. George v. L. Meyer, and this committee was authorized to purchase supplies upon emergency demands, the sum of five thousand dollars being appropriated for this purpose. This committee, thus authorized, was enabled to buy and ship supplies upon the receipt of the requisition without waiting for special authorization from the Executive Committee, and consequently was able to act promptly and efficiently. Two of the hospital ships belonging to the United States Government were furnished with much needed supplies to be used by the sick and convalescent soldiers and sailors. On July 2I, there were shipped to the hospital ship "Solace," of the Navy Department, then lying at Brooklyn, N. Y., several cases of supplies, including 143 suits of pajamas, 474' hospital shirts, 96 mosquito canopies, 200 pairs of slippers, Ioo dozen pairs of stockings, and 6 cases of canned delicacies. $~ ~ On Aug. 23, the United States hospital ship " Olivette " brought a large number of sick soldiers to Boston hospitals for treatment and care. The ship had received orders from Washington to return at 44 Massachusetts Volunteer Aid Association. once for an additional lot to be brought North, and Major Appel, the surgeon in charge, requested the Secretary to supply the ship with a number of needed supplies, in order that he might sail without delay. No time was to be lost, as the need for the services of the slip was urgent, and as several days would be lost if the desired supplies were obtained by requisition through the regular army channels. The Association gladly consented to supply the ship with the things needed, and she was enabled to sail at once after the supplies were placed on board. She was supplied with twenty tons of ice, a large quantity of milk, eggs, carbonated water, and pajamas. In the list of supplies, sent to Cuba for use in the regimental hospitals, there were included several hundred tin boxes, twenty-four inches long, eighteen inches wide, and four inches deep. Each box contained four bottles Horlick's milk, two cans Somatose biscuits, four boxes Anker's bouillon capsules, one pound of tea, three quarters pound of lime-fruit tablets, one half pint of brandy, one fourth pint of essence Jamaica ginger, one pound Baker's cocoa, three boxes kola tablets. These boxes were carefully packed and sealed, and proved to be a very valuable and useful method of sending these supplies. When opened the contents were found to be in excellent condition, and the idea was most heartily commended by the surgeons who made use of the boxes in Cuba, for by their use they were enabled to give the sick men under their charge the delicacies they most needed, and to vary the regular hospital diet in a most acceptable manner. The suggestion in regard to preparing the boxes came from Surgeon Siegfried, and was at once adopted and carried out by the Secretary, Mr. Hayes. One of the acceptable and useful contributions made for the benefit of the sick soldiers was that made by Mrs. Wolcott; the wife of the Governor. It consisted of a large hospital tent made of wire screening, with canvass roof and sides which could be used whenever necessary. This tent was portable, being manufactured so that.it could be set up quickly and accurately even by inexperienced persons. For patients in field hospitals, where the flies are a constant source of torment and annoyance, this tent was a godsend. It was sent to Chickamauga Park, there used in connection with the hospital, and proved most successful. A tent was also contributed by the National Lancers, I a 5 a P ilililrilil v, Di sii,,,,,,,,ii,,,,,xj~,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, I El -rl 11188811181 P "":i;;"i;i;i"i"i:~: P(r Y'i P9 ~"""""""'""" i,~~r,, ii,,, ~iiiisiii~;iiiiisi:i:saasaai:l:l, 11:a1~r1:1 I'~nnn:l:l:l:l;r"I ill;l~~;li':~;lii;l;iiiii:l;'~il'l;i I': i~,ir~r sn~a,~, I I I -4 Sucplies. 45 for the use of the soldiers, and was sent to one of the Massachusetts regiments in the field to be used as a recreation and reading tent. Upon the opening of the work at Montauk Point the demand for supplies to furnish the diet kitchens, which had been established at that camp by the Association, was very great, and tons of food and clothing were shipped to New London and thence to Camp Wikoff. The first shipment from Boston to Montauk went consigned to Dr. William H. Prescott on Aug 18, and consisted of one hundred and sixty-five cases of supplies. From this time until the work at that camp ceased, shipments were made every day to Montauk. No opportunity was lost to make effective the work at Montauk, - no expense was spared in sending forward the food supplies for the sick men which they so much needed. In order to appreciate the scope of the work which was accomplished in the way of supplies, the following list of articles sent to the soldiers in camps and hospitals will be of interest. The articles of clothing were almost wholly contributed by the branches through the Women's Supply Committee, while the articles of food and other hospital supplies were either purchased or contributed. When purchased the benefit of liberal discounts was invariably given by the merchants of whom they were bought. Abdominal bands. Pajamas. Hospital shirts. Sheets. Pillow cases. Face cloths. Comfort bags. Stockings, pairs. Shoes, pairs. Handkerchiefs. Hammocks. Towels. Mosquito nettings. Suits of underwear. Blankets. Combs. Palm-leaf fans. Surgical pillows. Napkins. Surgical sponges. Surgical pads. Parts of uniforms. Hospital tents. Reading and recreation tents. Literature. Cereals. Crackers. Eggs. Milk. Cranberry sauce. 46 Mfassachusetts Volunteer Aid Association. Quilts. Comforters. Bed spreads. Slippers, pairs. Day shirts. Flannel night shirts. Rolled bandages. Old linen. Pillow ticks. Mattress ticks. Miscellaneous clothing. Kitchen utensils. Chloride of lime. Sal. nitre. Canned soup. Canned vegetables. Canned milk. Canned meat and fish. Mellin's food. Malted milk. Clam broth. Cocoa; Jellies. Preserves. Lime juice. Beef capsules. Tobacco. Pipes. Drugs. Grape juice. Beef tea. Ginger ale. Lithia water. Soap. Pickles. Beef extract. Apples. Limes. Lemons. Oranges. Bitters. Ale. Wine. Whiskey. Brandy. Oatmeal. Gelatine. Corn starch. Farina. Sugar. Prunes. Maccaroni. Salt. Mustard.' Alcohol. Hot water bags. Ice bags. Matches. Sponges. Pails. Oil stoves. Stoves for heating tents. Wash basins. Candles. Sheet lint. Aqua ammonia. Scrub brushes. Sapolio. Hospital cots. Mosquito netting. Absorbent cotton. Cheese cloth. V Supplies. 47 Tea. Syringes. Coffee. Rubber bed rings. Evaporated apples. Feeding cups. Flour. Feeding tubes. Rice. Medicine droppers. Beans. Vaseline. Peas Can openers. Jack-knives. Clinical thermometers. Spoons. That the care and attention paid Massachusetts troops was appreciated is shown by the following letters which were received, acknowledging the receipt of supplies sent. Among these letters will be found the grateful expression of the thanks of regular troops, nurses in United States hospitals, and surgeons and officers of the regular army, as well as from Massachusetts troops. Lieut.-Col. Butler Ames, writing from Utaudo, Porto Rico, under date of Sept. 26, says:" Everyone speaks of how well Massachusetts looks after her troops, and soldiers from other States have openly expressed a regret that their States were so far behind in the care and consideration of their soldiers. Such a thing makes one still more proud to hail from the old Bay State, and still more proud to be included in that body politic that so well cares for the common weal or the common woe of its individuals. What would we have done had it not been for the Volunteer Aid Association and the Red Cross?" HEADQUARTERS SIXTH REGIMENT OF INFANTRY, FIRST BRIGADE, M. V. M. WAKEFIELD, MASS., May I5, I898. Hon. E. B. HAYES, Secy. M. V. Aid Assn.: My dear Sir, - Magazines recd. and have been distributed. Please accept thanks of the Sixth Regiment. Yours truly, CHAS. F. WVOODWARD, Colonel. 48 Massachusetts Volunteer Aid Association. HEADQUARTERS FIRST REGIMENT OF HEAVY ARTILLERY, MASSACHUSETTS U. S. V. FORT WARREN, BOSTON, May x6, 1898. Mr. ELIHU B. HAYES, Secy. Mass. Volunteer Aid Assn.: Dear Sir, -Colonel Pfaff directs me to extend to you the thanks of the officers and men of the regiment for the magazines sent us by your Association. Your kindness is thoroughly appreciated by all of us, especially during this bad weather. Yours respectfully, JOSEPH S. FRANCIS, 2d Lieut. ist Mass. Heavy Artillery, Acting Adjutant. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH REGIMENT OF INFANTRY, SECOND BRIGADE, MASSACHUSETTS VOLUNTEER MILITIA., GLOUCESTER, May 19, I898. SECRETARY MASS. VOLUNTEER AID ASSOCIATION: My dear Sir,- I am directed by Col. Whitney to acknowledge with many thanks the receipt of the stoves which you so kindly sent us and assure you that they are greatly appreciated. I remain, Very respectfully yours, E. E. LOCKE, Adjutant. FORT WARREN, BOSTON, May 25, 1898. To THE VOLUNTEER AID ASSN.: Dear Sirs,-Please accept the sincere thanks of the First Heavy Artillery for your generous contribution. Everything was 4 received promptly and in good condition last evening. Four of the pillows were put into immediate service in our little hospital, and be assured all the other articles will be put to good use and add greatly to the comfort of the soldiers. I have the honor to be very gratefully yours, HowARD S. DEARING, Major &6 Sur geon, IsZ Mass. H. A., U. S. Vol. Supplies. 49 U. S. SIGNAL STATION, APPLEDORE ISLAND, N. H., June x8, I898. SEC'Y MASS. VOL. AID ASSN.: Dear Sir, - I wish to express my most sincere thanks and those of my men for the kindness of your Association in sending us the bundle of literature which was received in good order. The reading matter was most welcome. Respectfully, LOUIS F. GATES, Chief Quartermaster. (In charge of Station.) CAMP ALGER, FALLS CHURCH, VA. Hon. E. B. HAYES, June 20, I898. Sec'y Vol. Aid Assn.: Dear Sir, - I am in receipt of the tent sent for the benefit of the Sixth Regiment. I had it pitched yesterday morning; the boys were delighted with it, and the first use made of it was in the service of God. Father Sherman, son of Gen. Sherman of war fame, also Chaplain of a Michigan regiment, came over by invitation and talked to the boys. Hereafter they will use the tent as a reading and writing room. In behalf of the Sixth Regiment I wish to thank the Association for their extreme kindness. I am sure the boys will do honor to their State and credit to themselves in whatsoever position they are put. Believe me, Very truly yours, OTIS H. MARION, Surgeon 6th Regt., U. S. V. 5~ Massachusetts Volunteer Aid Association. HEADQUARTERS FIRST REGIMENT OF HEAVY ARTILLERY, U. S. V. FORT PICKERING, SALEM, MASS., June 30, I898. MASS. VOL. AI ASSN.: Dear Friends, -We beg to acknowledge with thanks the receipt of all the articles mentioned in my last two letters. Everything was received in perfect condition and most promptly. Be assured of our hearty appreciation of your many and valuable favors. Very respectfully, your obt. servant, HOWARD S. DEARING, Maj. M 6 Surg., U. S. V. HEADQUARTERS SIXTH MASS. REGIMENT OF INFANTRY, U. S. VOLUNTEERS. CAMP ALGER, VA., July I, 1898. HON. E. B. HAYES, Sec'y Mass. Volunteer Aid Association: My dear Sir, -The cases of bands, towels, etc., were received and will be distributed at once. It is very kind of your Association, and we all appreciate it, and send our most sincere thanks for them, and also the large tent sent some time since. With kind regards to all, I remain, Yours sincerely, CHAS. F. WOODWARD, Colonel. ST. PETER'S HOSPITAL OF THE SISTERS OF THE POOR OF ST. FRANCIS, HENRY STREET, BETWEEN CONGRESS AND WARREN STREETS, BROOKLYN, N. Y., July 22, I898. MASSACHUSETTS VOLUNTEER AID ASSOCIATION: Allow me to express my grateful thanks to you for the pajamas and shirts which we received through your kind consideration for the wounded soldiers. I assure you they are highly appreciated. Supplies. 5 Certainly a society which has for its object the worthy cause of attending to the wants of our heroes at the front cannot fail to draw down from Heaven blessings, not only upon th'e society, but upon every individual member. Thanking you once more for your great kindness, I remain, Yours most gratefully, SISTERS OF THE POOR OF ST. FRANCIS. FIRST REGIMENT U. S. VOL. ENGINEERS, CAmp TOWNSEND, NEAR PEEKSKILL, N. Y., July 23, I898. TO THE SECRETARY OF THE MASS. VOLUNTEER AID ASSN.: Sir,- We, the undersigned committee, representing the Massachusetts contingent of this regiment, have been requested to acknowledge the receipt of the supplies forwarded to us by your Association. We beg to tender our sincere thanks for the same and to assure you that your efforts in our behalf have been duly appreciated by us. With such a State and people behind us we can be counted on to do our duty, no matter when or where called upon. AZEL AMES, Jr., Capt. U. S. Vol. Eng., Commanding Co. K. HENRY F. ROBERTSON, Sergt. Co. K. FIRST SERGT. PHILIP W. LAURIAT. GEORGE W. HALE, Q. M. Sergeant3d Battalion. SERGEANT ALBERT S. ERSKINE. CORPORAL GEO. D. BUCKLEY. CORPORAL BENNETT, Mass. Clerk Co. K (Secretary). HEADQUARTERS EIGHTH MASS. INF. U. S. V., CAMP GEO. H. THOMAS, CHICKAMAUGA PARK, GA., August 6, I898. To MIss ALICE S. CLEMENT, Sec. of Supply Committee: Dear Madam,- I take this opportunity to thank the Mass. Vol. Aid Association, through you, for the boxes containing the 52 Massachusetts Volunteer Aid Association. following: I6o towels, 4 gross of Anker's beef capsules, Ioo cheviot pajamas, 24 cans of chicken soup, 5 large jars of malted milk, 24 cans of assorted soup, I2 lbs. of Baker's cocoa. Assuring you that the supplies will be of great service to me, I remain, Very respectfully yours, WILLIAM COGSWELL, Major &- Surgeon, 8th Mass. Inf. U. S. V. (Dictated.) SIBONEY, CUBA, Aug. 23, 1898. THE SECRETARY THE MASS. VOLUNTEER AID ASSOCIATION, Boston, Mass.: Sir, - In behalf of the 24th U. S. Infantry allow me to extend to you our warmest thanks for the donation of tobacco, which our regiment, together with others in Cuba, received some time since. Our regiment has been completely isolated here at Siboney since July I6, doing the most arduous and difficult service among the yellow fever patients, and our men, even those who have any money, have been unable to go to Santiago to buy tobacco for themselves. We appreciate your thoughtful kindness more than I can tell you. Yours very sincerely, J. C. JENKS, Ist Lieut. &6 Act'g Adjutant, 24th U. S.. Infantry. MASSACHUSETTS GENERAL HOSPITAL. MASS. VOL. AID ASSOCIATION, BOSTON, Aug. 24, I898. Ix Mt. Vernon St., Boston: '1 he Massachusetts General Hospital begs to acknowledge the five cases of merchandise received here to-day. Please accept our thanks for these goods which were so promptly furnished. Very sincerely yours, HERBERT B. HOWARD, R'esident Physician. Supplies. 53 OFFICE OF MEDICAL OFFICER IN COMMAND MARINE HOSPITAL SERVICE, PORT OF BOSTON (CHELSEA), MASS., Aug. 25, 1898. MIss ALICE S. CLEMENT, Sec'y, Supply Committee, M. V. A. A., I i Mt. Vernon Street, Boston, Mass.: Dear Miss Clement, - Permit me to thank you, on behalf of the soldiers, for the additional supplies sent here to-day. All of them were acceptable, and gave great pleasure to the poor fellows. Respectfully yours, FAIRFAX IRWIN, Surgeon M. H. S., in Cbmmand of Hospital. CARNEY HOSPITAL, SOUTH BOSTON, Aug. 26, i898. JOHN R. STORY, Supt. Storehouse A. V. A. A. Dear Sir, - I beg to acknowledge the receipt of the three cases of merchandise sent us for the comfort of the soldiers at present under our care. Every article was most acceptable. In the name of our gallant heroes and our own, we thank you, and through you the members of the Committee of the Massachusetts Volunteer Aid Association. Most respectfully yours, SISTER GONZAGA. HEADQUARTERS FIRST BATTALION OF MARINES. CAMP HEYWOOD, SEAVEY's ISLAND, PORTSMOUTH, N. H., Sept. 4, 1898. Sir, —There has been received here a quantity of oatmeal, malted milk, shredded wheat biscuit, pickled limes, eggs, etc., which I understand was sent by the Mass. Vol. Aid Assn. for the use of this battalion. Massachusetts Volunteer Aid Association. 54 The same has been distributed and much appreciated by the men, and on their behalf I tender your Association thanks for ts generous remembrance of the battalion under my command. Very respectfully, R. W. HUNTINGTON, Colonel U. S. M. C., Commanding. THE PRESIDENT, Mass. Vol. Aid Assn., Boston, Mass. HEADQUARTERS FOURTH ARMY CORPS, SIGNAL OFFICE. CAMP WHEELER, HUNTSVILLE, ALA., Sept. 9, I898. ALICE S.'CLEMENT, Sec'y of Suzsply Committee Mass. Aid Assn., Boston, Mass.: Dear Madam, - Your kind favor of the 3rd inst. has been received, also the articles therein invoiced, viz.: ioo Abdominal Bands. 60 Towels. Ioo Handkerchiefs. 70 Hamfnock Mosquito Canopies. Ioo Comfort Bags. 30 Hospital Shirts. 60 Pajamas. i Case of Writing Material and Magazines. These articles are of the greatest service to the men, and your kindness will be remembered by each and every one of us. The Massachusetts Aid Society, whose praises we hear on every hand, has our sincere thanks for these articles. The company has just returned from Santiago, and although none of us are really down sick, we are not in the best condition possible, but trust that in a very short space of time we'will all have regained our health and strength. Yours truly, THOS. F. CLARK, Capt. ..._.j.j....... 119 ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ O -... X.... M........................................ 1, Ir,~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ rrl ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~~~~~~~111IiIIII I'111111 l' a IIIillllli llllllXj x _ 1 g _ I11 1. I.....I1111. sII....l l..ill I~l l W...............................................................; jlW... exa a - *.........j, MM p~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~r~.....* I. I I I I-.L. Supplies. 55 HEADQUARTERS SECOND BRIGADE, SECOND DIVISION, SEVENTH ARMY CORPS. OFFICE OF BRIGADE SURGEON. JACKSONVILLE, FLA., Sept. I i, 898. MASS. VOLUNTEER AID ASSOCIATION: Dear Sirs, - The invoice of night clothes, sheets, pillow cases, etc., was received in good condition, and sent to the 2d Division Hospital where they will do a great deal of good, clothing the sick, many of whom are much in need of such luxuries. You have the thanks of all connected with the Hospital. Respectfully, W. S. BRYANT, Acting Chief Surgeon 2d Division. AMERICAN NATIONAL RED CROSS RELIEF COMMITTEE. 552 BROADWAY, NEW YORK, Sept. 14, i898. THE VOLUNTEER AID ASSOCIATION, Boston, Mass.: Gentlemen, -The Supply Committee of the Red Cross begs to acknowledge with thanks the receipt of 7 cases containing 510 Gauze Nets for Tents. Yours truly, HELEN FIDELIA HOFFMAN, For, the Supply Committee. HEADQUARTERS FIRST REGIMENT OF HEAVY ARTILLERY, U. S. V. CAMP DALTON, So. FRAMINGHAM, Sept. 26, I898. MASS. VOL. AID ASSN., ELIHU B. HAYES, Sec.: Dear Sir, —I desire to acknowledge the receipt of the medicine your Association has so kindly sent us on our two last requisitions, viz., Salol, Phenacetine and Rhinitis Tablets. We thank you. cordially. You will be interested to know that we burn our oil stove every night (generally all night) and all the cold rainy days in our field hospital, and you may be sure it is well appreciated by the sick soldiers. The hospital is the most comfortable place in camp Massachusetts Volunteer Aid Association. I doubt if I have to call on you again as we shall be mustered out in a short time. We are very grateful for all your many favors and we especially appreciate the promptness with which all our requests have been granted. I believe there is no calculating the amount of good your Association has done. It has been a grand work. With high esteem, I am, &c., very truly yours, HOWARD S. DEARING, Major &< Surgeon. OFFICE BATTERY D, 2ND ARTILLERY, FORT ADAMS, R. I., Oct. 3, 1898. Miss ALICE S. CLEMENT, Secretary of Supply Commit/ee, Mass. Volunteer Aid Assn., Boston, Mass.: Dear Madam, -Your letter of Sept. 30, i898, duly received, also the comfort bags, abdominal bands and mosquito canopies, which have this day been distributed among the men of the battery. The men are much pleased and have asked me to thank your Association for the timely aid it has rendered in supplying these articles which will no doubt be of genuine service during our stay in Cuba and Porto Rico. Believe me, yours very truly, DOMINICK MCGRATH, Ist Sergeant, Battery D. SECOND DIVISION HOSPITAL, MISS CLEMENT, JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA, Oct. 4, I898. Secretary Supply Commit/ce, Massachusetts Volunteer Aid Association: Dear Madam, - In the name of all the patients and the nurses who have shared in the distribution of the comforts contained in the eleven boxes sent by your Association, I beg to thank you and all those who have had anything to do with this matter. Could you have witnessed the opening and distributing you would have felt amply repaid for any and all trouble it might have caused in the collecting, packing and sending. Supplies. 57 Nurses rushed to their tents with their arms filled with shirts for the very sick, with cotton pajamas for those able to sit up, and for those about to leave for home a warm suit of flannelette and each a pair of socks. The linen was a God-sent thing; we nurses need it for poulticing hemorrhages and for a thousand things. The comfort bags have been given for the most part to the male attendants, who are often far more in need of a button or a shoe lace or a safety pin, and these menall desire to thank'the Association for thinking of them. The towels were most acceptable; we did n't have one clean one on hand when the box was opened. And what can we say of the magazines and of the envelopes of clippings? Everything was a treat and of the greatest pleasure. I wish I could share with you and each one the great surprise and delight it has been my lot to experience. With the wish that the loving hands and hearts may be spared the suffering to their loved ones, and that you will tell how well we all appreciated your generous gift, I remain, Most gratefully, ELIZABETH STADE, Nurse, U. S. A. FORT YATES, N. DAKOTA, Dec. 22, i898. MASS. VOL. RELIEF ASSN., 11 Mt. Vernon St., Boston, Mass.. Dear Sir,-Last Saturday evening I distributed the comfort bags, Testaments, etc., you so kindly sent our men. They were gratefully rec'd and by a rising vote the men wished me to say for them that they deeply appreciated the thoughtful generosity that prompted the gift. They desired me to express their heartfelt thanks for your kindness. Personally I can truly say that your contribution has been a very great help to me in my work. I am yours sincerely, J. H. B. HEADLEY, Post Chaplain U. S. Army. STOREHOUSE. THE need of additional room in which to handle and ship the increasing quantities of supplies of every description which were being contributed by the generous people of the State and arriving daily, became imperative during the first part of the month of July. Previous to this time the supplies which had been sent in were received at the rooms, ii Mt. Vernon Street, but the limited accommodations there soon became inadequate, and compelled the Secretary to look about for larger storage and shipping facilities. Several large buildings were examined with a view to obtaining a storehouse with sufficient floor space and convenient facilities for shipping and receiving goods. After investigating several locations, the Secretary decided to engage the first floor of the Dean Building on India Street, at the corner of Sears Street. The room selected was on the first floor, easy of access, was well lighted by windows on the front and along the entire length of one side, and never having been occupied before, was fresh and clean. No better place could have been selected, its nearness to the waterfront, where the hospital ship "Bay State " took aboard supplies, being an additional advantage. The action of the owner of the building, Mr. C. A. Dean, in renting the storehouse at a nominal price was most generous, and the officers gratefully acknowledged and appreciated most highly the unselfish and helpful motives which prompted it. The storehouse was engaged during the first week in July, and on Thursday, July 7, it was formally opened to receive supplies. Mr. Walter Austin, of Boston, volunteered to assist in the work at the storehouse, and he was accordingly placed in charge. Assistants were engaged to receive, pack, and ship the supplies as well as to attend to the clerical work of keeping the records of receipts and shipments. The supplies which remained at the rooms at Mt. Vernon Street were Storehouse. 59 transferred to the new storehouse, and branches of the Association and individuals who desired to contribute supplies were requested through the press to send all such goods there. On July 26 Mr. Austin accompanied a shipment of supplies to Santiago, via Jamaica, on a steamship belonging to the Boston Fruit Company, and Mr. John R. Story was appointed superintendent of the storehouse in his place. Under Mr. Story's supervision, owing to the great increase in the amount of supplies sent in daily, it became necessary that some system should be devised which should be simple in its operation but complete as to the details of the work. A system was therefore evolved which proved accurate and effective. Upon the receipt of supplies of any kind, a number, next in order to the number of the article previously received, was placed upon the bundle or box received, and a tag was affixed thereto, upon which the same number was marked. The bundle or box was then opened, the contents counted, assorted, and the name of the sender, together with the contents, marked upon the tag. The contents of the bundle or box were then placed in the common storehouse stock while the tag was returned to the superintendent to have the supplies duly entered upon the storehouse books. Each kind of supplies was kept in its special location, which was designated by placards over each department, and as soon as the goods had been received and properly assorted they were repacked in cases for shipment, the contents marked upon the outside, and the case stencilled with the name of the Massachusetts Volunteer Aid Association and the sign of the Red Cross. A record of every case packed and ready for shipment was kept, with a list of the contents, so that at all times a complete inventory of the entire quantity of supplies in the storehouse was available. Requisitions for shipments were made upon printed blanks, especially arranged for this purpose, and upon these blanks were entered the name of the consignee, the address, the route by which the goods were shipped, the date of shipment, and the number of the case shipped, with its contents. This information was copied into a letter-book, and the original requisition was sent to the Secretary of the Supply Committee at headquarters, who entered the details upon her books. 60 Massachusetts Volunteer Aid Association. Thus a complete record was kept of every article received, as well as of every shipment. The Supply Committee acknowledged the receipt of each and every contribution as soon as possible after the returns from the storehouse had been received. The work of the women at the storehouse was most important. The Supply Committee was assisted by a large number of such volunteer workers who gave their time willingly and generously. A schedule was arranged which provided for a detail of women to work at the storehouse on certain days in each week. Many of the women gave from two to four days every week to the work, reporting at nine o'clock in the morning, and often staying to finish the day's work until late in the afternoon. Each day had its captain of these workers, who was responsible for the proper counting and assorting of the supplies of clothing and other articles which came within the jurisdiction of the Women's Supply Committee. The faithful and conscientious work which was performed by these-women was a tax upon the physical energy of the strongest. When it is understood that the greatest amount of this work was performed in the hot and trying months of the summer, which, under ordinary circumstances, they would spend in the country or at the seashore, the devotion of these volunteer workers to the cause in which they were engaged was as patriotic as it was generous. When the system of receiving, assorting, and shipping supplies was fully developed and in operation the work progressed smoothly and satisfactorily. The largest shipments were handled without confusion, and with the least possible delay. Sudden demands for supplies were complied with without hesitation, and it was always possible to ship tons of supplies within the space of time required to mark the cases and handle the goods from the storehouse to the teams drawn up at the doors. In addition to the women the working force at the storehouse was usually composed of the superintendent, receiving clerk, shipping clerk, and packers. The number of the latter varied with the amount of goods to be shipped from time to time. For some weeks, when the demand for supplies was the greatest, and when expert help in packing the various articles was necessary, the Association was furnished with several expert packers from the establishments of Houghton & Dutton, Storehouse. 6 Shepard, Norwell & Co., Jordan, Marsh & Co., and R. H. White & Co. These men, being accustomed to the rapid and economical packing of goods, were of the greatest value as an addition to the regular force, and greatly facilitated the handling of the vast quantities of supplies which were shipped during those busy weeks. The Association in this department of work is also indebted to the Fairbanks Scale Company for a pair of scales, which were kindly loaned, and to the Old' South Historical Society for a large number of chairs. t THE HOSPITAL SHIP "BAY STATE." THE fact that the war with Spain was to be carried on in the islands of Cuba and Porto Rico-made it imperative that some means of water transportation should be provided to bring sick and wounded soldiers into the healthier climate of the North, and to forward its supplies promptly and efficiently without dependence upon the government transports. As the full capacity of these transports was constantly required for the shipments of troops and army supplies, it was early apparent that a steamship belonging to the Association would be necessary for service as a hospital ship, and for the efficient delivery of supplies. The great problem which confronted the Executive Committee was the matter of securing a ship which should be at the same time reasonable in price and of sufficient size to perform effective service. Early in May, directly after organization, the Secretary consulted the Surgeon General of the Navy, W. K. VanReypen, regarding the cost of the hospital ship "Solace," which had then been recently fitted out by the Navy Department, and which was regarded as a model hospital ship. Surgeon-General Van Reypen showed him every courtesy, and advised that, because of the many minute and complex problems which the Navy Department had been obliged to solve in fitting out the " Solace," an officer, familiar.with the details of such work, should place himself in communication with the officers of the Massachusetts Volunteer Aid Association, in order that its work might be promptly and intelligently consummated. Accordingly, he detailed Surgeon C. A. Siegfried, U. S. N., stationed at the Torpedo Station at Newport, R. I., to go to Boston, and to give to the officers of the Association detailed statements concerning the equipment of the hospital ship " Solace." The letter of the Surgeon-General of the Navy was as follows: - W The Hospital Ship 'Bay State." 63 WASHINGTON, D. C., May 14, 1898. Dear Sir, - I have to acknowledge the receipt of your telegram of the I3th, requesting me to furnish you, in detail, by mail, with suggestions in relation to the equipping and supplying of a hospital ship. This is an undertaking which requires a great deal of personal attention. I have therefore requested the Secretary of the Navy to detail Surgeon Charles A. Siegfried, now on duty at the Torpedo Station, Newport, R. I., to confer with you, as the representative of this Bureau, in relation to the subject. I have sent Surgeon Siegfried the plans and modifications necessary for a hospital ship, and have previously conferred with him in relation to the general subject, so that he is fully aware of the views and plans of the Bureau. You will find him a courteous and intelligent gentleman, well.versed in sanitary science, and one who has given. a great deal of attention to the subject of the care and transportation of wounded in battle. I trust that you may be able to obtain from him all the information you may require. Very respectfully, W. K. VAN REYPEN, Surgeon-General U. S. N. HON. E. B. HAYES, Secretary Massachusetts Volunteer Aid A ssociation, State House, Boston, Mass. Dr. Siegfried came to Boston, and the results of his competent and careful advice, made doubly valuable by his long experience in naval affairs, and especially by his professional knowledge of climatic conditions in the tropics, gave to the officers the intelligent understanding which they needed of the work which a hospital ship could do, and the probable expense attending the preparation of one. Mr. Robert M. Burnett was requested by the Executive Committee, of which he was a member, to ascertain if a suitable ship for hospital work could be purchased. Mr. Burnett examined a large number of ships which proved unavailable. A steamship named "Marmion," then at Baltimore, Md., and owned by the Boston Fruit Company, was brought to his attention, and on May 28, in company with Dr. Siegfried, he went to Baltimore to examine it. 64 Massachusetts Volunteer Aid Association. As a result of this examination, the " Marmion " was pronounced a suitable ship for the purposes required, and authority was accordingly given for the purchase of this vessel. On May 31 she passed into the possession of the Association and was ordered to Boston to be fitted out, arriving on June 6. The purchase price was fifty thousand dollars. Up to this time, June i, the funds of the Association had been growing generously, but they had not then nearly mounted to the large figures necessary to meet the cost of both purchase and equipment. Accordingly, in order that the outfitting of the ship might not be retarded, it was thought best by the Committee to ask Gov. Wolcott to purchase the ship for the Association out of the fund of five hundred thousand dollars appropriated in May for war purposes by the Legislature. The following letter was sent to Gov. Wolcott by the Chairman, Mr. Eben S. Draper, of Hopedale: - BOSTON, June 3, I898. To His EXCELLENCY ROGER WOLCOIT, GOVERNOR: Dear Sir, - The Executive Committee of the Massachusetts Volunteer Aid Association has given much time and thought to the best manner of supplying our soldiers and sailors in the service of the United States Government with such supplies as may be necessary to their welfare and comfort during their arduous service in the army and navy. A great many suggestions have been made to us which we have considered, but one which commends itself most to our judgment has been that we should procure and properly equip a steamer which could carry supplies of all kinds to the men in the field, and also serve in some sense as a hospital ship, and as a transport for invalid men either from the battlefields in Cuba or from Southern or West Indian ports to hospitals or refuge further North. Through members of our Committee we have examined various ships, and have found most of them that we have looked at to be unsuited for various reasons to this purpose. We have, however, found one ship, "Marmion" by name, which has been plying to and from the West Indian ports, which, with a reasonable expenditure for alterations, we believe would suit our purposes. The company owning this ship has offered to sell her to us at an extremely low The Hospital Ship "Bay State." price, viz.: $50,000, and has further agreed to be bidders for her after our use if we will alter her back into substantially the same condition in which we take her. Of course we should have to pay a substantial sum for a charter price, and the expenses of running her, including crew, coal, etc., would be large. Beyond this we should have to furnish a large amount of supplies to be delivered to our soldiers and sailors. All these expenses will be very considerable. We.were inclined to charter a ship rather than to think of buying one, but under the war conditions existing, the owners refused to charter their ships. It would therefore be necessary for this Association to pay the amount of the purchase price on taking possession of the ship. This amount, as we said before, is $50,000, and we can think of no better way that Massachusetts could loan money than by aiding her soldiers and sailors engaged in the war. When I say loan money, I mean that we consider it a loan, because in case the ship is not wrecked or destroyed, the money furnished would be returned to the State after the war is over. The State would, of course, run the risk of losing the money it paid for the ship in case she would be destroyed or captured. We feel sure, if this money can be furnished to us by the State for the purchase of a ship, that through the voluntary contributions of-the patriotic people of Massachusetts we can equip and run her and furnish supplies of all kinds to our men engaged in the war. It might be necessary for us to fly the Red Cross flag to protect us and to give us an opportunity to do much good in the most efficient way. We should, under these circumstances, be debarred from carrying anything except sick men and supplies for the sick, and should, of course, live strictly up to these requirements. We have been informed, on what we consider the best authority, that what would do more good than anything else to our sick men in the Southern climates would be the furnishing of good, wholesome, fresh food. One part of the equipment of this ship would be an ice machine -and a cold storage room, so that we could carry all sorts of fresh supplies direct to the men in the field. It would be at times impossible for us to ship anything of this kind over 66 Massachusetts Volunteer Aid A ssociation. the railroad or by express companies, and have it delivered fresh to our soldiers and sailors, but by the aid of this ship we could do this work, and, in addition, rescue the sick and the suffering, and bring them to hospitals near their homes. We believe that'.there is no better method of aiding our volunteers than this, and we further believe that there is no nobler work in which the State of Massachusetts can employ itself than in assisting this enterprise. We therefore ask of the State the sum of $50,000 to be used for the purpose stated above.. D, C.. EBEN S. DRAPER, Chairman.. Gov. Wolcott deemed it expedient, before complying with this request, to obtain express authority from the Legislature for this expenditure, his reason being that when the appropriation of five hundred thousand dollars was passed, no definite consideration of a hospital ship had arisen, and that, therefore, in appropriating that sum the Legislature could not have anticipated the use of any part of the money for the purpose of buying such a ship. He deemed it wise, therefore, to send a special message to the Legislature setting forth the purpose of the hospital ship, and requesting that he be given authority to advance the purchase money out of his appropriation. His message was sent June 6, and reads as follows: - "To the Senate and House: "I ask the careful consideration of your honorable bodies of a communication transmitted herewith from the Chairman of the Executive Committee of the Massachusetts Volunteer Aid Association, regarding the' purchase and equipment of a vessel to act as a relief and hospital ship to our soldiers in the service of the United States, and requesting that the Commonwealth purchase a vessel for the above purpose, the cost thereof to be returned wholly or in part to the treasury of the Commonwealth at the close of the war unless circumstances which do not now seem probable intervene to make this impossible. "The plan presented in this communication has received the X approval of United States officers and is in my opinion deserving of favorable consideration." ............... x7D j ~ On............. I IV The Hospital Ship "Bay State." 67 The message of the Governor was referred to the Committee on Ways and Means, which committee reported, "No legislation necessary," upon the ground that they considered that the Governor already had full authority to take action in the matter. The Governor still deemed it inexpedient to act without the consent of the Legislature, and in accordance with his wishes the following Resolve was passed by both branches of the Legislature unanimously: - "Resolved, That the Governor is hereby authorized in his discretion, to expend from any appropriation heretofore made at the present session of the General Court, and to be expended under the direction of the Commander-in-Chief for.Military and Naval expenses, a sum not exceeding fifty thousand dollars, to purchase, for the use of the Massachusetts Volunteer Aid Association, a suitable steamer to be used for hospital purposes during the present war, said steamer to be sold after the declaration of peace, and the proceeds thereof to be paid into the Treasury of the Commonwealth." This Resolve was immediately signed by His Excellency, the Governor, and thus became a law on June 23. On June 7, the day after the arrival of the ship in Boston, a committee, consisting of Messrs. Robert M. Burnett, Elihu B. Hayes, and George v. L. Meyer, was appointed to have charge of the preparation of the hospital ship. Under the direction of this committee the preliminary work of transforming the fruitjsteamer into a hospital ship was at once entered upon at the Atlantic'Works, East Boston. As the work upon the ship increased in magnitude, and as the demands upon this committee became more numerous and exacting, the Executive Committee voted on June 27 to appoint a Board of Control to have full charge of all contracts and all other matters connected with the equipment, supply, and control of the ship. The Board of Control consisted of Messrs. Robert M. Burnett, Henry L. Higginson, and Dr. Herbert L. Burrell. As Dr. Burrell was suddenly called to Europe upon urgent business, during the progress of the ship's preparation, Dr. Edward H. Bradford was chosen to act as a member of the Board of Control during the former's absence. 68 Massachusetts (Vlunteec Aid Association. The steamship "Marmion," when.purchased, was sailing under a British register. A ship cannot be transferred in time of war from a neutral power to one engaged in hostilities, and therefore it became necessary that the ship " Marmion " should be transferred to the possession of some individual in this country before it could be legally transferred to the State. Mr. Robert M. Burnett and Mr. Henry L. Higginson of the Executive Committee acted as representatives of the Association in this transaction, and the ship was transferred to them on June 2I, and from them transferred to the ownership of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. In the preparation of the ship for the work which it was to perform, the Board of Control gave careful thought to the details. In the mechanical as well as in the medical outfitting of the hospital portion of the ship, the aid of many of the ablest experts in these departments in the State was enlisted. Medical committees composed of from three to five members each were appointed by Dr. Burrell, and these committees investigated and reported upon the varied kinds of hospital equipments and apparatus required. Each of these sub-committees did its particular investigation regarding the quantities and the most suitable kind of the needed supplies, and reported the results to the Board of Control for their information and guidance. There were twenty-five of these sub-committees at work during the ship's preparation, and the information which they were able to give to the Board of Control was of the greatest importance and assisted materially in the solving of many difficult problems. The committees and the subjects with which they had to deal were as follows: Committee on Instruments and X-Ray,4ppa atlus. —Drs. A. T. Cabot, F. H. Williams, Homer Gage, and E. A. Codman. Committee on Sterilization of Surgical Materials. - Drs. M. H. Richardson, W. P. Bolles, and Farrar Cobb. Committee on Clinical Laboratory. - Drs. H. P. Walcott, W. T. Councilman, and J. T. Bottomley. Committee on Photographs. - Drs. E. A. Codman and J. Bapst Blake. Committee on Surgical Apparatus.- Drs. W. M. Conant, H. W. Cushing, and C. F. Painter. The Hospital Ship 'Bay State." 69 Committee on Equipment of Medicines.-Gen. R. A. Blood, Dr. W. L. Richardson, and Mr. Charles A. Clough. Committee on Water and Ice Supply. —Drs. H. C. Ernst, S. W. Abbott, and Charles Harrington. Committee on Equipment of Vessel. —Drs. E. H. Bradford, H. L. Burrell, F. G. Balch, Paul 'horndike, E. G. Brackett, J. W. Bartol, and Mr. T. J. Manahan. Committee on Nurses. - Dr. Grace Wolcott. Committee on Equipment of Railroad Trains. - Drs. John Hoinans, Charles Williams, Lincoln R. Stone, and Melville E. Webb. Committee on Food Supplies. -Drs. G. H. M. Rowe, John Gray Park, and Mrs. Ellen H. Richards. Committee on Yellow Fever. - Drs. C. F. Folsom, G. A. Durgin, and J. H. Wright. Committee on Dysentery.- Drs. F. C. Shattuck, C. F. Withington, and W. T. Councilman. Committee on Typhoid Fever. - Drs. G. B. Shattuck, E. G. Cutler, and Richard Cabot. Committee on Cholera. — Drs. S. H. Durgin and S, W. Abbott. Committee on Smallpox. - Drs. J. H. McCollom and T. B. Shea. Committee on Ophthalmic Diseases. - Drs. C. F. Wadsworth and Myles Standish. Committee on System of Records for Patients.- Drs. R. H. Fitz, George G. Sears, Henry Jackson, and John Dane. Committee on Accounts of Distribution of Supplies. - Dr. IW. N. Bullard, Mr. Henley Luce, and Dr. George H. Monks. Committee on Tents. - Drs. Myles Standish and G. H. M. Rowe. Committee on Uniforms. - Drs. C. M. Green, Abner Post, and MrW. W. Churchill. Committee on Medical Inspection of Camps and Distribution of Supplies to Troops. - Gen. R. A. Blood, Drs. Morton, Prince, and Myles Standish. Committee on Ventilation and Electric Lights. - Prof. W. T. Sedgwick, Mr. E. M. Wheelwright, Dr. Charles Harrington, Mr. Charles F. Adams, 2d, and Prof. I. N. Hollis. Committee to arrange the Detail of Life aboard Ship. - Dr. E. H. Bradford, Prof. I. N. Hollis, and Dr. Myles Standish. 70 0Massachusetis Volunteer Aid Association. Committee on Equipment of a Relief Station. - Drs. C. Ellery Stedman, R. W. Greenleaf, and Mr. Robert M. Burnett. While the work of preparing the ship was- busily progressing, it became necessary that a representative of the Association should confer with the authorities at Washington, and secure the consent of the President and the Secretary of the Navy for the ship to fly the Red Cross flag, in accordance with the regulation imposed by the Geneva International Convention of i868. Article XIII. (concerning the marine) of the rules promulgated by the Geneva (Red Cross) Convention, and adopted by the United States relating to the government of hospital ships equipped at the expense of aid societies, reads as follows: — "The hospital ships which are equipped at the expense of the aid societies, recognized by the governments signing this convention, and which are furnished with a commission emanating from the sovereign, who shall have given express authority for their being fitted out, and with a certificate from the proper naval authority that they have been placed under his control during their fitting out and on their final departure, and that they were then appropriated solely to the purpose of their mission, shall be considered neutral, as well as the whole of their staff. They shall be recognized and protected by the belligerents. " They shall make themselves known by hoisting, together with their national flag, the white flag with a red cross. The distinctive mark of their staff, while performing their duties, shall be an armlet of the same colors. The outer painting of these ships shall be white with red strake. " These ships shall bear aid and assistance to the wounded and wrecked belligerents, without distinction of nationality. " They must take care not to interfere in any way with the movements of the combatants. During and after the battle they must do their duty at their own risk and peril. " The belligerents shall have the right of controlling and visiting them; they will be at liberty to refuse their assistance, to order them to depart, and to detain them if the exigencies of the case require such a step. The Hospital Ship "Bay State." 7I "The wounded and wrecked picked up by these ships cannot be reclaimed by either of the combatants, and they will be required not to serve during the continuance of the war." Hon. Sherman Hoar represented the Association in this work at the Capitol, and to his energetic efforts is due the successful completion of the many details in this official connection. The Government recognized the work of the Association, and approved heartily of its plans for outfitting and operating a hospital ship. Every courtesy was shown Mr. Hoar by the officials at Washington, and on June 23 the commission of the ship was duly signed by President McKinley and countersigned by Hon. John D. Long, Secretary of the Navy. THE COMMIISSION WITNESSETH: That the Massachusetts Volunteer Aid Association hereby is recognized by the Government of the United States of America as an aid society within the terms of Article XIII. of the Geneva (Red Cross) Convention, during the pending war between the United States of America and the kingdom of Spain; that said Association hereby is expressly authorized to fit out and equip, at its own expense, a hospital ship for all the purposes of such a ship during said war, said ship to be named the " Bay State "; and that C. A. Siegfried, Medical Inspector of the United States Navy, hereby is authorized to have control of said hospital ship during her fitting out and on her final departure, and to issue his certificate as the proper naval authority under Article XIII. of the Geneva (Red Cross) Convention, aforesaid, that she had been so placed under his control, and that she is then appropriated solely to the purposes of her mission. Given under my hand at WashingBy the President ton this twenty-third day of June, in the year of our Lord, one thousand JOHN D. LONG, eight hundred and ninety-eight, and Secretary of the Navy. in the 122d year of the Independence of the United States. WILLIAM MCKINLEY. 72 7Massachusetts Volunteer Aid Association. Before the departure of the " Bay State" upon its first trip, letters from Secretary of the Navy, John D. Long, and Secretary of War, Russell A. Alger, were received, lending official sanction to the ship's mission,.and granting it the co-operation of the navy and army in obtaining coaling privileges and other official assistance when needed. Secretary Long's letter is as follows: — NAVY DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, D. C., July 22, 1898. Sir, - The hospital ship " Bay State " has been fitted out by the Massachusetts Volunteer Aid Association, and has been commissioned by the United States Government, under the international' Red Cross Convention. The purpose of the ship, under the direction of its surgeon superintendent, Dr. H. L. Burrell, is to aid the medical authorities of the army and navy of the United States in caring for the sick and wounded soldiers and sailors. You are directed to aid and assist the authorities of the "Bay State" so far as practicable. When they need coal and cannot otherwise obtain it, you are authorized to supply it, if it can be spared, taking a receipt in duplicate for the amount, and cash or draft on Lee, Higginson and Co., of Boston, in payment. Very respectfully, JOHN D. LONG, Secretary. To COMMANDING OFFICERS OF UNITED STATES SQUADRONS AND VESSELS. Secretary Alger's letter was addressed to army officers and was identical in wording with that of Secretary Long, with the exception of the paragraph relating to coal,.which was omitted. Letters of introduction were also provided the surgeon-superintendent as follows: NAVY DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, D. C., July 22, I898. Dear Doctor, - Permit me to introduce Dr. H. L. Burrell, Surgeon-Superintendent of the Massachusetts Aid Society Hospital Ship "Bay State." He goes in charge of the " Bay State " to care for any sick or wounded of the Army or Navy. The Hospital Ship "Bay State." 73 I hope you will extend him all the facilities in your power toward the accomplishment of his good work. Yours very truly, W. K. VAN REYPEN, Surgeon-General, U. S. Navy. C. M. GRAVATTr, U. S. N., FZeet-Surgeon, U. S. Flagship "New York." WAR DEPARTMENT. SURGEON-GENERAL'S OFFICE, WASHINGTON, Aug. 2, 1898. To THE OFFICERS OF THE MEDICAL DEPARTMENT, U. S. A.: Gentlemen, - The Hospital Ship "Bay State," having been equipped and fitted out by the Massachusetts Volunteer Aid Association, is in charge of the Surgeon-Superintendent, Dr. Herbert L. Burrell, and I have requested him to render such supplementary aid and assistance to you as may be required. Very truly yours, GEORGE M. STERNBERG, Surgeon- General U. S. A. Dr. Herbert L. Burrell was designated by the Board of Control as Surgeon Superintendent of the ship to act as sole representative of the Massachusetts Volunteer Aid Association, and to have full and 'unlimited authority in every matter connected with the vessel and its work as soon as she was completed and ready for sea. The selection of the medical officers of the ship, the corps of female nurses and baymen, as well as the ship's officers and crew, was a matter which demanded much careful attention. As finally made up the roster of the ship's company was as follows: - Medical Department. - Surgeon-superintendent, Dr. Herbert L. Burrell; first surgeon, Dr.E. A. Crockett; second surgeon, Dr. J. T. Bottomley; purser, Mr. W. H. Seabury; first assistant surgeon, Mr. T. J. Manahan; second assistant surgeon, Mr. C. L. Spaulding. Nurses. - Head nurse, Miss C. W. Cayford; Miss Janet Anderson, 74 Massachusetts Volunteer Aid Association. Miss Muriel G. Gait, Miss Anna M. Blair, Miss Sadie Parsons, Miss. Sarah Fraser. Baymen. - S. Hooker, F. P. Droese, L. L. Kemp, W. F. Lyford,. Peter Salveson, N. E. Nichols. Navigation Department. - Deck Department, P. F. Butman, master; Charles Clare, first officer; William M. Swasey, second officer. Quartermasters. - Solomon Bateman, George A. Gridley. Boatswain. - Charles Brown. Seamen. - William Offenberg, Harry Soutter, William A. Green,. James Galligan. Engineer Department. - Charles Lindgren, chief engineer; H. Kelly, first assistant; G. Anderson, second assistant. Oilers. - Joseph Witzel, C. Keating, J. E. Born. Firemen. - Joseph Fitzgerald, George Wiley, Thomas Norton, F. Flack, N. Carroll. Steward's Department.- F. J. Leonard, steward; Louis Greaty, cook; William Gardner, second cook. Waiters.- E. McApee, Harry Lepagle, Thomas Cronin, and a mess boy. The Association was most fortunate in the personnel of those who were selected for this work. Dr. Herbert L. Burrell, the Surgeon Superintendent, from the inception of the plan for fitting out the ship, gave to the matter his undivided attention. To his energy, foresight, and complete knowledge of every detail, is due, more than to any other one man, the success of the ship. The assistants of the surgeon superintendent were young, courageous, and energetic physicians of high standing. They gave to this work their enthusiastic co-operation, not only in the care of their patients during the ship's service, but in overseeing the work of its preparation under the hands of carpenters, plumbers, machinists, and electricians. The perfection of the details of the medical department of the ship is due in no small measure to their excellent judgment and to their generous expenditure of time and energy during the reconstruction of the ship. Capt. Percival F. Butman, the master and navigator of the ship, brought to his position an extensive knowledge of seamanship combined The Hospital Ship "Bay State." 75 with good judgment and an affable disposition. By his ready cooperation in the purpose of the hospital ship he contributed in no small degree to the splendid results attained. When the Atlantic Works Company was ready to pronounce its part of the work completed, the fruit steamer " Marmion" was wholly unrecognizable in the new, spotless "Bay State." From stem to stern she shone with cleanliness, and every nook and corner reflected the care and attention which had been lavished upon her. Every available square foot was utilized for some necessary detail of the ship's machinery or of hospital equipment. The whole ship, even to the remotest corner, was lighted by incandescent lamps, and every portion of the craft was insured excellent ventilation by means of a specially devised system and by electric fans conveniently distributed about the ship. The plant for manufacturing ice was the special gift of Mrs. Warren B. Potter of Boston, and rendered a service that was invaluable. Other special gifts were: steam launch, Lowell Branch of the M. V. A. A.; X-ray apparatus, Arlington Branch, M. V. A. A.; electric fans, Lend-a-Hand Society, also from contributions made through Mrs. Nathaniel Thayer; steam fan exhauster, Chestnut Hill Branch, M. V. A. A.; surgical instruments, Mrs. Robert Sturgis; Gegenstrom hot water apparatus, Springfield Branch, M. V. A. A.; table furnishings, Natick Branch, M. V. A. A.; furnishings and materials for clinical laboratory, Springfield Branch, M. V. A. A.; laundry bags, Ipswich Branch, M. V. A. A.; curtains for stateroom windows, Miss Alice S. Clement; life boats and life raft, Boston Humane Society; white rubber sheets, Lowell Branch, M. V. A. A.; cases for surgeons' instruments, M. S. Dillingham; nurses' aprons, Miss Hayward, Readville; air mattresses and pillows, Mrs. Nathaniel Thayer; soda water apparatus, Dr. Gorham Bacon, New York; photographic material, Horgan, Robey & Co., Boston; water filters, Boston Water Filter Company; hardware, Dana Hardware Company, Boston; chairs, E. J. Prescott of Kennebunk, Me.; ginger ale, Otis S. Neale & Co.: oxygen in tanks, American Oxygen Company; sterilizing apparatus, Milton Branch, M. V. A. A.; water sterilizer, ladies of Wellesley; one barrel sulpho-napthol, Samuel Cabot; clinical thermometers, The Randall-Faichney Company, Boston; oakum, Sewell & Day Cordage e 76 Massachusetts Volunteer Aid Association. Company; hydrogen dioxide, Oakland Chemical Company, New York; Mellin's food, Mellin's Food Company, Boston; beef extract and invalid's food, John Wyeth & Bro., Philadelphia; cologne, Jamaica ginger, etc., Robert M. Burnett; reagents and apparatus for water analysis, Dr. Charles Harrington, Boston; linen surgeons' gowns, Miss Swanton, Medfield; music box, Fred L. Wheeler; Red Cross flags, A. Shuman & Co. Messrs. R. Brine & Company, teamsters, gratuitously transported the immense amount of supplies from the storehouse of the Association to the ship when she was preparing for her first voyage, and the Merchants and Miners Transportation Company, through Mr. Ellerton P. Whitney, offered the ship wharfage facilities at Savannah, Ga., should she enter that port. The library of two hundred and seventy-two volumes, which were selected and prepared in a most thorough and painstaking manner by Librarian Putnam, of the Boston Public Library, and his assistant librarian, was also among the ship's special and valuable gifts. The preparation of the ship was practically accomplished on Aug. 6, and on that day it was officially inspected by Dr. C. A. Siegfried, U. S. N. He had been commissioned by the President to make this inspection as well as to superintend the work on the vessel while in progress. Dr. Siegfried pronounced everything about the ship in a perfect condition, and when he had signed and delivered his official certificate as to her fitness, the hospital ship "Bay State" became thereby officially authorized to sail under the international Red Cross regulations and protection. CERTIFICATE OF INSPECTION. By virtue of the authority vested in me by the President of the United States of America, and the Honorable Secretary of the Navy, I have the honor to certify that, after due inspection and full knowledge, the Hospital and Ambulance Ship "Bay State," equipped and maintained at the expense of the Massachusetts Volunteer Aid Association, of the State of Massachusetts, has fulfilled every requirement and obligation in her equipment, stores, and personnel, of the Geneva (Red Cross) Convention (Art. XIII. ~M FORWARD WARD SHOWING TWO TIERS AND THREE TIERS OF BIERTHN& HOSPITAL SHHIP"A &HATdim ~ 7he Hospital Ship 'Bay State.' 77 concerning the Marine); and that she is entitled to all the privileges, protection, and neutrality accorded to hospital ships under that international agreement. C. A. SIEGFRIED, Medical Inspector, United States Navy. BOSTON, MASS., Aug. 6, i898. The work of Dr. Siegfried in connection with the hospital ship " Bay State " was most gratefully appreciated by the members of the Executive Committee. His advice was always of great value, and the Committee, desiring to express its high regard for his ability, and for the assistance which he rendered the Association, passed the following resolution, which was sent to the Secretary of the Navy to be filed in the office of the Navy Department at Washington - "Resolved, That the Massachusetts Volunteer Aid Association, through its Executive Committee, desires to express its appreciation of the valuable services of Dr. C. A. Siegfried in fitting out the hospital ship 'Bay State.' His knowledge of details and his thorough system of investigating all questions concerning the proper equipment of this hospital ship were of great and indispensable service to this organization. " 'he Executive Committee desires to express its thanks to the United States Navy Department for detailing such a competent and courteous gentleman to assist it in this work." The finishing touches upon the ship having been made by the mechanics and painters, at five. o'clock in the afternoon of Saturday, Aug. 6, the "Bay State " left the Atlantic Works wharf, at East Boston, in tow, and started on her errand of mercy. As she passed down the harbor, with the emblem of her mission, the Red Cross flag, flying from her foremast, the white standard of the Commonwealth flying at the main, and Old Glory snapping in the breeze at the stern, with her white hull glistening in the bright sunlight, and the red band drawn about her sides, typifying the work of humanity upon which she was engaged, the " Bay State " was greeted with salutes of flags and whistles from scores of crafts which bade her godspeed. 78 Massachusetts Volunteer Aid Association. She passed out into the lower harbor, where she laid for a short time until the few details, which it was impossible to adjust at the wharf, had been attended to, and then sailed for the South. She first touched at Port Antonio, Jamaica, on Monday, Aug. I5. Here Dr. Burrell received information as to the place where the services of the ship were most needed, and on Saturday, Aug. 20, she arrived at Santiago. At Santiago the " Bay State" took on board one hundred and one sick men of the Second and Ninth Massachusetts regiments, and sailed for Boston, Thursday, Aug. 25. One of the sick soldiers died on shipboard before the ship left Santiago, and his body was taken ashore and buried there. One other death occurred on board the ship on her way North, and the soldier who thus died was buried at sea. The hospital ship arrived in Boston on Tuesday, Aug. 3o, and the ninetynine sick men were transferred to the hospitals. Preparations were at once made for a second trip. New supplies were taken on board, and the "Bay State" sailed from Boston on her second trip on Monday, Sept. 5. She reached Ponce, Porto Rico, on Tuesday, Sept. 13. From Ponce she went along the coast to Arecibo, and here she took on board one hundred men of the Sixth Massachusetts regiment, who had been brought down to the coast from the camp hospital of that regiment at Utuado. The ship sailed for home on Wednesday, Sept. 21, and arrived safely on Tuesday, Sept. 27, with every man alive, and nearly every one showing a marked improvement, owing to the tonic imparted by the sea voyage as well as to the excellent care bestowed upon them by the officers of the ship. On this trip Dr. J. Booth Clarkson, medical agent of the Association, was taken to Porto Rico, and, together with two female nurses and two male nurses, was left at Arecibo to assist in taking care of the sick soldiers of the Sixth Massachusetts. While the ship lay in the harbor of Ponce, on the I5th of September, a fire broke out on the schooner "Bertram N. White," which was lying near by. The officers and crew of the "Bay State " immediately went to the rescue, the pumps were manned, and in a remarkably short space of time, had streams of water playing on the burning vessel, and succeeded in extinguishing the flames. The Boston 'agents of the schooner, in acknowledging the services rendered by the " Bay State," sent the following letter of thanks: The Hospital ShA "Bay State." 79 In behalf of the master and owners of the schooner "Bertram N. White," Messrs. John S. Emery & Co., agents of the vessel in this city, desire to tender thanks to Capt. Percival F. Butman, First Officer William M. Swasey, and crew of the Massachusetts Volunteer Aid Association's steamer "Bay State," for prompt and successful efforts in extinguishing what threatened to be a very serious fire on board, at Ponce, Porto Rico, early on the morning of the s5th inst. BOSTON, Sept. 28, I898. Upon the arrival of the "Bay State" from her second trip, and during the preparations for the next trip to Porto Rico, there was evinced a widespread desire on the part of the relatives and friends of the members of the Sixth Massachusetts Regiment located on that island, to send boxes of food, wearing apparel, and other remembrances from home to the men in the field. Notice was given in the press that supplies from home would be taken on the ship on her third trip,.and that Dr. Burrell would attend to their distribution upon his arrival at Porto Rico. The response was immediate and voluminous. For several days previous to the sailing of the " Bay State," the boxes of good things for the men of the Sixth Regiment arrived by the score. Boxes of every conceivable size and shape, barrels, and bundles were sent to the storehouse and from there were forwarded to the ship. Three hundred and fifty parcels were taken in all, and the Association received the warmest thanks for the privilege, from those thus given an opportunity of sending comforts to the soldiers. The " Bay State" sailed on her third and last trip on Wednesday, Oct. 5. A few changes in the official staff of the ship were made necessary by the inability of Dr. Eugene A. Crockett and Purser William H. Seabury to go. Accordingly the medical staff was made up as follows:Surgeon Superintendent... DR. HERBERT L. BURRELL. 2d Surgeon..... DR. J. T. BOTTOMLY. sst Assistant Surgeon and Purser. DR. T. J. MANAHAN. 2d Assistant Surgeon... DR. C. S. SPAULDING. Pathologist..... DR. RICHARD C. CABOT. ' ' 8o Maissachusetts Volunteer Aid Association. A change was also made in the engineering department, Mr. J. Long going as Chief Engineer in place of Mr. Charles Lindergren. At the request of Surgeon-General Sternberg the Association sent to Porto Rico on the " Bay State," on Oct. 5, six female nurses for service with the troops there. These nurses were secured by Dr. Bradford upon receipt of the Surgeon-General's request, and contracts for their services were duly made out and forwarded to Washington. The nurses who went were: Mary B. Hall, Mary C. Stewart, Ella A. Starkweather, Mary A. Gallagher, of Boston; Miss J. H. Fisher, of Watertown; Julia A. C. Jackson, of Lowell. The ship sailed from Guinica, Porto Rico, on her. homeward journey on Saturday, Oct. 22. She took on board one hundred and fifteen men belonging to the Sixth Massachusetts Regiment, nineteen men of the First Regiment United States Volunteer Engineers, and one private belonging to the Fifth United States Artillery, a total of one hundred and thirty-five men. 'wo men belonging to the Sixth Regiment died on the trip, one being buried at sea and the remains of the other being brought home to Massachusetts. Boston was reached on Friday, Oct. 28, and the sick men were sent to the hospitals or furloughed to their homes. After the "Bay State " had returned from her third trip to the West Indies, in the light of the fact that the war was ended, and that nearly every one of the Massachusetts soldiers had been brought back to the United States from Cuba and Porto Rico, the Committee decided that the Massachusetts Volunteer Aid Association had no further need for a hospital ship. Early in October it was voted to ascertain if the United States Government would purchase the ship. On Oct. i I a committee, consisting of the Chairman, Mr. Eben S. Draper, the Secretary, Mr. Elihu B. Hayes, and Mr. James T. Boyd, Consulting Engineer of the Atlantic Works, was sent to Washington to consult with the officials of the Government regarding the sale of the " Bay State." On Oct. 13 this committee had an interview with Secretary of War Alger and Surgeon-General Sternberg of the War Department. To these officials the ship was offered for sale, and the proposition was received with favor and with assurances of the appreciation on the part _r The Hospital Ship "Bay State." 8i of the authorities of the assistance which had been rendered by the Association during the war with Spain. A price for the ship was set at one hundred thousand dollars, the cost of ship and fitting being one hundred and seventy-five thousand dollars, and Secretary Alger expressed his deep sense of appreciation of the action of the Association in offering the ship at such a low price to the Government. Two expert engineers, representing the War Department, Mr. George Clark and Mr. Frank E. Kirby, were detailed to make an official inspection of the ship. Upon receipt of their report the offer of the Association was accepted by the War Department, and on Nov. i the transaction was consummated, the legal papers of transfer passed, and the ship became the property of the United States Government. In the transfer of the ship to the Government the Treasurer of the Association, Mr. Henry L. Higginson, acted as the Trustee of,the Association. He received from the Commonwealth, in whose name the title of the ship rested, a legal transfer in behalf of the Association, and then in turn transferred the title to the Government. The Association returned to the Commonwealth the sum of fifty thousand dollars, which had been advanced as the purchase price of the ship in June, and the balance of the selling price to the Government ($50,000) was turned into the treasury of the Association. CARE OF RETURNING SICK SOLDIERS. THE State of Massachusetts loyally sent her brave sons at the call of the President to uphold the honor of the country, and then, when her soldiers had performed their duty and were sent home wounded and sick, she welcomed them with tender solicitude, and through the agency of the Massachusetts Volunteer Aid Association ministered to their wants. Into every camp and into every hospital where soldiers were located, in all parts of the country, the Association went in search of the boys belonging to Massachusetts, and, whenever their physical condition warranted it, assisted them to return home that they might regain their health amid familiar scenes and among friends and relatives. The preparations for receiving the returning sick and wounded soldiers were made in June, before the actual fighting had begun. The officers of the Association realized the coming. need of hospital accommodations for the returning men, and Dr. Edward H. Bradford of Boston zealously undertook the work of ascertaining the number of men who could be received into the hospitals in and about Boston, as well as in the cities and larger towns throughout the State. To the thoroughness of Dr. Bradford's preparations, is due the great success which attended this work. Statements were secured from all the hospitals showing their capacity and the number of cases they each could receive upon a few hours' notice. With this information in hand, Dr. Bradford was enabled to tell at a glance just where the sick soldiers could be taken care of and how many he could send to each hospital. The first to come home arrived on Aug. 4, and consisted of nine men, most of whom were members of the Second Massachusetts Regiment. These men had seen service in Cuba, and almost every one had been wounded in the battle of July i. They had been sent to Care of Returning Sick Soldiers. 83 the hospital at Fort Monroe, Va., and it was here that they were looked up by Hon. Sherman Hoar, who arranged for their furloughs and telegraphed the Association to secure their transportation to Boston. The matter was attended to promptly. They were given transportation through the kindness of the Merchants and Miners Transportation Company on one of their steamships, and arrived in Providence on Aug. 4. Here they were met by the Assistant Secretary, Mr. E. C. Mansfield, who gave them a breakfast at the Narragansett Hotel, and then sent them to their homes by train. The second detail of men came a week later. They came home as did the first by the Merchants and Miners line of steamers, were met at Providence, R. I., by Mr. Mansfield, and were given transportation to their homes. Fifteen men of the Second and Ninth Massachusetts regiments comoosed this party, and while some of them were still extremely weak, the larger number were rapidly recovering from the effects of their wounds and sickness. On Aug. 23 the United States hospital ship "Olivette " arrived in Boston with one hundred and sixty-five men. The "Olivette" had been sent home from Santiago on Aug. I5 with sick men from the division hospitals who were too sick to return with their respective regiments. The ship stopped at Hampton Roads, and finding the hospitals at Fort Monroe over-crowded, continued on to Montauk Point. Here the same conditions prevailed, and the Surgeon-General of the army telegraphed to the Association asking if the men on board could be taken care of in Boston hospitals. An affirmative reply was at once sent him and the ship came to Boston. Upon her arrival the ambulances of the various hospitals, together with those belonging to the Police Department, were called into requisition, and were on hand upon the arrival of the ship at Lewis Wharf. A detail of police of the city of Boston kept at a distance the large number of interested persons who were attracted to the wharf by the arrival of the sick soldiers, and gave ample room for the careful handling of the men. A detail from the Ambulance Corps, M. V. M., reported for duty under command of Sergt. Gibson, and rendered effective service in aiding the weak men to disembark as well as in bearing the litters upon which lay those too ill to walk. 84 Massachusetts Volunteet Aid Association. The disembarkation of the sick soldiers was accomplished without friction and with despatch. Dr. Bradford was in charge of the work and he had as assistants Drs. F. S. Balch, J. Babst Blake, and Paul Thorndike. As fast as the men came ashore, a ticket was placed in each one's hand, giving a number and the name of the hospital to which they were to go. They were then placed in the ambulances or given seats in the coaches provided for those who were able to sit up, and were driven to the hospital to which they had been assigned. The landing of the one hundred and sixty-five soldiers was accomplished without confusion, and they were given every attention and care by the representatives of the Association. The men landed from the "Olivette" belonged to many different regiments, some being members of Massachusetts regiments, others coming from regiments of volunteers in various States, and mingled with these were regulars belonging to the standing army of the United States. Massachusetts greeted each and every one and gave to them all a warm welcome and tender care. The hospital ship " Bay State " arrived in Boston from her first trip from Santiago Aug. 30. Her departure from Santiago had been cabled, and accordingly her arrival was looked for within a certain time. As soon as the ship arrived at the Quarantine Station in Boston Harbor, the hospitals were notified, the ambulances and carriages ordered to report, and everything was made ready for the reception of the sick soldiers who were on board. The ship was given a berth at Lewis Wharf, and the landing of the sick men was immediately begun. The same system as that used upon the arrival of the " Olivette " was used, and again proved most successful. A limited number of the relatives of those who were coming home on the ship were permitted within the limits of the wharf, but even these anxious relatives were obliged to refrain from crowding the physicians and others engaged in the landing of the men. The Ambulance Corps was again of great assistance, and a large detail of police rendered effective service in the process of landing the soldiers. The " Bay State " brought home on this trip ninety-nine sick men belonging to the Second and Ninth Massachusetts volunteer regiments. Early in September a large number of Massachusetts soldiers, prin Care of Returning Sick Soldiers. 85 cipally of the Ninth Regiment, were confined in the over-crowded hospital at Montauk Point, and the Association decided that something should be done to bring them to Boston, where they could receive medical care in the hospitals of the city. Accordingly, the steamer " Lewiston," a side-wheel vessel of ample accommodations, was engaged to go to Montauk Point, take on board the sick men, and bring them to Boston. Dr. Thomas B. Shea, chief medical officer of the Board of Health of the city of Boston, was given charge of the undertaking, and he selected a number of physicians and nurses to accompany him as assistants. A detail of twenty men of the Ambulance Corps, M. V. M., under the command of Capt. Myles Standish, ten of them from Lowell and ten from Boston, went with the vessel to move the sick soldiers, and a number of cooks, waiters, and other help were secured. The steamer was plentifully stocked with supplies necessary for the use of the men on the return trip, and, on Saturday, Sept. 3, she sailed from Boston for Montauk Point. Previous to engaging the vessel, Mr. Robert M. Burnett, who acted for the Association in the negotiations regarding her, caused an inspection to be made of her by the United States inspectors, and she was pronounced seaworthy and in excellent condition. The "Lewiston " was commanded by Capt. Lyman, and in order that there might be no uncertainty in regard to the navigation of the vessel along the coast, a pilot was also engaged. Every precaution was taken by the Association to render the trip a safe and successful one. The " Lewiston " made a rapid and uneventful trip to Camp Wikoff, arriving there Sunday afternoon. Dr. Shea at once reported to Gen. Wheeler, the commander of the camp, stating that he had come to take as many of the sick Massachusetts men as the boat could accommodate. Gen. Wheeler immediately gave him a letter to Col. Forwood, the surgeon in charge of the hospitals, and a tour was made through the camp with a view of selecting the sick soldiers of the Ninth Regiment who would be able to stand the trip, and have a fair chance of recovery after their arrival in Boston. One hundred and thirteen sick soldiers were selected, and with the assistance of the men of the Ambulance Corps and others at the camp, they were taken over 86 Massachusetts Volunteer Aid Association. the road, a distance of two miles, to the pier, and then placed on board the boat. A large number of cots and mattresses were ready for the men in the cabin of the boat, while others were carried into the staterooms, and made comfortable there All were aboard by Monday morning, and about ten o'clock the "Lewiston" started on her homeward journey. As there was little opportunity of obtaining good water and milk at Montauk, the " Lewiston " put into New London for these supplies, which were. secured, and then the start was made for Boston at nearly five o'clock, P. M. Soon after she left New London, the vessel ran into a thick fog, which made it necessary to proceed slowly and cautiously. At a slow rate of speed she steamed along the Rhode Island shore, blowing her whistle and listening for signals at Watch Hill and Point Judith. Watch Hill was passed safely, and the pilot shaped his course to clear, as he supposed, the well-known headland of Point Judith. About 7.50 o'clock, the lookout suddenly reported a white light off the port bow, the next instant he saw a red light on the starboard bow, and then, right ahead, he saw the breakers. Before those on board were able to realize their situation, the steamer crashed into the outer part of the breakwater which had recently been built off Point Judith. This breakwater is made up of massive blocks of rocks, lightered to the spot, and dumped upon the long reef with their jagged points well out of water. The "Lewiston " struck the breakwater head on, and stove a large hole in her bow. The shock of the collision shook the vessel from steni to stern, and for a moment all was confusion and uncertainty on board. Dr. Shea, however, proved equal to the emergency. Assisted by his physicians and two newspaper correspondents, representing the Boston Herald and Globe, who were on board, he quickly went the rounds among the sick men and reassured them as to their safety. This done, it was next in order to ascertain the extent of the injuries to the vessel. Men were lowered over the bow upon the breakwater, and, after their examination, it was decided that it would be impossible to get the vessel off the rocks safely. Hawsers were run out from the stern on each side, and the vessel firmly tied up to the breakwater so that she could not swing about. In the meantime, signals for assistance were given, and soon help arrived. John W. Dale, the Govern Care of Returning Sick Soldiers. 87 ment Inspector of the breakwater, heard the signals of distress, and at once ordered the tug under his charge to the scene. Within a remarkably short.space of time the tug had gotten under way, and had run down to the wreck. A powerful searchlight which the tug carried was turned on tfie wrecked vessel, and her precarious position at once disclosed. In consultation with Dr. Shea, it was decided to convey the sick men by lighter to Newport, and then to carry them to Boston by train. Accordingly a lighter ued in the building of the breakwater was brought near the vessel and, after mattresses and blankets had been placed on board, the transferring of the men from the Lewiston began. By Dr. Shea's orders, a large hole had been cut in the bow of the steamer for the purpose of handing the men out in the easiest possible manner. From this aperture gang planks were run out, and in this way the inconvenience and discomfort of bringing the men on deck and then lowering them over the bow was avoided. As soon as it was decided to send the men to Newport it became necessary to notify the railroad company to have cars in readiness, to secure the police ambulances at Newport, and to notify the hospitals and the officers of the Association at Boston. Two newspaper correspondents, Mr. Julian C. Edgerly, of the Boston Herald, and Mr. Winfield M. Thompson, of the Boston Globe, gladly volunteered to attend to this work. They secured a row boat and went ashore, engaged a team which conveyed them to Narragansett Pier, and from there telegraphed the information of the wreck to the various points it was desired to reach. By ten o'clock every man had been transferred to the lighter, placed on mattresses, and covered with blankets. The men bore the whole heroically; not a man complained, while some even laughed and joked to keep up the spirits of their comrades. The run to Newport was soon accomplished, and just at midnight the tug and the lighter, with its precious load of sick men, were brought up to the pier of the Fall River line. An hour after the arrival of the men at Newport they were placed on board a special train, and at quarter to four o'clock on the morning of Sept. 6 the train started for Boston. At half past five o'clock the Park Square station was reached, and here the train was met by Dr. Bradford, a corps of physicians, and 88 Massachusetts Volunteer Aid Association. a score of ambulances which quickly conveyed the men to the various hospitals. None of the sick men showed any serious results from the exposure'and excitement of the night, although there werea nffmber whose condition was very serious. 4,. The part which Dr. Shea performed in this matter from the departure of the " Lewiston " from Boston, to the safe arrival of the sick soldiers at the Boston hospitals, was that of a brave, self-possessed, and resourceful man. He fulfilled his duties towards the sick men who had been given into his charge, and who were lying helpless in the cabins of the vessel, with a determination and zeal which made him absolute master of the situation. Dr. Bradford recognized his bravery in the following letter addressed to Mayor Quincy:BOSTON, Sept. 7, 1898. HON. JOSIAH QUINCY, MAYOR OF BOSTON: My dear Mr. Quincy, — You may be interested in hearing of the excellent conduct of Dr. Shea of the Board of Health, who volunteered to take charge of the relief ship, "Lewiston," which the Volunteer Aid Association despatched to Montauk to bring off the soldiers of the Ninth Regiment. Not only did he show great promptness and energy in securing the patients and in having them brought properly on the ship; but at the time of the accident to the steamship, as I have learned from others than Dr. Shea (who would be too modest to tell the story himself), he took command of the situation, compelled the crew to behave as they should, landed the soldiers on a lighter, and ordered a special train, and by careful management brought his sick soldiers to town, delivering them in time for their breakfast, six hours ahead of the time they were expected. I do not know that we of the Association can ever thank him for what he has done; but he deserves the gratitude of all the citizens of Boston as well as of the State. Yours very truly, E. H. BRADFORD. The detail from the Ambulance Corps, M. V. M., under the command of Dr. Myles Standish, performed their duties in a manner which 9 FORWARD ARD SHOWING THREE TIES OF BERTH& WITH BERTHS CORDEL BEDSI MADE UPI THILT BAGS AND WASH ASINS N 1POSITIO HOSPAlL4 l..HIP AAA STATEAN ) I i Care of Returning Sick Soldiers. 89 left nothing to be desired. In the face of unknown dangers these men worked courageously and continuously in carrying the sick soldiers from the wrecked vessel, and had it not been for their presence on board and their expert knowledge in the handling of sick men, the task of getting the men away would have been so prolonged as to have intensified the dangers of the situation an hundredfold. The crowded condition of the hospitals at Montauk Point during the early part of September made it necessary for the officials in charge to take some action regarding the transfer of a large number of the sick soldiers to hospitals in neighboring cities and thus give room for the constantly increasing number of arrivals from Cuba. Inquiries were made by the medical officers at Camp Wikoff as to the accommodations which could be afforded by the hospitals in Boston. Assurances were given that several hundred more patients could be accommodated in this city, a much larger number than had already been placed here by the Association. The surgeons in charge at Montauk were asked by the Association to send, if possible, all the Massachusetts men who were able to travel so that they might be taken care of in hospitals near their homes. Upon the receipt of the information asked for, the officials at Montauk sent the hospital ship "Relief" to Boston with two hundred and forty-seven sick soldiers on board. The " Relief " reached Boston on Sept. 13, and the Association was prepared to attend to the landing of the men in the sarme careful and systematic manner which had characterized the disembarkation of the men from the "Bay State" and the " Qlivette." Unfortunately the ship came up to the wharf without waiting at quarantine until arrangements could be perfected for taking care of the sick men. This caused a delay before the ambulances, the police, and the carriages necessary to effect a careful distribution of the men among the hospitals could be gathered together at the wharf. Finally, however, the landing was effected and the men were taken care of in the Boston hospitals. It was hoped that the " Relief" would bring to Boston a large number of the members of the Ninth Regiment who were sick at Montauk, but out of the two hundred and forty-seven sick men landed only seven belonged to Massachusetts regiments. 90 Massachusetts Volunteer Aid Association. On Sept. 14, fifteen men Belonging to the Ninth Massachusetts Regiment, who had been left at Montauk Point with others too ill to be moved before5 were brought home to Boston via New London. They left Camp Wikoff late in the afternoon of the day before in the hospital ambulance steamboat "Shinnecock," and arrived in New London in the evening. Here a special sleeping car, which had been sent to that city from Boston, was in waiting in charge of Mr. Mansfield. The men were quickly put on board the car, were given suitable food, and the car was attached to the New York express arriving in Boston at seven the next morning. Upon their arrival at the Park Square station, the men were placed in ambulances and carriages and conveyed to the hospital. As the train to which the special car was attached arrived at Providence, representatives of the Providence Soldiers' Aid Society distributed hot coffee, milk, and nourishing food among the sick soldiers. This work was performed under the direction of a medical officer representing the society, and was a most welcome and highly appreciated service. On Sept. i6 and Sept. 20, two other parties of sick soldiers were brought from Camp Wikoff by the Association to Boston hospitals. The first lot consisted of fifteen and the second of twelve men. Both of these parties were in the charge of Dr. C. J. Fitzgerald, a young Boston physician who had been engaged in the work at Montauk Point for some weeks. Dr. Fitzgerald gave unremitting care and attention to the men placed in his charge, and brought them through to Boston in a most satisfactory condition. There were brought home on Sept. I5 from the General Hospital at Chickamauga Park, nineteen sick men of the Eighth Massachusetts Regiment. It was learned that nearly forty men of this regiment were at that hospital, and that it would be possible for them to travel if they could be assured of medical care and attention on their homeward journey. Accordingly Dr. J. Babst Blake of Boston was asked to go to Chattanooga, Tenn., arrange for the transportation of the men, and bring them home to Massachusetts. Dr. Blake started on Saturday, Sept. Io, and was accompanied by Drs. George F. Mclntire and H J. Perry. He arrived in the camp on the following Monday, and after Care of Returning Si(k Soldiers. 91 considerable difficulty secured furloughs for eighteen Massachusetts men, placed them on board a special sleeping car, and brought them to Boston, arriving on the evening of the I5th. One other soldier who was picked up at one of the stopping places of the train was also brought home to Massachusetts. Dr. Blake and his assistants gave every possible attention to the men, and performed the work given them to do in a most commendatory manner. So constant were the demands made upon the physicians by the sick soldiers that little sleep was obtained by them from the time they left Chattanooga until they arrived in Boston. They attended to the wants of the men faithfully and conscientiously at a sacrifice of their own personal comfort, and brought them home with no visible ill effects from the journey. As soon as the train arrived in Boston the men were removed to the hospitals in the ambulances and carriages which were in waiting. Eleven sick soldiers belonging'to the Sixth Massachusetts Regiment came to Boston on Sunday, Oct. i6, on board the Merchants and Miners Transportation Company's steamship "Fairfax." They caie in charge of Mr. John T. Burke of Fitchburg, from the Josiah Simpson Hospital at Newport News, Va., and when they arrived were met at the wharf in Boston by representatives of the Association, who supplied the men with overcoats, furnished by Adjt.-Gen. Dalton, and gave them transportation to the railroad station. On Tuesday, Sept. 27, the hospital ship "Bay State" arrived in Boston with one hundred men belonging to the Sixth Regiment from Porto Rico. They were safely landed and sent to the hospitals. On Friday, Oct. 28, the " Bay State " arrived in Boston, after making her third and last voyage to the West Indies. She brought back one hundred and nineteen soldiers of the Sixth Massachusetts, nineteen of the First Regiment Volunteer Engineers, and one regular, or one hundred and thirty-three in all. A number of these men were on furlough and were able to travel to their homes. They were permitted to do so, and in some cases assistance was given in order that they might be able to obtain transportation. A card index was prepared, containing cards upon which were entered the name, company, regiment, rank of the soldier who had 92 Massachusetts Volunteer Aid Association. been brought to Massachusetts through the assistance of the Massachusetts Volunteer Aid Association, together with the route by which he came, whether by rail or by sea, the date of his arrival in Boston, the name of the hospital to which he was sent, the date of discharge from the hospital, and his home address when known. These records have been carefully compiled and present a complete history of each man's reception in Boston, the length of his stay in the hospital, and other facts. The index will be a valuable record for reference in the future. In addition to this Mr. Edward F. McSweeney, the agent of the Association at New York City, compiled the records of every Massachusetts man who came under his notice, or who was- confined in the hospitals of New York or Brooklyn during and after the war. Mr. McSweeney rendered splendid service to the sick soldiers who passed through that city. He not only furnished information regarding the condition of sick soldiers who were confined in hospitals in New York and Brooklyn, but he was frequently called upon to ship home the bodies of deceased soldiers, as well as to relieve the wants of hundreds of Massachusetts soldiers who found themselves without money or friends. Briefly summarized, the number of sick soldiers received by the Massachusetts Volunteer Aid Association appear as follows: - Aug. 4. From Fort Monroe via Providence, R. I... 9 men I II. ' C a at CC (I(;,.. 5 23. Brought by the steamship "Olivette "... i65 30. " " " " Bay State," first trip.... 99 Sept. 6. " on steamer " Lewiston" from Montauk, via Newport, R. I...3 " " 3. " by the hospital ship " Relief"... 247 " " 4. " from Montauk, via New London... I " 16. " " " " New London... 5 " ta 20. st sl t s sC ss i,2 {a " 25. " " Chickamauga Park... 9 "' 27. " by "Bay State," second trip.. oo " Oct. 28. " " " " third trip.. 133 Total...... 938 Ic Care of Returning Sick Soldiers. 93 This does not include a large number of soldiers who were cared for after their arrival in Boston, and who came to this city as individuals. The association was fortunate in having as agents at the places where the sick soldiers from Massachusetts were located in hospitals, gentlemen who gave unstintingly of their time and energy, not only to give every possible attention to the men themselves but to keep the relatives informed as to their condition. At Fort Meyer, Virginia, Dr. J. J. Curry, assistant surgeon in charge of the U. S. Hospital, was unremitting in his care of men coming under his charge. At Fort Monroe, Virginia, Dr. S. P. Cottrell acted in a similar capacity and rendered splendid service. Mr. H. R. Jackson, agent of the Clyde Line Steamship Company, at Charleston, S. C., and Mr. J. Dana Cloudman at Atlanta, Ga., were frequently called upon to assist Massachusetts men, and did so gladly and unhesitatingly. Dr. R. B. Greenough of Boston made a visit of inspection and investigation to the Camp at Chickamauga Park, and his report of the condition of the Massachusetts soldiers he found in hospital there and at other camps was of much value to the committee. It was thought that a temporary home for the convalescent soldiers would have to be provided, and a request was published in the press, asking that those who had suitable accommodations for such a home should notify the Association. In response to this, a large number of offers were received from all parts of the State. Chief among them was.the generous offer of Mrs. Nathaniel Thayer, of Lancaster, who stated that she would provide a house for the accommodation of a number of sick men, wholly without cost, except in the matter of attendants. Many other generous proposals were received, notably from the city of Boston, whose officials offered the use of the Marcella Street Home, soon to be abandoned as a city institution, as a temporary home for the returned sick soldiers. As time went on, however, it was found that a temporary home was not required, - the sick men in the hospitals going, as a rule, to their homes as soon as discharged. Thus, through the efforts of the Massachusetts Volunteer Aid Association, nearly one thousand sick soldiers were brought to Boston, and either placed in the hospitals in and about that city or assisted to 94 Massachusetts Volunteer Aid Association. their homes. In every instance the comfort and care of the soldier was the first and foremost thought of the officers of the Association. Nothing was left undone to secure for the returning sick soldiers the immediate medical care they stood in need of, or to bring them home to Massachusetts with the least amount of physical suffering possible. The success which attended this branch of the work was owing to the careful preliminary preparations for receiving them, and to the untiring devotion of those who acted in behalf of the Association in caring for them. To Dr. Bradford and those physicians who were responsible for the carrying out of the details of arranging for hospital accommodations, police arrangements, ambulance service, and wharfage facilities, is due the gratitude of all who have been acquainted with this work. Another source of great strength was the ready co-operation and hearty support rendered by Gov. Wolcott, Adjt.-Gen. Dalton, SurgeonGen. Robert A. Blood, and the members of the Governor's staff. In every effort made to bring home sick soldiers these officials rendered every service in their power quickly and without question, and such support, coming in times of emergency when rapidity of action was of the greatest importance, gave to the officers of the Association assistance which was both necessary and valuable. The police of the city of Boston, who were detailed to perform duty at the landing of sick soldiers from the hospital ships, as well as from the trains, are entitled to great credit for the humane manner in which they assisted in this work. Notwithstanding the great amount of annoyances incident to the gathering of large crowds, the officers on duty realized that those who gathered to witness the return of the sick soldiers were actuated from motives of sympathy or from a desire to greet relatives and friends. With these thoughts always in mind, they exercised an unusual amount of patience, and not only treated the gathered thousands with consideration, but gladly and willingly assisted in the work of caring for the sick men in every way in their power. To the members of the Ambulance Corps, M. V. M., is due unstinted praise for the services which they rendered. They reported upon the arrival of every ship bringing sick men to Boston, often at only a few hours' notice. They assisted the returning soldiers from the ship to Care of Returning Sick Soldiers. 95 the ambulances, and bore those too ill to walk carefully and tenderly upon litters. The Ambulance Corps rendered a service the value of which is inestimable. Owing to their training in caring for sick and wounded men, they were able to perform their duties with quickness and yet with extreme care. The organization is a credit to Massachusetts, and its services during the months when the sick soldiers were returning home deserves and has received cordial appreciation and hearty thanks. The hospitals in Boston,- the Massachusetts General, the Boston City Hospital, the Carney Hospital, the Homceopathic Hospital, the Somerville Hospital, the Long Island Hospital, and the Soldiers' Home and the Marine Hospital in Chelsea, - all gave splendid and patriotic co operation in the work of receiving returning sick soldiers Through Dr. Bradford the Association early ascertained their willingness to receive the men, and the number they each could accommodate. The large number of men received and sent to these hospitals during the summer months in no wise tested their capacity at any time. They willingly made arrangements for the reception of additional numbers, by the erection of tent hospitals in the grounds of the institutions, and in this regard their accommodations were practically unlimited. The patience and good nature of the hospital officials during the trying months of the summer were unremitting. As soon as the men began to arrive at the Boston hospitals inquiries as to their condition, together with requests to personally see the patients, poured in upon them by the hundreds. In some of the hospitals so great was this demand that additional clerical and office help was secured, while to care for the soldiers themselves the force of nurses and attendants was largely augmented. It was found that the regular visiting hours would not suffice for all those who desired to personally visit the sick men, and therefore the rule of the hospital was often suspended, and nearly all day, while the larger number of soldiers were confined in them, the hospitals were visited by hundreds of relatives and friends. During all this trying time, with the care of the greatly enlarged number of patients on their hands, the physicians in charge gave kindly consideration to the requests for information from all sources. 96 Mfassachusetts Volunteer Aid Association. On Friday, Sept. 24, Col. C. R. Greenleaf, chief surgeon, U. S. A., paid an official visit to the hospitals in Boston in which were located the sick soldiers. He was met by appointment by Dr. Edward H. Bradford of the Executive Committee and by Col. James T. Soutter of the Governor's staff, representing His Excellency, the Governor. Col. Greenleaf was conveyed to the City Hospital and to the Massachusetts General Hospital, in which institutions the larger number of sick soldiers were then confined. He found the hospitals admirably administered, and was most enthusiastic over the care which the soldiers were receiving. "I found," said he, " at both hospitals a large corps of physicians and nurses in constant attendance, all of whom seemed to be well fitted to cope with the most serious cases. I cannot praise too highly the excellent provisions which have been made for the accommodation of the sick soldiers and the splendid care they are receiving at these institutions. The quarters I found to be clean, well lighted, and ventilated, and admirably adapted for the care of the most delicate and enfeebled of patients. The tents I' consider as marvels of neatness, convenience, and comforts. They certainly are models and, in fact, the arrangements throughout are well-nigh perfect." The home-coming of soldiers was frequently characterized by excesses of various kinds, which necessitated their return to a hospital for treatment. Receptions, late hours, and exposure to the weather oftentimes brought the soldier to a state of relapse, from which in many cases he never recovered. The officers realized the importance of uttering a warning to the soldier as well as to his friends and relatives, who in the pleasure of seeing him at home once more were oftentimes more harmful than discreet in the diversions which they offered him. The Secretary therefore issued a letter of advice to the returning sick soldiers, which was widely published in the press, and which it is believed was instrumental in showing the great dangers which the soldier ran in exposure and in over-indulgence of any nature. The letter was as follows: - The officers of the Massachusetts Volunteer Aid Association desire to call public attention to the great need of caution in welcoming the returning soldiers of the Sixth. The Assodiation and Care of Returning Sick Soldiers. 97 the local organizations with which it is connected have carefully watched the health condition of several thousand returning soldiers. This experience has plainly shown the dangers attending the excitement of receptions, and the imprudence of men who have been long deprived of the luxuries of life. Very many soldiers who came home apparently well have, within a fortnight of their arrival, been reported to us as ill, and have required hospital treatment. In one Massachusetts town, two weeks after their home-coming, out of forty returned soldiers thirty-seven were on the sick list. The medical authorities are unanimously of the opinion that a very large proportion of this illness has been caused by the kindness of friends and the lack of caution among the men. The physicians state that nearly every man returning from the tropics should be treated for the first ten days as an invalid, no matter how well and strong he may appear. The sudden change of climate and method of living brings out the seeds of tropical malaria and other diseases which have been latent before, and by care and prompt treatment dangerous results can be avoided. Receptions should be postponed and banquets suspended until the soldiers are in physical condition to enjoy them without danger to their health and lives. The men appear much better than they are, and many soldiers who had escaped the dangers of the battlefield have been killed by kindness at home. The returning soldiers should be supplied with warm clothing and light food, and on the first indication of breaking down they should be sent to the nearest hospital, where their expenses will be paid by the Commonwealth. ELIHU B. HAYES, Secretary. The Association did not cease its activity in caring for the returning sick soldiers upon their reaching home. In scores of cases assistance has been rendered men who either needed hospital care or treatment at home. A sub-committee of the Women's Committee was appointed to have charge of this work outside of Boston, and the work in Boston was placed in charge of a committee on relief for that city alone. Among the first things done by the sub-committee was to obtain 1 98 Massachusetts Volunteer Aid Associalion. from leading specialists statements as to the care and treatment which should be given to convalescents who had been ill with disease incurred in Cuba. The information contained in the statements given by the physicians consulted was of great importance and was widely circulated throughout the State, copies being sent to the various local auxiliary societies, selectmen in towns, and the public officials in cities. The Boston Evening Record of Sept. 12, 1898, contained the following account of a soldier's relapse and death:"Another soldier of the Ninth Massachusetts Regiment died at the City Hospital at 11.30 A. M., making the fifth death in the regiment within twenty-four hours. The man's name was P. J. Foley, of Company E. He returned from Camp Wikoff with his regiment, and felt so well that he went directly to his home. Saturday he began to feel ill, and Sunday morning he called at the City Hospital and asked to be taken care of. An examination by Dr. Withington showed that the man was seriously ill with malaria, and in the afternoon his temperature jumped to Io6 I/2. In the night he commenced to decline rapidly, and in spite of every assistance that medical aid could render, his life could not be saved." DR. SMITHWICK'S STATEMENT. Dr. Smithwick, who had charge of the men in the tents at the City Hospital, made a statement which should be carefully considered by the relatives and friends of all returning soldiers who believe themselves convalescent and who are now at home:" The cases of malaria which have come to our attention are of a peculiar type, unknown in this part of the world. The men in all instances have what we call aevisto autumnal malaria, due to an organism which is a more severe type and requires much more careful attention. Previous to the coming of the soldiers to this hospital we had never had more than four or five cases, and they were all from people returning from South America. " In ordinary malaria the patient has a chill and his temperature jamps up to a high notch. Then it declines almost as suddenly, and the patient goes for a day without feeling the effects. Then z ~ m z z~B 0~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ I P I~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ **~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ a 9 Care of Returning Sick Soldiers. 99 the temperature takes another jump and declines again in the same manner. This is liable to go on for some time repeating itself, and it is not long'before the patient realizes that he is sick and requires care. "In the type of malaria which we are handling, the patient has a chill and his temperature takes a sudden jump, but declines much more gradually day by day, until he finally thinks he has recovered. He goes on for a few days in a semi-stupid condition, during which time the malaria organisms in his blood are forming without his realizing it. " He may continue in this state for several days, a week, or longer. But the time comes when his temperature takes another jump, he sinks rapidly, and dies. "Now I should advise that all soldiers returning from the district infested with this type of malaria be taken to some hospital and examined, or placed under the care of a competent physician if taken home. " Like Foley, there are undoubtedly a great number who have gone to their homes believing that they were convalescent, having recovered, as they thought, from the first chill, but all the time the fatal organism is forming in their blood. " The blood of every man who was brought to this hospital was examined at once, and none are discharged until we are absolutely sure that all signs of malaria have disappeared." In answer to inquries from the President of the Women's Committee of the Massachusetts Volunteer Aid Association concerning the wisest measures which could be taken to aid the sick soldiers, then returning to their homes, the following letter was received from Dr. Henry P. Walcott, chairman of the State Board of Health:' The subject of your note is one that has occupied the attention of the Board of Health lately, because the disease from which the lately returned soldiers are suffering is largely typhoid fever, and this of course has a very important relation to the general health of the community. The relation becomes more and more important the greater the distance from the large cities and better methods of disinfection. I00 Massachusetts Volunteer Aid Association. I do not think that this class of cases can be effectually looked after as a whole by the small towns. and I have urged the authorities to retain all the sick soldiers who are suffering from the communicable diseases, either here in Boston, where they can be well taken care of in the hospitals, or in similar institutions in Cambridge, Lowell, Worcester, Springfield, and many other towns. Here they should be retained until really able to go home and look after themselves. There is, of course, the other class of cases, soldiers convalescent from diseases not believed to be communicable. How large this class is we do not know. At the end of the great war the many thousands of cases of invalids were looked after by the nearer physicians, either by town appointment or by volunteered service. In my own town, Cambridge, though public provision was made, the work was really done by the customary medical attendant of the family, and generally without compensation, given or asked. My impression is that a similar practice will prevail now, and that the best service that the Aid Societies can now do will consist in the development of local boards of visitors, seeking the help of local physicians, and keeping themselves well informed as to the whereabouts of the returned invalids. As any typhoid fever has the potentiality of an epidemic in itself, I hope that all suspected cases may be detained in some place where they may cease to be a menace to the whole community. Very truly yours, H. P. WALCOTT. The circulation of this information among the cities and towns of the State gave to the authorities much needed information. Accompanying the statements of the two physicians in regard to the care of convalescent soldiers, the Committee sent out another statement concerning returning soldiers, and made clear the facts concerning hospital care and the aid which would be rendered to dependent relatives, as well as those regarding the additional pay given by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to volunteers. Care of Returning Sick Soldiers. IOI This statement is as follows — MASSACHUSETTS VOLUNTEER AID ASSOCIATION, ij Mi. Vernon Street, Boston. Acting under authority conferred upon him by the Legislature, the Governor has announced that the Commonwealth of Massachusetts will pay, at a uniform rate, for treatment in hospitals of all Massachusetts soldiers and sailors in the volunteer service, until they are discharged therefrom. Every Massachusetts soldier is thus provided with skilled medical attendance, careful nursing, and the best possible chance for speedy recovery, without expense to the soldier, to any local committee, or to his town. The diseases with which our soldiers return from Cuba and Porto Rico are peculiarly those which require hospital treatment. Dr. Walcott, of the State Board of Health, has urged upon the Association the great danger of epidemics of typhoid fever, if soldiers suffering from this disease are treated in private houses. Dr. Smithwick of the City Hospital has also called attention to the dangerous and deceptive character of the tropical malaria fever, and the importance of detaining the patient in a hospital until it is proved by analysis that the disease is permanently subdued. The Governor has so arranged that soldiers can be cared for at the expense of the State. in hospitals near their own homes. In towns where no hospitals exist, soldiers can obtain admission to some hospital within easy reach, and this Association offers its assistance in making all necessary arrangements. Soldiers, after their discharge, can obtain military aid in the same manner as soldiers of the Civil War. (Chap. 56i, Acts of 1898.) There is no limit set upon the aid that may be given to a discharged soldier, disabled in this war, except the discretion of the State Aid Commissioners. State aid is also granted to dependent relatives. The dependent relatives under the law are the wife, widow, children under sixteen years of age, parents, brothers, and sisters actually dependent upon a soldier. No dependent relative can receive more than 102 Massachusetts Volunteer Aid Association. four dollars in any one month, and not more than twelve dollars can be paid to all the dependent relatives of any one soldier in any one month. In addition to the regular pay from the United States, the State gives to each Massachusetts soldier seven dollars a month. This State pay can now be obtained at the office of the State Treasurer, or will be sent by check upon proper application indorsed by the captain of the company, or some one known to the State Treasurer. In cases of death this seven dollars from the State will be paid. for six months from the date of death to the widow or legal heirs, making forty-two dollars to each family. MONTAUK POINT. THE results which Massachusetts was able to accomplish at Camp Wikoff, Montauk Point, are among the most important of the various branches of the work undertaken. The need was realized at the very outset, the plans for the relief of the sick soldiers there were quickly formulated, and the Association was on the ground and organized for active work at the time when the need was most apparent. Throughout the entire period of the greatest need, its agents ministered to the wants of the soldiers, - not Massachusetts troops alone, but volunteers from other States, and the regulars as well, and relieved during its operations thousands of cases of distress. This prompt participation in the work of relief at Montauk, therefore, together with the effective services rendered by its agents there, is a just cause for congratulation, and may well be looked back upon as one of the most satisfactory chapters of its history. The troops were sent into camp at Montauk Point about the first of August. The first arrivals were quickly followed by others, and the Association was not slow in seeking to find out if it could participate effectively in the work of relief. Dr. C. F. Painter, of Boston, was requested to go to Montauk and investigate the conditions there for the information of the Executive Committee. He immediately went to Camp Wikoff, and made a thorough examination of the camp, its sanitary arrangements, and the probable needs of the troops who were to be sent there. He reported to the Executive Committee as to the conditions of the camp as he found them at that time, and the information he was able to give the committee proved most valuable. On Aug. iS, two days after Dr. Painter's return, Mr. Sherman Hoar went to Montauk Point, to continue the investigation. By this time a very large number of troops had arrived, and Mr. Hoar found that the condition of the returning soldiers was such as required the very best I04 Massachusetts Volunteer Aid Association. of nourishment and care. The Secretary of War was therefore asked, by telegraph, to permit the Massachusetts Volunteer Aid Association to establish diet kitchens at the camp to provide suitable food for the sick and convalescent soldiers. Secretary Alger at once gave permission for the establishment of the diet kitchens, as requested, but stipulated that this work should not be confined to Massachusetts troops. Gladly accepting this proviso, steps were taken to establish the kitchens. On the r7th of August, Mr. Hoar was joined in New York City by Dr. William H. Prescott, of Boston, and together they returned to Montauk Point. Upon their arrival there, the Secretary was requested to send on supplies, ranges, and the scores of needed articles for the establishment of the kitchens. Mr. Robert M Burnett and Mr. Henry L. Higginson took charge of the sending of cooks, helpers, and the supplies required, and inside of twenty-four hours they were on their way. Mr. Frank H. Wheeler, of Newton, was sent to New London to assume charge of the transportation at that point. Through the generosity of Mr. Augustus Hemenway, of Boston, a towboat, the "Alert," and a lighter, were placed at the disposal of the Association for the purpose of transporting supplies from New London to Montauk Point, a wagon and horses were sent across to transfer the supplies from the government wharf to the camp. Daily shipments of supplies from Boston were sent to New London, the transportation of which was expedited by orders of President Clark of the N. Y., N. H. & H. R. R., who ordered all express and other passenger trains to receive supplies at the baggage-car door until the moment of starting. These supplies were supplemented by great quantities of fresh milk secured in and about New London. From that city they were forwarded to Camp Wikoff, the tug "Alert " making two trips daily to the Government wharf at Montauk Point. The Second Massachusetts Regiment, which was the first regiment of the State to arrive at the camp, received daily one hundred gallons of milk, two tons of ice, eggs, fresh meat, and provisions. Later, when the Ninth Regiment arrived from Santiago, great quantities of nourishing food and delicacies for the sick were sent into their camp. On Aug. 24, the Treasurer issued an appeal to the people of the Commonwealth for funds to carry out the special work which had been Monlauk Point. Io5 undertaken at Montauk Point, and the response was immediate and generous, and the amount subscribed for this purpose proved more than adequate for the payment of all expenses connected with the work of relief at Camp Wikoff. The magnitude of the work at Camp Wikoff, and the great need of immediate care and attention for the sick men there, made it necessary that additional representatives, to assist Dr. Prescott, should be sent. Mr. Grafton D. Cushing, of Groton, having volunteered his services, was sent to Montauk, on Aug. 23, and on the 29th Mr. Thomas J. McLaughlin, of Boston, was sent to meet the Ninth Regiment upon its arrival at the camp and attend to its needs. Mr. Cushing immediately upon his arrival at the camp took charge of the diet kitchens which had been established, and superintended the distribution of the supplies sent daily by the Association from New London. Under his direction were placed a number of cooks and assistants from Boston, whose business it was to prepare the food for the sick soldiers. Mr. Cushing also had charge of the transportation of the supplies from the wharf to the camps, which was effected by a four-horse team belonging to the Association. As soon as the Ninth Regiment arrived at Montauk, Mr. McLaughlin went into the detention camp with them, and owing to his acquaintance with the officers and men of the regiment, gained in his position as armorer at the East Armory at Boston, he was enabled to do most effective work. He distributed food and delicacies among the men, sought out soldiers for whom anxious relatives made inquiries, and in every way possible furthered the purposes for which he was there. Upon the arrival of Mr. Cushing, Dr. Prescott, who had established the diet kitchens, was relieved of the responsibility -in this direction, and was able to give his attention to the pressing need for his services in the care of the sick and in seeking out among the hospitals those soldiers for whom daily inquiries as to their welfare were being received by the hundreds at the rooms in Boston. From the first step taken in undertaking this work at Montauk, until the troops had been sent away, there was no cessation from the constant, unremitting work done at Camp Wikoff. From early morning until late at night agents and representatives of the Association Io6 Massachusetts Volunteer Aid Association. labored with but one end in view, - to minister to the sick soldiers and relieve their necessities so far as it was possible to do so. Their efforts were not confined to Massachusetts troops. After establishing its work among the men of the Second and Ninth Massachusetts regiments, the Association asked Gen. Wheeler, in charge of the camp, to designate a regiment of regulars which might be its especial charge. Gen. Wheeler replied in the following telegram:CAMP WIKOFF, MONTAUK, N. Y., Aug. 25, I898. Massachusetts Volunteer Aid Association, Boston,,Mass.: The First, Third, Sixth, Ninth, and Tenth regular cavalry are camped here together. Their losses in killed and wounded in the campaign far exceeded those of any other regular troops; one out of every five was killed or wounded. It would be hard to designate any one of these regiments to receive your kind donation. Would it not be better to distribute equally to each of these regiments? I will have a tent put up in their midst for the accommodation of any agent you send to distribute personally to these troops. Many thanks for the generosity of the people WHEELER, Commander. In response to the suggestion contained in Gen. Wheeler's despatch, the Association immediately forwarded supplies to the regiments designated by him. Grimes Battery (Battery A, 2d U. S. Artillery) was also furnished with supplies, and many regulars belonging to other arms of the service, notably the Seventh Infantry, benefited by its work. On an average over fifteen hundred soldiers were given rations of nourishing food daily through the instrumentality of the diet kitchens established. The wisdom of procuring independent means of transportation from New London to Montauk was early made apparent. In no other way could the supplies have been forwarded promptly. The tug employed for this purpose also was frequently used to transport sick soldiers on furlough to New London on their way to their homes, thus saving them a long and tiresome journey by rail to New York City. In the trans Montauk Point. 107 ferring of the remains of soldiers who had died in the hospitals at Camp Wikoff the tow-boat "Alert" was of great value, the relatives being taken to Montauk for the purpose of securing the bodies, and then given transportation back to New London, from which place the transportation to Massachusetts was a matter of but a few hours. No better idea of the scope of the work performed at Montauk could be obtained than by a perusal of the following statement given the Executive Committee by Dr. William H. Prescott and Mr. Grafton D. Cushing, its agents at that camp:BOSTON, Oct. 15, I898. TO THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OF THE MASSACHUSETTS VOLUNTEER AID ASSOCIATION: Gentlemgn, - The object of the Association in sending agents to Montauk Point was two-fold: - First. To look after the Massachusetts volunteer troops which were encamped there and to see that they lacked nothing necessary to their well-being; to afford a direct means of communication between them and their friends and transportation to the sick on furlough. Second. To distribute supplies among the regular troops and to provide in emergencies necessities which, owing to the congestion of the regular channels or the slowness of official methods could not otherwise be obtained until the need for them had passed. Your Association to carry out its purposes chartered the tug 'Alert" which made two trips daily between New London and Montauk Point, provided a large four-horse wagon to distribute goods and supplies throughout the camp, and gave to its agents;r ~ the power to order anything they deemed necessary to make effective the work your Association had undertaken. Two agents were sent to Montauk and one to New Haven. The New London agent, Mr. F. H. Wheeler, bought such supplies as could be obtained in that city, received the goods shipped ~t^ ~ to his care from Boston, and saw that all supplies were delivered to your agents at Montauk. There his responsibility ceased. Mr. Wheeler performed his duties with ability and conscientiousness, and all orders from Montauk were promptly filled. io8 Massachusetts Volunteer Aid Association. Your agents at Montauk submit the following report and summary of the work at Camp Wikoff:- The Second and Ninth Massachusetts were cared for; 'milk, ice, water, fresh bread and eggs were supplied them in large quantities. Every reasonable request was complied with and every care was taken to make them feel that Massachusetts was watchful of her sons in the field. On their departure from Montauk such provision as possible was made to supply them with milk, coffee, bread, and sandwiches on the steamer which carried them to New London. Many friends and relatives of Massachusetts men were taken to and fro on the Association's boat; many sick men on furlough were taken to New London, and every facility was given for carrying back the dead. All inquiries about the men were carefully answered, men being looked up in camp and hospitals. I A great quantity of supplies was distributed among the regulars. Milk, ice, eggs, watermelons, corn, sweet potatoes, cabbages, turnips, oranges, apples, peaches, hams, preserves, oatmeal, port wine, and delicacies not supplied by the Government, were generously distributed. Your agents used every means to discover what regiments were in need; they questioned officers and men and went about from one end of the camp to the other to see for themselves what the conditions were. They offered assistance wherever they found a need; they visited the regimental, division, detention, and general hospitals so that your generosity was felt at some time or other in every part of the camp. The Tenth Cavalry (colored) was particularly the object of your care, for it was thought fitting that Massachusetts should take charge of a negro regiment. Through your Association some thirty nurses and twenty doctors were introduced into the general and detention hospitals. Diet kitchens were established by you with the co-operation of the Red Cross Society, under the direction of Mrs. Willard, a lady sent by the latter society, at the general, detention, and the three division hospitals. Your Association provided twenty cooks, most of the ranges, all the utensils and the coal and many of ISOLATED WARD; TWOTER CONSTRUCTION BUIKHEAD WHICH CAN BE PUT UP SHITTING (OFF WARD FROM REST OF SHiPm -~ '11: '~ 11 11111 ~ I A AMontauk Point. log the supplies. These were all brought from New London on the " Alert," and distributed by your agents among the five kitchens. An arrangement was made with the Government after the kitchens were in good running order whereby the Government took them and paid all the expenses (running). Without your help and initiation they might not have been established. This is a very good example of the manner in which your Association by its ability to act at once was able to supersede governmental action. The establishment of these kitchens which supply delicacies indispensable to the sick, such as broths, jellies, delicately cooked food, special diets, etc., is now recognized as being the best thing done in the camp. Had your Association accomplished nothing but this in the camp the result would have been worth the trouble and expense to which you were put. The great value of the work your Association was able to do at Camp Wikoff lay in the control of independent transportation, and the generosity with which any demands made by your agents were met unhesitatingly. The government might eventually have supplied what was necessary, but action had to be prompt to be effective, and it was here, beyond question, that had it not been for your Association and associations of a like nature, the suffering would have been immeasurably greater. Your Association came forward at the critical time, when it seemed that the regular system of distribution could not meet the extraordinary conditions then existing. When, owing to the removal of the volunteer troops, the first pressure had disappeared and the regular channels of distribution seemed to your agents to be working satisfactorily the sending of supplies by your Association was discontinued. In many ways difficult to particularize your Association has made its influence felt, and the cordiality with which your agents were received by all the officers of the regular army with whom they came in contact is a good proof of the respect which was felt for the work you were doing. Your agents were treated with uniform courtesy by all the government officials, and it was largely IIO Massachusetts Volunteer Aid Assonation. owing to their hearty and kindly co-operation that your Association was so effective. They recognized the importance of what was being done, and were eager and ready to act on any suggestions made by your agents to promote the welfare of the soldiers. Massachusetts has done a noble and much-needed work. It will be gratifying to her citizens to find her. always in the lead where suffering is to be alleviated. Respectfully submitted, W. H. PRESCOTT. GRAFTON DULANEY CUSHING. r REPORT OF THE WOMEN'S COMMITTEE OF THE MASSACHUSETTS VOLUNTEER AID ASSOCIATION. *A 4 REPORT OF THE WOMEN'S COMMITTE. THE Committee of Women, appointed by the Massachusetts Volunteer Aid Association, met at i I Mount Vernon Street, on Tuesday, June 7, 1898. Mrs. J. Elliot Cabot had been appointed President by the Association, and Mrs. Roger Wolcott, Mrs. F. T. Greenhalge, Mrs. William E. Russell, and Mrs. Mary A. Livermore, Vice-Presidents. The committee completed their organization by appointing Mrs. Nathaniel Thayer, Treasurer, and Miss Lucy Lowell, Secretary. The other members of the committee, as finally organized, were:M- ss M. S. AMES, North Easton. MRS. J. L- BATES, East Boston. MRS. JOHN G. BLAKE, Boston. MRS. EDNAH C. CHENEY, Jamaica Plain. MRS. P. A. COLLINS, Boston. MRS. ZENAS CRANE, DaZton. MRS. EBEN S. DRAPER, Hopedale. MRS. A. P. GARDNER, Hamilton. MRS. WILLIAM HOOPER, Boston. MRS. JULIA WARD HOWE, Boston. MISS SARAH E. HUNT, Salem. MRS. ELLEN C. JOHNSON, Sherborn. MRS. MARY MORTON KEHEW, Boston. MRS. H. M. KNOWLTON, New Bedford. Miss FRANCES M. LINCOLN, Worcester. MRS. DANIEL LOTHROP, Concord. Miss GRACE W. MINNS, Boston. MISS M. C. MIXTER, Boston. Miss MARY MORISON, Boston. MRS. THOMAS NESMITH, Lowell. I 4 Massachusetts Volunteer Aid Association. MRS. H. M. PHILLIPS, Springfield. MRS. JOSIAH P. QUINCY, Boston. MRS. J. M. SEARS, Southborough. MRS. WILLIAM T. SEDGWICK, Boston. MISS MABEL SIMPKINS, Yarmouthport. MRS. GEORGE E. SMITH, Everett. MISS E. P. SOHIER, Beverly. MRS. L. A. TURNER, Boston. MRS. WINSLOW WARREN, Dedham. MRS. JOHN C. WHITIN, Whitinsville. At the request of the committee, Secretary E. B.'Hayes stated the objects and aims of the Association, and told of its projected work in fitting out a hospital ship. A Committee on the Organization of Towns was then appointed, to arouse interest in the work of the Association throughout the State, and to encourage the formation of branches or auxiliaries to co-operate with the Association. This committee consisted of Miss Sohier, Mrs. Draper, Mrs. Gardner, Mrs. Hooper, Mrs. Lothrop, Mrs. Turner, and Miss Alice S. Clement, the Secretary of the Committee on Supplies. The committee wrote to prominent people all over the State, and the result of their labors was that, before many weeks had passed, almost every town in the State was working for the soldiers,- some of them through organizations existing before the formation of the Association, but a very large number sent money and supplies directly to the Association. Lowell, New Bedford, Springfield, and Worcester, besides forming auxiliary societies, became centres for the towns in their neighborhoods, which worked under them or in connection with them. At the first meeting of the Women's Committee, a Committee on Supplies was also appointed, and this committee became the executive branch of the women's work in fitting out the hospital ship "Bay State," and in sending supplies to the Massachusetts regiments in their camps, and also to hospitals. This committee consisted of twenty-nine members, and later the number was increased to thirty-five. The first meeting was held June 9, when Miss Mary Morison was chosen chairman and Miss Alice S. Clement secretary. Subsequent meetings were Report of the Women's Committee II5 held June 28, July 25, Aug. 29, and Oct. 4, and at the last one Miss Grace W. Minns was choson chairman in place of Miss Morison, who had resigned. A vote was passed giving authority to the chairman to appoint an assistant secretary in case of need, and when Miss Clement was obliged to withdraw from the work, Miss Mary L. Watson was chosen to act in that capacity. The following circular was sent out early in June by the Organization Committee to all the towns in the State: Dear M:adam, - In view of the call of the Massachusetts Volunteer Aid Association for money and supplies for the relief of the soldiers and sailors of our State during the war with Spain, we, the women of the committee appointed by the Association, beg your attenton to the following letter, and ask your co-operation with us, feeling sure that your valuable influence and aid will call out an immediate and a hearty response for the cause so near all our hearts. In order that our good old Commonwealth should do the effective work in the united and large-hearted way, commensurate with her patriotism and earliest traditions, it is imperative that every town and village of our State should take part in the work, that the union of hearts and of hands may bring the desired result speedily and effectively, till there is no soldier nor sailor of the " Old Bay State " unprovided with what might have been his, to alleviate the privation and suffering occasioned by the war. To this end we beg you to form at once in your town an organization of women, uniting all other societies, committees, and clubs, together with those women who are members of none, which shall co-operate with the Massachusetts Volunteer Aid Association, and to be the nucleus or central force in your town for the work of the Association; and we would request, if you are unable to do this organizing work personally, that you will select and forward to us the name of some representative woman who will do it. The immediate requirements of the Association are:First. The most pressing need is for money to prepare the hospital ship for its new service, and to equip it with its working force; also to furnish the supplies to be carried in it to the soldiers Massachusetts Volunteer Aid Assodiation. and sailors who have gone or are going out from.our State. This is the most imperative need. Second. Supplies. The supplies will be clothing, medical stores, and food. Ten thousand abdominal bands are needed at once. A printed circular is in course of preparation, which will be sent out in large numbers, giving details of the supplies that are needed, and how to be collected or prepared, so that every Town Auxiliary to the Association can go to work at once. We beg your valuable co-operation in this service, and hope shortly to report every town and hamlet in our State actively at work, till our Commonwealth is engirdled with this labor of love for our country, that would seek to repay the debt of gratitude we owe the brave defenders of our flag, who have gone from our midst. The duties of the Supply Committee were to give instructions concerning the preparation of the supplies asked for in the circular, to receive them from the various contributors, to unpack and acknowledge them, and repack and forward them to the places recommended by the Association. In order to do this work to the best advantage, small sub-committees were at once formed to furnish patterns, purchase articles, and give instructions. The Pattern Committee's duties were to find out the most approved patterns of abdominal bands. hospital and surgical shirts, pajamas, mosquito canopies, comfort bags, etc., and to furnish specimens, and written or oral instructions to the various branches. There were many conflicting opinions, and even the highest authorities did not always agree, but a fair degree of uniformity was reached after many experiments had been tried. Miss Clement was appointed chairman of this committee, and she with the help of three or four ladies who were always at headquarters through the summer, gave these patterns to the anxious inquirers who came constantly, and explained the reasons for the apparently inexplicable peculiarities of structure. The work of the Purchasing Committee was to buy such supplies of clothing, etc., as were needed, and were not received by gift, and also to act, when requested, as agents of the various branches and buy Report of the Women's Committee. II7 material for them to make up into garments. This committee bought the outfits for the patients on board the " Bay State," the uniforms for the nurses, and, similar articles for which special donations of money were made. The Committee on Instruction was expected to visit towns wishing information about the most approved methods of work, but they did little, as this ground was so well covered by the larger committee on town organization. At the first meeting of the Supply Committee, the members were told that ten thousand abdominal bands, one thousand pajamas, five hundred hospital shirts and five hundred surgical shirts were required, as well as an indefinite number of sheets, pillow cases, and comfort bags. Circulars giving dimensions and suggestions for articles needed were at once sent out, and soon the two rooms assigned to the Women's Committee were full of boxes of contributions sent in response. Inevitably there was much confusion, and the climax was reached July 8 when many cases were packed and sent to the steamship "St. Louis " at Portsmouth to go to Cuba. After the warehouse was opened, July 7, no more packages were received at Mount Vernon Street, but the rooms there were the headquarters for information, and Miss Clement, the secretary of the Supply Committee, and her volunteer assistants were kept constantly busy answering questions. With the opening of the storehouse it was found necessary to systematize the work carefully. A corps of volunteers worked under the superintendence of members of the Supply Committee who were styled captains. Each captain was responsible for the work done on one day of every week, and under her supervision all cases were unpacked, the contents counted and recorded. Then the articles were repacked, all of one kind together, in boxes of regulation size, small enough to be carried through the surf, if necessary. The lists of articles received were made on separate tags for each case and were sent at the end of the day to Mount Vernon Street, where the secretary of the committee recorded and acknowledged them. The supplies came in so rapidly that the work lasted from early morning to night every day, but the ardor of the volunteers never slackened, even in the hottest weather. About fifty ladies came to help during July and August, the number 118 Massachusetts Volunteer Aid Association. varying from four or five to twenty in a day, according to the exigencies of the time. The heavy packing was done by men hired for the purpose, but all else by the women. Some idea of the work done under the supervision of the Supply Committee may be gained from the statistics given at the end of this report. After conferring with the Central Committee, it was deemed inadvisable to raise a separate fund for the women's work, but as, early in the summer, subscriptions were coming in slowly to the treasurer, Mrs. Thayer undertook to ask contributions for fittings for the " Bay State," from people who would give this money in addition to their subscriptions to Col. H. L. Higginson. The sum so received amounted to over two thousand dollars, and was expended for outfits for the patients, blankets, pneumatic mattresses, special food supplies, etc. Special gifts were made for other supplies on the " Bay State," which being luxuries rather than necessities could not be asked for from the general fund. In this way games were bought for the use of the patients, and envelope libraries were made up from the magazines sent to the Association. The chief gift of this kind, however, was the library, consisting of two hundred and seventy-two volumes, the money for which was raised by Mrs. Mary Morton Kehew. At the suggestion of Dr. Bradford, the books were chosen by Mr. Putnam, the librarian of the Boston Public Library, and his assistants, who not only gave valuable time but contributed about seventy-five dollars to purchase books. The library authorities also gave the catalogues, book plates, and all necessary printing. The books, being intended for the use of invalids, were chiefly fiction, but there were also many valuable biographies, popular histories, and a few religious works. As it was necessary to have them light to hold, as well as light to read, many well known large books had to be omitted, and the desire not to have too many familiar works led to the omission of many standard books. It is pleasant to know that the library proved most useful, many a man who was not strong enough to read, wishing to have a book to hold in his hand. Even before the Women's Committee were appointed, many applications had been received at the office of the Association, from women in all parts of the State, who were anxious to work for the soldiers. Miss Report of the Women's Committee. iI9 Clement had sent patterns of abdominal bands to forty societies or associations, asking them to contribute one hundred bands each to be sent to the soldiers at once. The Lend-a-Hand Society, through its secretary, Mrs. Bernard Whitman, whose experience in the tropics was of great value, did inestimable service by preparing patterns of garments which were ready at I Mount Vernon Street, for distribution, when the Women's Supply Committee began their labors. On the IIth of May, Rev. E. E. Hale, President of the Lend-a-Hand Clubs, of Massachusetts, had issued a circular letter asking the clubs to be ready for any emergency, and to notify Mrs. Whitman whether they would give money, material, garments, or time. The response was prompt; some of the business firms gave materials; an agent was sent to several of the steamship companies for the dimensions of sheets and pillow cases for a stateroom berth, and to the Boston hospitals for patterns of surgical and hospital shirts. The result was that the Lend-a-Hand Society could supply garments for the first requisition made on the Associa. tion from Fort Warren, and that patterns were given out from the office at Mount Vernon Street before the Women's Committee fairly realized that they had come into existence. The " Lend-a-Hand office," the Woman's ournal office, the salesroom of the Women's Educational and Industrial Union, and the State headquarters of the Daughters of the Revolution were all used, through the generosity of their managers, as branches of the Massachusetts Volunteer Aid Association, where patterns, advice, and instruction in making garments for the use of the soldiers could be obtained. The publicspirited enthusiasm and industry of the women of the State were unbounded, and associations of all kinds contributed money and clothing. It is impossible to speak of all these bodies in detail, but special mention may be made of the Woman's Relief Corps and the Women's Clubs, and other patriotic societies. Many of the workers who gave their time through the hot summer months, and who came with unfailing regularity, day after day and week after week, were drawn from the ranks of these societies. Not only did representatives come to help at headquarters, but the sewing societies in almost every town met constantly to make garments, and women cut and sewed and packed as in the days of the Civil War. It would be 120 Massachusetts Volunteer Aid Association. impossible to pay too high a tribute to the unselfish devotion and intelligent activity of these volunteer workers, who gave themselves without stint to the relief and help of the soldiers. Perhaps no women in the State made so great a sacrifice as those in the reformatory at Sherborn, who gave up one of their very few holidays, the 4th of July, to sewing for the soldiers, and sent in the towels made, to be used on the hospital ship. - Early in July, before the money which was afterwards given in generous measure had begun to come in to the treasurer, one of the Women's Committee wrote the following appeal for the hospital ship, which was printed and circulated: - HOSPITAL SHIP "BAY STATE." LET EVERY ONE LEND A HAND FOR THE IMMEDIATE EQUIPMENT OF THE VESSEL. In view of the extreme urgency of the need for the services of the hospital ship to be sent by the State of Massachusetts, it is imperative that the people of our State act at once by contributing to the immediate equipment of the ship "Bay State." It is only necessary to impress upon our patriotic citizens the fact that the lives and well-being of our brave soldiers and sailors are at stake for the people of Massachusetts to rise to the emergency and meet it nobly. They have always done so in the past. Massachusetts is only another name for promptness in action, as well as nobility of principle.. Let every man, woman, and child throughout the State send something at once to the fund. Events at Santiago since July i tell us to lose no time in equipping our hospital ship.. Our Massachusetts boys need its services. Their lives are endangered; it is our duty to save them all the suffering that it is possible to avert. The wounded should at once be brought up to our Northern hospitals for treatment. We should not waste an instant, but raise the money and equip our ship and send it off on its errand of mercy. Think of a hospital ship with A the name of the " Bay State," and dallying when called to duty 1 It must be true to its name, and start as soon as possible. It is ,,, r Y1~5;;, ".I;iW~ ~C;,;,, n ~i:;~i~ .llp H s "" Ilil I ii ii.ii~i~i~~i~i~i~i~ siui~ ""l;"'~i~~;~;lii~; ~E~,i,,,,, irrroor ~ii~' jlW': ~,~~~~~~, """""B"s"~~""~':: :IAss rr*:i,,i~,,,i~iiiaiiaia~~i . I!~f;i~6iln"rliti FSiilGiii r-ic;ilriT~rrlp Eiii i"isv rilir a p X I J> a: Report of the Wonime's Committee. I21 suggested that a mass meeting of citizens be called in every town in our State, where contributions would be taken up in response to patriotic speeches and music, these contributions to be at once sent to Mr. Henry L. Higginson, 50 State Street, Boston, Treasurer Massachusetts Volunteer Aid Association. We should not rest a moment until this hospital ship is ready and on its way. Let us make our grand old State rise to the glory of her duty promptly done. The branch associations throughout the State were kept informed by circular letters of the work and plans of the Association. In August letters were sent to California, containing information about the work of fitting out the hospital ship, in the hope that this knowledge might be of assistance to people engaged in a similar enterprise there. As soon as the sick soldiers began to come home from Cuba and Puerto Rico, a special sub-committee was appointed to take charge of this branch of the work. In this connection it was arranged that a visitor should go to each of the Boston hospitals, to keep the Association informed of the state of the soldiers, and provide any comforts or delicacies that might be required. These visitors were chosen from the Women's Committee, and Supply Committee, and from volunteer workers, who were always ready for any service. As the summer went on, many demands for help came to the Association from members of the soldiers' families. This matter was referred to the Women's Committee, and, after mature deliberation, they decided that such help was outside their province. At the same time a statement was prepared telling all applicants how relief could be obtained from the State. The headquarters of the Association being in Boston, no branch organization had been formed in that city when auxiliaries were established all over the State to work for the soldiers; but early in September it became apparent that such a branch must be formed if the Boston soldiers were to receive adequate care. Mrs. Cabot, therefore, invited several Boston people to take charge of the work, which was at once thoroughly organized, and carried on with great efficiency. The presidents of the branch societies in towns where there were many soldiers were invited to come to the weekly meetings of the 122 Massachusetts Volunteer Aid Association. Women's Committee, and in this way a knowledge was obtained of the care which sick soldiers were receiving all over the State. But every town could not be thus reached. A circular was therefore prepared which gave the information that the Governor would pay for the treatment in hospitals, of all Massachusetts soldiers and sailors in the volunteer service, and that, in towns without hospitals soldiers could be taken to some hospital near by. The Association offered its assistance in making all necessary arrangements. The same circular gave instruction about obtaining military and State aid by soldiers and their dependent relatives, and told the soldiers how to procure their State pay. This circular was sent to the Mayor of every city and the Selectmen of every town in the State. The Committee, realizing the great importance of special treatment for the tropical diseases from 'which the returned soldiers suffered, and which were likely to be different from anything in the experience of northern doctors, a circular was sent to the physicians in many of the smaller towns. This circular gave an account of some of the cases which had already come under the care of the doctorsin hospitals on the coast and which were new to this climate. As the soldiers were discharged from the Boston hospitals, a record was. sent to No. I Mt. Vernon Street, that their cases might be looked after, as many of the men suffered one or more relapses after they were supposed to be well. When these discharged soldiers lived out of Boston, the branches in the towns where they lived were told of their discharge and their cases were attended to. The work of the Woman's Committee did not end when the regiments were mustered out, as it was felt to be very important to increase the vigilance over the sick men when they were no longer in the State's employ. The nurses who had contracted disease in Cuba, Puerto Rico, and the southern camps in this country were not forgotten, as the committee considered that they had served their country as truly as the soldiers. In conclusion it should be recorded that, apart from the help given to the soldiers, the labors for a common cause have united the women in all parts of the State, and have aroused a personal interest which will not easily be effaced. MRS. J. ELLIOT CABOT, President, Lucy LOWELL, Secretary, For the Committee. Report of the Women's Committee. I23 STATISTICS. Total number of articles sent by Women's Committee on Supplies of Massachusetts Volunteer Aid Association from June 3, I898, to Jan. i8, I899: Pajamas..... Hospital shirts.. Surgical shirts. Day shirts.... Night shirts..... Bed gowns..... Handkerchiefs..... Neck cloths.. Abdominal bands..... Underwear (shirts and drawers). Suspenders...... Canvas hats.. Canvas jackets.... Canvas trousers... Socks... Slippers and sneakers... Comfort bags.. Steamer bags (to be used on "Bay State" and called "Little Sampsons") containing brush, comb, toothbrush, face cloth Clothes brushes...... Tooth brushes.. Hair brushes.. Combs... Face cloths..... Mosquito canopies. Sheets... Pillow cases.. Towels... 9,942 suits 8,552 3,278 784 360 360 8,320 645 26,822 650 suits 302 pairs 353 333 329 6,875 pairs 1,726 c 9,282 368 4I 125 Io8 75 3,4I4 Io,806 8,209 Io,579 12,844 124 Massachusetts Volunteer Aid Association. Napkins... Blankets... Bed spreads. Surgeons' gowns Nurses' aprons... Clothes bags. Outfit bags, containing one pair suspenders, one abdominal band, one pair slippers, one pair stockings, one under shirt, one pair drawers, one canvas suit, one hat, one suit pajamas, one handkerchief, one brush, one comb, one face cloth, one tooth brush (in case)... Outfit bags (empty).. Sailor bags.. Pneumatic mattresses. Hair mattresses... Pillows. Mattress ticks.. Pillow ticks.... Canvas cots.. Hammocks...... Fans.... Old linen and clothing. Rolled bandages.. Surgical sponges. Surgical pads.. Rubber blankets.. Magazines and literature, including Bibles Camp stoves.. Jellies and preserves... 120 607 241 12 132 150 200 300 I00 5 213 799 22 I 000 I00 2,971 I,340 62 cases 26 " 4,950 2,799 332 64 cases 12 2,097 glasses:. SUNDRIES. - Scissors, spools of cotton, needles, pins, buttons, soap, toilet paper, court plaster, twine, stationery, envelop libraries, vaseline, sponges, absorbent cotton, surgical gauze, lint, rubber hot water bottles, ice bags, syringes, bed pans, wash basins, feed cups, plaster, hammocks. Report of the Women's Committee. I25 CAMPS, HOSPITALS, REGIMENTS, ETC., TO WHICH SUPPLIES WERE SENT. 2D U. S. ARTILLERY: Battery A. Battery B. Battery C. Battery D. Battery G. Battery I. Battery K. Battery L. Battery M. 7TH U. S. INFANTRY: Company A. Company H. Camp Wheeler, Ala. Camp Onward, Ga. Santiago. Fort Adams, R. I. Fort Warren, Boston. Fort Adams, R. I. Camp Cuba Libre, Long Island Head. Camp Onward, Ga. Winthrop. Winthrop. Winthrop. Dutch Island, Newport, R. I. Fort Adams. Fort Adams, R. I. 4TH U. S. LIGHT ARTILLERY: Battery B. Fort Adams, R. I. Battery F. Fort Adams, R. I. IST U. S. CAVALRY. Tampa, Fla. IOTH U. S. CAVALRY. Camp Wikoff, Montauk. IST REGT. U. S. VOLUNTEER ENGINEERS. Peekskill, N. Y. Porto Rico. IST REGT. U. S. VOLUNTEER SIGNAL CORPS. Camp Wheeler, Huntsville, Ala. South Armory, Boston. IST MASS. VOLS. Salem, Mass. Marblehead, Mass. 126 MAassachusetts Volunteer Aid Association. 2D MASS. VOLS. 5TH MASS. VOLS. 6TH MASS. VOLS. 8TH MASS. VOLS. 9TH MASS. VOLS. Tampa, Fla. Santiago, Cuba. Camp Dalton, So. Framingham, Mass. Camp Meade, Middletown, Pa. Camp Witherell, Greenville, S. C. Falls Church, Va. Porto Rico. Chicamauga Park, Ga. Camp Hamilton, Lexington, Ky. Americus, Ga. East Armory, Boston. Fall Church, Va. Santiago, Cuba. CAMPS: Chickering, Salem, Mass. Hamilton, Lexington, Ky. Onward, Georgia. Wickoff, Montauk Point, L. I. Townsend, Peekskill, N. Y. CLUBS AND SOCIETIES (FOR DISTRIBUTION): Woman's Relief Corps. Ladies' Union Charitable Society, Lawrence. Lend-a-Hand Society, Boston. FORTS: Adams, Newport, R. I. Constitution, New Castle. McPherson, Atlanta, Ga. Warren, Boston Harbor. Yates, North Dakota. HOMES: Gwynn Temporary, Boston. Soldiers' Home, Chelsea. t G Report of the Women's Committee. 127 HOSPITALS: Beverly, Beverly, Mass. Carney, South Boston. Marine, Chelsea, Mass. City, Boston. City, Worcester. Floating, Boston. Framingham, Framingham. Ik^ ~ ~ Franklin County, Greenfield. Holyoke City, Holyoke. Homoeopathic, Boston. Josiah Simpson General, Newport, Va. Long Island, Boston. Marine, Charlestown Navy Yard. Massachusetts General, Boston. Cooley Dickinson, Northampton. Salem, Salem. Second Division, 7th Army Corps, Jacksonville, Fla. St. Peters, Brooklyn, N. Y. Third Division, Camp Hamilton, Lexington, Ky. Third Division, Camp Cuba Libre, Jacksonville, Fla. U. S., Fortress Monroe. U. S. General, Fort McPherson, Atlanta; Ga. U. S. General, Fort Meyer, Va. U. S. General, Ponce, Puerto Rico. HOSPITAL SHIPS: "Bay State," Boston. " Lewiston," Boston. "Olivette," Boston. "Solace," Brooklyn. INSTITUTIONS: Boston Board of Health. Boston Dispensary. I28 Massachusetts Volunteer Aid Association. M. V. A. A. BRANCHES FOR DISTRIBUTION TO RETURNED SOLDIERS. Lowell. Salem. Marblehead. Weston. Peabody. Worcester. NAvY YARDS: Marine Barracks, Charlestown, Mass. Red Cross Society, 58 Williams St., New York. SHIPS: U.S. S. "Amphitrite." U. S. S. "Annapolis." U. S. S. "Castine." U. S. S. "Detroit." U. S. S. "Essex." U. S. S. "Helena." U. S. S. "Lancaster." U. S. S. "Machias." U.S. S. "Marblehead." U. S. S. "Marietta." U. S. S. "Wilmington." I Report of the Women's Committee. 129 PLACES AND ORGANIZATIONS FROM WHICH SUPPLIES WERE RECEIVED. (The work has been widespread and far reaching, and while this list has been prepared with great care it is inevitable that some mistakes should have been made. If any mistakes or omissions have occurred, the Committee express their regrets and wish to testify as to their appreciation of the value of the contributions sent from all parts of this State and from other States. Many organizations sent money directly to the Treasurer of the Association and gave supplies through other associations, and, therefore, are not mentioned here.) Acton. Beach Bluff. Acushnet. Bedford. Adams. Belmont. Allerton. Berkeley. All Souls Unitarian Church (Rox- Berkeley Temple (Boston). bury). Berkshire. Allston. Beverly. Amesbury. Beverly Farms. Amherst. Billerica. Andover. Bolton. Arlington. Boston. Arlington Heights. Bourne. Ashby. Boylston. Ashburnham. Braintree. Ashfield. Brewster. Ashland. Bridgewater. Athol. Brighton. Attleboro. Brockton. Auburndale. Brookfield. Ayer. Brookline. Baldwinsville. Buzzard's Bay. Baptist Church (Medford). Byfield. Barnstable. Cambridge. Barre. Cambridgeport. 130 Massachusetts Volunteer Aid Association. Canton. Cataumet. Centreville. Charlestown. Chatham. Chelmsford. Chelsea. Cheshire. Chesterfield. Chestnut Hill. Chicopee. Children's Hospital (Boston). City Hospital (Boston). Clifton. Cliftondale. Clinton. Cochituate. Cohasset. Colonial Dames of America. Commonwealth of Mass. (by State Arsenal, Framingham). Concord. Conway. Cottage City. Cotuit. Crescent Hill Sewing Circle. Dalton. Danvers. Daughters of the Revolution. Daughters of the American Revolution. Dedham. Deerfield. Dennis. Dennisport. Dighton. Dorchester. Douglas. Dover. Dracut. Duxbury. East Boston. East Bridgewater. East Brookfield. East Dennis. East Douglas. East Fairhaven. East Freetown. East Gloucester. Eastham. Easthampton. East Longmeadow. East Milton. East Pepperell. East Walpole. East Weymouth. Edgartown. Enfield. Essex. Everett. Fairhaven. Fall River. Falmouth. Fitchburg. Foxboro. Framingham. Franklin. Freetown. Gardner. Georgetown. Girls' Blue Ribbon Band (Fan euil)..' Report of the Women's Commitee. 3 I Girls' Friendly Society. Gloucester. Grace Episcopal Church (Lawrence). Grafton. Granby. Great Barrington. Green St. Congregational Church (Charlestown). Greenfield. Groton. Groveland. Hadley. Hamilton. Hancock. Hanover. Harvard. Harvard Co-operative Society (Cambridge). Harwich. Harwichport. Haverhill. Hicksville. Highlandville. Hingham. Hinsdale. Holbrook. Holliston. Holyoke. Hopedale. Hopkinton. Housatonic and Van Deusen. Hudson. Hull. Hyannis. Hyde Park. Instructive District Nursing Association. Ipswich. Jamaica Plain. King's Daughters. Kingston. Ladies' Commission on SundaySchool Books (Boston). Lancaster. Lanesboro. Lawrence. Lee. Leicester. Lend a Hand Clubs. Leominster. Lexington. Lincoln. Longmeadow. Long Plain. Louisa Alcott Club. Lowell. Ludlow. Lynn. Lynnfield Centre. Magnolia. Malden. Manchester. Mansfield. Maplewood. Marblehead. Marblehead Neck. Marlboro. Marion. Marston's Mills. Martha's Vineyard. Mass. Gen. Hospital (Boston). 132 Massachusetts Volunteer Aid Association. Mattapoisett. Mayflower Club (Boston). Maynard. Medfield. Medford. Melrose. Mendon. Metcalf. Methodist Episcopal Church (Temple Street, Boston). Methuen. Middleboro. Milford. Milton. Mite-box Circle, Nahant. Mittineague. Montague. Mt. Vernon Church (Boston). Nahant. Nantucket. Natick. Needham. Needlework Guild of America. Neponset. New Bedford. Newburyport. New Salem. Newton. Newton Centre. Newton Federation of, Women's Clubs. Newtonville. North Adams. North Amherst. Northampton. North Andover. North Attleboro. North Beverly. Northboro. Northbridge Centre. North Brookfield. North Cambridge. North Cohasset. North Easton. North End Mission (Boston). North Falmouth. North Scituate. North Tewksbury. North Truro. Norton. Norwell. Orange. Orleans. Osterville. Otter River. Palmer. Peabody. Pepperell. Perry Hill. Phillips Beach. Pittsfield. Plymouth. Plympton. Ponkapoag. Provincetown. Quincy. Randolph. Raynham. Reading. Rehoboth. Revere. Richmond. / -V I~ u l i g _ ii~x 1 0XXXXXXXXi.i.X- ~iXllXXX _ X ei 1_1 II 11 11 B i ~x x X _E 0 S S,- IX XXjXXXX-XXXX.......X X I>xmlX XX.XEEX Xl. u XX Xi Xjl _ iiIIi l X j j jI jjjjjjjjjjj j jj _-g g rg g u, n 0X _ X*uR rS S SSu>uu I * X _ _ S~~~~~~~~~llXI WlXW lxS l _ I ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ r i* EiXXI 11 Im _1 111 111 | X j XXjjjjjjj j,, XX M * > j jj _ jjjjjjjjj jj jjjjj I r Iil~ llllll ~s 41 Report of the Women's Committee. I33 Rochdale. Rockland. Rockport. Rockville. Roslindale. Rowley. Roxbury. Royalston. Rutland. Sagamore and Bournedale. Salem. Sandwich. Saxonville. Scituate. Sharon. Sheffield. Shelburne Centre. Shelburne Falls. Sherborn. Sherborn Reformatory (Prison for Women). Shirley. Shrewsbury. Somerville. South Acton. Southboro. South Boston. South Braintree. South Byfield. South Dartmouth. South Dennis. South Egremont. South Framingham. South Friendly Society (Boston). South Hadley. South Hadley Falls. South Hanson. South Hingham. South Lancaster. South Medford. Southwick. South Yarmouth. Spencer. Springfield. Stanstead (Canada). State Industrial School (Lancaster). Sterling. Stockbridge. Stoneham. Stoughton. Stow. Swampscott. Taunton. Templeton. Tewksbury. Topsfield. Truro. Turner's Falls. Tyngsboro. United Congregational Ft Church (Lawrence). Upton. Uxbridge. Van Deusenville. Vineyard Haven. Wakefield. Waltham Hospital. Waltham. Wareham. Warren. Warren Council, Royal Arcanum. I34 Massachusetts Volunteer Aid Association. Watertown. Wayland. Webster. Wellfleet. Wellesley. Wellesley Hills. Wenham. West Acton. West Barnstable. Westboro. West Boylston. West Brookfield. West Dennis. West Falmouth. Westfield. Westford. West Gardner. West Longmeadow. West Medford. Westminster. West Newbury. West Newton. West Nowell. Weston. Westport Factory. West Roxbury. West Springfield. West Upton. Westwood. West Yarmouth. Weymouth. Whately. Whitinsville. Whitman. Wilbraham. Williamsburg. Wilmington. Winchester. Winthrop. Woburn. Wollaston. Women of Boston Alms House. Woman's Christian Temperance Union. Woman's Relief Corps. Woman's Journal. Woman's Suffrage Association. Women Clerks' Benefit Association (Roxbury). Woods Holl. Worcester. Wrentham. Yarmouth. Yarmouthport. L MAINE: Bailey Island. Bangor. Bar Harbor. Brunswick. Camden. Castine. Dennisville. East Machias. Eastport. Kennebunk Beach. Report of the Women's Committee. 135 MAINE - Continued. Kennebunkport. Kittery. Portland. Rockland. Rockport. Wells. York Harbor. NEW HAMPSHIRE: Chocorua. Exeter. Gilsum. Greenville. Intervale. Jaffrey. Keene. Manchester. Peterborough.. Portsmouth. West Ossipee. West Rindge. VERMONT: Brandon. Derby Line. East Hardwick. Royalton. RHODE ISLAND: Newport. CONNECTICUT: Children's Circle of Busy Bees. Pomfret. Guilford. Suffield. I I~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ APPENDIX. -a a CONSTRUCTION OF MASSACHUSETTS HOSPITAL SHIP "BAY STATE." * MR. J. T. BOYD, BOSTON, Consulting Engineer. IN fitting out the "' Bay State," the work was directly under the charge of the Board of Control,-Major Henry L. Higginson, Mr. Robert Burnett, and Dr. Burrell, - receiving the immediate oversight of Mr. Burnett and Dr. Burrell, and, in the absence of Dr. Burrell, of Dr. Bradford, Dr. Manahan being the resident doctor at the works, and the principal assistant in deciding on the work. 'Ihe ice machinery was ordered by Mr. Robert Burnett, and I think, without question, is one of the best small plants that has ever been fitted in a vessel. The sterilizer for the bedding, etc., was ordered by Dr. Durgin, and proved a success. The fittihg out of the operating-room, both in general lay-out and in detail, was the work of Dr. Bradford and Dr. Manahan. The laundry machinery was decided on by Dr. Manahan. The berthing details were decided by Dr. Bradford, Prof. Hollis and myself. Dr. Manahan assisted in the arrangement of these wards very much. The storerooms, clinical laboratory, apothecary storeroom, and storerooms for surgical apparatus were arranged by the doctors who had charge of these different departments. The general arrangement of the ventilating, lighting, water system I arranged in consultation with Prof. Hollis. The arrangement and detail of water-closets were discussed by almost every one, and finally settled by Dr. Burrell and myself. The very best feeling prevailed while this work was in progress, and there was no clashing, which, I think, is one of the principal reasons why the work was done so quickly and so well. * Read before the Boston Society for Medical Improvement, Nov. 21, 1898. 140 Massachusetts Volunteer Aid Association. For comparison I give the dimensions of three steamers fitted as hospital ships by the United States: — Creole. - Crowell Line. Constructed of steel. 358 feet long, 44 feet beam, 24 feet deep. Engines, 28", 44", 74' by 54" stroke.. Built in 1896 by Newport News Ship Building Co. Gross tonnage,. 3,801; net tonnage, 2,622. Fitted as a hospital ship for the United States Navy, and named the " Solace." John Englis.- Maine S. S. Co. Constructed of steel. 290 feet 8 inches long, 46 feet beam, 2I feet deep. Built in I896 by the Delaware River Iron Ship Building and Engine Works. Gross tonnage, 3,095; net tonnage, 1,987. Fitted as a hospital ship for the United States Army and named the " Relief." Olivette.-Plant S. S. Co. Constructed of iron. 274 feet 3. inches long, 35 feet 2 inches beam, xi feet 9 inches deep. Built in 1887 by Wm. Cramp & Sons Ship & Engine Building Co. Gross tonnage, i,6II; net tonnage,,10o5. Red cross hospital ship. What is known as the gross registered tonnage of a vessel is the internal capacity in cubic feet divided by Ioo. The net registered tonnage is the capacity less the cubic space occupied by the: engines, boilers, coal bunkers, etc. The steamship " Bowden," afterwards " Marmion," was built by Scott & Co., of Bowling, Scotland, in i886, and was used in the fruit business between Jamaica and Boston until purchased by the Massachusetts Volunteer Aid Association, by whom her name was changed to "Bay State." (Fig. x.) The general dimensions of the ship are: Length, 2oo feet; beam, 27 feet; depth, 12 feet 7 inches; gross tonnage, 776; net, 388. She had cabin accommodations for a few pas- d sengers. In fitting for a hospital ship the vessel was first cleaned thoroughly; the ballast, which consisted of granite blocks, was removed, the ceiling taken up, and the iron work of hull, both inside and outside, chipped, cleaned, and painted. New ballast of pig-iron was put in, the old ceiling was thrown away and new fitted. The main deck, now termed the hospital deck, was smoothed up and sheathed with seveneighths-inch tongued and grooved stock forward and aft of engine and Construction of MAassachusetts Hospital Ship "Bay State." 141 boiler space. This deck was painted. After the first trip the passageways were covered with ribbed rubber. At sides of engine and boilerbulkheads the iron deck was covered with cement and asphalt. The forward ward extends from bulkhead forward of boiler space to bulkhead at forecastle; length about 66 feet; average width 24 feet; fitted for berthing fifty patients when two frames are used to a section. Two water-closets and one sink for this ward are located on port side, forward end. One bath-tub and two wash-bowls are located on centre line of ship near after end of the ward. The after ward extends from bulkhead aft of engine.room to extreme stern of vessel; length about 68 feet; average width 24 feet; fitted for berthing fifty patients when two frames are used to a section. Four additional frames were placed in the extreme end known as the lazarette. Three water-closets and two sinks are located on port side; the bulkhead for isolated ward divides the water-closet room, so that one closet and one sink comes in isolated ward. The isolated ward bulkhead is about 48 feet aft of engine-room bulkhead with openings at port and starboard sides which can be closed with plates. This ward has space for eighteen patients. The starboard side of deck between the wards is fitted with four staterooms for baymen. The passageway connecting wards is of sufficient width to allow for transfer of patients. The port side is fitted wvith operating-room, sterilizing-room, and laundry. The laundry has door opening from the after ward. The sterilizing-room is entered through the laundry. Materials to be sterilized can also be put into the room from an opening in the deck, which is closed by a water-.tight plate. The operating-room is entered from the forward ward. The forward lower hold contains the coal bunkers for main boiler. From coal bunker forward, the hold is divided by a deck about nine feet below the hospital deck, called the orlop deck. Below this deck is fitted storerooms for ship stores. These rooms are built of wood slabs, with about one inch spacing, fitted with doors. Openings to -passageway between these storerooms are through hatches in the orlop -deck. The orlop deck is divided with substantial wire netting into rooms for apothecary stores, clinical laboratory, surgical apparatus, linen 142 Maassachusetts Volunteer Aid Association. stores, room for storing clothing belonging to patients, and the remainder fitted with frames for twenty patients. The after lower hold is fitted with ice-making machinery, coldstorage rooms, ice tanks, ice-room, and fresh-water tanks. The icemaking machinery is separated from the rest of the hold by steel bulkheads, and the entrance to it is through the engine-room. This machinery was furnished by the Hendrick Manufacturing Company, of Carbondale, Pa., of the type where the brine is cooled and taken from the cooler through the brine tanks. By this process no ammonia is taken outside of the space allowed for the machinery, making thereby one of the best plants for ship use. The forecastle is fitted with iron berthing frames for the men, and with two mess tables. Berthing capacity for eighteen men. The upper or main deck has steel deck-house forward, containing six rooms. These rooms were occupied by the doctors and two of the engineers. On the port side forward of this house are two water-closets enclosed in a small steel house, which house also contains space for oils, paints, etc. The main deck-house, which also covers the engine and boiler space, contains the first and second mates' room, two bath-rooms -one fitted with bath-tub, and one with shower-bath-with floors of asphalt. At the aft end of this house is the galley with dumb-waiter connecting with hospital ward. (Fig. 2.) The aft house on this deck contains five staterooms, two pantries, a cabin, and a water-closet. Three of the five staterooms were used by the female nurses. The pilot house and captain's room are on the bridge deck, which extends from forward end of forward house to stern of vessel. A strong galvanized rail with awning stanchions is fitted on this deck. Hatches are arranged over the hatches to the wards so that patients can be lifted from the hospital wards to the deck. Attached to the beams are hammock hooks for swinging hammocks. There is an awning to cover this entire upper deck. (Fig. 3.) Sanitary Arrangements. - The waterways at sides of wards are cemented. Scuppers, four inches in diameter, are fitted. All waterclosets are of the Hercules type with tanks for flushing. The closets are placed so that the soil pipes lead through side of ship LO CL a Construction of Massachusetts Hospital Ship "Bay State." I43 above water line, and are fitted with storm valves. The water service is from a pump which runs continuously, the overflow from tanks flowing through the closets. The baths are arranged with Gegenstrom heaters except the shower-baths. All plumbing is open. Ventilation. - A large blower is located in upper engine-room. The suction pipes extend through the after and forward wards, with branch to lower between decks forward. Openings in pipes are covered with wire netting, and dampers are fitted to regulate the draught. The air is changed very rapidly. The discharge pipe extends up through engine-room skylight with delivery some distance above bridge deck. The ice-machine room is ventilated by a pressure fan, outlet pipes running through upper and bridge decks. a About fifty-four electric fans are located throughout the wards, and one in each stateroom. Hatches.- The hatch openings on main deck have iron frames with canvas covers, which are to be used in heavy rain storms. Hatch covers of wood are fitted so that in case of a violent storm they can be put in and battened down. Lighting. -A direct connected engine and dynamo are located in the lower engine-room. The vessel is wired throughout. There are about one hundred and fifty lights. The fittings for lights are the same as for electric fans. Fire Sertice. - Connection on deck from single pump, and outlets on water service pipes with hose to reach to any part of the vessel. General.-Vessel is fitted with steam windlass and steam steering gear, one alco-vapor launch, four life-boats, two rafts, and about one hundred and seventy life preservers. The details of construction are all carefully worked out. All berth frames are of one size, 24 by 74 inches, and are interchangeable. The substitutes for side boards for berthsl are rods clamped to standards by a yoke. The serving tables are conveniently located in the wards, as are also the closets for linen, etc. The inside and outside of vessel received several coats of paint, and the final coats in wards were of enamel white. There are side ports at main deck, two on starboard and two on port side, through which patients can be brought on board or taken ashore directly from the wards. 144 Massachusetts Volunteer Aid Association. Appended are memoranda giving general dimensions of vessel, sizes of. engines, etc. - Principal Dimensions of ull. - Length between perpendiculars 199.5 feet. Breadth, extreme, 27.I feet. Depth, I9.8 feet. Tonnage, measurement, gross, 776.60; net, 388.30. Main Engines. - 20, 32', 53" diameter of cylinder x 36" stroke. Main Boilers. - Two, Scotch type, i' 5" diameter x Io' long. Two 36" furnaces in each boiler; 143 pounds steam. Auxiliary or Donkey Boiler. - One upright tubular, 60" inside diameter, 9 high, 54" diameter furnace of I50 pounds steam pressure. Windlass. - No. 4 Hyde 6" x 8", double engines. AUXILIARY MACHINERY. Pumps. - Bilge and ballast pump, Knowles duplex, 7j" x 4j" x Io". Deck and fire pump, Knowles single, 7" x 4" x 7". Distiller circulating, Blake diplex, 5I" x 5" x 6". Donkey feed pump, Blake single, 74" x 4" x Io". Fresh water distributing, Blake single; 6k" x 44" x 8". Evaporator feed pump, Blake single, 3" x i x 3". Ice-machine circulating, Blake special duplex, 6" x 54" x 6". Ice-machine brine, Deane duplex, 6" x 5'" x 6". Dynamo and Engine. - Sturtevant type, direct connected. Engine, 5" x 4' double vertical, 575 R. P. M. Dynamo multipolar, I2,000 watts at I o volts. Evaporator and Distiller Plant. - James Reilly Repair and Supply Co. Capacity, 3,000 gallons in twenty-four hours. Ventilating Fans. -One 70" exhaust fan, Sturtevant, for ward ventilation. One 40" pressure fan, Sturtevant, for ice-machine room ventilation. Ice Machine.- Capacity, five tons in twenty-four hours. Engine cylinder, single, oIo" diameter x I5" stroke. Compressor cylinder, single, 7k" diameter x 15" stroke. Coal capacity, i67 tons. Draught, loaded, 9' forward, 13' 8" aft. 7anks, Fresh Water. -Fore-peak supply and trimming jtank, Construction of Massachusetts Hospital Ship 'Bay State." I45 8,0oo gallons capacity. After-peak supply and trimming tank, 2,500 gallons capacity. Two supply tanks in after hold, total, 2,300 gallons capacity. One pressure tank for running water head. 250 gallons capacity. Ballast tank bottom from aft engineroom bulkhead, 48 tons capacity. Tanks, Oil.-One tank for vapor launch supply, 210 gallons. Three engine supply tanks, 58, 58 and 55,- 17I gallons. Sterilizing Machine for Bedding, etc. - 4' 6" diameter x 6' 6" long. LAUNDRY MACHINERY. (FIG. 6.) One 4" x 4' steam engine. One wooden machine, 22"1 diameter, 26", long, rev. i60. One power wringer, rolls, 3j" diameter, s6" long. MEDICAL EQUIPMENT.S BY E. H. BRADFORD, M. D., BOSTON. THE equipment of the hospital ship "Bay State " was planned with the idea that she should be ready for whatever emergency the chances of war might bring, with the chief idea, however, that she should serve as a hospital transport for the transferring of the sick to mainland hospitals and with preparations only for short trips. As she was visiting a country where yellow fever was to be expected, it was necessary that her construction should be such that it could be easily and thoroughly cleaned and fumigated. Wood construction was therefore discarded and ironwork substituted. It was necessary that the ventilation should be good; that facilities for making ice, for furnishing pure water under all circumstances, and for furnishing delicacies for the sick be provided. An operating-room, for any emergency which might arrive, was demanded. Although it was not anticipated that much surgery would be needed upon the ship, preparations were made for thorough asepsis and antisepsis, in case any was required. (Fig. 12.) It was also thought advisable to arrange that the patient could, if necessary, be transferred from the ship to land without removal from the frame which serves as a bed. To make this possible, the gas-pipe berth frames, used for sailors in many of the recently built yachts and steamers, were made detachable. In place of the canvas stretched on the frame (making of it a flat hammock), a wire mattress was used, secured to both ends of the frame by means of screw-threaded rods fastened to the ends of the mattress on one side, and on the other to the cross rods of the frame. Any degree of tension of the mattress was secured by means of a screw nut, and, if necessary, the wire mattress could be removed. On the wire mattress a coir (African hair) mattress was placed. The frames were secured at the four corners by socket castings to four uprights fastened to, but detachable from, sockets screwed to the floor and ceiling. On these uprights suitable castings slid (secured by a pin at a required point), furnished with a * Read before the Boston' Society for Mcdical Improvement, Nov. 21, 1898. Medical Equipment. 147 strong hook, one at each of the four posts. On these hooks the mattress frame was placed. The construction of the frame was such that it fitted the hooks in such a way as to give no rattle or motion. The frames were sufficiently wide for an adult male. They could be readily removed from the back by lifting from the hooks, and if a patient -lay upon them, the individual could be carried wherever it was desired without being removed from his bed. To prevent the patient from being thrown out, in case of rolling of the ship, a side rod was placed and secured at any desired height to each of the four uprights by passing through a screw clamp. Where more than one was necessary, a second one also could be placed, which would prevent the patient from slipping through, if such was needed. Cord lashings were also used for lashing the rod to the frame, to prevent the patient slipping under the rod. The upright rods were hollow and three inches in diameter; the frame made of gas-piping an inch and a half in thickness. The side rods were three-quarters of an inch solid rods. (Fig. 8.) The arrangement of the berth stacks varied in the two wards according to the space, but in both, aisles were left sufficient in width for the removal of the patients. Arrangements were made for two or three tiers of frames; three if the vessel were crowded, and two under ordinary circumstances. The center of the ward over the hatchway was partially floSred in, and a serving table of wood was placed upon the hatchway. (Fig. 9.) A hoistway was made with arrangements for hoisting the frames through the hatchway upon the deck, if that was desirable. The sinks and water-closets were separated from the wards by an iron sheathing, making a separate room. Standing bowls and bath-tubs, screened by rubber hangings, were placed in each ward, supplied with Gegenstrom water temperature regulators. (Figs. to and I.) The operating-room was necessarily small, and was arranged so that the operating facilities should be in the most compact form. Instruments and dressings were placed in a closet with iron wicker-work doors, and shelves of the same construction. Iron wickerwork cages were also placed for bottles of sterilized water. Iron frames were hinged to the wall, into which agate-ware trays could be placed for dressings or surgical instruments. These hinged frames could be I48 Massachusetts Volunteer Aid Association. folded up against the wall when not in use. The same is true of places for basins placed over an iron sink, and for sterilized solutions for the sutgeon's hands. (Fig. 12.) The operating-table consisted of an iron-piping frame resting when in use on two iron-pipe stands which were secured at the sides by side rods clamped on to the stands. Across the frame were placed flat plates of nickel plated steel, four inches wide, and long enough to be hooked over the sides of the frame. When the plates were placed together a smooth surface was furnished, on which a patient could be placed, and which could be made aseptic, each plate being sterilized before operation by steam sterilization. Separating the plates permitted irrigation fluid to drain from the surface of the operating-table to a chute below, made by securing a rubber sheet to the sides of the frame cut so that it would slope into a pail below. Two operatingtables were furnished, to be taken apart and stacked at the side of the room when not used; a steam sterilizer for sterilizing dressings, a filter for water, and an electric water heating arrangement for boiling surgical instruments, an asphalt floor with a side gutter and escape pipe, an arrangement for hanging sterilized sheets to the walls of the operatingroom, permitted as complete asepsis as was possible. The water faucets were arranged to work with the foot, instead of the hand. The ventilation of the wards was excellent, and was furnished by an exhaust system, made preferable in this instance over the plenum by the large hatchways; supplementary to this were windsails to the hatches in suitable weather and a large number of electric fans. An x-ray appliance was supplied in the forward ward. In the lower forward deck the apothecary service was arranged with the medical supplies and also an ample arrangement for the surgical supplies. A clinical laboratory was also equipped here with facilities for the requisite tests. (Figs. I5 and i6.) Any statement of the equipment of the "Bay State " would be incomplete without an expression of thanks for the enthusiastic help rendered by the different local aid associations and to different individuals, who generously supplied everything which could suggest itself as of possible benefit for sick soldiers, to say nothing of the personal work sD lavishly expended by all. METHOD AND CHARACTER OF WORK DONE BY MASSACHUSETTS HOSPITAL SHIP "BAY STATE."* BY HERBERT L. BURRELL, M. D., BOSTON. As an aid association hospital ship the problem of its control and government was unique. It required careful thought and consideration, and the Association was indebted to the services of Mr. Frederick Dodge and Commander Green, who carefully evolved a plan of control. The title of surgeon-superintendent was selected as designating an.official who would have not alone the medical charge of the ship but would represent the owners; for, as can readily be understood, the proper control of a hospital ship should be vested mediially. And yet the difficulty arose of divided responsibility. It was clear that there should be only one captain on board the ship, for the exigencies and customs of the sea service demand that there shall be only one authority. In a way the position of the surgeon-superintendent was not unlike that of a supercargo of a vessel. The surgeon-superintendent was given instructions by the Board of Control, Mr. H: L. Higginson, Mr. R. M. Burnett, and Dr. H. L. Burrell, placing the ship entirely in his charge, the safety of the vessel from the navigation standpoint to be in the hands of the master, and yet the point to which the vessel should go, the immediate control of the ship wherever influencing the welfare of the patients, - in these the master was placed under the direction of the surgeon-superintendent. The following articles were signed by all members of the medical department. The navigation department signed the ship's articles, under the master. MASSACHUSETTS HOSPITAL STEAMSHIP " BAY STATE." It is hereby agreed, by and between Herbert L. Burrell, surgeonsuperintendent of said hospital steamship, on behalf of the Massa* Read before the Boston Society for Medical Improvement, Nov. 21, i898. I5o0 Massachusetts Volunteer Aid Association. chusetts Volunteer Aid Association, and the several persons whose names are hereto subscribed, as follows:( i) Said persons agree to serve in the several capacities below set against their respective names in the hospital service of said ship, and onbloard her, she being now bound from the Port of Boston to such ports or places as it may be found necessary to have her visit in the course of her employment for hospital purposes during the present war; provided, also, that if found necessary, she is to make continuous trips between such ports or places and ports in the United States as may be ordered, and back to a final port of discharge in the United States, for a term of time not to exceed three months in all from the date hereof. (2) Said persons further agree to conduct themselves in an orderly, faithful, diligent, and sober manner, and to be at all times obedient t the lawful orders of the surgeon-superintendent, or whoever May succeed him in that office, in everything relating to the hospital service of said ship; and to the lawful orders of the master of saidjship in the exercise of his authority as master over all personslontboard not members of her crew. (3) In consideration of said service to be duly performed, said surgeon-superintendent hereby agrees to pay them for each and' every month's service the sums below set against their respective names, and at the same rate for any time of service less than one month; and also to provide them (subject to the emergencies of said service) with suitable food and accommodations on board said ship. (4) Unless sooner discharged as below provided, the said persons hereby each agree to serve as above during the continuation of the present war, and for such further time thereafter as S may be necessary for the proper completion of the service in which she may be then engaged. But no person is to be hereby bound to serve as above for a longer term than three months in all. (5) It is agreed that said surgeon-superintendent, or whoever may succeed him in that office, may, whenever he shall deem it - expedient for the interest of the service for which said ship is destined, discharge any of the persons signing this Agreement from Character of Work done by Hospital Ship "Bay State." I51 service on board her, and terminate this Agreement as to such person, by giving such person one week's notice that he or she is so discharged, and that this Agreement is so terminated as to him or her. At the expiration of such notice, if said ship is then in port, or upon her arrival at the next port at which she may arrive after the expiration of such notice, such person shall leave the ship, and all his or her rights under this Agreement to further compensation or to further food and accommodation on board shall cease; except that, if such person's discharge from the ship as above takes effect at a port out of the United States, he or she shall be entitled to the reasonable expense of returning to the United States, and to wages at the rate herein expressed during the time reasonably necessary for such return. Dated at Boston this first day of August, A. D. 1898. Provision was made in these articles, as will be seen, for the dismissal for good cause of any of the members of the medical department, and it is interesting, as illustrating the wisdom of the articles of service as drawn up by Commander Green and Mr. Frederick Dodge, that during the successive voyages it was never necessary to refer to the Articles of Agreement. The authority was established at the start instead of being allowed to develop as occasion demanded. Selected and elected to their respective positions, as the medical department were, out of an extraordinarily large number of applicants, it was and still is a matter of wonderment that they adjusted themselves so perfectly to the conditions which they met and to the individuals with whom they associated. After sailing it became necessary to lie for some forty-eight hours in President's Roads to restore order out of chaos. The ship was broadly divided into two departments: (i) navigation; (2) medical. Under the navigation department were the engineers' and stewards' departments. The stewards' department was definitely assigned by the master of the ship, Captain P. F. Butman, to the purser. The organization was simple. If any member of the medical department wished anything done in the navigation department or engineers' department, the request was made through the surgeonA~~~~~~~~~~~' 152 Massachusetts Volunteer Aid Association. superintendent. If any member of the navigation department wished anything done in the medical department, the request was made through the master of the ship. While the above was the rule, yet it was rare that it was carried out to the letter. It was difficult for those connected with the ship, both in the navigation and medical departments, to see the necessity for this provision. The surgeon-superintendent received daily reports from the master of the vessel as to the quantity of fuel, water, position of the vessel, and the master of the vessel was directed to report at any time any imminent exigency that might arise. The cleanliness of the ship was suggestively controlled by the medical department. The actual work was done by the navigation department, except in the parts of the ship, wards, etc., directly occupied by the patients. The work of the various officers was as follows: The surgeonsuperintendent had no specific duties, but was in charge. The executive officer, who was the first surgeon, was the one who carried out the directions of the surgeon-superintendent in the medical department. The second surgeon was in charge of the patients. Practically he was visiting physician. The first assistant surgeon was in charge of the forward ward, and the second assistant surgeon was in charge of the aft ward. The purser was in charge of all financial accounts and the stewards' department. The head nurse was in charge of the nursing. The baymen were under the direction of the visiting physician. The orders for their work were written in a separate book, and while they were told that they must co-operate with the head nurse, yet they were not directly under her. The division of work in the wards was that which exists in a wellregulated hospital. It was impractical in many ways to carry this out fully, yet the general spirit was that the ship was a hospital platform.' As a supply ship it became necessary to know definitely the position of everything on board in order that when supplies were furnished their character and quantity should be accurately known. This work was largely done by the second surgeon and by the head nurse, who was acting property clerk. The financial interests of the ship were looked out for by the purser, in conference with the master and surgeonsuperintendent. 0 Character of Work' done by Hospital Ship "Bay State." I53 The ship was obviously intended primarily for the care and wellbeing of Massachusetts troops; this, however, not to the exclusion of other volunteers or regular troops. She was specifically fitted out as a supplementary aid to the medical departments of the United States Army and Navy, and wherever any question arose as to what the ship should do, - for example, the transportation of caskets, the receiving of passengers, the moving of supplies, -all were decided after reference to what the ship was equipped for. It made it easy to make decisions, but at times they seemed unelastic and arbitrary. The method adopted of rendering aid to troops was in general as follows: 'First, some officer of the medical department of the ship reported in person to the ranking officer in the army or navy who was present, that the ship had arrived, presented her credentials, and asked for suggestions as to the manner in which they could render aid. Second, an officer of the medical department of the ship placed himself in communication, for advice, suggestions, and directions, with the chief medical officer of the army or navy who was present. As the ship was not under the direction of either army or navy, and had a roving commission, the advice, suggestions, and directions received from these various sources were considered and a line of action was adbpted. There were many distinct advantages connected with the position of the ship. The natural self-interest of an organization would frequently deflect it from giving advice as to where the ship could be most useful, which was obviously the function for which she was equipped. However, one principle dominated the aid rendered by the ship and it was this: to find out as far as possible what was needed by the authorities in charge, and to co-operate with them in every way possible, to render them assistance in the way in which they wished. It became very clear that the best way to assist them was to do what the authorities in charge wished and not what the surgeon-superintendent might consider necessary and best. In a few instances it was necessary to disregard constituted authority. A great deal of work was done by the pathologist of the ship, Dr. Cabot, who accompanied the ship on her second voyage, in the general hospital at Ponce and Guanica. I54 Massachusetts Volunteer Aid Association. The designation of what patients were to be taken was at times difficult and complicated. In a few instances an effort was made to press upon the ship unsuitable cases, but this was due to a desire on the part of the medical authorities to relieve a condition which seemed to them unbearable. However, in all instances where patients were taken, they were definitely assigned to the care of the ship by the chief surgeon of the military district. Wherever it was possible, identification papers were sent with the patients, and when we reached the home port the patients were disposed of by being assigned nominally to a representative of the United States Army. Substantial records were kept of the patients, and the following is the form of blank that was used for histories:HOSPITAL SHIP "BAY STATE." Name Date Age Native of No. Berth No. Grade Address Address nearest friend Received from Disability How and where received Date Discharged. Condition Delivered to Medical record Surgeon in charge. A discharge card was also given in every instance. This was for the purpose of identification, to prevent frauds, and to enable the patients to bring legitimate claims against the Government. On reaching the home port duplicate medical histories of patients were made out and were forwarded to the representative of the United States Government to whom the troops were nominally delivered, with the request that these records be delivered, through the proper channel, for deposit in the Surgeon-General's office in Washington. The ship did work in three different directions: (i) She brought home three hundred and thirty-six patients. Of that number five died. 6ASOV8QVN VX1NlD 150 ~S *~ 1 f-.H. I * h '.... B E,, E _ - _ - - l I ~.. Li_: I Character of Work done by Hospital Ship "Bay State." I55 The percentage of mortality was 1.49 per cent; subtracting a patient who died before leaving Santiago Harbor, this reduces it to i.19 per cent. This work was carried out at Guantanamo, Santiago, Caimenera, Guanica, Ponce, Arecibo, Utuado, and San Juan. (2) She gave medical and surgical supplies to patients at all of these points. She supplied with many essentials a yellow fever hospital at Santiago and at Siboney; furnished a number of supplies at Utuado; essentially equipped a hospital of seventy beds at Arecibo and of eighty beds at San Juan; furnished a large amount of supplies at Ponce and Guanica; relieved starvation at Caimanera; furnished supplies at Guantanamo, and incidentally furnished necessities and luxuries to vessels of the United States Navy. (3) On the first voyage to Porto Rico it was found that the problem of caring for the sick of the Sixth Regiment was a difficult one, and it was determined to leave the seriously ill patients at Utuado, owing to the difficulties arising from the transportation from Utuado to Arecibo. The ship at this time took essentially all the convalescent patients of the regiment and left as a supplementary aid to the medical department of the Sixth Regiment, under the direction of the medical agent of the Massachusetts Volunteer Aid Association, Dr. J. Booth Clarkson, who afterwards acted as purser of the ship, and the following nurses and baymen: Miss Parsons, Miss Gault, Mr. Kemp, and Mr. Lyford. (4) The mental influence of the ship should not be lost sight of. It was distinctly a sense of encouragement to troops, especially the officers, wherever she went. The sense of encouragement in many instances was so marked that it, figuratively speaking, placed men on their feet and enabled them to carry on their work. The following quotation from a letter of Major L. C. Carr's expresses this mental influence: " Is like a ray of hope in a desert of desolation." b She was always welcomed wherever she went, and it was a rare pleasure that was afforded to the officers of the ship to act as the dispensers of the charity of the Massachusetts Volunteer Aid Association. THE MEDICAL AND SURGICAL HISTORY OF THE HOSPITAL SHIP "BAY STATE.", BY J. T. BOTTrrOMLEY, M.D., BOSTON. PERHAPS not the least interesting and instructive of the developments of the late war was the work done by hospital ships. Both the army ^ and navy possessed such ships as adjuncts to their regular medical service and found them invaluable. Attached to neither, but co-operating with both, was the hospital ship, " Bay State," sent out by the Massachusetts Volunteer Aid Association. It may add to the interest of her history to know that the sending out of this ship was an unique occurrence in two particulars; she was the first hospital ship in the world to be fitted out by an aid association and authorized by a sovereign power under the articles of the Geneva Conference; she was the only hospital ship in the late war sent out by the people of any State to care for its soldiers-a distinction that added to the already great fame of Massachusetts, and made her soldiers the envy of their less fortunate brothers. Under the auspices of the Volunteer Aid Association the "Bay State " made three trips to and from Cuba and Porto Rico and was in active service about three months, during which time she received on board, as patients, three hundred and thirty-six soldiers. To care for these she carried on her first trip five physicians, six nurses and six baymen; on her second trip, six physicians, six nurses, and eight baymen; on this trip two of the nurses and two baymen were left in Porto Rico to aid in the management of the hospital of the Sixth Massachusetts Regiment at Utuado; on her third trip she carried four physicians, six nurses, and six baymen. These comprised the working medical force of the ship. 'he first consignment of patients was made up of ioI men of the Second and Ninth Massachusetts Regiments - 40 from the Second r * Read before the Boston Society for Medical Improvement, Nov. 21, I895. 4I Alediual and Surgical History of Hospital Ship "Bay State." 157 and 6I from the Ninth; these were received at Santiago, Cuba, in August of the present year. The second and third consignments came from Porto Rico in September and October; the second consisted of 1oo, and the third of I35 men. Of these 235, 207 were from the Sixth Massachusetts Regiment, 25 from the First U. S. Volunteer Engineers, 2 from the U. S. Hospital Service, and i from the Fifth Light Artillery. We naturally preferred to have Massachusetts soldiers as patients, because the boat was fitted out and supported by Massachusetts people and money; but when sick Massachusetts men were not to be found we were glad to receive and care for the sick of other States, as well as of the regular service. Of our 336 patients, 32I lived in Massachusetts, 7 in New York, 3 each in Pennsylvania and Maryland, I in Connecticut, and i in New Jersey. All these patients were received in tropical climates after they had been there from six to sixteen weeks. Our work was to take the men and care for them until they were delivered to the proper authorities at whatever point it was deemed expedient. All of our patients were landed at Boston. In the three hundred and thirty-six patients whom we carried, the following diseases were represented:Malaria and Complications. -Acute, 34; convalescent, 32; with chronic diarrhoea, I4; with dysentery, i6; with yellow fever (convalescent), 5; with phthisis, i. Total, 102. Typhoid Fever. -Acute, 20; convalescent, 53. Total, 73, including post-typhoidal abscess of thigh, i; of parotid, I; posttyphoidal neuritis, 3. Diarrhwa. - Acute, 55; convalescent, 42; with malaria, 14; ^a ~with neurasthenia, i; with tonsilitis, i. Total, 113. Dysentery.- Acute, I6; convalescent, 9; with malaria, t6. Total, 41. Yellow Fever. - Convalescent, i6. Rheumatism. - 7. Scattering. - Gonorrhoea, 4; debility, 4; febricula, 4; hernia, 4; bronchitis, 3; gastritis, 2; phthisis, 2; after-effects of sunstroke, 2; syphilis, i; sprained ankle, I; varicocele, i; septicemia, I; I58 Massachusetts Volunteer Aid Association. myelitis,; cardiac,; cervical adenitis, I; flat-foot, i; paresis of extensor muscles of hand, I. Total, 34. The foregoing table demonstrates that of the 336 patients, I02, or 30.36 per cent, had malaria; 73, or 21.73 per cent, had typhoid; II3, or 33.63 per cent, had diarrhoea; and 41, or 12.2 per cent, had dysentery. Considering dysentery and diarrhoea together, they affected 154 of the 336 patients, or 45.86 per cent. This means that 45.86 per cent of the patients as they came on board had some degree of diarrhcea or dysentery; yet these figures do not convey a fair idea of the prevalence of intestinal affections among the troops. Almost every northern soldier who was sent to Cuba or Porto Rico had a more or less severe attack of diarrhoea during his stay there. Improper food, its improper preparation, the failure of the men to grasp the great importance of boiling all drinking-water, and the careless use of tropical fruits, - all aided in producing a disastrous effect. When you add to this the necessary exposure to wet and dampness, without the possibility of exchanging wet clothing for dry, the prevalence of intestinal inflammation is not remarkable. Let us now consider the diseases of the patients brought from Santiago on the first trip as compared with those of the men brought from Porto Rico on the second and third trips. Of the Ioi brought from Santiago, 8i, or 80.2 per cent, had malaria in some form; but I6, or 6.8x per cent, of the 235 from Porto Rico showed malaria. These figures probably place the percentage of malaria in Porto Rico too high; for some of these 16 cases were doubtful. Blood examination of io6 patients, among whom were these I6, showed the plasmodium only twice. Again, Dr. Cabot examined the blood of at least i9o patients in the military hospitals at Guanica and Ponce, and did not find the plasmodium once - a fact which makes it very probable that malaria was comparatively rare in Porto Rico among the soldiers. The diagnosis of malaria is put down for them out of deference to the regimental surgeon, who had far greater opportunity of observing them than we, and who had already made this diagnosis. Eight of the Santiago men had typhoid fever, a percentage of 7.92 per cent, while 63 of the Porto Rican patients showed it, a percentage Medical and Surgical History of Hospital Ship "Bay State." 59 of 26.89 per cent. It is probable that more cases of typhoid would have been discovered among the Santiago men had it not been for the peculiar behavior of our typhoid cultures on the first trip, which rendered the doing of the Widal test impossible. This forced us to make the diagnosis of typhoid on clinical features alone. The percentages of the patients with diarrhcea do not, as has been noted above, convey a fair notion of its prevalence. Eighteen, or 17.82 per cent, of the Santiago men had dysentery; 23, or 9.79 per cent, of the men from Porto Rico showed it. Examination of the stools for the amoeba dysenterie was very difficult on ship board. Some were examined on the second trip; the examination was negative, but not satisfactory. At the hospitals in the city a number of cases of amebic dysentery were found among the patients from Santiago. As far as I know, but one such case was found among the Porto Rican patients. The sixteen cases of yellow fever received at Santiago were convalescent. The diagnosis had been made by the regimental surgeons. The histories of the men did not seem to point to yellow fever, but rather to malaria. However, the men who made the diagnosis had observed the whole course of the illness of these patients. Several of the cases showed a peculiar yellowish discoloration of the fingernails, which, according to Dr. McCollom, might come after yellow fever. There were no cases of yellow fever among the patients from Porto Rico. The above facts show well the difference ir the healthfulness of the two climates. Malaria was very prevalent and of an extremely severe type at Santiago; it was very uncommon in Porto Rico, and the two undoubted cases that we had an opportunity of seeing there were very mild. Typhoid was apparently more prevalent in Porto Rico, and the type was sometimes very severe, the victims often dying from the sixth to the tenth day; in fact, autopsy would show the pathological changes in the lymphoid elements of the bowel to be in the stage of hyperplasia, there being no sloughing or necrosis. We were told that before the advent of the soldiers in Porto Rico typhoid was comparatively unknown. The soldiers brought it with them. Seventeen fresh cases of typhoid developed on the "Yale " when she was carrying the Sixth Massachusetts to Porto Rico. Dysentery was much more com i6o Massachusetts Volunteer Aid Association. mon in Santiago and was more severe than that seen in Porto Rico. It is not within our province to attempt to explain why there was less sickness in Porto Rico than in Santiago. The climate of the former is surely more wholesome and the war was older when the campaign there began, and hence, there was more time to make preparations for protect!g the health of the soldiers. Whatever the reason was, the men in- Porto Rico were in a much better condition physically than those in Santiago; from the latter came the sickest-looking and, indeed, the sickest men we had ever seen or ever expect to see. The marked muddy pallor, the great emaciation, the sunken eyes, the starved looks, and the terrible weakness, which was so manifest, made a picture that cannot be adequately described. Even the men said to be fairly well looked to us sick. It was war in its most terrible aspect, shorn of all its pomp and glory, clothed in all its wretchedness and misery. The malaria at Santiago was all of the continued and remittent type; the crescent form of the organism was present in all the cases from that place. We found the organism of the tertian form but once, and that in one of the Porto Rican patients. At Santiago the men with malaria were many of them very ill, and these cases bore a strong resemblance to typhoid fever. The temperature was irregular, but the remissions were greater than are usually seen in typhoid and did not come at definite intervals; the typhoidal facial expression was common; the spleen was enlarged but was apparently more firm than the typhoid spleen. Cachexia and anemia were marked. Malarial edema was not common but was present in several instances. Chills were not seen in all cases. Paroxysms, when they came, usually occurred in the afternoon. Co-existing diarrhoeas and dysenteries often complicated the diagnosis and treatment of these malarias. There were undoubtedly some instances of double infection with malaria and typhoid; this was proved afterwards at the hospitals here. The behavior of our typhoid cultures on the first trip prevented the possible discovery of the fact on the ship. When we obtained our first stock of typhoid cultures on agar and serum they came from a perfectly reliable laboratory, and the tubes, stoppered with cotton and sealed with paraffine, were delivered in a practically air-tight jar. Ten days later, when the Widal reaction became of importance, we found that all cultures made from these were Medical and Surgical History of Hospital Ship "Bay State." I6I either sterile or contaminated. This misfortune we ascribed to our lack of skill and technique and to draughts of air from a windsail. The stock on the second trip came from a different source and was on agar; the tubes, stoppered with cotton and unsealed, were placed in a box covered only by paper; they were not touched for ten days; then, with the same technique, etc., in planting cultures, the results obtained were very satisfactory; the tubes not used on this trip were preserved. Fresh agar cultures were taken on the third trip and were again placed in the glass jar. When we came to use them most of them were again sterile; some were contaminated; none were useful, though, from external appearances, they seemed to be all right. Then we fell back, as a last resort, on the tubes kept over from the second trip, which were at that time over six weeks old. Again, the conditions and the technique remaining the same, these cultures gave excellent results. The cultures on the first and third trips came from the same source, and, when received, were apparently in good condition and showed a growth. The interesting points are: the apparent effect of the air-tight jar on cultures of the typhoid organism; and the very lively growth obtained from the second cultures after they were six weeks old. The cases mentioned in the table as febriculae formed an interesting class. They were very common in Porto Rico, and were said to have been common in Camp Alger. As far as we could learn from the four patients we had, the prodromal symptoms were like those of typhoid, though the period of incubation was not so long, being only two to three days. The most distressing symptom was pain in the back and patients complained chiefly of that. Diarrhcea and headache were usually present. The temperature ran between 102~ and 104~ for three or four days, and then fell by lysis. An urticaria, which itched intolerably, usually accompanied the fever; while this was not the only condition in which urticaria appeared, yet it was more common with this than with the other fevers. It appeared usually in the giant form and covered irregular areas of considerable size on various parts of the body. The urticaria usually passed away with the fever. The blood of these patients did not give the Widal reaction, and whether the fever was due to a gastro-enteritis, to heat, or to exhaustion, -all of which were advanced as causes, - we could not decide. I62 Massachusefts Volunteer Aid Association. Blood Examinations. - The number of very ill men in our first consignment, and the amount of attention they demanded, made it possible for us to examine the blood of the sickest patients only. Fifty-six examinations were made for the plasmodium malarice, and the crescent form was found in 49; 7 examinations were negative. On the second trip, with an increased medical force and fewer sick patients, Ioo Widals and roo examinations of blood for the plasmodium were done. Ninety-five of the Widals were negative and 5 positive. Ninety-eight of the examinations for the plasmodium were negative and 2 positive -one showing the crescent form and one the tertian. Dr. Richard Cabot was of the greatest service to the ship on this trip. On the third trip, because of the loss of two members of the medical staff, we could do only such work on the blood as seemed necessary. Fifteen Widals were done, 1 of which were positive and 4 negative; as many examinations for the plasmodium were made, and all were negative. There are some difficulties about the use of a microscope at sea. Of course, with the motion of the boat - and there is a good deal of motion in a small boat - the light was constantly changing and it was difficult to focus. If we used artificial light we had to work below decks, where it was exceedingly hot and uncomfortable. It was sometimes difficult to keep either ourselves or the microscope upright. Surgery. - Though we were well equipped for surgical work, we did but little of it because of the cessation of hostilities. On this account, our surgical work was limited to the opening and draining of two abscesses. Treatment. - First, of ourselves. It is notable that the medical department of the ship, aside from casualties and sea-sickness, was never incapacitated by illness. As a matter of precaution we all took four grains of quinine every morning while in Cuba. After any unusual exertion, or after a trip ashore, the dose was repeated and supplemented by a cup of coffee. We worked as little as possible in the heat of the day - that is, from I I A. M. to 3 P. M. Contrary to all the principles oi temperance, we never drank water when ashore. Fruits, except those carried from the North on the boat or those to which we were accustomed, were not allowed. Plenty of rest was one of the maxims. Except when the good of the ship demanded it, no one was allowed ashore after one hour before sunset. Our drinking-water was Medical and Surgical History of Hospital Ship "Bay State. 163 distilled from sea-water, and even the water in Santiago harbor, which was unquestionably foul, and where there is practically no tide to float the sewage, etc., away, was used by us for purposes of distillation. Some few cases of moderate diarrhcea among the medical staff followed the use of this water. 'While the general trend of opinion among the dwellers in hot climates seems to be against sleeping at night in the open air, yet a number of the medical force of the boat did so more or less constantly, and apparently suffered no ill effects. However, sleeping in the berths on straw matting was usually not intolerably uncomfortable. When we were at sea the decks were washed down with sea-water every morning. When we were in infected harbors this process was entirely omitted. Washing of the floor about the serving tables in the wards was allowed then but once a day, and that with fresh water only. These measures were taken on the advice of some of the medical officers of the navy. They were necessary in Cuba, but not in Porto Rico. Treatment of Patients. - While not coming exactly under the head of treatment of patients, it may not be amiss to speak here of the method employed in treating their clothing and personal effects. When a patient reached the ward after his corrosive bath he wore a suit of new pajamas. The clothing he had worn and all his personal effects that could not be injured by exposure to steam were placed in numbered canvas bags and passed through the deck into the sterilizing room. Here they were subjected for twenty minutes to steam at 340~ F., under twenty pounds' pressure. All articles not sterilized by steam were placed in a box and disinfected by formaldehyde gas. Schering's lamp, with pastils, was used. The wards were disinfected by formaldehyde and thoroughly washed after each trip. Diets. -Diets were divided into three classes: (i) liquid, (2) soft solids, (3) ship's diet. The following articles were contained in these: (I) Liquid. -Beef tea prepared from either the extract or juice, clear soups, clam juice, malted milk, Mellin's food, tea and coffee occasionally. (2) Soft Solids. - Bread, puddings, eggs, oatmeal, ice cream. (3) Shit's Diet.- Soup, meats, potatoes, desserts, ice cream, fruit. I64 Massachusetts Volunteer Aid Association. Drug Treatment. -Comparatively few drugs were used. Malaria was, of course, treated by quinine. It was usually given in 8-grain doses three times daily. Cases which did not do well under this treatment were given half-ounce doses of Warburg's tincture; the change worked very well in two or three instances. The very sick cases - those in whom vomiting was a prominent symptom or whose stomachs would not tolerate quinine - were given 15-grain doses of thebisulphate with tartaric acid subcutaneously. The anemia and cachexia. were treated by Fowler's solution or by the iron, arsenic, and strychnine tablet. Where arsenic was contra-indicated, reduced iron was used. Steady high temperatures were treated by cold sponge baths. The hardest cases to treat successfully were those complicated by diarrhoea or dysentery. The treatment of the diarrhoeas varied. Mild cases, having four to six movements a day, were treated simply by a restricted diet - usually the liquid; in two or three days the diarrhoea generally gave way to constipation. No drugs were given these cases. Whether the resulting constipation was the effect of the sea-air-which, some hold, is decidedly constipating - or of the rest and restricted diet matters not. Somewhat more severe cases were treated by bismuth or by the opium, camphor, and tannin tablet in addition to the restricted diet. Severe diarrhoeas and the dysenteries showed but very little improvement under the use of drugs by the mouth. Opium was always given in these cases, but it was supplemented by large high enemata. Quinine in the proportion of thirty grains to two quarts of water, and nitrate of silver in. the proportion of twenty grains to two quarts of water, were both used. One worked well in some cases, the other in others, but on the whole the quinine enemata worked more satisfactorily. Typhoid fever was treated in the usual way. Cold sponge baths were given when the temperature required it. The diet was limited to liquids, with soft boiled eggs occasionally. The drug treatment was not unusual. Bedding that was infected was thrown overboard. After each trip all bedding, bed-pans, etc., were sterilized by steam. Rubber sheets, etc., were washed in carbolic-acid solution. All stools were disinfected with chloride of lime and carbolic acid, and the bed-pans. and urinals carefully cleansed after their use. The water-closets were Xii3JIVS Avgi lS tdO ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~' O Ell LL --- _1 < 11 1111 1 1~~~~~*31^ Ik...._w a * C~~~~~~~~~~4 v "-..It', ~- r Medical and Surgical History of Hospital Ship "Bay State." I65 closely watched; chloride of lime was freely used, and flushing with corrosive was a matter of daily routine. Closets were inspected twice daily. Pails of corrosive solution, for disinfection of the hands, were always in the wards. All these precautions were taken to minimize the danger of contracting or spreading infection. Most of the men, as they came to us, looked pale' and weak. Such men we tried to tone up by iron, strychnine, etc. All had marvellous appetites, and it was difficult to restrain even the sick from over-eating; this was particularly true of the men from Santiago. All patients who were able to be out of their berths were kept on the upper deck as much as possible on suitable days. Here in their steamer-chairs under the awnings they drew in large doses of the best of tonics - pure, fresh air. No patient was allowed to leave the wards after sundown. Even on days when the convalescents could not leave the wards-and these were fortunately few-the wards were not uncomfortable. A chart of the temperature, as indicated by a thermometer hung in the pilot-house on the upper deck and by thermometers hung in the wards, showed an average temperature of 80~ F. on deck, and of 85~ in the wards. This represents the average temperature while the ship was in tropical waters on her third trip. Mortality. - Of the two hundred and thirty-six patients five died - three of the Santiago men and two of the Porto Rican. One of the Santiago men died before we left the harbor, and two more the first night out; all three men were desperately ill when brought on board; the cause of death was either typhoid or malaria complicated by dysentery. One of the Porto Rican patients died of typhoid fever; the other of transverse myelitis; one came to us in a state of collapse, the other with complete paralysis of his lower extremities and of the muscles controlling the bladder and rectum. The total mortality was 1.49 per cent. The mortality among the Santiago men was 2.97 per cent; among the Porto Rican patients.85 per cent. The percentages given represent simply the mortality among the patients while on the boat. A number died in the hospitals after reaching Boston. In fact, some of the men who, while on the boat, ran normal temperatures and spent most of their time on deck were afterwards admitted to the Boston hospitals seriously ill with amebic dysentery or malaria, and several of them died. I66 Massachusetts Volunteer Aid Association. The patients, in general, improved very much during the voyage; in fact, it can be said that all, those who died excepted, left the ship in much better condition than when they came aboard her. The malarias complicated by diarrhcea or dysentery improved the least. Drugs and the attending physician played a comparatively small part in bringing about this improvement. The pure, bracing sea air, the good food, and careful dieting had much to do with it. But the great factors were two: first, the splendid work of the nurses and baymen. Too much praise cannot be given to them. Under the most trying circumstances,. and under conditions that were often most disagreeable and distressing, these women and men rendered magnificent service; they were able, willing, tireless, and uncomplaining. It is only their just due to say that very much of the success of the hospital ship was due to her excellent corps of nurses. The mental effect produced by the fact that they were homeward bound was the other great factor. Sick men who would have died without a struggle in the camps and hospitals took a new grip on life, and were filled with a determination to live when they realized that every throb of the engines brought them nearer to Massachusetts and home. One cannot well describe the effect of such a thought on men, but one can see despair give way to hope, and resignation to resolution, - that must have its effect upon disease. The good accomplished by hospital ships in the late war, and their valuable services to the sick of both the army and navy, assure them a place in the war of the future. The time when it was considered humane and just to carry sick on ill-fitted transport ships has passed. Note the great mortality among the men carried north from Santiago on transports. And yet this should occasion no surprise; for transports had not the conveniences either in berths or medical supplies; they were officered by men not in the regular military service, to whom the requests and advice of the physician is of small import and from whom no redress is obtainable. Let the transport remain for the well and strong, but let the properly fitted, well-officered, and well-stocked hospital ship be considered the only humane way of carrying the sick, and wounded. Yet even hospital ships are not without their limits and disadvantages. Medical and Surgical History of Hospital Ship "Bay State." I67 There is somewhat less working room on them than in the land hospitals; this, however, is of small importance, for one soon becomes accustomed to working in limited quarters. Sea-sickness, as far as we could observe, had no marked ill effect on the patients. Less than io per cent were affected after the first twenty-four hours out. Of course, some patients were unable to take much food or medicine by the mouth for twenty-four hours. Fortunately, whether by chance or otherwise, our sickest cases were but little affected. It is possible that after abdominal operations the vomiting of sea-sickness would be a very unpleasant feature; but, on the whole, sea-sickness is not a marked disadvantage. Diagnoses were sent with the patients in a good proportion of the cases; but we rarely received any history of the cases, of the run of the temperature, or of the previous treatment. We depended solely on what we could learn from the patient and what we could see for ourselves. This was not ideal. The defect, however, is capable of easy amendment. It should be a matter of routine that with each patient there should be sent a short resume of his case. The factor that limits most - and it limits it seriously - the use of a hospital ship is the problem of getting patients to the ship without doing them serious or even fatal harm. What class of patients can hospital ships take and take safely? If all military camps and hospitals were on the seashore, with good docks and landings convenient, hospital ships could handle with safety any class of patients with almost any degree of sickness. But unfortunately camps and hospitals must sometimes be inland, and the route to the sea must often be long and difficult. When disease invaded the United States Army in the tropics there came a cry from the friends of the soldiers to get the sick men north. It was a very natural but often a thoughtless call. Undoubtedly lives were sacrificed by the unnecessary moving of patients. Consider for a moment the actual conditions: at Santiago the patients we received had to be brought in army ambulances over from four to six miles of rough, rocky road, and then were only at the docks whence they had to be moved first to boats and then to the ship. All this consumes energy - priceless to men as sick as they. Again, accidents may happen. Ambulances were said to have broken down and even I68 6Massachusetts Volunteer Aid Association. overturned when bringing the sick to the dock, and that 'meant delay and more moving. In Porto Rico transportation over eighteen miles of wretched road was necessary. In this eighteen miles were six or seven fords, which in an hour's time might have become impassable rivers; streams in that country rise from four to six feet in an hour. The possibilities may be imagined. Under such circumstances, is it at all wonderful that we received many men in a state of complete exhaustion and some in a state of collapse? The greatest judgment must be exercised in selecting cases for hospital ships. It is questionable whether it is not much better for very sick men to remain at a fairly good hospital, even in a tropical country, than to be carted over six to eighteen miles of rough road in order to reach even excellent hospital ships. On the other hand, a hospital ship should not be turned into a mere transport by filling her up with convalescents- men who are practically well. Errors of judgment will creep in, however, and if they must be made, let them be rather in the direction of taking convalescents than of taking men who are too sick. For in taking the former you do no injury to the men themselves, and you aid the regimental surgeon by taking just so many men off his sick call and giving him so much more time for his hospitals. In one way the " Bay State " did not have the opportunity of showing her entire usefulness. Had she been near the scene of an engagement the ship could have been of great assistance, in caring for the wounded. Even if they were too far away for immediate transportation to the ship, yet, with our facilities for making a temporary shore camp, with our large store of surgical supplies and apparatus, we couldhave rendered good service. We would have been at our best, perhaps, if an engagement had taken place in our immediate neighborhood, for the ship had a fully-equipped operating-room, in which were two operating-tables and all facilities for doing aseptic surgical work. As we look back on the whole incident, the thing, perhaps, that gives us the greatest pleasure and satisfaction is the fact that we never have heard of a patient complaining of his treatment while on the " Bay State." The men were usually courteous and invariably grateful for even the slightest attention. We cannot but feel that any effort we made or any time we gave has been fully repaid by their appreciation. ) THE NURSING CARE ON A HOSPITAL SHIP. BY Miss C. W. CAYFORD, BOSTON. THE problem of the amount and character of the nursing force on a hospital ship was unique. The factors entering into this problem for consideration were: the uncertainty of the length of time the patients would be on board ship, the question as to the character of the illness, whether surgical or medical, and the entirely unknown effect of sea-sickness. It was finally determined by the committee in charge of the selection of nurses, for a maximum capacity of one hundred and fourteen patients to have six nurses (women) and six baymen (male nurses). Before leaving Santiago' Harbor, and before the element of sea-sickness had made itself felt, it was evident that the working force was far too small, owing to the fact that through some misunderstanding no provision was made for the scullery work of the wards, and this had to be done by the nurses. Naturally this diminished the strength of the nursing force. Later this work was done by mess attendants, who were engaged for service alone in the wards. So that on our last voyage, with one hundred and thirty-five patients, the day force consisted of two nurses, two baymen, and two mess attendants for each ward. The entire night work of both wards was done by one nurse and two baymen. This seems a small proportion of night nurses for medical work, but it was found to be sufficient, as on all three trips the wards were noticeably quiet at night, the patients sleeping remarkably well. The difficulty, or, more accurately speaking, the impossibility, of properly caring for bed patients in an upper berth was met by assigning these berths to convalescent patients. Even in the lower berths the bathing of patients and changing of linen was considered with misgiving by those of us trained to consider certain details of bed-making and in the handling of bed patients as essential to good nursing. This was due to the limited space between the tiers of berths and the necessity of working, in most cases, entirely on one side, and the box-like effect given to the bed by the rolling rod when corded to the bed frames. 170 Massachusetts Volunteer Aid Association. However, it became evident early on the first voyage that what was needed was the essential life-saving care of the patients. To the men taken from the field hospital of Santiago it mattered little that the under sheet was at times somewhat wrinkled. What they needed most were baths, good food, good water, and plenty of them. These we were able to give them. In fact, it is a question whether in some instances they did not have more than a sufficient quantity of food, owing to the necessity in the convalescent cases of depending largely upon the patient for a report as to his condition,- and naturally after a long period of limited rations he was not eager to furnish information that would be likely to cut down his food supply; and occasionally, I fear, to the pleasure of seeing those hungry men eat at times overruling the better judgment of the nurse. The bathing could be carried out without discomfort to the patient, but was more or less of a strain on the back of the nurse, and was an especially trying thing to do when the nurse was sea-sick. The ward clothing of the patients when not worn proved a great source of annoyance; when not on the bed - which was most of the time - they were on the floor, making the wards very disorderly and causing much loss of time and patience on the part of the nurses. Later this was very satisfactorily overcome by having clothes bags hung at the foot of the bed. The idea of the bag was suggested by the individual toilet cases, containing brush, comb, tooth-brush, and washcloth, attached to each berth, which were so much appreciated by both patients and nurses. Considering the size of the galley, the service of the food was. remarkably satisfactory. It would, however, have been a decided advantage could some place have been provided where the nurses might have prepared toast, gruels, eggs, etc., especially for the feeding in the typhoidfever cases. Very little laundry work was done while the patients were on board, owing to the limited supply of fresh water, and to-the fact that the laundry opened directly into the after ward. Naturally the steam and heat were very objectionable. Fortunately the supply of ward linen was more than sufficient for an entire trip; otherwise we should have been put to serious inconvenience. iThe Nursing Care on a Hospital Ship. 1 7 I The most practical thing for a nurse's uniform on board a hospital.ship is a short skirt of fairly heavy material (like duck or denim), shirt waist with celluloid collar, and gingham aprons. The whole should be of some neutral color -blue, brown, or green, as very light or white clothing is unpractical on ship-board. In the matter of ventilation the ship had a decided advantage over most hospitals. With the exception of watching the ports in case of storm or heavy sea, no thought or time was required in its regulation. The air was always fairly pure, except when the weather obliged the wind-sails to be discontinued and the hatches to be covered, and the heat in the wards was always at a minimum. Throughout the entire trip the almost childish delight of the men in the enjoyment of the comforts and luxuries of the ship was quite touching. The expense of having a ship's library was amply justified on this trip. The books were eagerly sought, even by men too ill to read. It was really affecting the way in which patients would tuck away the books for fear they would be taken away. They seemed to cling to them as a connecting link to civilization. The extraordinary part of this mental process was that often the most illiterate were most desirous of having a book. I think some of the conclusions to be fairly drawn from our experience in the nursing department of the ship are: - (I) That seriously ill patients cannot be nursed as efficiently as on land. (2) That the mental influence of a voyage home, the ease of providing the absolute necessities, make a hospital ship of great value. (3) That, contrary to expectation, sea-sickness did not apparently interfere with the improvement of patients even when fairly ill. WORK OF THE MASSACHUSETTS VOLUNTEER AID ASSOCIATION IN SANTIAGO. - BY E. G. BRACKETT, M. D., BOSTON. IN the latter part of July it was decided by the Volunteer Aid Association to send a representative to the Island of Cuba who should have direct charge of the distribution of the supplies sent by them, and who could determine from personal observation the needs of the Massachusetts men. Supplies had been sent by different transports, but not being in charge of any one, and there being no one to assume the responsibility for the Association, it was a question whether such supplies would reach their intended destination. On the 24th of July I was asked to take this position, and start on the 25th with supplies intended for the men in Santiago. These supplies consisted of clothing, hospital supplies, prepared food, and delicacies for the sick, besides special contributions by friends and local societies. The lack of information of the conditions in Cuba at this time made the possibilities of the errand uncertain, except that the report of the sufferings from hardships and from disease allowed no doubt of its necessity. My directions from the headquarters of the Association were, therefore, somewhat indefinite, and I was asked to use my judgment in the distribution of supplies taken by me, and those which had already been sent by the " Harvard " and " Yale," and after arrival to represent the Association in Santiago. The work was intended primarily for the Massachusetts troops, but it was desired that aid should be extended to other volunteers, and to the regulars when such was possible. The method of work therefore, was entirely undecided, and for credentials I carried letters from the headquarters of the Massachusetts Volunteer Aid Association, and from Gov. Wolcott. It was necessary on account of the blockade' and the quarantine of the Santiago Province to go by the way of Jamaica. Accordingly, arrangements were made by the Boston Fruit Company to ship the sup Work of the Massachusetts Aid Association in Santiago. 173 plies on the steamer " Albert Dumois " to Jamaica, and to proceed from thence by sailing vessel across to Santiago. By courtesy of the Fruit Company, I was enabled to precede the goods and take passage on the steamer " Brookline," arriving two days.ahead of the " Dumois." Then the goods were transferred to a thirty-ton sailing vessel called the " Little Wanderer," the spare space in the hold being filled with barrels of limes which were obtained in Port Ontario, and after a three-days trip we reached Santiago. At the time of arrival the city was in much the same condition as after the surrender, except the work of cleaning the streets had begun, and the American troops were beginning to be sent back to the States. The city was under military law, and was filled with the American and Spanish soldiers, and with the natives, jwho had not left the province during the siege. The city was still in a condition of extreme filth, it was the beginning of the rainy season, and the midsummer heat was intense. There was plenty of the army rations for the well, but a great scarcity of proper food and medicine for the sick and convalescent, and the sickness among our troops, as well as among the natives and the Spanish prisoners, had begun to be alarming. This sickness was principally a pernicious form of malaria, and there was some typhoid, and yellow fever. It was at once apparent that the special needs which could not be met in the city were suitable food for the sick and convalescent, and hospital supplies, and the Association was at once cabled to that effect. It is to the credit of the officials at headquarters that within two days from the receipt of this cablegram a shipment of such supplies was sent. The work of the representative of the Association was evident, but the method of carrying this out was met with the greatest difficulty. The Cubans were not disposed to render aid in any way, and could only be persuaded to work by the payment of exorbitant prices, while the lack of interpreters where Spanish alone was spoken made confusion of otherwise simple work. The roads were in such a condition that the transportation by means of the only method possible, the small * drays, was extremely slow. I at once reported to General Wood, and he extended every courtesy to me during the whole of my stay on the island. Every American had already more than he could do, and 174 Massachuseft s Volunteer Aid Association. therefore one could not look to them for material aid, but every possible assistance to aid in the work was always given to the Association's representative. After a day's search, a suitable warehouse was found on Enramados Street, near the water front, and to this the goods were transferred by means of the small drays from the wharf. It was necessary in carrying on this work to constantly guard all of the supplies, otherwise they would be stolen by the native Cubans. The work for the Association on the island was evident, for there was no question as to the needs of the men among the troops, and this consisted mainly of food for men in the camp, and hospital clothing and supplies for those in the hospitals. The hospitals especially needed prepared food, soups, stimulants, and hospital clothing, and fortunately there was a generous supply of pajamas, hospital bedding, etc., which was always found to be of great use. There were two ways which could be used in the disposition of the supplies, both to the men in the camp and in the hospitals: one was the personal distribution of the goods, which, under the circumstances, would have involved more time than would have been possible to give, particularly since no help could be obtained in means of transporta — tion, and it also would have involved the possible friction with the prerogatives of the officials. The other method was to determine the special needs from the surgeons, the commissaries, and such of the officials who had charge of supplying the companies, and through them to see that the goods reached their proper destination. There were always some such men available, through whom such distribution of the goods could be made, and without interference with the regulations and routine, and this proved to be the most satisfactory. The distribution was made according to the comparative relative need, and was sent either by the regimental teams or by small drays, which could be hired in the city. This latter always proved to be a slow method, as the loads carried were very small, and usually it was necessary for some one to accompany these supplies to be sure of their safe arrival. At this time nothing in the line of additional food could be obtained in the city; therefore it was necessary to rely on the supplies which had been brought, and to make the best disposition possible of them. At the time of arrival there were two MassachusettB regiments which Work of the Massachusetts Aid Association in Santiago. 175 were camped on the island, the Second and the Ninth. The Second were stationed about two miles north of the city, and it was expected that they would be sent home within a short time. The Ninth were camped on the hill at San Juan, and it was generally understood that their stay on the island was probably to be an extended one, which proved to be true. Since the Second Massachusetts was expected to leave so soon, it had little need of the supplies of clothing, but required food for the sick, both for use in the camp, and on the transport on the way home. At this time some of the supplies which had been previously sent by the transports "Harvard" and "Yale" arrived in Santiago, and were taken in charge by the Association. No word was received of their arrival, but one lot was found on the wharf, where it had been unloaded from one of the lighters, and the second lot was found on board one of the large tugboats, to which it had been unloaded from the transport. Many of the boxes had been opened, but in general the shipments arrived in good order. Much of these supplies, as well as selections from the stores in the warehouse, were sent to the camp of this regiment, the selections being made with the probable short stay of the regiment on the island in view. Fortunately the orders to leave came within a few days, and these supplies were used on board the transport on the way home. The Ninth were in camp three miles from the city, on the San Juan Hill, and had the same general needs as the Second, but transportation to this regiment was much more difficult, owing to the distance and the condition of the roads. Later in August, from the longer exposure to the hardships of the climate, they being the last to leave the island, their condition became such that the need of additional food for the men on duty, and for special food for those sick in quarters was still more urgent. The majority of the regiment were using only the hardtack and coffee of the regular rations, and the whole regiment began to show the result of their contained stay on the island. Just before the regiment left for Montauk a shipment of supplies sent by the Association by Mr. Austin arrived, and in time for the use on the * way home on the transport. This lot of supplies contained a large quantity of prepared food, condensed milk, etc., and proved to be most useful. At the same time soups and condensed milk could be I76 Massachusetts Volunteer Aid Association. bought at the commissary department, and a sufficient quantity was obtained to last until reaching Montauk. During August there was but one hospital, the Nautical Club, in the city under cover, and to this the sickest of the men were sent. It was found that there existed a scarcity at this hospital of hospital clothing, food, and stimulants, and of any kind of delicacies for the convalescent. During the month of August frequent donations of these articles, as well as the alkaline waters, which fortunately could be bought in the city, were sent. About the time when the last detachment of the Ninth Regiment 1 had left the island the representative of the Association was asked by General Wood to equip and take charge of a hospital in the city of Santiago. For this there was taken a building formerly built for and used as a hospital by the Cubans, called the "Centro Benefico," but which had been closed for some months. There was some of the hospital furniture which could be used, but in general it was necessary to select, for supplies could be obtained from different sources throughout the city. Medicines at this time were hard to obtain, but finally were found by collecting from the various sources about the city, and special foods for the patients were collected from the various supplies, which later had begun to come into the city. At this time there was left among the stores a quantity of supplies which could be used as hos4pital furnishings, and much of this, especially clothing, was used to fill this need of the hospital. a CAMP WIKOFF, MONTAUK, L. I. BY W. H. PRESCOTT, M. D., BOSTON. I WENT to Montauk, August x1, as agent of the Massachusetts Volunteer Aid Association, and "to establish a diet kitchen to provide delicacies for the Massachusetts regiments which were coming." I arrived at Camp Wikoff about a week after the first patient was admitted to the hospital, and stayed until there were only twenty patients left. When I arrived I found a great deal of confusion - there were few physicians, fewer nurses, and fewer still hospital-corps men, and new tents or wards were being erected. Among the other causes of confusion were: (i) the limited number of cots; (2) the difficulty in obtaining supplies (of all sorts); (3) the lack of an index of the patients; (4) the constant changes taking place among the patients; (5), the presence, in the wards, of "outsiders"; (6) the lack of any policing, and, finally, the absence of a firm, controlling hand always within reach. The surgeon in charge, Col. W. H. Forwood, to whom I applied for permission to erect a diet kitchen (without expense or trouble to the Government), did not consider one necessary, and it was nearly two weeks later when permission was given to Mrs. Valentine Mott, representing the Red Cross Society. Immediately after permission was obtained Mrs. Mary Hatch Willard, an expert dietitian sent by the Red Cross Auxiliary No. 3, and I, working in hearty co-operation, planned, erected, and equipped a large diet kitchen with a floor space of over two thousand square feet, and capable of providing the delicacies needed for fifteen hundred men. It was intended to show that food could be neatly and satisfactorily prepared in a kitchen in a field hospital, and it fulfilled its mission. In addition to the diet kitchen erected at the General Hospital there were similar kitchens (although smaller) provided for the three division hospitals, and additional equipments furnished to the one established at the Detention Hospital by Dr. L. A. C. Hughes and Miss Fennessey. 178 Massachusetls Volunteer Aid Association. Almost the entire expense of the erection and equipment of these kitchens was borne by the Massachusetts Volunteer Aid Association, as well as the running expenses, until they were turned over to the Government, which had also borne part of the expense of their establishment. And it seems to me that it was only necessary for the outside "helping " societies to take the initiative, get a thing started, and then turn it over to the Government. In my experience, those in authority were always glad of help, and willingly accepted the things turned over to them where their value had been established. The camp was an ideal one, situated as it was at the eastern end of Long Island - not too far north nor too far south for the purposes for which it was started.- It was intended for a quarantine camp for those soldiers coming from Cuba. If it had been farther north the-cold would have affected the men much more seriously than did the air of Montauk; if it had been too far south the danger from the spread of yellow fever, if it once got started in the camp, would have been great. There must be sufficient room for twenty-five thousand men. The water supply must be good and abundant. This was provided by the two large ponds, into which the horses and mules could be driven, and a well forty feet deep provided water for the men. The water in the ponds was brackish but not harmful, that in the well laxative but otherwise all right. A large force pump was put into the well, which forced the water through two large sand filters and then to the different parts of the camp. The water in the well, in my opinion, never became contaminatedsurely not before the sand filters removed any danger from its use, even if it had become contaminated. I used the water all the time I was there and never suffered any inconvenience from it. The water pipe leading to the hospital broke a few days after my arrival, and the only water for drinking purposes during the following three days was the Hygeia and Apollinaris, which the Red Cross and Massachusetts Volunteer Aid Association furnished. The physicians varied as to ability and character, as they do in every part of the country; some were good, some were poor, but the average was above that which you would find in any large city. One doctor ordered four quarts of whiskey for his ward, and the patients received Camp Wikoff, Montauk, I. L 179 one quart, while he kept the rest; he was removed the next day. Another suffered much from rheumatism, for which he took large doses of whiskey, and on that account was unable to do his work, so he was relieved. Another cut off the uvula of a patient suffering with diphtheria, that he might breathe more easily, and he was discharged. Another was frightened by finding a case, as he thought, of yellow fever and ran away. To raise the average we had three of the prominent men of the country: Drs. Nancrede, of Ann Arbor, Senn, of Chicago, and Delafield, of New York. The nursing was, on the whole, good. The majority of the female nurses, both the trained nurses and the Sisters of Charity, did their work conscientiously; perhaps the only criticism I would make of them was that they could not appreciate that the doctor was supreme in his ward. I cannot say as much for the male nurses, who came from the different parts of the country, and who found fault with everything instead of trying to make things better. Many of them stayed twenty-four hours or less, and it was a relief to the authorities to have them go. The hospital-corps men were for the most part untrained, and while they did as well as could be expected of them under the circumstances, it has seemed to me that there was a great mistake made in the manner of their enrolment, and that not enough inducements were offered to procure men qualified for such work. There were' five hospitals in all - the General, which at one time had a capacity of eighteen hundred beds, the Detention, with about four hundred beds, and three division hospitals, which had altogether about four hundred and fifty beds. The Detention Hospital was in Detention Camp, and was the hospital to which all suspicious cases were sent. When I arrived this hospital was under the care of a captain in the regular army, - a bright, capable man, but utterly unfit for his position, because he was under the influence of liquor a part of every day. He was removed and Major Ebert, who had won a name for bravery'and ability at Santiago, was appointed, and again proved himself to be a man of exceptional ability. The General Hospital was under the direction of Major C. L. Heizman, who had as assistants Major I. C. Brown, Major L. B. Almy, and Major H. D. Thomason. All of these were men of ability, and did their work carefully and I8o Massachusetts tolunteer Aid Association. thoroughly, but were handicapped by the lack of authority. The plan of the hospital was an excellent one, but there was a lack of executive ability in the man who had charge of its construction and general charge of all the hospitals. It has seemed to me that this was one of the "outs" of the camp, for there was needed great executive ability and the power to delegate authority to " the heads of departments." The surgeon in charge had to sign every order, and,.as he was not (and of necessity could not be) always on hand, the work dragged and much confusion resulted. Another source of trouble was the absence of written orders and the liability of having orders countermanded almost as soon as they were issued. Another "out" was due to the fact that the Government did not use the water-way for the transportation of food and supplies. The Long Island Railroad is a one-track road, and it could not take care of all the supplies and people which it was necessary to bring to Montauk. The management of the road is to be congratulated upon the splendid work done and the great ability shown, but in spite of all that could be done there were many vexatious delays and much hardship as the result. The Volunteer Aid Association, through the generosity of one of its members, was able to provide the tug "Alert," which made bi-daily trips between New London and Montauk, thus making it possible for me to get the supplies sent at regular times (and on time), and also made it possible for me to procure things'quickly when, for any reason, they were needed. The means provided for the furloughing of the men were inadequate, especially at first, and there was suffering in consequence. But many distressing cases of men taken ill at the station and on the train were due to other causes. The men had come from Cuba, and their cerebration was slow and poor, and they could not be relied upon (I am speaking of those in the hospitals) to do what they were told. The physicians were slow to realize that this was so, and when a man had no rapidity of pulse, no elevation of temperature, and said he felt well, he was-recommended for furlough. It takes some time for a furlough to be made out, especially if there are fifty to seventy of them and only a 5 few clerks to do the work. The furlough was made out at the hospital, and then the men walked to the station, a distance of a mile and a Camp Wikoff Montauk, L.. ISI half, through the dust and in the sun. When they arrived at the station their transportation and commutation of rations had to be made out at the Quartermaster's Department, which meant a farther walk of three hundred yards (one hundred and fifty each way) through sand up to one's ankles. Of course it took a good deal of time to do these things and by the time the train was ready to leave the men were tired out and some of them quite ill (their illness perhaps aggravated by a visit to the lunch counter and its pies). I saw many patients having severe chills in the barn-like waiting-room of the station, but it was seldom indeed that a man, no matter how ill he was, could be induced to return to the hospital. They were furloughed, and all you could do was to reason with them, and they could not understand any argument. They wanted to get home, and were near the train which was going towards their home, and nothing you could say would make them go back; not that they had been badly treated, but it was going away from home and they were going home. The quartermaster's office was finally moved to a tent near the station, and the Red Cross opened a tent right across the way where the sick men could be taken care of before the train was ready to start. Then the long railroad journey was trying at best, and especially so when made in an ordinary car without comforts. Mr. Ernest McMillan, of New York, with the aid and co-operation of Mrs. Willard, provided a hospital car which he ran at- his own expense until it was turned over to the Government. The car (an ordinary baggage one) was lined throughout with white oil-cloth, and cots and reclining chairs put in. A nurse and doctor went with the car on each trip, and all the medicines and nourishment needed were taken along. Mrs. Whitelaw Reid soon after sent two Wagner cars to be used in the same way, but even under these circumstances a dusty ride of four or seven hours is a strain upon a sick man. After the second or third week a "board of investigation" was appointed, which went around every morning and decided what patients were able to be sent away, and after that I do not know of any one who suffered material injury because of his being moved. When for any reason a very sick man had to be moved, the cot upon which he was lying was taken and put into an ambulance, driven to the station, and then put into the " hospital car" and sent Afassachusetts Volunteer Aid Association. along on the train, so there was no moving of thie patient between the hospital at Montauk and the one to which he was sent. The nurses in the "hospital cars " kept a record of the temperatures: etc., of all the patients carried, which will be published at some future time. A great deal of my time was spent in the distribution of the supplies sent by the Massachusetts Volunteer Aid Association to the Second and Ninth Massachusetts regiments, and to every regiment of regulars. In this work I was aided by Grafton Cushing, Esq., who rendered invaluable assistance, and who soon became known to every regiment as the distributor of Massachusetts benevolence. There was distress at Camp Wikoff, some of which was relieved and more prevented by the various societies which had representatives there. A great deal of that distress was due to the lack of preparation and to the nature of the case, but in spite of it all, in my opinion, the hospitals at Montauk became model field hospitals. Complaint has been made that taps were not sounded, salutes fired, nor sufficient attention paid to the dead. As the cemetery was within one hundred yards of the hospital, the cruelty and danger of taps and salutes can be readily appreciated. On one day there were seventeen deaths, and if these ceremonies (proper and impressive though they be) had been performed, I believe that fifty more men would have died among the sixteen hundred patients, then in the hospital, as a result. In conclusion, I wish to pay my tribute of praise to the regular soldier. I found him to be brave, uncomplaining, obedient to orders, above the average in-intelligence. No matter where he may be put, the American soldier will be a credit to the nation and bring honor to himself. t rW RECEPTION OF THE SICK SOLDIERS IN BOSTON. BY F. G. BALCH, M. D., BOSTON. THE reception and transportation of soldiers here in Boston was an entirely new problem to us, and as the system which we finally used was the outcome of our experience with several shiploads and trainloads of sick men I shall not try to speak of each occasion on which we had such work to do, but of the plan which we finally found most satisfactory in use. When Dr. Bradford was notified that men were to be sent to Boston, or were already on the way there, several questions arose which had to be solved promptly: (i) How many men were coming? (2) What was their condition? Here we recognized two classes, that is, those who could sit up and those who must go in ambulances. These classes were again subdivided into those who could bear transportation some distance and those who must be taken at once to the nearest hospital. (3) What could we get to transport them in? (4) How many could each of the various hospitals in and about Boston take in? To take up the first question: We knew how many the " Bay State" could carry, and we were sure that she would have her full complement, that meant from one hundred to one hundred and thirty when we had to meet her. In the case of the "Olivette," the "Relief," and the different trains, Dr. Bradford was able to find out by telegraphing, though in some cases the number we were to expect was a little indefinite. The matter of the men's condition was a harder thing to find out.. ~ We knew in a general way that a load from Santiago meant a much larger proportion of very sick ambulance cases than a load from Porto Rico or Montauk, but it was usually impossible to tell exactly until the boat got to quarantine and Dr. Bradford had a chance to telephone us. Boston is well supplied with means of transportation of sick soldiers, and the ambulances can be gotten together almost as rapidly as the fire apparatus. We never used quite all the ambulances which we could 184 Massachusetts Volunteer Aid Association. have had, but we had a goodly array on several occasions. The police ambulances have a single large stretcher in them, but that can be taken out and by laying a mattress in them they can carry two men each. In the case of the " Bay State," we did not move some of the sickest men at all, but they were sent to the hospitals on the frames which were the beds on the boat. The City Hospital ambulances also carry two, and have two very convenient short canvas stretchers in each ambulance. The patient is put into the ambulance on these and they remain under him. This saves two moves. The Massachusetts General Hospital ambulances carry two men, by using a mattress, but did not have the canvas stretchers. The Homceopathic ambulance carries two on stretchers. The Marine Hospital and Naval Hospital ambulances each can take two on a mattress, but did not have the canvas stretchers. For patients able to sit up, we used the large diligences of the Armstrong Transfer Company and of the Boston Cab Company. The former carry comfortably about a dozen and the latter a few less. They ride rather hard unless pretty well filled. We used hacks to a limited extent, especially for the men who needed an easier running conveyance than the larger vehicle, and when we did not have a full load for one of the larger wagons. There was room for one man in the ambulances on the seat beside the driver. The Long Island Hospital cases were sent down on the "J. Putnam Bradlee." The City, Massachusetts General, and Carney hospitals all had tents in addition to the wards, and to these three hospitals and the Homceopathic Hospital most of the men were sent. The Long Island and Marine hospitals also took a good many men. St. Margaret's and the Charity Club hospitals offered to take soldiers, as did also the Eye and Ear Infirmary, but we did not have to call upon them. In addition to these near hospitals many others in the surrounding towns offered to take men, and many patients were sent to them after a few days in Boston. We had a list of thirty-eight hospitals which could and would take soldiers, and there were several other institutions where men could have been sent in an emergency. By the time the boats got to the wharf we knew just where we could place any number of men they could have on board, and usually two or three times as many as they could carry. We were caught unawares once, when the Reception of the Sick Soldiers in Boston. " Relief" came by quarantine without stopping, and the first we knew of her she was at the Plant Line dock. ~ After that we were notified by the Chamber of Commerce, and knew as soon as the boats entered the harbor. Dr. Bradford went down on the " Vigilant" every time, except in the case of the " Relief," and boarded the vessel at quarantine. In the meantime he had notified whoever was in charge of transportation, and that man had gotten his assistants together, either at the Volunteer Aid Association or at the wharf where the vessel was to dock. Each man had a list of people to be notified, such as the police, the ambulance corps, the hospitals, the cab company, the wharf, etc., and as soon as the boat was reported all of these people were warned to hold themselves in readiness. We telephoned to them again when we knew the hour the boat was expected at the wharf. The crowd of friends at the wharf was a more difficult problem, but with an efficient sergeant of police and a rope to keep the crowd back it was much simplified. No one but reporters, assistants,. and friends of sick soldiers should be allowed on the wharf at all, but this is a hard order to carry out. In the yard the ambulances and wagons'were backed into position to take patients at once, and so that you could send a wagon out from any part of the line without disturbing the rest. No private carriages should be allowed in the yard. The ambulances were drawn up nearest the gangplank, so as to make a short carry for the ambulance-corps men. There should be two mattresses on the wharf, so that in making the transfer from the ambulance-corps stretcher to the ambulance stretcher the patient need not be laid down on the board floor. I 1. i 1 & ''~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~' do,~ ~ ~~~~~r O A / i r: jiji:irj, i, i i i.. i t 1 i i j j I i II 't Ij r i I ' ' j j ij 1 t j ij I r i i; j i I i; i, i i I i j:: II IIiiitII1I ij ji I III I II Ii i iIrI/ I iIjIi II j II ii " I~ I~ I: i i I, ~;, '!, f ", (-t 61: 2008 I Is -m JSRL gpeyp` I: 1. r;r r.~.d:~ ~ r?. ~' r & ---. -I — J& - MI ---- -u