JVo Division Range Shelf. Received 187 / m I .< H I ! I '' i I I I ' , I ' m ,. ' : li WITH COMPLIMENTS OF WM. EARNSHAW, President Historical and Monumental Society, NATIONAL SOLDIERS' HOME, DAYTON, OHIO. /SVA-v OF THE NATIONAL HOME FOR Disabled Volunteer Soldiers: WITH A COMPLETE GUIDE-BOOK TO THE CENTRAL HOME, AT DAYTON, OHIO. VBITTEN AND COMPILED By a Veteran of the Home. /" J. C . 6 t- DAYTON, OHIO : UNITED BEETHREN PRINTING ESTABLISHMENT. 1875. Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1875, BY CHAPLAIN WM. EARNSHAW. In the office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington, D. C. STEKBOTVPKD AT THE United Brethren Publishing House, DAYTON, OHIO. THE HOME AVENUE RAILROAD DEPOT. TO THE HONORABLE BOARD OF MANAGERS OF THE NATIONAL HOUE FOB DISABLED VOLUNTEER SOLDIERS, THIS VOLUME IS RESPECTFULLY INSCRIBED. INTRODUCTION. In placing before the public a history of the Na- tional Home for disabled Volunteer Soldiers, it is proper to state that much of the matter is compiled from articles written by correspondents of leading newspapers, especially those of Dayton and Cin- cinnati, Ohio. From the organization of the Home in March, 1867, these articles were carefully preserved, with many other data, and eventually placed in the hands of Mr. J. C. Gobrecht, a veteran of the late war, who was employed to prepare the work for the press. In publishing this book one of the most prominent objects of the " Historical and Monumental Society," organized three years since, has been attained, and the profits of the sales will be devoted to the comple- tion of the beautiful monument described in this book. I do not hesitate to say that this history may be re- lied upon as truthful, and that the illustrations impart VI INTRODUCTION. a favorable impression of some of the principal build- ings and localities of the Home. During the eight years since the organization over two hundred thou- sand persons have visited this great national institu- tion, many hundreds of whom have regretted on leaving that they could not take with them a reliable description or history of the place; and those who have heard these regrets have in turn many times regretted that they had not the power to meet this want. Assured that the case has been fully met, the history is now submitted to the public, with the hope that it may be pleasing to the many earnest friends of the nation's defenders. WM. EARNSHAW, President Historical and Monumental Society. CONTENTS. PAGE. The Soldier's Reward 17 The Nation's Defenders _ 20 The Government Nobly Performs its Duty 22 Care for the Survivors -Pension and Pension Rolls 25 The Establishment of Soldiers' Homes.. M 27 The Central Home at Dayton, Ohio 28 The Eastern Branch near Augusta, Maine 29 The North-western Branch, Milwaukee, Wisconsin , 30 The Southern Branch, near Fortress Monroe, Virginia The Objects and Purposes of the National Homes 32 Requirements for Admission 35 Historical incidents of the Central Home -36 EXTRACTS JBOM BOARD OP MANAGERS* REPORT. Central Home 40 Out-door Relief _ 44 Report of Hon. L. B. Gunckel 45 Acts of Congress relating to Soldiers' Homes 48 Viii CONTENTS. PAGE. Board of Managers 50 Complete Guide-Book to Central Home 51 How to Visit the Home Internal Government of the Home 52 Reception of Inmates 53 Payment of Money ..! 54 Re-admission to the Home 55 Pensioners and Non-pensioners Order and Cleanliness Passes and Furloughs 56 Discharges 57 Discipline 58 Average Rate of Wages paid Elective Franchise 59 Number of Inmates Employment of Inmates 60 Meeting of the Board of Managers The Attractions of the Home The Depot 61 The Field Battery Head-quarters, Library, and Reading-room 64 Donations 69 The Church 70 THK HOSPITAL. The Interior 78 The Basement 80 Who have done the Work ~... 82 The Aviary The Lake 88 Flower Gardens The Martindale Conservatory - 89 The Alocasia Aralia Paphyfirifeara 90 CONTENTS, ix PAGE. The Agave Americana or Century Plant Cycas Revoluta 91 The Cactus Aquafolia Cactus Serpentina Euchoris Grandiflora or Night-blooming Cereus Miniature Island 92 Shady Groves-The Deer Park 93 The Menagerie Stone Quarry Officers' Residences 94 Amusement Hall Music Hall 95 The Camp 96 Band Pagoda The Barracks 97 Grand Dining-Hall Building 98 interior of the new Dining-Hall 100 Opening of the Dining-Hall 101 Regulations of the Dining-Hall 109 The Laundry 118 Repairing-Shops Industrial Resources of the Home 114 Workshops 115 Saw-mill and Engine-House 117 The Wagon-shop Upholster-shop Tin-shop 118 The Shoe-shop Tailor-shop 119 Broom Factory Cigar Manufactory 120 Stocking Manufactory 121 Book-bindery Harness-shop Printing Office 123 Quartermaster's Department Post-office 125 The Chaplain's Residence The Cemetery 127 A Soldier's Funeral Fire Brigade and Water-supply 133 The Day-school .>.,.. - 134 X CONTENTS. PAGE. Dentist and Barbers Bulletin Board Police Head-quarters 136 The Guard-House, Stables and Carriage-house 137 Farm and Garden 138 The Home of the Chickens The Apple Orchard Peach and Pear Orchard 139 The Vineyard Vegetable Garden Farm and Stock 140 Daily Routine Muster and Inspection Day 142 Auction Sales 143 Associations of the Home Base-ball Club Historical and Monu- mental Society 144 Grand Army of the Republic, Veteran Post No. 5 145 Good Templars The Guardians 146 How Anniversary Days of. -Rejoicing, etc., are Observed at the Home Fourth of July 149 Washington's Birth-day 156 Decoration Day 157 Annual meeting of the Board of Managers 159 Christmas and Thanksgiving at the Home 178 St. Patricks day at the Home 176 Outside Associations 179 Pioneers of the Miami Valley 180 Visit of Qov. Allen to the Home 184 Gen. Hooker's Visit to the Home 187 Big Injins at the Home Pipe of Peace Smoked Grand Pow-wow Generally .. 184 CONTENTS. XI PAGE. General Sherman's Visit to the Home on Decoration -day, May 30,1870 189 Visit of President Grant, Wife and Daughter, October 3, 1870 198 Mr. Jas. E. Murdock at the Home . ; 201 The Lingard Comedy Company at the Home 203 Soldiers' Gratitude to the Ladies of Dayton 205 Anna Dickinson at the Home 200 Bayard Taylor at the Home 208 Masonic Visit to the Home 209 Distinguished Visitors The Ladies of the Home 210 The Veteran's Benefactress, Mrs. Mary Lowell Putnam 211 Reception of Mrs. Mary Lowell Putnam 212 A Veteran's Account of Mrs. Putnam's Visit 217 Hon. Lewis B Gunckel, Secretary of Board of Managers 220 The Adjutant's Office 221 The Treasurer's Office 223 Pensioners 224 OFFICERS AND EX-OFFICKRS OF THE HOME. Col E. F. Brown, Governor 225 Maj. Jerome B. Thomas, Treasurer 230 Capt. R. E. Fleming, Secretary 232 Dr. Jas. M. Weaver, Surgeon 234 Chaplain Wm. Earnshaw 235 Captain Wm. Thompson, Steward 237 Mrs. E. L. Miller, Matron 238 Dr. A S. Dunlap, Assistant Surgeon 239 Xli CONTENTS. [ PAGE. EX-OFFICERS. Dr. Clarke McDermont 240 Capt. A. P. Woodruff 241 Dr. S. K. Towle 242 Capt. Wm. H. Lough 243 Maj. Edward Everett Tracy 244 Gen. Timothy Ingraham 245 NON-COMMISSIONED STAFF. Captain E. C. Nichols, Chief Ward-master Sergeant Silas Crowell - ** Rudolph Ilciutz ...... " Daniel Williams ** Richard Dunn " Lewis J. Jones Edwin K. Crebbin ** Andrew Kennedy M Jean H. Willener " James M. Larkin ** Joseph R. Keene ' Emil Wilde " David W. Carr .. ** Lafayette Knapp *' Burgess E. Blackmcir ... ** Francis J. Amory " . Moses Thannhauser CONTENTS. Xiii PAGE. Band. George M. Hanley 246 The Brown Guard 247 OFFICERS OF THE BKOWN GUARD. Captain J. H. Chapman - First Lieutentant-J. H. Wildener Second Lieutenant Jas. M. Bermingham First Sergeant Martin Allen Second Sergeant John M. Beck Third Sergeant Andrew J. Kennedy Fourth Sergeant -Martin Schlieff Fifth Sergeant George W. Day 2 ILLUSTRATIONS. PAGE. Head-quarters Frontispiece. The Porter's Lodge 20 Home Avenue Railroad Depot 3 The Hospital 50 Hospital Carriage and Horses 65 The Monument 80 The Garden and Conservatory 95 The Deer Park 110 The Thoroughbred Cattle 125 The Church , 140 Interior of the Church 155 The Putnam Library 170 The Dining-Hall 185 The Thomas Library 200 The Barracks 215 LIB CALIFORNIA. NATIONAL SOLDIERS' HOME. " What flower is this that greets the morn, Its hues from heaven so freshly born ? With burning star and flaming band, It kindles all the sunset land : Oh ! tell us what its name may be; Is this the flower of liberty ? It is the banner of the free, The starry flag of Liberty ! " THE SOLDIER'S REWARD. The maimed and crippled soldier, prostrated in his physical powers and thereby rendered incom- petent for the active duties of life, is no longer without a "local habitation and a name," of which, alas ! too many have been deprived by the consequences of " grim-visaged war." By the wise forethought and liberality of a grateful peo- ple, he is now enabled to realize a far better re- ward for his services than the starving prospects of a posthumous fame. The ample provision which a humane and generous government has 17 18 THE NATIONAL HOME FOR made for his present and future earthly comfort, is to him of far more importance than the in- scription of his name upon the loftiest memorial pile. " To win a name in story That shall never know decay ; What is fame when he who won it, Can not hear what people say." The Soldiers' Home is a " living monument;'* one upon which the war-worn veteran may gaze with pleasurable emotion as he proudly contem- plates it and exclaims : " 1 live in the hearts of my countrymen ! " To the United States belongs the honor of es- tablishing military retreats fully calculated to convey the impression of a home, with the sur- rounding influences of its freedom, its usefulness, and its enjoyments. Other nations, it is true, have not been forgetful in the bestowment of honors and rewards upon their returned warriors, and in providing for their sick and wounded, but it re- mained for the American people to administer to the necessities of her brave and deserving soldiers by calling into lively exercise that better attribute of human nature which teaches to feel another's woe. Republics, then, it is clearly settled, are not ungrateful. History affords- some instances of substantial DISABLED VOLUNTEER SOLDIERS. 19 marks of appreciation in which other nations held the services of their soldiers, which it may be well to notice here as forming a contrast with what has been done in later days on the American continent. The armies of Egypt, as mentioned in ancient history, are the first of which we have any positive knowledge. The warlike caste of Egypt was divided into two classes, the hermetybii and calasirii the first one hundred and sixty thousand, the other two hundred and fifty thou- sand strong, in the best times. It appears that these two classes were distinguished from each other merely by age or length of service, so that the calasirii, after a certain number of years, passed into the hermetybii, or reserve. The whole army was settled in military colonies, and an ample extent of lands were set apart to each man as an equivalent for his services. Modern history points us to the grand undertaking of Louis XIV., who in 1670 founded the establishment at Paris known as the Hotel des Invalides. The edifice, which covers sixteen acres of ground, can furnish accommodation for five thousand inmates. All soldiers, whether of land or sea, who were actu- ally disabled by wounds, or have served thirty-six years and obtained a pension, are entitled to the privileges of the institution. In 1682 Charles II. founded the military asylum at Chelsea, England. 20 THE NATIONAL HOME FOK It was completed at a cost of $750,000, and was built to accommodate five hundred resident pen- sioners, besides which there was a large body of out-pensioners. Greenwich Hospital, on the banks of the Thames River, was opened for dis- abled seamen in the year 1705. The edifice con- sists of four quadrangular buildings, inclosing a square each, bearing the name of the sovereign in whose reign it was erected. Let us now con- sider what has been done for OUR NATION'S DEFENDERS. The whole number of men enlisted during the late war of the rebellion was two millions six hundred and eighty thousand five hundred and twenty-five. At the termination of active mil- itary movements in 1865, two hundred and four government hospitals, with capacity for one hun- dred and thirty-six thousand eight hundred and ninety-four beds, were in operation. Within the next eight months upward of one hundred and seventy of these establishments were discontinued, and the vast accumulation of surplus medicines and hospital supplies were disposed of at auction. Most of the surgeons of volunteers and chaplains to the hospitals were mustered out of service dur- ing the year. The returns of sick and wounded show that the number of cases treated in govern- THE PORTER'S LODGE. L I j UNIVERSITY OF jj < ALIFORM I A. DISABLED VOLUNTEER SOLDIERS. 21 ment hospitals from 1861 to July 1865 amounted to one million fifty-seven thousand four hundred and twenty- three. The charitable associations which had been called into existence by the war now found the necessity for their services removed. In the brief but bloody campaign of March and April, 1865, the Sanitary Commission continued its noble and humane work. The sick and wounded were cared for, their friends informed of their situation, their pensions, bounties, and back pay collected ; and when the armies were finally disbanded the sol- diers' homes were thrown open all along their va- rious routes to welcome them, and agents of the commission met them at railroad stations and steamboat landings to invite them to the homes and lodges, and to protect them as far as possible from fraud. The commission also greatly increas- ed their agencies, and, without fee or reward, col- lected the arrearages and pay due to the soldiers. It established at its central depot in Washing- ton, with branches in all the principal cities, bu- reaus of information and employment, for securing to all soldiers desiring employment such situations as they were capable of filling. The receipts of the commission during the spring months were large, but its disbursements were larger. On the 1st of June, 1865,. a sanitary fair was opened in 22 THE NATIONAL HOME FOB Chicago, Illinois, for the purpose of raising funds for the maintenance of the claim agencies, and other agents of the commission which were deem- ed advisable to continue in operation. About 325,000, above all expenses, were received. It was officially announced on the 26th of April, 1865, that the contributions to the commission from California to that date amounted to $1,199,675.51; that of Nevada to $99,512.46; Oregon, $20,733.92; making a total from the Pacific slope of $1,395- 539.45. The Metropolitan Fair in New York yielded $1,184,145, and the Central Fair in Phil- adelphia $1,035,398.96. The final campaign of the war demanded new efforts from the Christian Commission, and its agents labored with new zeal and energy. No official statements were made, but they are understood to have approached half a million of dollars, which was expended for the promotion of the physical, intellectual, and relig- ious welfare of the soldiers and sailors. As the war closed the commission disbanded, and discon- tinued its work. THE GOVERNMENT NOBLY PERFORMS ITS DUTY. The important part of the business of the year 1866 was the selection and distribution of artificial limbs for maimed soldiers. Twenty-three models were approved, and six thousand four hundred DISABLED VOLUNTEER SOLDIERS. 23 and ten limbs of all kinds were given out. In con- sequence of many instances of fraud, it was rec- ommended that the applicant should receive the established money value of the limb instead of an order upon the manufacturer. During the year the government paid great at- tention to soldiers' graves and cemeteries. The former were carefully attended to, and the occu- pant's name and rank put at the head of each grave, as well as on the records of the cemetery. At first this was done on wooden head-boards, but the Government, with a view to make the head- boards more lasting, ordered them to be construct- ed of marble. Forty-one national cemeteries were established, and into these had already been gath- ered the remains of one hundred and four thou- sand five hundred and twenty-six Union soldiers on the 30th of June, 1866. Sites for the addition- al cemeteries were selected and the work upon them was vigorously prosecuted. It was estimated that the national cemeteries would be required to receive the remains of two hundred and forty- nine thousand three hundred and ninety-seven soldiers. The average cost ot removals and re-in- terments then accomplished was reported at nine dollars and seventy-five cents, amounting in the aggregate to $1,404,791; and an additional expend- iture of $1,609,294 will probably be needed. The 24 THE NATIONAL HOME FOR alphabetical registers of the dead filed in the office of the medical department contain the names of two hundred and fifty thousand white soldiers and twenty thousand colored soldiers. In 1872 there were three hundred and eight cemeteries in the United States for the interment of soldiers, of which eighty-one were known as national ceme- teries. In the latter, two hundred and thirty-eight thousand six hundred and sixty-six United States soldiers are buried, out of a total of two hundred and fifty-one thousand eight hundred and twen- ty-seven interments. Seventy-six thousand two hundred and sixty-three bodies remained to be interred, making the three hundred and twenty- eight thousand six hundred and ninety. Of Con- federate soldiers, twenty thousand eight hundred and sixty-one were interred. The several national cemeteries embrace an area of eighteen hundred acres, acquired at a cost of $170,000. The total cost of the national cemeteries, when completed, is estimated at $3,500,000. /The Gettysburg cem- etery has been transferred to the War Department. There is a cemetery owned by the United States near the City of Mexico, which has been put in order recently, the inclosure having previously become somewhat dilapidated. It is proposed that this ground be hereafter classed with the other national cemeteries, and cared for in the same way. DISABLED VOLUNTEER SOLDIERS. 25 CARE FOR THE SURVIVORS. Under the act of July, 1866, authorizing the payment of additional bounties, there had been recorded to October, 1867, four hundred and seven thousand eight hundred and fifty-seven claims, of which one hundred and six thousand three hun- dred and seventy-eight have been made, an ex- penditure of $9,352,797, leaving three hundred and two thousand four hundred and seventy-nine to be settled. During the year, one thousand other claims for bounties and arrears of pay had also been disposed of, at an expenditure of 3,553,203. PENSION AND PENSION ROLLS. While the United States pays more money every year in pensions than any other nation on the globe, it is a noteworthy fact that not a single pension is paid in this country in the civil service of the government. Of the thirty millions of dollars which go annually through congressional appropriations in payment of pensions, every dol- lar goes to invalid officers and soldiers of the army or navy, or their living representatives. In no other country is the national defense in times of war made the sole ground for this aid extended to those who have become disabled or superannu- ated in the government service. The pension 26 THE NATIONAL HOME FOB, rolls on June 30, 1867, contained the names of one hundred and fifty-three thousand one hundred and ninety -three persons, of whom more than one hundred and fifty thousand were army invalids, widows and other representatives of soldiers in the late war ; the remainder are on the rolls of previous wars. The lust pensioner of the revolu- tionary war was Samuel Downing, of Edinburg, ISTew York, who died in 1867. The amount paid for pensions in 1872 was $30,169,340. The whole number of soldiers in the civil war, as before stated, was two million six hundred and eighty- eight thousand five hundred and twenty-three. The total number of claims for invalid pensions was one hundred and seventy-six thousand, being but six per cent of the whole number of enlisted men. The total number of claims on hand at the beginning of the year was ninety-one thousand one hundred and seventy-eight ; the number re- ceived during the year was twenty-six thousand five hundred and seventy-four ; the number dis- posed of was thirty-nine thousand one hundred and seventy-eight, making a net gain of twelve thou- sand six hundred and four. The number of claims on file was seventy-nine thousand and eighty- five. On June 30, 1872, there were on the rolls the names of ninety-five thousand four hundred and five invalid military pensioners, and one hun- '"v <: - y " DISABLED VOLUNTEER SOLDIERS. > dred and thirteen thousand five hundred arid forty-eight widows, orphans, and dependent rel- atives, making an aggregate of two hundred and eight thousand nine hundred and twenty-three army pensioners. THE ESTABLISHMENT OF SOLDIERS' HOMES. At the close of the war hospitals and soldiers' homes were established in most of the loyal states. New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Ohio, and Indiana were early in motion, and ev- erything that medical skill, care, and comfort could suggest was done for the returned soldier. The gradual disappearance of hospitals and sol- diers' retreats resulted in the creation of national homes on a more extended and substantial basis. The main object had in view was to enlarge their usefulness and to extend their benefits to the disabled soldiers of every loyal state. To carry this purpose into effect, an act of congress was obtained and approved March 31, 1865, and a board of managers appointed. The Board at its first meeting elected Gen. B.F.Butler president, and Hon. L. B. Gunckel secretary. The organ- ization has been continued ever since. The act of congress authorized the Board of Managers to establish one or more homes; and under it the Central Home was established at Dayton, Ohio, 3 27* /^ 28 THE NATIONAL HOME FOR the Eastern Branch at Augusta, Maine, and the Western Branch at Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Sub- sequently a fourth branch, under the same or- ganization, was established at Hampton, Vir- ginia, the mildness of the climate there being more favorable to some cases of disease. There is also a home in Washington City, exclusively for the benefit of soldiers who have served in the regular army. THE CENTRAL HOME, AT DAYTON, OHIO. In the selection of an eligible site for the Cen- tral Home, the attention of the Board of Managers was directed to the rich and fertile valley of the Miami, so well known for its beauty and salubrity; and finding it admirably adapted to the purposes of a home, they at once entered into negotiations for the purchase of five hundred and forty acres of land, about three miles west of the city of Dayton, and in 1867 active work was commenced. The lands at the time of the purchase were in the ordi- nary condition of farm lands of the state, possess- ing, however, natural beauty and great facilities for improvement. Above all, the supply of water was both abundant and excellent. On the grounds are several mineral springs, two of which have rare medicinal properties. Chaplain T. B. Van Horn, of the United States Army, was detailed by DISABLED VOLUNTEER SOLDIERS. 29 the Secretary of War, at the request of the Board of Managers, to lay out the grounds; and the Home, with its broad avenues, beautiful lakes, splendid groves, and cultivated lawns, presents one of the most attractive places in the country. The site overlooks the city and the beautiful scen- ery of the Miami valley for miles around. The work of improvement has been prosecuted most vigorously, and alterations and additions are being made continually. Although but a few years have elapsed since its commencement, the Central Branch may be regarded as the largest and most flourishing institution of its class in the world. THE EASTERN BRANCH, NEAR AUGUSTA, MAINE. This home consists of four substantial brick buildings, inclosing a square with a piazza run- ning in and around, connecting the whole. One of the buildings is a well- adapted and commodious hospital, with the necessary offices. The other buildings comprise the head-quarters, library and reading-room, general dining-hall, and quarters for officers and inmates. Detached from the build- ings is a music hall, which is also used as a chapel. In the basement of this building are billiard rooms for the recreation of the inmates. A large farm and garden are cultivated by the inmates, and the produce supplies the requirements of the Home. 30 THE NATIONAL HOME FOR A large shoe manufactory, supplied with valuable machinery, is in full operation, employing the time of one fifth of the whole number of inmates. Great advantages are thus imparted to the inmates, both physically and morally, from the enjoyment it af- fords to both body and mind, besides enabling a considerable number to remit sums of money to their relatives at home, in addition to providing themselves with many luxuries and comforts not provided by the institution. Divine services are held, amusements provided, and the library with its rich treasures is always available for the intel- lectual feast. The total number of inmates pres- ent and absent on .November 30, 1874, was eight hundred and eight. General W. S. Tilton is the deputy governor of the Eastern Branch. -v NORTH-WESTERN BRANCH, NEAR MILWAUKEE. The location of this home is one of the most beautiful in the state. It is surrounded by trees of almost primeval greatness, and overlooks the in- land sea of Lake Michigan, the city of Milwaukee with its ninety thousand inhabitants, and a vast extent of country. The Home is comprised within a large building three hundred feet in length, with corresponding projecting wings, and a tower rising in the center one hundred and eighty feet high. The first floor contains the offices of the com- DISABLED VOLUNTEER SOLDIERS. 31 raandant, surgeon, chaplain, treasurer, quarter- master, adjutant, and other officers; also the li- brary and reading-room. The dining-room on this floor will seat six hundred men comfortably. On the second floor, over the dining-room, is a' corresponding hall, which is used as a chapel for divine service, and also as a hall for concerts and lectures. The second, third, and fourth stories are appropriated for sleeping-rooms, twelve men be- ing allotted. to each room. There is a billiard- room and bowling alley for recreation ; also, bath- rooms, post-office, telegraph office, store, etc. To these have recently been added commodious bar- racks, workshops, and a handsome three -story hospital, capable of accommodating one hundred and fifty patients. The farm and garden comprise between four and five hundred acres of the best lands in the state. The cultivation of the farm as a source of profit is perhaps the most successful of either of the homes. The garden and the grounds are laid out and preserved with great taste and beauty. The number of inmates present and absent on November 30, 1874, was six hun- dred and fifty-one. The library contains about three thousand volumes ; and the spiritual welfare and moral culture oi the inmates are carefully ad- ministered and cared for. Major-general 13. >. llinks is the commandant. 32 THE NATIONAL HOME FOB THE SOUTHERN BRANCH, NEAR FORTRESS MONROE, VIRGINIA. This Home is located at Hampton, not far from Fortress Monroe, and overlooking that magnifi- cent portion of Chesapeake Bay known as Hamp- ton Roads. The building was formerly used as a college for ladies, and is well adapted for its pres- ent purpose. On account of the great mildness of the climate, the location is very favorable to those suffering from pulmonary complaints, and also for many chronic and acute diseases. The colored disabled soldiers being equally entitled to the ben- efit of a home, it was supposed that a southern climate would be better suited to their require- ments. To the main building have already been added commodious barracks, a hospital, and an amusement hall. The total number of inmates present and absent on Nov. 30th, 1874, was five hundred and eighty-eight. The affairs of the Southern Branch are ably administered by Capt. P. T. Woodfin, deputy governor. THE OBJECT AND PURPOSES OF THE NATIONAL . HOMES. An experience of more than nine years has convinced the- Board of Managers of the national homes of their ability to receive and care for all the disabled soldiers entitled to admission under DISABLED VOLUNTEER SOLDIERS. 33 the act of congress. The object had in view from the beginning was to provide all the comforts of a home, chapels for religious services, halls for concerts, lectures, and miscellaneous entertain- ments, hospitals, with experienced surgeons and nurses, libraries and reading rooms, amusement halls, school -rooms, post-offices, telegraph offices, stores, workshops, etc. Another laudable purpose of the Board of Managers was to afford to those desiring it ample facilities for preparing them- selves for active employment. In the schools they may educate themselves for book-keepers,, clerks, school-teachers, telegraph operators, etc., or in the workshops learn new trades suited to their pecul- iar disability, in the meantime insuring suitable compensation for labor performed in the institu- tion. All these purposes have thus far been ad- mirably carried out, thus inspiring the inmates with a sense of manly independence. Great care has been taken by the Board of Managers to impress upon the minds of those who may apply for admission the fact that they are not enter- ing a hospital nor an alms-house, but a bona fide home, where subsistence, care, education, re- ligious instruction, and amusements are provided for disabled soldiers by the congress of the United States, to be paid for from the " forfeiture and fines of deserters from the army." The provision 34 THE NATIONAL HOME FOR is thus divested of the humiliating feature of char- ity. In the language of the Board, it is a contri- bution by the bounty -jumpers and bad soldiers to the brave and deserving, and is their right, to be forfeited only by bad conduct at the Home. The following beautiful tribute from the pen of Lizzie Boynton Harbert is appropriate : "As an American woman I proudly quote the official state- ment now before me which assures the people that notwith- standing the enormous debt incurred by our civil war, yet the United States government through its agents ' has full ability and accommodations to take care of every disabled volunteer soldier who applies to them ; that they ( these agents) have never refused to take care of such honorably discharged soldier in a single instance, and that it is the fault of the soldier alone if he is supporting himself by begging, or has become a dependent upon the bounty of any one, or is asking aid from any state in the Union.' And remembering as one of the ' red letter days ' of my life the day devoted to the National Asylum at Dayton, Ohio, in compliance with the request of many western friends I attempt a description of said institution, one of the three built by the government, the other two being located at Augusta, Maine, and Milwau- kee, Wisconsin. "Some months since I wandered through that American ' holy of holies,' the national cemetery at Arlington. As we were leaving, remembering the patience of the one-armed soldier who had escorted us all day, while we lingered long by the hillocks marked ' unknown ' and breathed a prayer for somebody's darling, one of our party placed a bank note in his hand, with the request that he would accept it for the little ones at home ( for he had told us of them), but with quiet dignity he returned the proffered gift, saying, ' I thank you, Madame, for the delicate manner in which you offer me the money, but the American government pays us well for the care of its dead." As we drove away my thought was, 4 Thank God for this great and generous country of ours,' a thought re-echoed yet more intensely when a few months later at the ' Soldiers' Home,' I discovered how grandly and beautifully this American government cares for its living. DISABLED VOLUNTEER SOLDIERS. 35 "Clara Barton wept and agonized at Strasbourg because her own generous American people were so distant, and let no American talk of the ' good old times ' who has witnessed a great nation battle as ours did in war and tax itself as ours has in peace. " Long live the Republic ! " REQUIREMENTS FOR ADMISSION. When a volunteer soldier desires admission he may apply by letter to either of the managers, whereupon blank applications will be sent to the applicant, and if duly qualified, transportation will be furnished, or he can apply personally or by let- ter at the branch nearest his place of residence. The requirements are as follows : 1. An honorable discharge from the volunteer service. 2. Disability by wounds received, or sickness contracted in the line of duty. 3. A soldier entitled to or having a pension must forward with his application for admission his discharge papers and pension certificate, or receipt therefor, or both, as the case may be, be- before his application is granted, which papers will be retained at the branch to which the appli- cant is admitted, to be kept there on file and re- turned to him when he is discharged. This rule is adopted to prevent the loss of papers and cer- tificates, and to prevent fraudulent practices. He must also assign his pension to the Home. But 36 THE NATIONAL HOME FOR the Home does not take nor use the pension- money of its inmates ; it simply collects and holds them in trust for the soldier, giving him from time to time such amounts as his needs or those of his family require, and depositing the remainder in a savings-bank for the benefit of the pensioner, and on his honorable discharge pay him back both principal and the accumulated interest. HISTORICAL INCIDENTS OF.THE CENTRAL HOME. One of the early incidents of the Central Home was the transfer of the Ohio Soldiers' Home to the Board of Trustees of national homes. This took JDlace with appropriate ceremonies on the 26th day of March, 1867. All the officers, employes, and inmates that were able to be present, numbering about one hundred and eighty-five, assembled in the chapel at the ringing of the bell. General George B. Wright, one of the trustees of the Home, called the assembly to order, and announced the object of the meeting to be a formal transfer of the in- stitution to the Board of Directors of national asylums. Generals Wright and Mitchell were present as representatives of the Home ; Lieutenant-gov- ernor McBurney and General Willard Warner of the Senate; Governor Cox in behalf of the state; DISABLED VOLUNTEER SOLDIERS. 37 and Hon. L. B. Gunckel as representative of the National Board. General Wright first addressed the soldiers. He commended them for their good behavior, thanked the officers for the faithful discharge of their duties, and expressed a deep interest in the future welfare of all who had enjoyed the benefits of the Home, or who had aided in making it worthy the good name it had borne. Lieutenant-governor McBurney followed with a few remarks, expressing the deep interest the people of the state felt in the institution, and the hope that under the care of the national Board the soldiers might enjoy even greater privileges than the state had been able to afford. General Willard Warner was then introduced as the chairman of the Military Committee of the Senate, who drafted and introduced the bill which became a law, establishing the Ohio State Soldiers' Home, and as a soldier and citizen had exhibited a most earnest interest in the welfare of the insti- tution. The general spoke with deep feeling and earnestness of the trials and hardships through which the inmates of the institution had passed in the great struggle for the maintenance of the Government, but assured them that their services were appreciated, and that the time would come when they will be held in reveren-ce, as were the patriots and heroes of the Revolution. 38 THE NATIONAL HOME FOR Governor Cox followed General Warner in an able and patriotic address, full of good counsel and advice to the soldiers, closing with a formal transfer of the institution from the state to nation- al authority. Hon. L. B. Gunckel, in reply to Governor Cox, said: "It is with mingled feelings of pleasure and fear that I ac- cept in behalf of the Board of Managers the transfer of the Ohio Soldiers' Home to the National Asylum. It is with feelings of pleasure because of my personal connection with the institution from the very beginning. In 1864 I introduced a bill into the Senate of Ohio 'to establish a soldiers' home,' and tried for two sessions to do what my friend General War- ner succeeded in doing in 1866. But although my bill failed, it had gained two powerful friends, Governors Brough and Anderson, who, by the aid of Secretary Stanton and the western branch of the United States Sanitary Commission, were enabled to convert 'Tripler Hospital' into the 'Ohio Soldiers' Home.' By appointment of Governor Anderson I was made one of its first trustees, and, as such, helped or- ganize and begin what has been so successfully carried out by my successors. To reunite myself with this institution is, therefore, like coming back to one's first love. To see it made permanent by its adoption as the central branch of the Na- tional Asylum is to me a matter of sincere pleasure. But when I consider how admirably the institution has been managed during the past year I accept the transfer of the responsible trust with fear and trembling; for it is due to truth to say that this Home has grown to be not only the largest, but to be recognized as the best conducted and most successful institution of the kind in the United States. For this just matter of state pride we are indebted, first, to our excellent governor, who has always given it his encourage- ment and aid; second, to the distinguished chairman of the Senate Military Committee, General Warner, here present, the author of the law creating the Home, and its able advo- cate and zealous defender in the general assembly ; thirdly, to the worthy trustees of the Home, Generals Wright and Mitchell, upon whom, and especially the two resident trustees, DISABLED VOLUNTEER SOLDIERS. 39 has rested the burden of the care, responsibility, and labor required in the management of such an institution. I much fear that neither the inmates of the Home nor the people of the state appreciate how great have been the labors and the sacrifices made by these gentlemen. But if they do not get popular applause they have what is after all much better the proud consciousness of having done a great public good. Well may we fear to assume a trust taken from such hands ! But we take courage in the fact that we are able to retain, temporarily at least, all the present officers of the Home. They have all superintendent, surgeon, chaplain, steward, and matron, done their duty; done it nobly and well. We should gladly retain all permanently, but the law under which we act requires all officers to be selected from disabled sol- diers. Not only because, other things being equal, such should always be selected, but because men who have them- selves suffered can better appreciate your condition and sympathize with you in your sufferings. This may, after awhile, necessitate a few changes. "And now, gentlemen, for if no longer soldiers you are, I hope, all still gentlemen (a good soldier ought always to be a true gentleman), we assume the responsible trust of here- after managing this institution. A few changes will become necessary. The government will hereafter be military, not only because it is better than the civil for such an institution, but because we are well assured it will be more agreeable to you as soldiers. Again ; we shall ask those who receive pen- sions, and have no dependent wife, child, mother, or sister to whom it should be given, to pay for their clothing while they remain here, out of their pensions. Clothing will be furnished you at Government prices, and how much you shall save out of your pensions will depend upon the care and economy you are pleased to exercise. Although tech- nically the National Asylum, we wish you still to look upon it as the ' Soldiers' Home.' We hope soon to furnish you one better deserving the name. Like the pioneer who first builds a log-cabin, soon to be replaced by a larger and more comfortable mansion, so this, your first home, will soon give way to one much larger and better. We hope, before long, to give you one which in beauty and healthfulness of situa- tion, extent of grounds, and size and character of buildings, shall equal that of the richest and best of the land. In ad- dition to chapel and school-room there will be workshops, where you may learn new and lighter trades adapted to your several disabilities. We hope by proper surgical care and 40 THE NATIONAL HOME FOR nursing to send many of you again into the world healthy and able to take care of yourselves, and by suitable education to prepare many of you for teachers, book-keepers, clerks, mechanics, etc., and so be able to enter the lists with the best. Whenever you think you can get along in the world we prefer that you should try. If you succeed, we bid you God speed. If you fail, we will welcome you back ; for here, as long as you live, is your HOME, to which, if you have left with an honorable discharge, you will be ever welcome." Mr. Gunckel closed by specially referring to the superintendent, Captain E. E. Tracy, himself a wounded soldier, as one with his heart in the work, and likely to ask nothing from the inmates but what their own real good required, and ex- horting the soldiers to make his duties light and pleasant by giving him their "aid and comfort," and co-operating with him in making the institu- tion such a home as every soldier may be proud to claim as his own. After the exercises in the chapel the audience repaired to the dining-hall, where a plain but sub- stantial dinner was provided, of which all partook in the best of spirits. All pronounced the occasion a pleasant one, not soon to be forgotten by the participants. In addition to the foregoing interesting facts we have a few extracts from the report of the pres- ident of the Board of Managers for the year end ing December 31, 1867 : " At the date of the last report the Board had established but one branch or asylum at Augusta, Maine, and were tern- DISABLED VOLUNTEER SOLDIERS. 41 porarily occupying the state institution at Columbus, Ohio, which, with its property, had been turned over to us by the state, and were aiding the ladies' institution at Milwaukee, Wisconsin. CENTRAL BRANCH, NEAR DAYTON, OHIO. Because of the unhealthiness of the Ohio Soldiers' Home, after a careful examination, by committees, of other sites, and full hearing of all parties claiming interests at other points, the Board determined upon a location of the central asylum at Dayton, Ohio, about three miles from the city, for which they purchased, at a cost of ($46,800) forty-six thou- sand eight hundred dollars, about four hundred acres of land in a body, most eligibly situated on the heights commanding the city. The Board was aided in the selection, as between other nearly equally eligible sites, by the munificent donation of ($20,000) twenty thousand dollars from the citizens of Day- ton, who, under the lead of Hon. Lewis B. Gunckel, secretary of the Board, evinced the liveliest interest in the success of the institution. Most vigorous measures were taken to get the necessary buildings ready for the accommodation of the disabled soldiers, who came forward for succor faster, almost, than accommodation could be got ready for them. Congress, with that untiring beneficence which has always distinguished its action toward the brave defenders of the Union, had given to the asylum the lumber composing the temporary buildings at Camp Chase. With the aid of this material, un- der the direction of the local manager, Mr. Gunckel, build- ings were most rapidly and economically constructed, to meet the call on the asylura in that locality, so that there are now comfortable accommodations for (600) six hundred sol- diers, which were filled up quite as fast as they could be got ready. There are now at that asylum (579) five hundred and seventy-nine disabled soldiers, and as soon as the nec- essary buildings can be made ready it is not doubted the number will exceed a thousand. A large portion of the work has been done on the ground by the inmates, some of whom have received a small remuneration for their labors, an ex- penditure that has been found at once economical and ben- eficial. The whole number of beneficiaries of this branch during the year has been seven hundred and twenty. The average daily cost of the ration to each soldier for the last three months has been, at this branch, thirty and five eighth cents. Workshops are being established at this branch, and 42 THE NATIONAL HOME FOR a school under the superintendence of William Earnshaw, the efficient chaplain, has been carried on with much success. Its pupils have been so instructed as to be fitted to earn sup- port for themselves, and some found situations in business a result which demonstrates the practical benefit of the institution to the soldier, and relieves its revenues for still further usefulness. The Central Branch is under the direc- tion of General Timothy Ingraham, acting governor, who lately relieved Major E. E. Tracy, a faithful and efficient officer, who had leave of absence because he had entirely broken down his health in the service. By the terms of the act of congress establishing the asylum there is appropriated for its support 'all stoppages or fines adjudged against such officers and soldiers, by sentence of court-martial or military commission, over and above the amounts necessary for the reimbursement of the government or of individuals ; all for- feitures on account of desertion from such service ; and all moneys due such deceased officers and soldiers which now are or may be unclaimed for three years after the death of such officers or soldiers, to be repaid upon the demand of the heirs or legal representatives of such deceased officers or soldiers.' These amounts can only be determined by the examination of the accounts of each officer and soldier, and the balance ascertained, which may come to the asylum on the settlement thereof. This, of course, is a work of long time, the accounting office having not yet got through the year 1862, so that not even an approximate estimate can be made as to the amount appropriated by the munificence of congress for the support of the asylum. "The Board of Managers have received, by donations 6f land and money, of several associations and individuals, a sum amounting to $126,832.71. They have invested for the use of the asylum all surplus beyond the amount necessary for the outlay and expenditures, in the bonds of the United States, to the amount of $515,100. " In commencing the organization of the establishment, and in providing for the necessary accommodation of so many men, large expenditures have been necessary, which are charged in the treasurer's account to real estate, con- struction, and repairs. It is believed, however, that no more economical expenditure has ever been made of public mon- eys than in the purchase of lands and construction of build- ings for this object. "The instituion has, during the past year, supported or aided one thousand eight hundred and sixty-seven men /, *: DISABLED VOLUNTEER SOLDIERS. 43 and totally disabled volunteer soldiers, and the average ex- pense of subsistence of those in the asylum does not exceed the sum of thirty-three cents per day. "By the purchase of a large amount of clothing of the quartermaster general, at the prices which it and like stores had been sold at auction, the institution has been able to provide very cheaply for the wants of its beneficiaries in that regard. To no disabled soldier, either of the regular army, of the marines, or the volunteer force, whose case has been brought to the attention of the Board of Managers, has relief been refused or aid denied. Every pains has been taken to find and relieve every soldier who has been sustained in alms-houses or like establishments in the country, and to take care of all disabled soldiers who are found soliciting the be- nevolence of the charitable. True it is that many cases will be found of apparently disabled men, who claim to be soldiers, in large cities or on railway trains, asking relief of the chari- table, or attempting to earn a subsistence by grinding a hand- organ, or other like means of appealing to the generous sym- pathies of the community. This prostitution of the honorable wounds and the uniform of the soldier can only be saved by the determination of every man, and especially of every woman, whose kind and patriotic hearts are touched by surh exhibitions of apparent want, to refrain from giving. In many cases those so appealing for relief are impostors, and were never soldiers at all, or deserters, or were dismissed for crimes. In others they are the employes of designing men and associations, who speculate out of the apparent miseries and services of disabled soldiers. There have been cases where the beneficiaries of our asylum have been hired to leave our homes, where they were amply provided for, by associations owning hand-organs, to grind them through the streets, because a soldier apparently so reduced would attract the sympathy and contributions of loyal and patriotic people. Cases have been brought to the knowledge of the officers of the institution where these organ-grinders have obtained from the public by such means as high as fifteen dollars per day, which does not go to their relief, but to swell the emoluments of their swindling employers. The Board of Managers would respectfully ask all citizens to discountenance these practices, by which the generous benevolence of the community is im- posed upon, and before giving to any one claiming to be a soldier under such circumstances, to inquire if he has applied to the managers for relief, and if he replies that he has done so and has been refused, to communicate the fact to the 4 44 THE NATIONAL HOME FOR president or either member of the Board of Managers. The munificent liberality of the nation through its congress has done full justice to the claims of all disabled soldiers in the prevision made in this establishment, and no deserving man has failed or can fail to reap the benefit of it if he chooses. " The Board make this report of their proceedings with the confident hope that their action will meet the approbation of congress and the country. - "All of which is respectfully submitted." For the Board of Managers : BE.NJ. F. BUTLER, President. January I, 1868. OUT-DOOR RELIEF. " By the tenth section of the act of establishment the Board are empowered to administer out-door relief to the soldiers entitled thereto, at an expense not exceeding the average cost of maintaining an inmate in the asylum. Owing to the calls on the establishment for relief, because the Board has not sufficient accommodations, it has been found necessary to support some of those who had claims therefor at charita- ble and state institutions. Great care has been taken that nobody should be aided who was not precisely within the purview of the act of congress. After mature deliberation it was determined by the Board that the rate of support in any institution should not exceed forty cents per day where the beneficiary did not require to be hospitally treated with medicine or surgically as a sick man, and seventy-five cents a day where he did so require treatment. Accordingly (158) one hundred and fifty-eight totally disabled soldiers have been helped in the New Jersey Home at an average of (10) ten dollars per month each for both sick and well, or thirty- three and one third cents per day for all care and support. Twenty-four (24) soldiers have been supported at the Mary- land Soldiers' Home in Baltimore, and (8) eight under the charge of the Ladies' Union Relief Association of New York City from time to time during the year, and (120) one hund- red and twenty at the Indiana Soldiers' Home, and (71) seventy-one at the Soldiers' home, Rochester, New York. Out-door relief has also been administered by several mem- bers of the Board in cases where such relief was but a tem- porary necessity or would enable the soldier to become self- supporting by a slight advance to him for a short time. The Board can not better illustrate the working of this mode of DISABLED VOLUNTEER SOLDIERS. 45 relief than by incorporating the report of the efficient secre- tary of the Board, Mr. Gunckel, as to the manner in which he has given aid and relief to those who needed it, evincing at once practical assistance and economical relief.' REPORT OF HON. LEWIS B. GUNCKEL. " I have the honor to report that I have administered 'out- door relief during the past year to eighty-five disabled sol- diers, and assisted through state and local institutions one hundred and twenty more, making two hundred and five in all, and expended therefor $5,001.47, being an average only of $24.39 to each man. I append hereto an exhibit showing to whom the money was paid, and giving name, residence, disability, family, &c., of each beneficiary. It will be seen that of the eighty-five to whom I gave relief myself fifty-two reside in Ohio, five in Pennsylvania, seven in Indiana, eight in New York, five in Michigan, three in Illinois, three in Iowa, two in New Jersey, and one in Wisconsin. "Their Disability. Loss of both hands, two; loss of arm., twelve ; loss of leg, eleven ; consumption, nine ; paralysis, four ; ophthalmia, eight ; chronic rheumatism, two ; spinal disease, three ; chronic diarrhea, four ; injury from wounds received, fifteen ; other diseases, thirteen. Of these, seven- teen have each a wife, but no children ; one has a wife and six children ; four have each a wife and five children ; nine have each a wife and four children; eleven have each a wife and three children ; thirteen have each a wife and two chil- dren ; ten have each a wife and one child ; three have aged mothers dependent on them ; and eighteen are unmarried. I have, as a rule, confined this relief to married men who did not wish (and ought not to be asked) to leave their fam- ilies and go into one of our asylums. But I felt compelled to make an exception in a few cases where a small sum of money would help a poor cripple to new crutches, a broken- down mechanic to buy tools and go to work, an anxious stu- dent to finish a course in book-keeping, or an invalid stranger to buy medicine or get home to relations and friends. While more than ever convinced of the propriety of this feature in our work, and of the great good which can be done by ' out- door relief,' I am fearful that the demand made upon us in this way will soon tax our utmost capacity. We can not aid all disabled soldiers. An attempt to duplicate the pension list would soon bankrupt our treasury. I have therefore been careful to confine any relief to cases clearly within the la\v f 46 THE NATIONAL HOME FOR and to continue it no longer than was absolutely necessary. In many cases I gave relief in winter and withheld it in sum- mer. In some I gave it while an application for bounty and pension was pending, but withheld it after they were granted and received. I have in no case given more than $10 per month in many cases less. I have endeavored to impress upon them all that they must not expect this as regular, per- manent relief, but only as an occasional help when all other resources failed ." Very respectfully. LEWIS B. GUNCKEL, One of the Managers. Major-general BENJ. F. BUTLER, President Board of Managers National Asylum. "The organization of this, the Central Asylum, as an insti- tution dates from March 26, 1867, at which time Hon. L. B. Gunckel, resident manager, took formal charge of the dis- abled soldiers then at th Ohio State Home, and transferred them to the care of the National Asylum. "The grounds where this institution now stands were taken possession of early in August, 1867, and the first men were sheltered here September 2, 1867. But the final transfer of all the disabled soldiers from the Ohio State Home did not take place until the very last days of 1867 ; so that it is not quite three years since this branch was fully established. It has always been the warm desire of the resident manager and this desire permeates all his actions to make this a "home," a real "home," for the brave men disabled in the nation's service, but it was his first care to provide a shelter as speedily as possible for these disabled men, and temporary buildings then standing at Camp Chase, Ohio, and donated to us by the Government, were transferred to this place and re-erected here ; and such was the demand for shelter that each building was crowded before its completion. This state of affairs existed through the winter and spring ot 1868. Even temporary shelter could not be provided as fast as it was demanded, and the Board of Managers contracted for the maintenance of many disabled soldiers at some of the old state homes until buildings sufficient for their accommodation could be erected here and at the other barracks. Day by day this institution grew larger until it has assumed immense proportions ; and large as it even now is, it is scarcely able to accommodate the number of men who rejoice in and are blessed by its benefits. This day it furnishes a comfortable, and> in some respects, luxurious home to one DISABLED VOLUNTEER SOLDIERS. 47 thousand one hundred and thirty disabled soldiers, furnish- ing them with amusments, entertainments, literature, educa- tion, moral and religious instruction, light and suitable employment, good quarters, clean clothing and linen, and excellent food, In addition to these we have three hundred and fifty men on furlough, making our total number one thousand four hundred and eighty. To the casual observer, the person who saw this place in 1868, and did not again behold it until 1870, the rapid growth of the buildings, and the vast improvement and ornamentation of the grounds, seems a grandeur of design and a miracle of execution; in- deed, to the constant observer of this work it seemed to progress with unexampled rapidity. To the efficient local manager, Hon. L. B. Gunckel, and to his zeal and energy in the cause, is attributable this wonderful advancement. We conclude this article with the following brief but pertinent address, delivered by Hon. L. B. Gunckel at the dedication of the new hos- pital building, in May, 1870. A little over two years ago the managers of the National Asylum purchased these grounds and authorized me to com- mence work. Winter was approaching, and hundreds of sick and disabled soldiers homeless, penniless, and almost friendless, were applying for admission. We could not wait for plans or for an architect. In one week we put up out of Camp Chase lumber, donated by congress, the first of the one-story barracks, and it was filled on the very day it was completed. The next week we put up another, and it was immediately filled. So we went on, summer and winter, adding building to building, and filling each as soon as it was completed. First, we used an old barn for a dining-room ; becoming too small we added a wing ; then another, and then still another; finally took up and threw out the old barn, raised the whole a story and a half, and so made the dining-hall as it now stands. The first winter we cared for some seven hundred and fifty disabled soldiers; the second winter one thousand ; the last winter our rolls showed thir- teen hundred, and to-day we celebrate the completion of another building, adding to our capacity three hundred more beds, every one of which will be filled during the coming winter. Looking at these buildings and grounds to-day we 48 THE NATIONAL HOME FOR are painfully sensible of the fact that the work could have been better done. We can only plead that under many em- barassments and difficulties we did the best we could. Had we thought only of architectural and landscape effect, we could perhaps have done better ourselves. But our constant aim has been to care for the disabled soldiers, and provide for them a home a pleasant, comfortable, and happy HOME; and if we have succeeded in that, our dearest wishes have been realized and our highest ambition has been gratified. As an item of history we append the following official statements relating to the appointment of the Board of Managers : [PUBLIC RESOLUTION No. 24.] JOINT RESOLUTION appointing managers for the National Asylum for Disabled Volunteer Soldiers. Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That the following persons be, and they are hereby, appointed man- agers of the National Asylum for Disabled Volunteer Sol- diers, under the provisions and conditions of the third section of the act approved March twenty-three, eighteen hundred and sixty-six: Richard J. Oglesby, of Illinois, Benjamin F. Butler, of Massachusetts, and Frederick Smythe, of New Hampshire, of the first class, to serve six years; Lewis B. Gunckel, of Ohio, Jay Cooke, of Pennsylvania, and P. Joseph Osterhaus, of Missouri, of the second class, to serve four years; John H. Martindale, of New York, Horatio G. Stebbins, of California, and George H. Walker, of Wisconsin, of the third class, to serve two years. Approved April 21, 1866. [No. i.] JOINT RESOLUTION to appoint two managers for the National Asylum for Dis- abled Volunteer Soldiers, to fill certain vacancies. Be it resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That Erastus B. Wolcott, of the State of Wisconsin, be, and he hereby is, appointed a manager of the National Asylum for Disabled Volunteer Soldiers, to fill the vacancy occasioned by the death of George H. Walker, of the third class of DISABLED VOLUNTEER SOLDIERS. 49 said managers, for the term which expires on the twenty- first day of April, eighteen hundred and sixty-eight; and that John S. Cavender, of the State of Missouri, be, and he is hereby, appointed a manager of said corporation, to fill the vacancy occasioned by the resignation of P. Joseph Oster- haus, of the second class of said managers, for the term which expires on the twenty-first day of April, eighteen hundred and seventy. Approved December 7, 1866. [PUBLIC RESOLUTION No. 48.] A RESOLUTION appointing managers of the National Asylum for Disabled Vol- unteer Soldiers. Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That the following persons be, and they are hereby, appointed man- agers of the National Asylum for Disabled Volunteer Sol- diers, under the provisions of the second section of the act approved March twenty-third, one thousand eight hundred and sixty-six : Lewis B. Gunckel, of Ohio ; Jay Cooke, of Pennsylvania; and John S. Cavender, of Missouri; whose terms expire on the twenty-first day of April, in the year one thousand eight hundred and seventy. Approved June 9, 1870. [PUBLIC RESOLUTION No. 21.] JOINT RESOLUTION appointing managers of the National Asylum for Disabled Soldiers, and for other purposes. Be it resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That Erastus B. Wolcott, of Wisconsin, John H. Martindale, of New York, and Hugh L. Bond, of Maryland, be, and hereby are, appointed managers of the National Asylum for Dis- abled Soldiers, under the provisions and conditions of the third section of an act approved March twenty-third, eight- een hundred and sixty-six, from the twenty-first of April, eighteen hundred and sixty-eight; and that Hugh L. Bond, of Maryland, be, and is hereby, appointed manager to serve out the unexpired term of Horatio G. Stebbins, of California, resigned. SEC. 2. And be it further enacted, That the Secretary of War be authorized to furnish, from the captured ordnance, such ordnance with their implements as he may deem proper, 50 THE NATIONAL HOME FOR to the several national asylums for the purpose of firing sa- lutes; and also such small arms and equipments as may be necessary for the purpose of guard duty at the asylums. SCHUYLER COLFAX, Speaker of the House of Representatives. B. F. WADE, President of the Senate, pro tempore. Indorsed by the President : " Received I2th March, 1868." The following now constitute the regular Board of Managers : THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATE ; "j THE CHIEF-JUSTICE ; v Ex-Officio. THE SECRETARY OF WAR. J Maj-Gen. B. F. BUTLER, President, Lowell, Mass. Maj.-Gen. J. H. MARTINDALE, ist V. P., Rochester, N. Y. Gov. FREDERICK SMYTHE, 2d V. P., Manchester, N. H. Hon. LEWIS B. GUNCKEL, Secretary, Dayton, Ohio. Brig.-Gen. JOHN S. CAVENDER, St. Louis, Missouri. Hon. HUGH L. BOND, Baltimore, Maryland. Dr. ERASTUS B. WOLCOTT, Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Maj.Gen. THOMAS O. OSBORN, Chicago, Illinois. Maj.-Gen. JAMES S. NEGLEY, Pittsburgh, Penn. DISABLED VOLUNTEER SOLDIERS. 51 A COMPLETE GUIDE-BOOK OF THE CENTRAL HOME. CONTAINING A FULL DESCRIPTION OF ALL THE OBJECTS OF INTER- EST, INTERNAL GOVERNMENT, MISCELLANEOUS INCIDENTS, CELEBRATIONS, FESTIVALS, SCENERY, BUILDINGS. WORKSHOPS, BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES, ETC., ETC., ETC. The city of Dayton, near which the Central Home is located, is a beautiful and busy city, with a population of about forty thousand, and is about midway between Columbus and Cincin- nati. Its extensive streets are adorned with trees of luxuriant foliage, while most of the private residences are beautified with neat and tasteful flower-gardens, thus entitling it to the appellation of the Garden City. It is likewise noted for its numerou& handsome churches and other impos- f)2 THE NATIONAL HOME FOR ing public edifices. From the city of Dayton the ground gradually ascends to a hill ; and the spacious grounds, rich with green verdure and embellished with stately and ornamental shade- trees that cast their grateful shadows around, are entered through a handsome gateway. The en- trance lodge is a model of elegance and beauty. It is built iii the old cottage style and attended by an old soldier whose polite and self-satisfied air be- token his thoughts as he gracefully salutes you, and by his action indicates a welcome to his beau- tiful home a little farther on, which now begins to reveal itself in all its grandeur. HOW TO VISIT THE HOME. The Third Street Railroad connects with the Home Avenue Railroad, which delivers passen- gers at a total cost for fare of thirty cents, both ways, directly at the Home ground. On arriving at head-quarters competent guides, attired in the uniform of the Home and designated with a badge, will be found in readiness to receive visitors, con- duct them over the ground, and impart such in- formation as may be desired. Before following the guide it may interest the reader to learn something of the INTERNAL GOVERNMENT OF THE HOME. Upon the governor devolves the important DISABLED VOLUNTEER SOLDIERS. 53 duties of the management and regulation of the Home; and when it is considered that it com- prises men of all nationalities, and as soldiers gen- erally are men of the world, with strong passions and varied temperaments, it will be conceded that this is not an easy task. The governor is Col- onel E. F. Brown, formerly colonel of the 28th regiment of New York volunteers, who lost an arm in the service of his country. Colonel Brown is ably assisted in the performance of his arduous duties by Major J. B. Thomas, treasurer ; Capt. R. E. Fleming, secretary ; Dr. J. M. Weaver, surgeon ; W. Earnshaw, chaplain ; Captain Wil- liam Thompson,, steward; Mrs. E. L. Miller, ma- tron ; each one having separate and designated duties. THE RECEPTION OF INMATES. After the applicant has presented his discharge, with a statement of his disability, he is examined by the surgeon in charge. After the medical of- ficers have certified to the disability of the ap- plicant, and it has been found that his disability is clearly traceable to his service in the army, and upon his showing an honorable discharge from the service and fully identifying himself, his case is submitted to a manager, and upon his approval, and his alone, the applicant is admitted. On ad- 54 THE NATIONAL HOME FOR mission the applicant is sworn to keep and ob- serve the rules and orders the Board of Managers may make for the Home. He is then assigned to barracks and furnished with a complete suit of clothes of uniform style. Men in receipt of a pen- sion from the Government are required to give up their pension papers to purchase their own clothes after the first suit, and to provide their own to- bacco. Non-pensioners are allowed such articles of clothing as their necessities may actually re- quire. PAYMENT OF MONEY. The quarterly payments of the money to which the pensioners are entitled, are received by the treasurer on behalf of and as trustee and banker of the pensioners. When the amount of money has been placed to the credit of the pensioner he can make application for and receive the same, pro- vided it is required for any proper or useful pur- pose ; but he will not be allowed the pension for the purpose of squandering it in dissipation. A large amount is from time to time transmitted to the wives and families of pensioners, by means of money-orders and registered letters; the Home post-office being legally constituted for this pur- pose. The pensioner may also allow his pension to accumulate in charge of the treasurer of the N DISABLED VOLUNTEER SOLDIERS. 55 C/ . * -'/ , Home, when interest is allowed on the amount. Every man on taking his discharge is entitled to and receives the amount of money then standing to his credit. RE-ADMISSION TO THE HOME. It frequently occurs that men who have taken a discharge from the Home on the supposition that they will be able to maintain themselves out- side, have been compelled to return and apply for re-admission. These men are, on application, ad- mitted temporarily until the next meeting of the Board of Managers, when their applications are considered and acted upon ; and if no good reason exist to the contrary, they are re-admitted upon such conditions as the Board of Managers see fit to impose. It often happens that men having good intentions fail of success ; yet if they have shown reasonable effort they are usually re- ad- mitted unconditionally; but if they have failed through unsoldierly conduct, or have squandered their money in a short time, the Board usually imposes such penalties as will teach them lessons of care and economy in the future, by directing that they do such labor as the governor may direct for a stated period; or if a pensioner, that he forfeit to the Home a certain portion of his pension for a stated period. These are whole- 56 THE NATIONAL HOME FOR some regulations and have a tendency to quiet the restless spirit of the discontented soldier. PENSIONERS AND NON-PENSIONERS. Of the inmates a considerable number are in receipt of pensions, liberally granted by the United States government, while many are not in receipt of any pension, owing to the fact that they have been unable, from various causes, to obtain the necessary evidence to establish their claim ; some from neglect on their own part in advancing their claims at the proper time, and others from disabilities breaking out subsequent to the close of the war and which they had con- sidered and hoped might be only of a temporary character. For the purpose of admission to the Home the same strict evidence is not required as is properly demanded at the pension bureau. ORDER AND CLEANLINESS. The rules to be observed by inmates are for the perfecting of order and cleanliness; the sup- pression of bad language, intoxication, bringing liquor into camp, not to be absent without leave, and the observance of proper respect for them- selves and others. PASSES AND FURLOUGHS. Any man desiring to be absent a day or two DISABLED VOLUNTEER SOLDIERS. 57 can have a pass for that purpose on application, and a furlough for thirty, sixty, or ninety days, as may be desired. On obtaining a furlough he is required to take and pay for his transportation, going and returning, before his furlough is given to him, the Board having an arrangement with all the railroads in the United States and Canada to transport inmates of the Home at one half the usu&l rates. DISCHARGES. By a resolution of the Board of Managers the power to grant honorable discharges is delegated to the governor. He is expected to observe a good degree of caution, however, in its exercise. Beneficiaries often ask to be discharged, from a restless, uneasy disposition, preferring a change even at the risk of destitution and suffering. Some having fitted themselves by learning a trade at the Home-shops, or having obtained an educa- tion at the Home-school, are thereby enabled to earn a living. Whenever an honorable discharge is given it is accompanied with a certificate of good character, which is in a manner a recom- mendation to such, soldier seeking employ- ment. If one fails in making a living he can only be re-admitted on the order of the Board of Mana- 5 58 THE NATIONAL HOME FOR gers. Honorably discharged soldiers may easily obtain re-admission ; but in cases of dishonorable discharge, not so easily. Dishonorable discharges for misconduct or desertion require the action and approval of the president of the Board. As a rule, there has been nothing of which to complain in the conduct of the beneficiaries of the institution. A few bad men have been dis- missed or have deserted ; all others have been obedient, tractable, arid contented, without ex- ception, when not in liquor. DISCIPLINE. It will be observed that each of the branches is placed from three to five miles from the city nearest its location. Experience demonstrates most surely the necessity for this, although econ- omy in transportion at first thought would seem to demand the location of the asylums in the cities themselves. The soldiers without intoxicating .drinks require no restraint, with very rare ex- ceptions, and the only discipline needed is that of a well-regulated household where the word of the master is the law of kindness. If liquors can be kept from the soldier, he makes no trouble. Taught by his service the habit and necessity of obedience to his superiors, he is docile beyond other classes of men. But when influenced with DISABLED VOLUNTEER SOLDIERS. 59 drink lie becomes uncontrollable, insubordinate, and vicious ; hence the necessity of keeping him away from temptation, to which he is hourly ex- posed in the city. Well and kindly disposed men see no harm nay, they view it as a sort of patri- otic duty, to treat a wounded or one-armed or one-legged soldier, little reckoning the conse- quences of their hospitality. The discipline established has been designed to be firm but kind : for light offenses, a reprimand or deprivation of privileges ; for graver offenses, confinement ; for incorrigibility, expulsion. In this latter case the Board has established a regu- lation allowing a trial by court-martial, composed of officers and men of the branch, with appeal to the president of the Board. AVERAGE RATE OF WAGES PAID. A large number of inmates are employed wh@ receive money wages. Checks are also issued which will purchase at the Home store any ar- ticle that may be obtained in a city store, and at the same price. The rate of pay for common la- bor is thirty cents per day in winter, and forty cents in summer. Skilled labor commands more, but in about the same proportion. THE ELECTIVE FRANCHISE. All inmates of the Home who comply with the requirement of the law are entitled to the rights 60 THE NATIONAL HOME FOR* of citizens of the State of Ohio, and as such are entitled to vote at all elections of the state. On several election occasions it has been admitted by all parties that the peace, order, and good-will ex- hibited by so large and varied a number of voters and partisans compare favorably with any city or town in the state. NUMBER OF INMATES. The number of inmates present and absent on the 30th of November, 1874, was two thousand five hundred and eighty-one, being five hundred and thirty-four over all the other branches com- bined ; but they are continually coming and going a few on discharges and others on furloughs. From its central position and the healthfulness and salubrity of the climate, the number of in- mates si considerably greater than at the other homes. EMPLOYMENT OF INMATES. It has been a cherished object of the mana- gers to encourage employment of every kind by giving moderate compensation for all kinds of useful labor. All non-commissioned officers, clerks, ward-masters, nurses, engineers, carpenters, cooks, bakers, waiters, etc., are inmates of the Home ; and they are paid for their work. Workshops are DISABLED VOLUNTEER SOLDIERS. 61 numerous for all mechanical branches ; and here can be seen, at all times, painters, cabinet-mak- ers, blacksmiths, tinsmiths, carpenters, plumbers, gas-fitters, tailors, shoe-makers, broom-makers, saddlers, harness- makers, cigar-makers, stocking- makers, upholsterers, book-binders, and printers, all busily engaged, and encouraged to work at their trades ; also, others to learn a trade if they are so disposed. In the construction, all the paint- ing was done by the Home painters, some of whom have only one arm. Much of the furniture in the buildings was made by disabled soldiers; and a considerable portion of the lighter work, such as smoothing and ornamenting the grounds, was done by them. They perform nearly all the work in the garden, orchards, and farm, and in improv- ing and beautifying the place. MEETING OF THE BOARD OF MANAGERS. The Board of Managers of the national homes meet quarterly every year at one or other of the homes, or Washington city, for the purpose of transacting the necessary business relating to them and the making of such rules and regulations as may be necessary for their good government. THE ATTRACTIONS OF THE HOME THE DEPOT. On reaching the precincts of the Home the vis- itor in alighting from the cars steps upon a con- 62 THE NATIONAL HOME FOR venient platform; then ascending either to the right or the left, by broad stairways of unique de- sign, he finds himself on the portico of the depot. This building is constructed in the Gothic style of architecture and presents a highly picturesque appearance. On both sides of the building are balconies, ornamented with railings of tasteful pattern and supplied with comfortable settees. The sitting and refreshment rooms are neatly fur- nished, and afford the accommodation of hot cof- fee, ice-cream, and other refreshments, at the regu- lar city prices. Passing through the rear entrance of the depot the visitor reaches, by means of steps constructed of rough-hewn stones from the Home quarries, abroad and sloping avenue. After paus- ing to admire a spacious rustic summer-house, he proceeds farther on and arrives on an open space, from whence a magnificent picture presents itself to the view. At the right is a beautiful flag-staff, with the dear old flag floating high in the breezes of heaven. The siege-guns and mortars, with pyr- amids of shot and shell, and a battery in position as in battle, fill the beholder with thrilling mem- ories. And standing almost directly in front is the imposing head-quarter building, which, in ad- dition to the offices, contains the large Putnam Library hall. Then turning the eye to the right, the beautiful Home church is in full view ; and DISABLED VOLUNTEER SOLDIERS. 63 beyond, on a knoll, shaded by forest- trees, stands the residence of the chaplain ; and, still farther to the right, the magnificent and commodious hos- pital charms the beholder ; and a little farther on the neat cottage of the resident surgeon, shaded by trees and surrounded by a lovely lawn, com- pletes the picture in that direction. As the vis- itor looks to the north-westward he beholds the soldiers' monument, rising from a hill-top in the distance, which marks the place where the heroes sleep. Keeping the same position, he may turn the eye to the left and observe a rustic arbor, the grotto, the springs, the flower-garden, the fount- ain, the conservatory, and the lakes ; and still let- ting the eye sweep onward, he sees the rustic bridges, the beautiful groves, the deer-park, the veteran spring, the governor's residence with its surrounding trees and flowers, the residences of the treasurer, the secretary, and the steward, all beautifully located on the borders of the grove; also Music IIa.ll, the long line of neat and com- fortable barracks, where twenty-five hundred vet- erans rest from the fight; the large and comfortable dining-hall, kitchen, bakery, laundry, workshops ; the tasteful band pagoda, the Home-store build- ing, and the quarter- master and commissary store building, which make this splendid picture com- plete. Then from this point the visitor may 64 THE NATIONAL HOME FOR choose his route and feast upon the wonders of the warriors' resting-place, not forgetting to fol- low a gentlemanly guide beyond the woods and looking in upon the farm, the farmer's residence, the vegetable garden, the barn, the stable, and the magnificent stock that graze upon the broad acres of the Home farm. THE FIELD BATTERY Consists of brass pieces, fully mounted and formed in battle array. From this battery are fired the salutes announcing the rising and the setting of the sun. The whole forms the picture of a regular garrison. HEAD-QUARTERS, LIBRARY, AND READING-ROOM. This building is located on the main avenue, a little to the south and east of the chapel, and is really the key by which all that is interesting and attractive is to be reached and studied. This structure is 130 by 41 feet, three stories, the third being a Mansard, constructed of brick, with Day- ton limestone trimmings and surrounded by broad verandas that completely embrace the building. The first story, which is twelve feet in height, is set apart to the head-quarter officers, consisting of a well furnished suite of rooms for the governor of the institution and the secretary, and one each for the adjutant and the treasurer. These rooms iSatiM THE HOSPITAL CARRIAGE AND HORSES. DISABLED VOLUNTEER SOLDIERS. 65 are approached from the south, and command full views of the premises in almost all' directions. The great feature of this building is the library and reading-room, which is one of the most beau- tiful and complete in the State of Ohio. This room is 104 by 41 feet. It embraces both the sec- ond and third stories, which furnish an apart- ment nineteen feet in height. The room is lighted by day from ten windows each on the north and south sides, and at night by Frink's cone reflect- ors. It is light, airy, and cheerful. The walls are painted a neutral color, which, while it is pleas- ant to the eye, harmonizes with the handsomely frescoed ceiling, and affords a charming back- ground for the one hundred and fifty chromos, engravings, aucl photographs that adorn the walls. The walls terminate in a tastefully frescoed cor- nice. The ceiling is frescoed in irregular panels on the outer borders, which embrace a light drab field. On the latter is a central figure, represent- ing a tasteful combination of all the army badges, which at once becomes both significant and beau- tiful. On the west is an illuminated representation of the goddess of war, and on the east a rep re - sentation of the goddess of peace. Figures show- ing the genii of music, art, literature, the army and navy, occupy other and appropriate places. At the east end of the spacious room is what 66 THE NATIONAL HOME FOR is known as the Putnam Library. It comprises complete copies (forty volumes) of the London Art Union, all handsomely bound in morocco, Audubon's Birds, Grecian Antiquities (four large volumes), Mediaeval Architecture, the complete works of Dickens, Scott, Cooper, and others of the most valuable of English and American au- thors. These books are inclosed in a case that completely fills the east end of the hall. The case is constructed of black and white walnut, with massive doors filled with plate glass ; and it should be stated that it was constructed through- out by the soldiers of the Home. Over the li- brary is massive ornamental scroll-work, in the center of which is the portrait of Mrs. Putnam's son. At the west end of the hall, in a case of but little less proportions, is the collection known as the George H. Thomas Library, which embraces all books belonging to the institution not donated by Mrs. Putnam. A neat wire screen protects the books from intruders. Scroll-work, like that at the east end, surmounts the case, and is hand- somely dispersed about the picture of the lamented Thomas. On the floor are fourteen stands, each large enough to hold from four to six papers. Forty daily, one hundred and ten weekly secular, and DISABLED VOLUNTEER SOLDIERS. 67 one hundred and fifty weekly religious newspa- pers are supplied to the rooms, besides all the leading periodicals of the country. The floor is covered with matting, the room supplied with tables and chairs, the library case embraced by railing, and every provision made for the safety of the books, the comfort of the readers, and the complete appointments of a first-class library. Well might Chaplain Earnshaw point with pride to the result of his labors. The formal opening of the library took place in April, 1871. It was quite proper that the acquisition of such an auxiliary to the Home should be properly cel- brated. To this end a day was set apart for the formal opening of the library, and a number of distinguished gentlemen from abroad were invited to speak to the soldiers. Ex-governor Dennison of Ohio, Lieutenant-governor Cumback of Indiana, General E. F. Noyes of Cincinnati, Hon. Samuel Galloway of Columbus, and Ex-secretary Cox of Cincinnati, were invited to make short addresses. All responded except Governor Cox, who was un- expectedly called elsewhere. These gentlemen were the guests of Colonel Brown, the efficient governor of the Home, and, after dinner at his residence, they repaired immediately to Music Hall, where the opening ceremonies were to occur, and where 68 THE NATIONAL HOME FOR a large audience had already assembled, embrac- ing not only the soldiers of the institution, but many ladies and gentlemen from Dayton and else- where. The speaking having ceased, on motion of Col. Brown, the soldiers adopted a vote of thanks to the orators, and clinched it with three hearty cheers and a tiger. All were then invited to the library-room, where, until darkness began to gather upon the land- scape, visitors remained admiring the ample pro- visions they had just dedicated to the use of those to whom the country owes a debt, the interest of which it can alone hope to pay. We close our description with the following beautiful and appropriate tribute from the pen of the ex-officio librarian, Chaplain Earnshaw : "The Putnam Library is the gift of Mrs. Mary Lowell Put- nam, of Boston, Massachusetts, to the veterans of the 'Na- tional Asylum for Disabled Volunteer Soldiers,' at Dayton, Ohio, as a memorial of her gallant son, Lieutenant William Lowell Putnam, of the twentieth Massachusetts regiment of infantry, who fell, mortally wounded, at the battle of Bali's Bluff, and died the following day ; thus offering up his young and beautiful life to maintain the honor and integrity of his country, "There could be no more fitting illustration of the pure patriotism and magnificent heroism that characterized the young men of our country at the time when 'traitors insulted our flag,' than that furnished by the young soldier whose honored name this superb library bears. Though very young, he had spent seven years in Europe, completing his educa- tion, and traveling over most of the continent; but, at the first sound of war, he hastened home to place himself in the DISABLED VOLUNTEER SOLDIERS. 69 front ranks of his country's defenders; and, in less than three months from the time he enlisted, his name was placed in the bright galaxy of the ' martyrs to liberty. 1 " And those of us who had the honor to serve in the same glorious cause, and have so fortunately survived to enjoy the blessings he died to purchase, may look upon his face (so finely delineated by the artist), which adorns the beautiful hall, where the rich gifts of his loving mother are treasured, a-nd ever revere his glorious memory and strive to emulate his noble example. " 'At the age of eighteen,' writes Dr. Guepin, of Nantes, ' he returned to us a young poet and serious thinker, under the form of a tall, handsome youth, as modest and reserved in society, as" firm and courageous in the practice of his duties. His dream for the future had not changed; it was still that of serving the interests of his country and humanity as an historian.' " In addition to the fine collection of standard and illus- trated books in the library, Mrs. Putnam has presented about two hundred paintings, steel engravings, chromos, and other pictures, in appropriate frames, making a most interesting and valuable collection, and furnishing elegant adornment for the walls of the room ; and also a superior camera for viewing pictures; all of which she has delivered to the Home free of any expense. " That this munificent gift is duly appreciated by the in- mates of the Home is shown by the constant use of the books the number of volumes taken out being greater in propor- tion than that of many larger collections ; while the admi- ration and encomiums of the thousands of visitors form a perpetual tribute to the noble donor." DONATIONS. A very interesting collection of relics, consist- ing of shells, bayonets, and other implements oi war, from many battle-fields. Among other at- tractions we mention : A superb pulpit Bible, by Rev. Wm. Herr. A beautiful kaleidoscope presented by Lieutenant H. E Scott. Miniature cottage home, presented by Mr. T, -K. Kibby, -> 70 THE NATIONAL HOME FOR A section of the backbone of a whale, presented by Major Bickham. Piece of Andersonville stockade and dead-line, presented by Miss Eaton. Piece of stockade found in underground tunnel laid by Union prisoners to escape from the Salisbury, North Caro- lina, prison-pen, presented by Sergeant Richardson. Ivory carvings done in India, presented by Edward Hard- castle to Mrs. Mary Lowell Putnam and by her presented to the Home. Centenial cup and saucer used at the tea-party, Boston, December, 16, 1873, donated by Mrs. Putnum. Also cup and saucer from the Philadelphia centennial tea-party, do- nated by Mrs. General I. W. Hoffman, of Philadelphia, Pa. Fine stereoscopic views. General Grant's saddle from Fort Henry, February 7, 1862, to Appomatox, April 9, 1865. Theatrical sword taken from one of General Zollikoffer's aids at Mill Springs, Kentucky, presented by Colonel F. T. Foster. Hand-lathe made at Nashville, Tennessee, by a soldier at the close of the war for Major-general G. H. Thomas, and by his widow presented to the Home. A musical clock performing a variety of favorite airs, pre- sented by W. McGrew, Esq., of Cincinnati. THE CHURCH, With its tapering spire pointing to heaven, is a neat and tasteful edifice, built in the Gothic style of architecture, of freestone faced with a light reddish stone, which has an excellent effect with the American ivy growing upon the walls. The windows are of stained glass ; the interior is fres- coed with much taste, and the national colors are draped across the ceiling. Back of the pulpit and near the ceiling is the seal of the institution wrought in stained glass, with the inscription, DISABLED VOLUNTEER SOLDIERS. 71 " The Nation to her Defenders." In front of the minister's desk there is an 'elegant ebony flower- stand, placed upon which is usually a vase of fresh- ly-cut flowers. The floor is covered with handsome carpet, and seats cushioned. The wood- work is ot walnut and ash, and on the back of each seat there is a rack containing a Bible and hymn-book. In- deed it has all the minor things which make a temple of Q-od inviting. The magnificent set of plate used for communion and baptismal services comprises eight beautiful and massive pieces, and are the gift of Messrs. Adams & Chandler, of New York City. The laying of the corner-stone of this church was made a most interesting oc- casion; the exercises consisting of numerous ad- dresses by several distinguished statesmen and by ministers representing various denominations, music from the Home band, singing by the choir, and a national salute from the battery. The list of articles deposited in the corner-stone is as fol- lows: Copy of the Holy Scriptures and hymn-book. Constitution of the United States. Blue book containing the names of the president, vice- E resident, and officers of the United States army and mem- ers of congress. Charter of the National Home and by-laws adopted by the Board of Managers. Annual report of the Board of Managers to congress, de- tailing the work of the Home for the year 1867. 6 72 TDE NATIONAL HOME FOR History of the Central Home, with report of number of inmates during the year 1868, with their ages, disability, and nativity. Names and photographs of officers of the Central Home. Names and photographs of the Board of Managers. One copy of each newspaper on file in reading-room of the Home. Copy of Oldroyd's picture, "Might of the Republic." Copy of hynn&s sung on the occasion of the corner-stone laying, with names of speakers.- . Names of master-builder and architect. Names of landscape gardener, and contractor and photo- graphs. Photographs of inmates in the Home and their names. Photograph of Lieutenant W L. Putnam, who was killed at the battle of Ball's Bluff, October 21, 1862, and son of the donor of the magnificent Putnam Library. A miniature flag of the country. The chaplain, W. Earnshaw, was formerly pas- tor of a church in Shippensburg, Pennsylvania, and chaplain of the 49th Pennsylvania volunteers. Entering the army on the 16th of April, 1861, he continued in active service in the field throughout the entire war, and to its successful termination. He is and has ever been an active and earnest worker in everything appertaining to the soldier and tending to promote his happiness and wel- fare. In the language of a late visitor to the Home, "Chaplain Earns-haw even now looks more like a warrior than a minister, though he certainly fills the latter capacity admirably." Morning and evening services are held in the church each Sunday, and in the hospital build- ing every Sunday afternoon. To instruct, im- DISABLED VOLUNTEER SOLDIEES. 73 prove, and purify the mind of so varied a con- gregation his eloquent discourses^are free from the tone of sect or party. The pure and simple truths of religion, based upon the divine teachings and readings, are earnestly and zealously imparted ; and it may with truth be said that all and every one might take part in the services and not fail in receiving benefit thereby. Weekly prayer- meetings are held and form pleasant reunion with a considerable number of the inmates. Sab- bath-school, under the direction of Lewis J.Jones, superintendent, is also held in the morning, and is well attended. Persons not residents of the Home frequently attend the morning service. Large ministerial bodies and Sabbath-schools frequently visit the Home, and interesting exercises are held in the church. On a late occasion Bishop Simp- son addressed the veterans in a few appropriate remarks which were greeted with applause. He expressed gratification at seeing the bountiful pro- vision made by the government for the veterans, not as an act of charity, but as one of gratitude for services rendered and sacrifices made in de- fense of the nation. He related an interview with Secretary Stanton, upon whom he called in the darkest hours of the war, and when he was about to leave, Mr. Stanton asked him to pray with him. The secretary, though not a member of the church, 74 THE NATIONAL HOME FOR had trust in God and faith in the power of prayer. At Mr. Stanton's request the bishop had not re- lated the circumstance until since Mr. S.'s death. The Catholics also hold services in the church semi-monthly, on Thursday mornings. The Rev. Messrs. W. Carey and Charles Hahne/priestsfrom Dayton, officiate. These services are largely at- tended by the men of that faith, and are greatly appreciated by them. On these occasions the Catholic altar is placed where the pulpit usually stands. Rev. Richard Gilmore, now bishop of Cleveland, formerly officiated here. No other in- stance of the kind can be found, in this or in any other country, where Protestants and Catholics worship in harmony in the same church. And why not? seeing we worship the same God, believe in the same Christ, and strive for the same heaven THE HOSPITAL BUILDING. The opening of the new hospital building was a great day at the National Home. Governor Hayes of Ohio, Governor Baker of Indiana, General R. C. Schenck, General August Wil- lich, General T. J. Wood, Dr. Erastus B. "Wolcott of Milwaukee, of the Board of Managers, Rev. W. H. Thomas of Brooklyn, and other invited guests, left the city of Dayton in carriages at nine o'clock. On reaching the grounds a salute was DISABLED VOLUNTEER SOLDIERS. 75 fired from a section of artillery. The Home Band met the procession at the porter's lodge, and all were conducted to the officers' head-quarters by an officer, the soldiers cheering as the visitors ap- proached. Here they were cordially received and welcomed by Colonel E. F. Brown, governor, and other officers. Though the hour was compara- tively early, large numbers from Dayton and the surrounding country, besides a few from abroad, had gathered upon the grounds. The fire 'com- pany was out with their engine in holiday attire. Tents were pitched irregularly on the grounds. The soldiers of the Home were out in their best " bib and tucker." The morning was bright and beautiful. Everything about the place looked fresh and pleasing, and the landscape was glorious. The hospital building is almost immediately north of the barracks on an open ground, a little declining from the latter. The position, though somewhat lower, is conspicuous and convenient. Manager G-unckel has not fallen into the error of hiding the hospital in some obscure place. It is the prominent object. Approaching the building from the main entrance, it stands the first impor- tant edifice of the Home. It is a beautiful brick building of three stories. The main front is two hundred and ninety-three feet in length, but is broke by a center forty feet wide, with wings on 76 THE NATIONAL HOME FOE either side that comprise the remainder of the front. Large single windows light the first and sec- ond stories of the building, while the third story has dual windows that relieve the front and add much to the beauty of the structure. Four feet of the basement walls,, which are of blue lime- stone, can be seen above the grade line. This is rock-faced ashlar-wark, capped with a course of Dayton limestone, upon which the brick super- structure rests. The towers rise from either end of the edifice. These are each twelve feet square, their diagonals being placed on a line with the side and end walls of the wings which represent the wards. These towers are one story higher than the building, and terminate in ornamented roof and; pinnacles. Besides adding greatly to the appearance of the building they also serve a val- uable purpose in connection with the wards, to which allusion will be made hereafter. The cen- ter of the building projects from the wings twelve feet. This projection in turn has a front projec- tion three feet deep and four feet wide. The lat- ter is carried up from the foundation to the top of the building in the form of a tower, and ter- minates in an ornamented observatory that is the most elevated and central figure of the edifice, the dome being one hundred feet from the base. DISABLED VOLUNTEER SOLDIERS. 77 Midway between the center and the lateral tow- ers, at either end, the wings are broken by an- other projection which presents three faces, and forms in each ward a bay window out of which three windows look upon the beautiful grounds. These are carried above the building and termi- nate in octagonal towers of one story, each face of the octagon being pierced with a window. The lateral towers, or those at the ends of the wards, have a flaring projection of eight feet six inches, and the face striking the lines of the front and ends diagonally, present an appearance both novel and pleasing. The immense structure is thus re- lieved in front by five projections, and the whole surmounted by seven towers, from any of which splendid views of the grounds and surrounding country can be obtained. Embracing the front of the center is a massive porch forty-one feet long by ten feet wide, surrounded by an orna- mented balustrade. This is approached by a flight of molded and returned steps of Dayton limestone, and the whole constitutes the main en- trance to the building. The window and door- sills are of Dayton stone, while the caps, cornices, tower, balustrades, and pinnacles are of galvanized iron, painted and sanded in imitation of stone. The roof is slate, tastefully ornamented. So much for the exterior of the building, which 78 THE NATIONAL HOME FOR is massive without being cold and varied without in the least shocking the plainest taste. THE INTERIOR. But after all, however beautiful and necessary may be architectural design and external beauty, it is the interior arrangements and appointments that give this its chief value. You enter the cen- ter of the building through a great door, six feet six inches by eleven feet, with elliptic head. The casings, jams, carved trusses, and cornice are paint- ed and sanded to imitate stone. The storm door, inner door, and vestibule are of native white wal- nut of rare beauty. Passing these you are in the administrative part of the building, which embraces the whole of the center, and has a front of forty- four feet and extends back one hundred and thirty- one feet. You stand in a hall nine feet wide, flanked by a reception-room on the right twenty- one by fourteen feet six inches and on the left by the surgeon's office, a room of the same dimen- sions as the former. Passing these, which are ap- propriately furnished, you reach a hall eight feet in width, running parallel with the building. Looking now to the north or south you behold a beautiful architectural picture. Through the open doors the wards, with their pure white walls and party-colored wainscoting, are half revealed. A DISABLED VOLUNTEER SOLDIERS. 79 long line of Corinthian columns, supporting the ceiling, stretch out the full length of the wards. Neat cots, with their spotless coverings, are ar- ranged with the regularity of men in battle. Everywhere there is something suggestive of com- fort. Each wing has a ward on each floor, mak- ing six wards in all. The latter are one hundred and fourteen feet six inches long by twenty-eight feet wide. The ceiling is thirteen feet from the floor. The walls are wainscoted three feet two inches from the floor, with ash and black walnut alternated, while above they are plastered and present a plain white surface. Through the center of each ward a row of Corinthian col- umns, painted green, and bronzed, support the ceiling and floor above, and very much improve the general appearance. Allusion has already been made to the bay window in each, and to the two towers at the end. These towers are all in direct communication with the wards. They fur- nish appartments for bath-rooms, water-closets, urinals, etc.; and while they are so arranged as to be entirely disconnected with the wards, they are so constructed as to permit the best ventila- tion possible. Each ward in the administrative part of the building has an apartment set apart for the wash-room. The wards of the second and third floors are of the same dimensions as the one 80 THE NATIONAL HOME FOR described, and similarly furnished. Each is sup- plied with dust and linen drops, extending from the floor to the basement. They are well lighted and ventilated according to the most improved plans. Attached to each ward, but located in the administrative part of the building, are rooms for library and attendants. A large elevator is provided upon which the sick may be laid and carried by steam from the basement to the floors above. The main stairway is in the center of the building; and in addition, each wing is supplied with a staircase extending from cellar to attic, affording ample facilities for egress in case of an extraordinary emergency. Each floor is supplied with a dining-room, located in the rear of the center of the building. These rooms are forty- one feet by thirty-one feet six inches, and are cheerful, beautiful apartments. They have capa- cious pantries and sitting-rooms, and besides, they communicate with the kitchen by dumb-waiters. The doors generally throughout the building are of choice white walnut; and the uniform wain- scoting of the wards, halls, and dining-rooms in alternate pieces of light and dark wood produces a very pleasing effect. THE BASEMENT Contains a kitchen, scullery, bakehouse, and din- ing-room; also the necessary workrooms, apart- THE SOLDIERS' MONUMENT. DISABLED VOLUNTEER SOLDIERS. 81 ments for the help, and operating-room, and appa- ratus for heating the building; and in the extreme north end is a mortuary apartment. The inner walls are hollow, to guard against external damp- ness ; and while the whole building is heated by steam passing through coiled pipes in the base- ment, the wards and other rooms are supplied with grates for open fires. Nothing appears to have been omitted that would contribute to the comfort or safety of the patients. The beds are single iron cots, covered with superb hair mat- trasses almost as soft as down, and far more healthful. The sheets are linen and the blankets of fine wool. Each cot is covered with a white counterpane. This whole department is in such admirable order that an inspection speaks more for the efficiency and ability of the matron, Mrs. E. L. Miller, to whom this is confided, than any word of commendation that could be printed. Wherever her work is visible there is neatness, cleanliness, and tastefulness. Others may occupy places of more distinction, but the sick soldier will readily testify that no one contributes more to his comfort. In order to guard against fire and the effects ol boiler explosions a brick building, twenty-five feet by one hundred and ten feet, has been erected two hundred feet from the main building. This con- 82 THE NATIONAL HOME FOR tains the steam boilers and is the fuel receptacle. It connects with the hospital by a tunnel over seven feet square, in which are the steam and water pipes, besides a small railway for transport- ing coal. WHO HAVE DONE THE WORK. The work has been done by the following per- sons: Stone-masonry, Felix Gieger; brick-ma- sonry, Hiram Bosler ; galvanized iron and slating, W. F. Gebhart; heating, Brooks & Light; gas- fitting, R. Ogden all of Dayton, Ohio. The plumbing was done by J. & J. Gibson, of Cin- cinnati. The entire glazing, painting, varnishing, bronz- ing, and sanding were done by the day, under the superintendency of Mr. Win. Thompson, a veteran who resides at this Home. The carpenter- work and plastering were also done by the day, under the superintendency of Mr. A. McHose, prior to his resignation. The great bulk of the work was superintended jointly by Mr. McHose and the architect, C. B. Davies ; since the resignation of the former, by the ar- chitect and Captain George Beard, late foreman, but now assistant superintendent and purchasing agent. The designs and plans -of the building were ' X ''V V/ DISABLED VOLUNTEER SOLDIERS. 83 made by Mr. C. B. Davies, and the whole was erected and finished under his superintendency; and to him especially belongs whatever of credit the public deem due for the building as it now stands. This elegant and well-arranged building, acknowledged to be the best constructed and best adapted hospital in America, cost $185,000, and is designed to accommodate three hundred persons. For that unfortunate class of patients who have lost the light of reason, frame buildings have been erected contiguous to the hospital ; but with the continuing and growing improvements of the Home, it is in contemplation to erect a hand- some and commodious brick building correspond- ing with the hospital, which, when completed, will afford every comfort and convenience for the requirement of those patients. Drs. McDermont and Dunlap have had the care of the sick; and it is needless to say that everything that the best medical knowledge, skill, and attention could avail has been given to them. Dr. McDermont, who has recently resigned on account of ill health, has been succeeded by Dr. James M. Weaver. The residence of the surgeon-in-chief is only a short distance from the hospital, and the Ass't. surgeon has a residence in the main building. Sympathy for the returned soldier, and a dispo- sition to alleviate his present condition, has been 84 THE NATIONAL HOME FOR evinced by the rich gift of a very handsome car- riage and pair of horses, for the purpose of enabling hospital patients from time to time to enjoy drives in the neighborhood. This noble gift was made to the Home by the ladies of the North Ohio Soldiers 7 Aid Society, represented by Mrs.B. Rouse president, Miss Mary C. Brayton secretary, and Miss E. Terry treasurer, of Cleveland, Ohio. The total expenditures for hospital supplies for the year 1874 amounted to $13,410.32. GARDEN AND CONSERVATORY. After a gentle walk from the hospital, and pass- ing through a handsomely decorated arch, we en- ter a lovely dell where the art of the florist and botanist have been brought into requisition, a landscape garden, with nature's choicest flowers of beauty and fragrance to delight the eye and charm the senses, the conservatory and green- house, with plants from the tropics and trees bearing their delicious fruits. Creeping vines adorn the rock-work, and rustic seats are conveniently placed for rest and pleasure. Three mineral springs are converted into drinking- fountains ; and it is not too much to say that nature and art combined have succeeded in creating a little par- adise of beauty and grace. An inmate has charge of the conservatory; and DISABLED VOLUNTEER SOLDIERS. 85 the pleasing occupation of cultivation of the plants and flowers is performed by inmates, which, in ad- dition to the enlivening beauty of the flowers, is a very successful one as a source of profit, choice bouquets and collections of flowers being eagerly sought for by visitors and the citizens of Dayton. On the edge of the garden are rustic summer- houses. On the surface of the lake of considerable extent the graceful swan may be seen majestically sailing ; and parties in pleasure-boats, provided for the purpose, are gayly plying the oar. Mr. Frank Mundt, the florist and gardener, began his career in Germany under the instruction of his father, who was a florist as well as landscape and archi- tectural gardener under the grand duke of Meck- lenburg-Schwerin. In 1868 the grounds presented but few romantic features, and to the experienced eye of Mr. Mundt offered a prospect far from en- couraging. As one of the early inmates of the Home, he set to work with a zeal and energy truly commendable. He vigorously sought ma- terial from the surrounding country, and collect- ing together all the vines and wild flowers he could find, he planted them promiscuously in the crevices of rocks and upon the hill-sides. They took root quickly, imparting to the uncultivated grounds a delightfully romantic appearance. His almost magical transformation excited the wonder 86 THE NATIONAL HOME FOR and admiration of every beholder, and thousands who were attracted to the spot expressed their gratification in enthusiastic terms. Here flowers have since continued to multiply and replenish the Home grounds. Mr. Mundt's next step was to construct a temporary greenhouse, to enable him to cultivate such flowers as he could find in the vicinity or that might be contributed. In this laudable effort he was greatly aided by the active exertions of Mrs. Elizabeth Kohrer of German- town, Ohio, who contributed a large number of plants, and manifested her great interest in the new enterprise by increasing her contributions as occasion required. Too much praise can not be accorded to this estimable lady who has aided so largely in adding to the beauty and adornment of the Home. At this time Mr. Mundt was acting as vegetable gardener, and the rough old green- house which he erected is still preserved as a land- mark. A practical turn was now given to the affair by the Board of Managers, and extensive arrangements were made to bring order out of chaos. Mr. Davies, the architect, was selected to lay out the garden in walks, promenades, and flower-beds, and Mr. Mundt, who was appointed florist, assisted by the labor of the inmates, actively carried out the work under the eye of Colonel E. F. Brown, who by no means allowed the work DISABLED VOLUNTEER SOLDIERS. 87 to slacken until the bright anticipation of the Board of Managers was fully realized. Major- general John H. Martindale, one of the Board of Managers, manifested the liveliest interest in the work, and as a tribute to his interest in the enter- prise the magnificent conservatory ornamenting the garden was named in his honor. Before en- tering the conservatory the visitors may obtain a refreshing draught from the spring, the natural formation of which has elicited the admiration of thousands of persons who have visited the Home. Creeping vines and begonia leaves hang in grace- ful clusters on the rocks above the basin into which the sparkling element is constantly flowing. Standing upon the left side of the basin a glimpse may be obtained of a natural gr@tto, formed of rocks in layers so even and regular in their ar- rangement as to convey the impression that they had been laid by the hand of maa. Looking far beneath this beautiful formation is a spring of great depth, and which in its perennial course flows steadily into the basin. At a short distance from it is a chalybeate spring possessing rare medicinal properties. It is of great depth and inexhaustible in its supplies. Passing through beautiful winding walks and ascending and de- scending by several stone flights we reach the 88 THE NATIONAL HOME FOR AVIARY. This is a neat structure of octagon form, and is the abode of several hundred of God's little song- sters. Nearly all of these birds are natives of the Home. At all times their united singing pro- duces a melody of sound in song and chorus not often enjoyed by the lovers of nature's music. Those who would wish to enjoy a first-class con- cert should not neglect to visit the aviary. The groves of the Home abound in many fine speci- mens of the feathered race, consisting of canaries, mocking-birds, robins, woodpeckers, etc., many of them of rare beauty. In the aviary are some fine specimens of German singers. The rivalry tetween the American and German singers con- sists in the one excelling for beauty of plumage and the other for superiority of vocal power. Thus it seems that the reputation which has been accorded to Germany as the land of song is sus- tained by the birds of the air. Near the aviary is a pagoda, which overlooks THE LAKE. From this point may be obtained an open view of the lake, garden, and conservatory, with ail their attractive surroundings. The view may be enjoyed quietly seated upon a bench, or in a pleas- ant patent swinging-chair suspended from the DISABLED VOLUNTEER SOLDIERS. 89 center of the roof. The waters of the lakes swarm with fishes, while upon the surface noble specimens of American and European swans, Muscovy ducks, wild geese and wild ducks, and other fowls are gracefully gliding. A heavy gun mounted upon a pile of rough stones in the center of the lake and a miniature floating light-house all form a pretty and inspiriting picture. Descending a single flight of steps we are surrounded by lovely FLOWER-GARDENS. These are laid out in the most tasteful and ar- tistic manner, their effect being greatly heightened by a rudely-constructed fountain and fish-pond, containing gold fish, and other specimens of the finny tribes. It would be utterly impossible to at- tempt, within the prescribed limits of these pages, anything like a description of the magnificent beauty of the flower-beds. It must therefore suffice to say that they contain the choicest flowers, and the richest and rarest to be found anywhere. Near the flower-beds are large wire cages contain- ing eagles, owls, and other birds. There is also a small pond containing alligators, the gift of Mr. A. L. Eoss of the Merchants' Hotel, Dayton, THE MARTINDALE CONSERVATORY. This attractive conservatory is constructed in strict accordance with the best known principles 90 THE NATIONAL HOME FOR of garden architecture. It is the finest example of a tropical conservatory, while the plants are in excellent condition, reflecting the highest credit upon the head gardener and florist, Mr. Mundt. The fine palms and musas give it a splendid trop- ical effect, and the beauties of all are considerably enhanced by the elevated walks on the exterior, which enables the visitor to inspect the plants above and below. We name among the beautiful collection THE ALOCASIA. This is a plant of great beauty, with large leaves, the upper part of the leaves spreading out ; the rich metallic luster, upper and under sides ; and yet it is abundantly distinct. It obtains the height of four feet. It is a highly ornamental plant, and has many attractions. A fine spec- imen of the alocasia from this conservatory was recently conceded a premium at the Southern Ohio Fair. ARALIA PAPHYFIRIFEARA. This fine plant is six feet in height, and is all times a noble plant. But when in bloom, its beauty is greatly enhanced ; for although the individual flowers are unattractive, yet as they are arranged in drooping pannicles some two or three feet long, the whole presents a fine appearance. From the DISABLED VOLUNTEER SOLDIERS. 91 pith of this plant, which is very white, the beau- tiful rice-paper of the Chinese is made. THE AGAVE AMERICANA, OR CENTURY PLANT. This plant and its varieties, American aloes as they are popularly called, are many of them fa- miliar plants, and have the character of blooming once in a hundred years. This seems extraordi- nary, but is to some extent true, for they attain maturity very slowly ; but when this condition is reached the plant sends up a flower-spike, and this perfecting dies, on account of the flower stem being the terminal bud, and from its great size completely exhausting the plant. It would there- fore be equally true to assert that they bloom only once in a thousand years. But to imagine that they require to grow a hundred years before blooming is certainly fallacious, although they are no doubt many years arriving at a flowering state. CYCAS REVOLUTA. This plant is originally from China and Japan, but has been introduced into Cuba and various other islands. It is now even more plentiful in the home of its adoption than in its own country. It produces a beautiful crown of pinnate, dark green leaves, from two to six feet long. In Sax- ony its leaves are extensively used at tunerals as emblems of immortality. Two other beautiful 92 THE NATIONAL HOME FOR palms, the date and the chocolate, adorn the con- servatory. THE CACTUS AQUAFOLIA Is a native of Mexico. It is twenty-one feet in height, with spreading branches bearing prickly pear, from which whisky is distilled by the natives of Mexico. CACTUS SERPENTINA Derives its name from its serpent-like appearance. It is twenty-two feet in height. This fine spec- imen received a premium at the late Southern Ohio Fair. EUCHORIS GRANDIFLORA, OR NIGHT-BLOOMING CEREUS. This is a plant to which any description would fail to do justice. It is frequently expanded at Christmas with thirty or forty spikes of its lovely queen white flowers. Leaving the conservatory, the visitor soon ar- rives at several beautiful artificial lakes. In the center of one of them is a lovely MINIATURE ISLAND "Which forms a truly romantic picture. It is bor- dered with rough stone, while its rich green foliage and drooping willows excite the admiration rf the beholder. The island is inhabited by duck:* and DISABLED VOLUNTEER SOLDIERS. 93 other fowls who bask in the sunshine of delight on their little island home. Numerous rustic bridges crossing and re-crossing the lake enhance the beauty of the same, while SHADY GROVES Claim the eye on every Side. The largest and handsomest of these groves is abundantly supplied with comfortable seats. During the summer sea- son the inmates go there to enjoy their siesta. Some indulge in a peaceful slumber, while others, with books in hand, may be found seated beneath the branches of an umbrageous oak, and, while the little songsters make sweet melody from above, draw largely from the fountain of knowledge. In the immediate vicinity are the ice-houses, and the pump-house by which the water from the lakes is forced by a steam-pump into the work-houses at- tached to the barracks. This water is used only for washing purposes, the springs and wells af- fording ample supplies for all other purposes. THE DEER-PARK. Here are to be seen from fifty to sixty deer, sev- eral of which were sent from Lookout Mountain. They are attended by an old soldier who was once deer-keeper for the king of Prussia. They have been so domesticated that they are quite tame, 94 THE NATIONAL HOME FOR and instead of running away will bound forward and allow themselves to be patted, and turn their great wandering eyes idly upon any who may notice them. Some fine specimens of elk are also to be seen here. THE MENAGERIE, Though not extensive, jp well worthy of attention. It contains the great bear of the Rocky Mount- ains and two smaller bears, which have been taught by their keeper (formerly a wild-beast- tamer in a menagerie) to perform many laughable antics. There is also a wolf, cunning foxes, and any number of sly old coons. In a small inclosure is an interesting family of English rabbits, pig- eons, and antelopes two does and one buck, 2s"ot far from the menagerie is a fine STONE-QUARRY Containing an almost inexhaustible supply of stone, which has been and is still largely used in the construction-work of the Home. Near the quarry is a spring of delicious and wholesome water ; also a magazine. Adjoining the quarry is a strong inclosure containing two buffaloes. A large grove is now reached in which are the quoit and croquet grounds. OFFICERS' RESIDENCES. The residence of the governor is a frame man- DISABLED VOLUNTEER SOLDIERS. 95 eion-house built in a unique design of architect- ure, surrounded with ornamental walks, and a similar structure stands not far from it. Between the two is AMUSEMENT HALL, Containing billiard-tables, bagatelle-tables, and a bowling-alley. In the upper portion of the building are the quarters of the band, with a room for study and practice. The band is composed wholly of disabled soldiers, and is under the direction of Edward Pohlmeyer. MUSIC HALL Is a room in which all of the public exercises of the institution are held, and will accommodate about eight hundred persons. Neatly frescoed on the ceiling are symbols and mottoes, suggestive of the great contest in which we were engaged. That next to the stage has the names of Washington and Lincoln. Another represents two hands clasped, and the words, " The Constitution and the Union." The stage, which is neatly finished with drapery and a drop-curtain, has upon either side of the proscenium representations of war emblems, with the words, "Our friends in need and our friends indeed," while the scene in the rear has for its center the coat of arms of the institution ; that of the Goddess of Liberty presenting a cup of 96 THE NATIONAL HOME FOR water to a soldier who has lost a limb in the service, with the motto suggested by Secretary Stanton. On either side are the emblems ot peace. The entire front of the stage is adorned with flowers, presenting a spectacle of much beauty, which is one of the most suggestive feat- ures of the hall. Over each of the score of win- dows and doors is the name of some great battle of the war. There is Shiloh, Spottsylvania, Get- tysburg, Chickamauga, Kennesaw Mountain, Fred- ricksburg, JN"ew Orleans, and others. During the winter varied entertainments are given, such as vocal and instrumental concerts, performances ventriloquial and magic, the delivery of lectures by distinguished lecturers, performances by the Home minstrel troupe, dramatic performances, etc. The musical clubs and choirs from the city and neighborhood make frequent visits and vol- unteer delightful entertainments. Traveling lect- urers as well as musical troupes render their services without charge. Large meetings and reunions are held, which are addressed by dis- tinguished speakers from all sections of the country. THE CAMP. As we enter the camp we meet with men from every loyal state and from every corps and reg- DISABLED VOLUNTEER SOLDIERS. 97 iment that took part in the great struggle. Many are stumping along with an artificial leg, and many an empty sleeve flies idly in the breeze doubtless the largest number of one-legged and one-armed men in any one institution in the world. A larger number move only by the aid of crutches. Others there are with all their fair proportions ; but a single glance will show the sign of the campaign, and that the hardships of the tented field have broken down their strong con- stitution, leaving only the wreck behind. All, however, have a comparatively cheerful expres- sion, and are probably discussing some question of the day or enjoying the pleasures of smoking the fragrant weed. The men are in uniform dress, as the rules require. Fronting the principal bar- racks is a beautiful lawn, in the center of which stands the BAND PAGODA. This a highly ornamental structure and is brill- iantly lighted with gas for the evening concerts, which are given regularly every evening in pleas- ant weather. THE BARRACKS Are large three-story frame houses detached, there being a space of from fifty to sixty feet between each, laid out and ornamented and kept as lawns. 98 THE NATIONAL HOME FOR Each barrack is one hundred feet long by twenty- five, with French roofs of uniform size and appear- ance. They have windows on four sides, have no partitions to interfere with the perfect and natural ventilation, and are admirably adapted for sitting and sleeping rooms, each floor accommodating about forty men. It is a real pleasure to walk through the neat and comfortable barracks. Each soldier has the regulation iron bedstead, well sup- plied with bedding. By each 'bed is a wardrobe for the clothing. The walls are adorned with flags and pictures, and all the rooms are scrupu- lously neat. Many of the inmates have trunks ; and the regulations permit great liberty as to personal arrangements. Each barrack is under charge of a sergeant, who must report every morn- ing the exact condition of his command. They are lettered and numbered like the different com- panies of a regiment, and police and sanitary reg- ulations are enforced throughout with an approach to military exactness. The barracks represent, as it were, one side of a street or thoroughfare, on the opposite side of which are similar barracks. En the center of these buildings is the GRAND DINING-HALL BUILDING. This new and superb structure is, except the hospital, the largest building and the most impos- DISABLED VOLUNTEER SOLDIERS. 99 ing of any in the Home. The building is admired not only for fine architectural effect, but for its great durability of construction, and reflects the highest credit upon the good taste and mechanical skill of Capt. D. F. Giddinger, the Home builder, under whose immediate supervision all the plans and details of construction have been admirably executed. The building is ninety-seven feet four inches by one hundred and thirty-one feet eight inches, measured on the outside face of the brick wall line, and is three stories high. The main wall of the first story is eighteen feet, the second story is sixteen feet in the clear,, and the third story is fourteen feet. The outside brick wall is one foot six inches, or the width of four bricks in thickness, and the pilasters project eight inches from the outside and inside face of the walls of the superstructure. The foundation upon which the edifice has been reared is of a substantial char- acter, being built of solid stone. The foundation wall is three feet wide and seven feet high. The door and window sills are the best quality of Dayton limestone and finished in a w T orkman-like manner. The walls of the building are composed of the best quality of brick, well and thoroughly laid in good mortar of fresh-burned lime and clean white river sand. The outside face of the walls are of good weather bricks of a dark and 8 100 THE NATIONAL HOME FOR uniform red color, all of which are neatly laid and flush pointed. The walls are bonded at every seventh course, and the pilasters are carried up true and plumb with quarter neatly turned at the top. The cut stone have been neatly set by the mason. All the walls and ceilings of the entire building, except the third, or Mansard, are well and alike thoroughly plastered with two coats ol brown and one of white, and are sufficiently gauged with calcine plaster, so as to produce a smooth, white, hard finish. The cornices, door and window caps, and all the capping, crest, and railing on the Mansard-roof, with all the orna- ments and dormer-windows, are composed of num- ber twenty-six galvanized iron and finished in highly ornamental style. The upright part ot the Mansard-roof is covered with the best qual- ity of western Vermont slate, and is of that kind known to the trade as unfading green and purple slate. The best part of one third of the roof- center is cut of hexagon pattern. The slate is se- cured to the roof by galvanized slating nails in each slate, while all the flashings are of tin. This roof has been designed by Captain Qiddinger upon the plan of the Howe truss, and may be termed a truss-roof. THE INTERIOR. The building is entered by nine spacious doors DISABLED VOLUNTEER SOLDIERS. 101 of unique design. There are four entrances on each side and one in front. THE DINING-HALL. Sixteen iron columns of the Corinthian order add ornament and strength to this floor and sup- port the floor above it. There are twenty-eight tables in all, to which access is had by center and side aisles. These tables are neatly constructed, each being three feet wide and seating forty men, or in all eleven hundred and twenty men. Con- nected with it are the necessary pantries, closets, and wash-rooms. The second floor was originally intended for an upper dining-hall, which may at any time, if found necessary, be converted to that purpose ; but at the present time it is used as a barrack, and has sleeping accommodations for three hundred men. The third floor, having a height of fourteen feet, is sustained from the roof with heavy iron rods, which afford great strength. It has been partitioned off into sleeping-roorns, of which there are eighteen, each room accommodat- ing twelve men. OPENING OF THE NEW DINING-HALL. The spacious new dining-hall, with capacity to comfortably seat over eleven hundred persons, was opened December 25th, 1874, with an inaugural dinner, music, speeches, and other appropriate ex- 102 THE NATIONAL HOME FOR ercises. The dinner was one of magnificent pro- portions, and with a few exceptions was the same as is served every day at the Home. The bill of fare was as follows : Fresh oysters, stewed, Christmas beef, roast, celery, mashed potatoes, stewed tomatoes, cucumber pickles, bread, butter, crackers, mince-pies, coffee, nuts, apples, and oranges. Some idea of the proportions of the dinner may be had from an enumeration of the quantities of various articles of food served. First : seven hun- dred half cans of oysters, ten barrels of potatoes, nine hundred pounds of beef, three hundred and sixty gallons of coffee, one hundred and forty-five dozen celery, two thousand and eight hundred oranges, eight barrels of apples, four hundred mince-pies, sixty-five gallon-cans of tomatoes, one hundred and forty-five pounds of candies and nuts each, four hundred and twenty-five pounds of but- ter, two hundred and fifty two-pound loaves of bread, and six thousand burr pickles. At one o'clock the bugle sounded the dinner- call, and one thousand one hundred and twenty veterans, without falling into column or observ- ing any particular order of march, went into the hall quietly, and in the best of order took their seats at the table, the proceedings being accom- panied with music from the Home Baud. Gov- ernor Brown gave notice that the invited guests DISABLED VOLUNTEER SOLDIERS. 103 and the remainder of the veterans not accommo- dated at this sitting would be summoned to a second table in due time by the bugle-call. Chap- lain Earnshaw then asked the divine blessing upon the dinner, after which the veterans commenced the discussion of the good things before them. The invited guests were the contractors, arti- sans, mechanics, and laborers who had been em- ployed on the building, and in addition, a number of ladies and gentlemen of Dayton. At about two o'clock those who had not eaten at the first table were summoned to the hall, and found a bountiful dinner sp'read for them. After it had been disposed of, and the hall filled with veterans from the outside, the inaugural exercises commenced. Colonel Brown delivered the first speech, from which we make the following extract pertinent to the subject : ."The present plan, like the other, drawn by our own architect, Lemuel P. Porter, was submitted for examination and adopted by the Board on the first of April, 1874.. Prep- arations were then made, and material ordered, but no active operations were began until the middle of May. The great perplexity, for many weeks, was the difficulty of re- moving the old dining-hall, which was composed of an old barn forty by fifty, with wings on every side, which acted as a stay or brace to hold the old barn up. Then, in this building we had two hundred men who had no other place to go, and exactly what to do in this dilemma was a very troublesome question. But finally Councilman Hammond was induced to undertake the work of removal, with all its mortal freight included, and with all his snapping of cable- chains, ropes, and timbers, to say nothing of eyes, he sue- 104 THE NATIONAL HOME FOR ceeded beyond our most sanguine expectations, and the main building and the several wings soon walked off to an- other locality, and the foundation was cleared of rubbish. He was well aided by most efficient workmen, and Edward Lynch with his faithful squad was always on hand to aid and encourage in the work of removal. No sooner was the way cleared than Tom White followed with his excavating force, and in a very few days the place was prepared ready for the foundation and cellar walls. The contract for the walls had been let to Messrs. Ila and Lee Lynam, of West Dayton, and aided by the efficient force of good workmen, the foundation walls soon invited the ornamental stone bases, which Messrs. Weber & Huffman were not slow in supplying. Then came the very important brick superstructure, which had been let by contract, after a close and spirited compe- tition, to Jasper Billings. No time was lost, and in a few days the work began to show ; and almost magical were the transformations. Brick followed brick, story upon story, un- til all said, ' This is wonderful.' Then followed the truss-roof, with its heavy timbers and strong iron, under contract with Messrs. D. H. & C. C. Morrison, under whose inspiration, aided by a force of efficient workmen, the building was soon ready for the roof. Then followed Messrs. William Geb- hart & Co., with the roofers, and in an incredible short space of time the building was under cover. There was then no delay, and before a test of the roof could be made the plas- tering was well under way, and rushed forward as rapidly as possible under contract by W. H. Finch. Thus I have very imperfectly sketched the rise and progress of this build- ing, which I had almost likened to Solomon's temple. But so far I have not mentioned the master-builder. Of course this temple is unlike Solomon's, in that it has much wooden material, even from the base to the dome. All this struct- ure has required a masfer-builder, a Hiram Abiff, so to speak, whose business it was to lay down the plans from time to time upon the trestle-board, a skilled workman who could be relied upon, to see that each brick and stone and timber, and all iron and glass and every sort of material was properly adjusted, that when completed it would be a perfect building, and do credit to the Solomon's the wise men of the Board of Managers who had so generously and considerately directed the grand structure to be built for our use. The selection for this important post was our worthy master-builder, Captain D. F. Giddinger, and were he not so modest and retiring in his habits and tastes, I would almost DISABLED VOLUNTEER SOLDIERS. 105 venture the prediction that he feels a little pride and no small degree of satisfaction at the result of his labors. Con- stantly at his post from early morn to dewy eve, through the sultry heat of a long and unusually scorching summer, day after day and week after week has he steadily and per- sistently continued his labors, never tiring, never ceasing, ever watchful and always faithful. While I may safely com- pliment every contractor and every workman upon this temple of ours for prompt and efficient labor and mechan- ical skill, it will be readily conceded by all that to Captain Giddinger belongs the honor of the skillful and efficient master-builder. He has had his soul in the enterprise ; and who can blame him if as he sits at our feast to-day his heart is made glad by the joyous looks of the good friends gath- ered around him. " It would ill become me, as I stand here to-day with these numerous evidences of the skilled painter before, behind* above, beneath, and all around me, not to give a word of praise to the artisan who has so faithfully performed his part. To our own Frank McGlinchy and his very efficient and skilled assistants we are indebted for a most elegant and tasteful job. These iron columns, strong and smooth as they left the hands of W. P. Callahan, would scarcely be recognized as the gilded pillars of this temple. So also while we look to the right and left, and a little above us, are we reminded that our long-tried and faithful gas-fitter, James P. Heaten, has added his skill, and rendered our temple pleasant at night as well as by day. The mild temperature of the hall reminds us that the steam-fitters have also added their skill. The entire work of the steam-fitting, for heating purposes as well as for domestic use in the building, has been done by our own mechanics, under the direction of the chief engineer, Mr. W. G. Crutchfield, and his excellent assistant, Thomas Hinton. It is a matter of great pride with us that so much of this structure has been built within our own re- sourcesthe entire excavations for the foundations and cel- lars, the carpenter- work, save such as could be done by machinery, and much of the painting and glazing, the gas, steam, and water-fittings. Now I wish it were in my power to tell how earnestly all persons interested in this work have performed their allotted parts. "As the cost of all public buildings is a matter of interest, and which always can not be found out, I wish to give the true figures as shown by the books. By a close estimate an appropriation of $27,000 was asked of and granted by the 106 THE NATIONAL HOME FOR Board of Managers. The following are the exact expend- itures : Ila and Lee Lynam $ 370 oo Webber & Huffman 751 50 Jasper Billings 4,780 oo D. H. & C. C. Morrison 2,420 56 W. F. Gebhart & Co 5,100 oo Mitchel & Rowland Lumber Co 3,43^ 49 W. H. Finch 1,220 oo W. P. Callahan 1.239 5 John Rouzer 1.095 oo Young & Young 750 12 Brooks & Light 910 06 E. T. Carson & Co 822 74 R. S. Hoglen & Co 689 15 C. H. & D. Railroad Co 507 59 William H. Shank 251 22 Brownell & Kielmeir 187 02 Sundry small bills 1,143 53 Total $25,678 03 Balance of appropriation unexpended $1,321 97 "The unexpended part of the appropriation will fully complete the building. I present these facts and leave it to others to discuss and determine in their own minds as to the economy of these expenditures." After Colonel Brown, Chaplain Earnshaw was the next speaker. He made an appropriate and eloquent speech, in which he referred to the cus- tom of inaugurating each new building at the Home with appropriate exercises. They all re- membered when the invalid veterans were trans- ferred from the barracks to the palatial wards of the new hospital; then again the dedication of the church which was built upon the broad foun- dation of charity. This he regarded as the mos 4 DISABLED VOLUNTEER SOLDIERS. 107 important occasion of the kind that had occurred at the institution. When the Home for disabled soldiers was first established it was said that the spirit which caused its erection would soon die out, and the veterans would be left to care for themselves; but as each successive building goes up and is dedicated, it shows that the institution is a permanent one, and that the people of this republic would not forget those who defended it and made it in truth the home of the free, which it had not been until the abolition of slavery. Chaplain Earnshaw spoke at some length, the foregoing being not even a synopsis of all his remarks. " Sweet Land of Liberty 'tis of thee," was sung, and then the following letter from Mrs. Putnam to Chaplain Earnshaw was read: "68 BACON STREET, December 22, 1874. "DEAR SIR I received your very interesting letter yes- terday afternoon, just after I had sent off a box to the Home. " You may well say that you think I shall be surprised to hear the number of books (thirty-one thousand three hun- dred and eighty-eight) that have been read at the Home during the year 1874. It is indeed wonderful. " It gives me great pleasure to learn that the books which went in the last. box were acceptable. I trust there are some in the box which is on its way to you that will give pleasure. I have been so fortunate as to find a copy of Winckle's Cathedrals of England and Wales. It contains several views of all the finest cathedrals, with an account, historical and descriptive, which will I think be very interesting to your more serious readers. You will find in this box some books sent by my nephew, Charles Lowell. Among others, 108 THE NATIONAL HOME FOR Lossing's Field-Book of the War of 1812, The Days of Bruce, Alfred the Great, by Thomas Hughes, Tom Brown's School- Days, by Thomas Hughes, Back-Log Studies, by Warner, The Hymnal, Old and New, etc. " I thank you very much indeed for your kindness in pro- posing to give my portrait a place in the valuable history of the Dayton Home which you have been preparing. But I can not but believe that, even when writing to ask my assent, you must also have anticipated my answer. I am deeply grateful, but it is impossible for me to accept the honor de- signed me. I am sure that you will understand my feelings, and that I need not make any prolonged explanation. "I shall look forward to the pleasure of reading your history of the Home. With great regard, "MARY LOWELL PUTNAM." The following telegram was also read from Mr. Carson : " CINCINNATI, December 25, 1874. "COLONEL E. F. BROWN: " Greetings of the season to yourself and the noble insti- tution over which you preside. I regret I can not be with you to participate in the joyous festivities of the day. ' Peace on earth, good will to men.' E. T. CARSON." Captain Thompson, the steward at the Home, who is, by the way, one of the most popular of- ficers of the institution, was called upon for a speech. He responded with some reluctance, but made a neat, brief speech. The dining-hall is es- pecially connected with his department, and in his remarks he referred to that fact, and also the gratification of himself and the officers and men at the Home on account of its completion. At the conclusion of his remarks Colonel Brown proposed three cheers for the occasion, which were given with a will, and the crowd dispersed. DISABLED VOLUNTEER SOLDIERS. 109 REGULATIONS OF THE DINING-HALL. The dining-hall, set for dinner, is a beautiful sight, with its long tables covered with neat cloths, shining ware, and comfortable appointments. Here, too, are flags and pictures, giving the walls a cheerful look. The bill of fare is quite gener- ous, being different for every day in the week. Here is a specimen of that which governs from December till the spring vegetables come in : SUNDAY. Breakfast Boiled ham, potatoes, brown bread, butter, coffee. Dinner Roast mutton, potatoes, tomatoes, pie, bread, butter, coffee. Supper Bread and butter, gingerbread, fruit, tea, beets. MONDAY. Breakfast Corned beef, potatoes, bread, butter, coffee. Dinner Macaroni soup, boiled beef, potatoes, bread, crackers. Supper Mush and sirup, warm biscuit, butter, cheese, tea. TUESDAY. Breakfast Irish stew, potatoes, bread, butter, coffee Dinner Pork loins, kraut or turnips, pickles, bread, but- ter, coffee. 4$//^r Bread, butter, cake, fruit, tea ' WEDNESDAY. Breakfast Beef, stewed onions, potatoes, bread, butter, coffee. Dinner Mutton pot-pie, tomatoes, brown and white bread, coffee. Cold beef, beets, bread, butter, tea. The steward has some liberty to vary this, but not to reduce the general average. Just back of the dining-room is the grand 110 THE NATIONAL HOME FOR kitchen. Five enormous coffee-caldrons, contain- ing eighty gallons each, hold just enough for each meal ; and four soup-kettles, with a capacity or one hundred gallons each, supply the soup for one dinner. These are run by steam supplied from the laundry some rods away. The pot-pie for Wednesday requires twenty-one sheep, seven barrels of potatoes, a hundred pounds of flour, and six dpzen eggs no pot-pie to spare either. Fifteen barrels of "heads" supply cabbage for one dinner. The ordinary dinner, without soup or pot-pie, requires seven hundred pounds of meat. The last poultry dinner, a treat, required just one ton of dressed fowls. On Easter morning the vet- erans ate three thousand eggs and thirty large hams. The bulk of hash is incredible. Such an amount of cooking done by a few men, and so cheap, raises the question if there is not a better day coming when several families shall club to- gether and do their cooking in the same man- ner, at about one fifth the cost and trouble each family now has. The laundry department cleans twelve thousand pieces per.week, at a very small cost. This kitchen and bakery are regarded, by all who are competent to judge, among the best in the land. Jack Easy, formerly of company D, second Maryland volunteers, thus expresses himself con- cerning the larder of the Home : THE DEER PARK. DISABLED VOLUNTEER SOLDIERS. Ill "It is impossible to say, after enjoying the comforts of this Home and its outside beauties, that republics are ungrateful. The man who would say it has neither heart for home or country left, and when death finds him the ocean ought to be his resting-place. The hospital here is a palace in itself, and the bill of fare for those who are sick or lame or con- valescent, beats anything of its kind in this or any other country. Some of the dishes are fricasseed chicken, bass, rice-pudding, egg, custard, etc. I have boarded outside and paid $5 per week for far poorer living than I get here for nothing but faithful service to the country in its hour of need. The national boarding-house can't be beat. Most people who keep boarding-houses outside expect to make a fortune in a few years out of their boarders; widow land- ladies I include, and grass widows are the worst of the class. It is a cold leg of mutton for dinner, served up in cutlets at night, and in the morning tempts you in the shape of hash ; and if it is not disposed of at that meal, it will come up again as soup a la mode. The French name helps it to digest. " I knew a grass widow who commenced taking boarders when she was worth but $45 ; now she owns two brick houses and several lots, and goes to Newport to catch sea-breezes. "But in this hospital and Home they have no fortune to make, as the nation pays the bill ; so there are no ten min- utes for meals. We do not rush ahead like the outside world, but take things easy." "We conclude this article with the following in- teresting statement kindly furnished by the stew- ard, Captain Wm. Thompson. The proportion of articles issued daily per man is about as follows : Bread, crackers, and biscuit 13$ ounces. Meat and fish 12} " Butter 2} " Tea and coffee I 1-16 " In the month of October, 1874, the following 112 THE NATIONAL HOME FOR quantities of articles were delivered from tlie bakery : Bread 48,092 pounds. Biscuit 7,188 " Cake 3,200 " Cookies 1,674 " Pies 4,464 In the production of these articles two hundred and sixty barrels of flour were used. The follow- ing quantities of other articles were also used during the month : Fresh beef. 30,730 pounds. Corned beef. 2,572 Ham 3,728 Mackerel 2,737 Mutton 5,116 Pork loin 1,800 Shoulders 2,175 Butter 1 1,093 Cabbage 3.463 Cheese 1,338 Coffee 3,362 Eggs 1,507 dozen. Milk 2,077 gallon. Potatoes 6,070 bushel. Sugar 6,420 pounds Tea 457 " Tobacco 800 Capt. Wm. Thompson, besides performing the arduous and responsible duties of steward, has likewise under his supervision the following in- dustrial branches : Cigar, stocking, broom, and soap factories, and paint, shoe, tailor, upholsterer, and harness-shops. The ability of Capt. Thomp- DISABLED VOLUNTEER SOLDIERS. 113 eon is plainly visible in the various departments. The total cost of subsistence for the year 1874 was $134,593.55. THE LAUNDRY Is a large substantial structure, built of brick, and is three stories' high. All the washing for the Home is done here by steam. On the first floor are immense washing-machines, worked by steam power and tended by inmates of the Home. Above are the linen, pressing, and repairing rooms. The clothes, after being pressed and folded, are brought into the linen-rooms and given in charge of the superintendent. The garments are then placed upon shelves divided into compartments, each di- vision receiving one particular kind of garment. A strict account is kept of every article given out and returned, in order to prevent confusion and loss. Every week the sergeant of each barrack makes a requision for the number of garments required for the men in his charge. The gar- ments drawn, consisting of shirts, drawers, socks, pillow-cases, sheets, and towels, are delivered in systematic order to a detail of men. On Monday morning the clothing worn the previous week is returned in the same orderly manner. The laun- dry forms a great object of interest to ladies vis- ting the Home, and they are frequently heard to 9 114 THE NATIONAL HOME FOR make many witty remarks as they behold the lords of creation applying themselves vigorously in removing the terror of wash-day. The bath- room is near the laundry, thus practically illus- trating our faith in the proverb, that " cleanliness is next to godliness." John M. Beck, Supt. REPAIRING-SHOPS. Ten or twelve men are constantly employed in repairing for the inmates. Our fair readers, we trust, will no longer doubt the ability of the mas- culine gender to repair the loss of the impressible button, and to demonstrate that " a stitch in time saves nine." A jolly batch of menders and patchers are industriously engaged all hours of the day in repairing socks, shirts, drawers, pants, etc. THE INDUSTRIAL RESOURCES OF THE HOME. In addition to all this work in shops, etc., the order of the Board that all service and labor in and about the homes shall, as far as possible, be performed by disabled soldiers, has been strictly complied with ; and over one thousand men are employed in that way. The compensation paid to inmates at the several branches has ranged from $5 to $25 per month. During the year there were employed in the homes, including workshops, farms, gardens, etc., DISABLED VOLUNTEER SOLDIERS. 115 At the Central, 905 inmates, to whom was paid.... $56,204 17 At the North-western, 355 inmates, to whom was paid 22,347 82 At the Eastern, 399 inmates, to whom was paid... 36,046 22 At the Southern, 266 inmates, to whom was paid.. 14,123 60 making a total of one thousand nine hundred and twenty five disabled soldiers so employed during the year, to whom was paid the sum of $128,721.81. Much of this money (as has been seen) is returned to the homes in shop and farm products ; and a considerable portion is sent by those who earn it to dependent wives and children, or left with the treasurer and put at interest for the benefit of the inmates, until a sufficient amount has been realized to enable them to buy a home or engage in some outside business. WORKSHOPS. The shops at the Central Home, at Dayton, are the oldest and largest, and have been the most suc- cessful. They employed one thousand and five hundred men last year, the total product of whos labor was $70,048.76, and net profit of the same $20,708.62. The trades carried on were cigar- making, at which thirty-nine men were employed, who manufactured seven hundred and seventy- two thousand, worth $17,611.12, on which there was a profit of $4,125.19 ; knitting, by which one thousand five hundred and thirty dozen pairs of stockings, worth $7,101.75, were made, with a profit 116 THE NATIONAL HOME FOR of |994.94 ; printing all the work of the Man- agers and the other branches is done at this of- fice, and at a great saving to the National Home; also book-binding, blacks mithing, broom-making, coopering, harness-making, painting, shoe-mak- ing, soap- making, tailoring, tin-smithing, uphol- stering, wagon-making, and wire-working. Be- sides, all the carpenter- work, painting, stone-work, tin-work, and part of the plastering and iron-work of the half dozen new buildings erected during the year have been done by inmates. They have also done their own plumbing and gas-fitting ; en- gineered, repaired, and run their four steam-en- gines; made their own gas, baked their own bread, butchered their own cattle, and have done all the cooking and washing for two thousand and two hundred men in actual attendance. From the treasurer's report for the year 1874 we learn that the construction and repair accounts amounted to $73,657.11. The manufacturers' account for the same year shows the sum of $54,215.73. In connection with the workshops we may notice one of the evidences of the ingenuity of the workmen. Mr. Thomas Hinton has con- structed a miniature steam-engine entirely of brass, which is very creditable as a specimen of his me- chanical skill. The engine is in full running order, DISABLED VOLUNTEER SOLDIERS. 117 with all the attachments belonging to a first-class machine, and is at present supplied with steam from a steam-pipe attached to it. His intention is to construct a boiler and all the necessary fix- tures complete. It is on exhibition at the water- works engine-house near the lake, and attracts much attention from those interested in mechanics. The various mechanical departments present a scene of active, busy life. The several work- shops are built in a regular line,' each branch of business being designated with an appropriate sign-board. Mr. D. F. Giddinger is superintend- ent of buildings; and the carpenter, cabinet- maker, wagon-maker, and tin-shop, and .all the work performed in these departments, are under his immediate supervision. SAW-MILL AND ENGINE.-HOUSE. A forty -horse-power engine runs the machinery in the laundry, and in the several mechanical de- partments, besides supplying steam for heating some of the buildings. The saw-mill is well sup- plied with machinery, having scroll, rip, and crosscut saws, surface-plane, matching-machine, turning-lathes, thirty-two-inch wood-saw for saw- ing fire-wood, iron-lathe and drill, and a machine for cutting cattle-feed. 118 THE NATIONAL HOME FOR CABINET-MAKER SHOP. The finest description of cabinet-work is executed here; &uch as furniture for officers' quarters, bed- steads, wardrobes, tables, chairs, desks, commodes, etc., and last of all, coffins for the dead. In the cabinet-maker shop is an ingenious machine known as a bolt-carver, paneler, irregular mold- ing and dove-tailing machine, the whole present- ing a combination of ingenuity and simplicity. Its chief merit consists in an arrangement so simple that not five minutes' time is required, or the removal of more than two bolts necessary, to effect the most radical change in this machine. The amount and variety of work accomplished is truly surprising. The number of cabinet-mak- ers and carpenters usually employed in the Home is from forty to fifty. THE WAGON-SHOP. Here all the rolling-stock of the farm is made and repaired, such as wagons, carts, wheelbar- rows, etc. The iron-work for these is done in the adjoining blacksmith-shop. Over this is the UPHOLSTER-SHOP Where hair mattrasses, etc., are made. THE TIN-SHOP Is a useful and indispensable branch of the Home institution. Cups, basins, buckets, plates, pans, DISABLED VOLUNTEER SOLDIERS. 119 and every description of tin-ware, are made here, which for superiority of workmanship and excel- lence of finish can not be surpassed by any work outside of the Home. Following in regular order are the plumber and gas-fitter, and paint and ma- chine shops, all constructed for the purposes for which they are used, and provided with a full complement of tools and machinery of the latest improved construction. Not far from there is the machine-shop. The mechanical skill dis- played by the workmen in these departments is highly creditable. THE SHOE-SHOP. A large force of hands are employed in this de- partment, in repairing shoes for the inmates. Boots and shoes are also made to order for such of the inmates as may desire a finer description of work than that allowed them under the regu- lations of the Home. The work in style and finish is fully equal to any city-made work. The shoe-shop is under the superintendence of Mr. John Daugherty, to whom much credit is due for the manner in which it is conducted. THE TAILOR-SHOP. If dress makes the man the tailors of the Sol- diers' Home are fully equal to the task of doing it. The tailor-shop is a model of excellence in its 120 THE NATIONAL HOME FOR way. It is fitted up with all the appurtenances of a city establishment, and the good taste dis- played in its arrangements reflects the highest credit upon the foreman, Mr. B. Vogedes. Here ten or more skillful workmen are employed mak- ing up garments to order for the officers and in- mates of the Home. The materials from which these garments are made are usually of good quality, while in fit and finish they will fully com- pare with any made in the city. Goods are here made only to individual order and paid for ac- cordingly from the personal resources of the parties giving the order. No work is done for persons outside of the Home, the force being only sufficient to meet the requirements of the insti- tution. BROOM-FACTORY. A large force is employed in the production ot brooms. A great quantity is required for the Home use, but the resources of the factory are such as to enable it to supply a large outside de- mand. CIGAR MANUFACTORY. None but soldiers are allowed to work here; and all those in the shop, except one, learned the busi- ness here. All have been wounded, or are other- wise disabled, and quite a large number have lost a leg. In addition to their pensions they have all DISABLED VOLUNTEER SOLDIERS. 121 they can earn, and are thus in comfortable cir- cumstances. The shop turns out from seventy to eighty thousand cigars per month, the highest number ever r reached being a hundred thousand. The small cigar-boxes are also made at the Home carpenter-shop some of cedar and some of poplar, stained in imitation of cedar; and thus, with a single exception of the fancy-pictured labels, every part of the business is done here. Last year they produced ten thousand two hundred and fifty-four pounds of the finest Ohio tobacco on the Home farm. Most of the balance of their material is im- ported from Connecticut. That produced on the farm is from Havana seed, which must be got fresh from Cuba every few years to avoid deteri- oration, as this region is not strictly the native land of tobacco. This department ranks as the most successful of the various industries estab- lished at the Home; and this is the second manu- factory in work done in this revenue district. STOCKING MANUFACTORY As in most of the work-rooms, the walls are al- most covered with pictures, indicating quite a love of the artistic in the veterans. Twenty-one ma- chines are rigged for running, and at most of them sit workers, all disabled veterans. The foreman of this establishment, Private Joseph Barclay, is 122 THE NATIONAL HOME FOR a lineal descendant of George Barclay, of early Quaker memory. The family kept the faith even to his day, but he departed therefrom sufficiently to enlist in the third Pennsylvania artillery, where he earned wounds and glory which 'in due time sent him here. The men in this shop work hard and steadily, eleven hours being their regular day's work. As in all other shops, they are en- titled to all they earn working by the piece, and make very handsome wages. Besides supplying all the hose needed at the Home, they ship large quantities. Their work is of superior quality, and commands a ready sale. This manufactory has been in operation three years, and now turns out three hundred dozen pairs of socks per month. It is too often the case that when men are in a position to be cared for they soon lose ambition, and become more unwilling to help themselves in the same proportion as they are helped. But it is gratifying to observe that all or nearly all of those inmates of the Home who can do anything are striving to improve their condition; and it frequently happens that men who come here al- most out of heart get a good rest, take up some new trade suitable to their disability, learn it thoroughly, save some money, become self-sup- porting again, and return to the outer world with renewed hope and a fresh start. DISABLED VOLUNTEER SOLDIEES. 123 THE BOOK-BINDERY. Iii the bindery there is but one solitary worker, Sergeant John White of company H, first New Jersey volunteers. His principal business is re- pairing books from the library. Some are so popular that they are read almost to pieces, and require new binding every six months. Next is the magazine business. The single copies coming during the year, or donated by outsiders, are neatly, or rather handsomely, bound. He and one or two assistants have. bound two thousand vol- umes during the past year. HARNESS-SHOP. Harness is here manufactured from the very best material, and of the finest description of workmanship. THE PRINTING OFFICE. The " art preservative of all arts " is largely and creditably represented in this institution. At the breaking out of the war patriotic printers in all sections of the country laid down their compos- ing sticks and took up arms in defense of their country's flag. Many were knocked into pi, never again to be reset, while others returned with bruised forms, but still capable of producing impressions. Many have since appeared in new editions, revised and corrected, and returned to the case. The life 124 THE NATIONAL HOME FOR of a printer is of itself fraught with circumstances fully calculated to break down the strongest con- stitution. Subjected as he is to late and irregular hours, close application, and a confined atmos- phere, added to these the hard usages of a sol- dier's life, have told fearfully upon the physical condition of many printers, and compelled them to seek their rights and privileges in the Soldiers' Home. The printing done at the Home is only sufficient to require the services of a few printers ; but many, when they have recuperated, either learn new trades in the Home or go out for a short re- spite and work for a limited period. The Home printing office was established merely to meet the necessary requirements of the institution, such as printing blank forms of reports, requisitions, fur- loughs, passes, general and special orders, pro- grammes for entertainments, etc. A portion ot the work for the Board of Managers of the other branches of the National Home is done here. The materials and appliances employed are main- ly confined to the above specified purposes. These consist of a well-assorted font of type and a fine Gordon press. The establishment presents the appearance of a well-ordered job-office, and the worthy superintendent, Mr. John D. Gibson, need not blush upon receiving visits from his brother typos, or others who may call upon him. The THE THOROUGHBRED CATTLE. DISABLED VOLUNTEER SOLDIERS. 125 specimen-book of the office exhibits some highly creditable and artistic efforts, many of the pro- grammes being done in gold and fancy colors. The little book by Mrs. Mary Lowell Putnam en- titled, " Guepin of Nantes," was printed here, and, though small in size, is not inferior to many city publications. QUARTERMASTER'S DEPARTMENT. Blocks of buildings comprise the quartermast- er's department, commisary store, printing office, Home store, telegraph office, and police head- quarters. In the quartermaster's department are issued the necessary supplies of clothing, articles of convenience and necessary use, etc. As an ex- ample, we cite the amount of clothing issued to inmates for the year 1874 : Blouses .2,500 Boots 1,000 pairs. Caps 1,000 Dress-coats 1,500 Overcoats ; 600 Drawers 6,000 Hats 1,200 Shoes 1,500 pairs. Socks..... 6,000 " Pants 5.500 " . Shirts 7,5oo THE POST-OFFICE Which transacts its business under government authority, though located in an unpretending building, forms one of the most important and 126 THE NATIONAL HOME FOR interesting features of the Home. At all hours of the day the inmates may be seen going to and fro, while they bear in their hands the outward evidences of fond remembrance. But on the ar- rival of the morning and evening mail the office presents a scene of bustle and confusion ordinarily witnessed at a city post-office. The avenue is literally thronged with expectant men, some pa- tiently and many impatiently awaiting the arrival of good news from home. It is refreshing to ob- serve the expression that radiates the countenances of the men as they open their letters and receive fresh assurances of love and regard from some friend or relative. The afiairs of the office are conducted in a manner highly creditable to the fidelity of Mr. Geo. A. Blocher, the postmaster. Mr. B. is of course an inmate of the Home, and has held his present position for a period of more than four years. By the rules of the Home each inmate is permitted to mail two letters a week, to enable him to do which stationery and postage- stamps are furnished without charge. The num- ber of letters forwarded and received does not fall short of ten thousand monthly, or one hundred and twenty thousand annually. Money-orders are forwarded annually to the amount of forty thousand dollars, many of which are sent to all parts of Europe. DISABLED VOLUNTEER SOLDIERS. 127 THE CHAPLAIN'S RESIDENCE. Nearly opposite to the church, and on the way to the cemetery, is the chaplain's residence. It is a pretty frame cottage, standing on a knoll and surrounded by luxuriant foliage. THE CEMETERY. Close his eyes, his work is done ; What to him is friend or foeman, Rise of moon or set of sun, Hand of man or kiss of woman ! " As many may, he fought his fight, Proved his truth by his endeavor; Let him sleep in solemn night, Sleep forever and forever. " Lay him low, lay him low, In the clover or the snow ; What cares he, he can not know ; Lay him low." In a grove shaded by tall trees is the cemetery where brave men are laid. A head-stone, desig- nating the name and number of the regiment to which the deceased was attached, is placed at the grave. The graves are arranged in long regular lines, with a mounted cannon in the center. Large rustic flower- vases, neat and tasteful, are appropri- ately arranged at intervals. At a short distance from the graves stands the noble monument erected to the memory of the fallen heroes by the officers and men of the Home. The base of the monument is of granite. The shaft is of 10 128 THE NATIONAL HOME FOB white marble, surrounded with a cap of orna- mental design and exquisite workmanship. On the four sides of the pedestal appears the follow- ing inscription : " These were honorable men in their generation." Ecclesiasticus. MDCCCLDXII. TO OUR FALLEN COMRADES. ERECTED BY THE OFFICERS AND MEN OF THE NATIONAL HOME FOR DISABLED VOLUNTEER SOLDIERS. On the occasion of breaking ground for this monument the following interesting ceremonies took place: The procession was preceded by the Home Band. Then followed in order the chief marshal, and the governor of the Home, Colonel E. F. Brown, (2) escort, (3) orator, invited guests, and invalid sol- diers of the Home (the latter were supplied with vehicles to convey them from the hospital to the cemetery by the ladies of Cleveland), (4) one- armed soldiers with flowers, (5) Veteran Post No. 5, Department of Ohio, Gr. A. R., (6) veterans of the army and navy, (7) artillery, (8) fire depart- ment, (9) ladies, (10) citizens on foot, (11) carriages. Then followed the order of exercises . Hymn Choir of First Baptist Church of Dayton PRAYER. Music Home Band Address. ..By his excellency, E. F. Noyes, Governor of Ohio. Patriotic song in German Choir of First German Baptist Church of Dayton. DISABLED VOLUNTEER SOLDIERS. 129 After a short address by his excellency, Gov- ernor Noyes, followed the " breaking ground for a monument," by Hon. L. B. Gunckel, and the following officers of the Monumental and Historical Society: Chaplain Wm. Earnshaw president, Lewis J. Jones first vice-president, George A. Blocher second vice-president, Major J. B. Thomas treasurer, Wesley Crandall record- ing secretary, James McDonald and John D. Gibson corresponding secretaries, Captain Chas. H. Fernald historian. The earth was wheeled away by the oldest members of the Home who were able to push a wheelbarrow, namely : Adolph Grimm, eighty-three years of age; Gideon Curtis, eighty-two years of age; Joseph Gerhart, eighty years of age ; W. C. Howard, seventy-three years of age; Charles Darflinger, seventy-three years of age ; R. S. Munn, seventy-three years of age ; John Dublin, seventy-three years of age. The first of these, Adolph Grimm, took part in the famous battle of Leipsic, which resulted in the release of the Germans from the Napoleonic yoke. The corner-stone of this monument was laid on the 4th of July, 1873, with the following cere- monies. Captain Fernald read the following list of articles and documents placed under the corner-stone of the monument of the Historical and Monumental Society; 130 THE NATIONAL HOME FOB The Bible. Constitution of the United States. Act of congress establishing Soldiers' Home. Minutes of the meetings of the Board of Managers. Six photographic views of the buildings of the Home. Thirty-six stereographic views of the scenery at the Home. Photograph of the reception of Mrs. Mary Lowell Putnam, July 4, 1872. Photograph of design for monument. Manuscript history of the Historical and Monumental So- ciety. Specimen of money of Confederate states. Silver half dollar, 1871, Sacramento mint, contributed by C. H. Fernald. Store-checks used at Soldiers' Home. Muster-roll of officers and men of the National Asylum. Muster-roll of Post 5, Grand Army of the Republic. Officers and members of Lookout Lodge, No, 160, 1. 0. G. T. Programme of ceremonies, July 4, 1873. Rebel shell from Gettysburg battle-field. NEWSPAPERS. The Dayton Journal. The Dayton Herald. The Dayton Volksblatt. The Chicago Staats-Zeitung. The Missouri Staats-Zeitung. The Cincinnati Commercial. The Cincinnati Gazette. The Cincinnati Enquirer. The Cincinnati Times and Chronicle. The Boston Globe. The Cleveland Herald. The Ohio State Journal. The Pittsburgh Commercial. The Pittsburgh Gazette. The New York Herald. The New York Tribune. The Philadelphia Ledger. The Philadelphia Press. The Philadelphia Age. The Philadelphia Sunday Republic. Silver quarter dollar, silver dime, silver half dime, silver three-cent piece, copper coins (four pieces), contributed by George A. Blocher, postmaster. DISABLED VOLUNTEER SOLDIERS. 131 Silver quarter dollar, contributed by Wm. Blair. Silver half dollar from John White, first New Jersey vol- unteers. Five-dollar Confederate note from Major J. B. Thomas. Here Chaplain Earnshaw stepped to the front with trowel in hand, remarking, as he did so, that it was generally customary to use a silver trowel on an occasion of this kind, but they preferred the one held in his hand, which was owned by James McVey, who was also introduced, when the following history of the trowel was given : It was used by its owner in laying the corner- stone of the Barnegat light-house and the one at Cape May, and also the one at Indian River in Florida. It was also used by the owner, who was one of the sappers in Senator Baker's brigade, of California, and was carried by its owner in his knapsack through the battle of Ball's Blutff, Vir- ginia. McVey is now the master-mason of this institution. The audience then assembled at the speakers' stand in the adjoining grove, where seats had been arranged for the vast multitude. Here Hon. L. B. Gunckel, in his usual happy way, made a few appropriate remarks by way of first drafting and introducing the speakers. The veterans, having gratified their hearts and feasted their eyes last Fourth of July by the pres- ence of Mary Lowell Putnam, were determined 132 THE NATIONAL HOME FOR on another long hoped for consummation the erection of a monument to mark the spot where the bones of the brave repose in the Home Ceme- tery. Ever since Decoration-day two years ago this cherished plan had been elaborated, and the ground was broken for the occasion on Decoration- day this year. It lies north of the cemetery, just beyond the brow of the hill, almost in speaking distance from the central stand. Here an historical pillar has been obtained through the care ot Hon. L. B. Gunckel, which is beautifully appropriate one of the old United States Bank colonnades from Philadelphia,, a handsome column ot thirty feet, which has been selected as a gift from the general government to the State of Ohio, among other states similarly remembered. On the crest of this column, erected on a suitable base, will be a statue of the volunteer on guard pointing to the site of his comrades sleeping under the green bed- clothes of the soldiers' tomb, bedecked with gar- lands of May. For so noble an object, full of patriotic associa tion, is it any wonder that governors of many states, and celebrated generals and senators from Washington, and soldiers of all degree, and even some who wore the gray, should come to Dayton to honor the Fourth of July by so appropriate a tribute of soldierly feeling ? Is it any wonder that DISABLED VOLUNTEER SOLDIERS. 133 our own Ohio sent thousands to view the grounds of the Home on this day, as a pilgrimage more to be desired than that paid to the spot where our president was born, by hundreds of our citizens. A SOLDIER'S FUNERAL. When a soldier dies the flag flies not proudly to the breeze, but droopingly hangs at half-mast. Another of its brave defenders is dead, and to the silent grave we will accompany him. The beautiful hearse used at the funerals was built at the Home the wood- work by W. G. Chamberlain and the iron-work by mechanics of the Home. The casket which it contains is covered with the na- tional flag. It is followed by a funeral escort marching with arms reversed, the chaplain in at- tendance. The band plays the solemn requiem, and the firing party discharges three volleys over his grave. " He sleeps his last sleep ; He has fought his last battle ; No sound can awake him To glory again." FIRE-BRIGADE AND WATER-SUPPLY. An efficient fire-brigade is in complete organiza- tion, and they have a very handsome steam fire- engine named after the Hon. L. B. Gunckel. The supply of water required for all purposes is abun- dant. The fire-engine is a sixty-five hundred 134 THE NATIONAL HOME FOR % weight, third-class Amoskeag, and the water is supplied by a Worthington steam-pump. The en- gine is always in readiness, and all other needful appliances, such as hose, fire-buckets, etc., are sup- plied to the barracks to meet the exigencies of a fire should one occur. The fire-brigade is well or- ganized and fully equipped, and has on several occasions attracted much attention when it has appeared on parade, both at the Home and in the city of Dayton. At the pump-house is a Wor- thington steam-pump capable of throwing thirteen cubic feet of water per minute, or twenty-two tons per hour, which is employed from ten to twelve hours daily to supply the camp, making an aver- age of two hundred and forty-two tons of water consumed daily. This pump is worked by a Root boiler composed of twenty-four three and a half inch pipes nine feet long. Forty thousand feet of steam-pipe are needed for cooking and heating purposes. Mr. W. G. Crutchfield is the efficient engineer of the Home. He is successor to Mr. Farrell, now in South America. DAY-SCHOOL. A day-school is in successful operation under the direction of Miss M. J. Eaton, of !N"ew Hamp- shire. Miss Eaton has had charge of this school seven years ; and no better evidence of her ability DISABLED VOLUNTEER SOLDIERS. 135 is required than that which is furnished in the rapid advancement of her scholars, some ten or twelve of whom are employed as teachers in dif- ferent parts of the country. The labor of teach- ing persons far advanced in life is of no little magnitude ; and it is a question whether any male teacher could be found equal to the task of adapt- ing himself to the various circumstances and con- dition of these men. The Board of Managers acted wisely in making selection of a lady who, by a continued, patient, persevering effort has surmounted all the difficulties supposed to attend the instruction of men who have passed beyond the confines of youth. In this school men who have lost the right arm are taught to write with the left hand. Some are taught book-keeping, and others still prepared for teaching school, so that they go out in the world again and earn their own living. Others are learning to road some of them (colored men) having to commence at the alphabet. Quite a number of them have been taught telegraphing, with a view of earning their own living as telegraph operators ; and to facilitate their studies as well as to connect the Home with the outside world, a telegraph line h ts been erected to the city. At the present ti:iu there is in the school an old man aged sixty-nine years, who is learning to read and write. Miss 13G THE NATIONAL HOME FOR Eaton is clearly entitled to the credit of made this school a great success, and to her be- longs the honor. The Board of Managers may indeed be congratulated on the interest they have ever -manifested in this good work. DENTIST AND BARBERS. There is connected with the Home a dentistry, and several well-appointed barber-shops. THE BULLETIN-BOARD. The bulletin-board, on one of the corners of the barracks, is one of the necessary institutions o; the Home, and draws its little crowd of curious readers at all hours of the day. Upon it are pla- carded notices of meetings, entertainments, etj., and advertisements of lost keys, pocket-books, knives, glasses, and an endless variety of other small articles. POLICE HEAD-QUARTERS. For the preservation of order, the enforcement of regulations, and the arrest of offenders, there is a regularly organized police force, the members of which are designated by badges. They have an established head-quarters, with a lieutenant and sergeants, who together with subordinates are very efficient and prompt in the performance of their several duties. This force is under the command of Lieutenant Eliaa J. Beers. DISABLED VOLUNTEER SOLDIERS. 137 THE GUARD-HOUSE. The guard-house is a neat and pleasant looking structure without, and does not present a very ap- palling aspect within, the prisoners being provided with the same amouut and quality of food that they receive when out of confinement. Their loss of liberty and the deprivation of the privileges of the Home are all the privations they ex- perience. The prisoners consist of men awaiting trial for offenses committed, and others under sen- tence. In most cases the offenses committed are intoxication and absence without leave. For the first offense no punishment is inflicted, but repe- titions are dealt with according to their frequency the infliction of a fine and the performance of menial labor. Heinous offenses are met with condign punishment, ending in a dishonorable discharge. STABLES AND CARRIAGE-HOUSE. In the vicinity of the guard-house are three spacious structures built in an appropriate and tasteful style of architecture. These comprise the stables, barn, and carriage-house, which, as respects their internal arrangements, are complete in every particular. They present a picture ot order ana cleanliness worthy the attention of visitors who may feel interested in such matters. 138 THE NATIONAL HOME FOR FARM AND GARDEN. A large portion of the grounds are under culti- vation as a farm and garden, from which great and useful crops are raised. Men who are able are here employed; and in addition to following so healthful a pursuit, they are in receipt ot money wages. At the Central Home in 1874 the farm products amounted to 3,548.34, and the garden products to 2,978.37. Among the latter were forty-six and a half bushels of beans, eight hundred and sixty-one bushels of beets, two hun- dred bushels of carrots, six thousand nine hundred and thirty heads of cabbage, five barrels of sauer- kraut, one thousand seven hundred and twenty- seven dozen ears of green corn, two hundred and sixty-seven dozen bunches of celery, five hundred and sixty-two dozen cucumbers, four hundred and ten bushels of onions, two hundred and fifteen bushels of potatoes, seven hundred and fifty-three and three fourth gallons of pickles, eighty bushels of parsnips, fifty-eight bushels ot peas, fifteen thousand six hundred and twenty- four stalks of rhubarb, three hundred and twenty- five bushels of tomatoes, and one thousand seven hundred and seventy-six cans of same, two hun- dred bushels of turnips, besides apples, peaches, strawberries, currants, etc. ; and $608.25 were de- rived from the sale of flowers and flower-plants. DISABLED VOLUNTEER SOLDIERS. 139 Vk -. I / y- THE HOME OF THE CHICKENS. One of the attractive features of the farm is the . " chicken paradise," for to these valuable and de- serving creatures it is truly a paradise. On the corner of the orchard stands a neat white cottage of ornamental design. The front part has been fitted as a residence for the keeper, while the other portions are divided into compartments for the comfortable accommodations of the feathered in- mates. There is also a very large pigeon-house attached to the roof. A spacious poultry-yard, inclosed with tall white railings, contains minia- ture cottages arranged in regular lilies. These present a pleasing prospect to the devoted hen as she gathers her little ones together and quietly enters her peaceful abode. A large stock of poultry, embracing every variety, is raised here. THE APPLE-ORCHARD. This orchard having the advantage of age is very productive, yielding an abundant supply for the culinary purposes of the Home. Large crops of both fall and summer apples are produced, the principal varieties being Bellflowers and Ramboes. THE PEACH AND PEAR ORCHARDS, Though not in a far advanced state of cultivation, already yield fair crops and promise future abun- dance. The regularity with which these trees have 140 THE NATIONAL HOME FOR been planted can not fail to make a favorable im- pression on the mind of connoisseurs in such matters. THE VINEYARD. The young vineyard forms a pretty picture. The long regular lines of vines, rich in foliage and laden with fruit, present a harmonious con- trast with the adjoining orchards. During the appropriate season the inmates are liberally sup- plied with the several varieties of Concord, Ives' seedling, and Isabella grapes, all grown in this vineyard. The yield of small fruit, such as straw- berries, blackberries, gooseberries, currants, etc., is very large. THE VEGETABLE GARDEN Is a work of beauty and excellence. It produces every species of garden vegetables of the finest quality. The old greenhouse previously men- tioned is located here. It is now used as a can- ning-bouse, and during the past season immense quantities of tomatoes, catsup, and pickles were put up. FARM AND STOCK. The superintendence of the farm and stock de- volves upon Captain L. K. Stroup, a gentleman in every way qualified for the position. Captain NATIONAL HOME CHURCH. DISABLED VOLUNTEER SOLDIERS. 141 Stroup's military record is one of which he may justly be proud. In addition to his service as a private soldier, and as an infantry officer at the head of his com- pany, he was detailed by General George Crook to serve on his staff, showing the estimate in which that distinguished officer held him. He was senior aid to General Crook in the battle of Floyd Mount- ain, one of the severest battles in West Virginia. He also served a period on the staff of Brigadier- general Duvall. He returned to his command at the earnest solicitation of his company, who de- sired him to command them. No soldier in the war had a better record than Captain Stroup. Under Captain Stroup's management the farm and stock department have been productive of the most satisfactory results. Upwards of two hundred and fifty acres of land are under suc- cessful cultivation, and the annual value of farm products reaches six thousand five hundred dollars. The estimated value ot stock is sixteen thousand five hundred dollars. The following are the varieties of stock raised upon the Home farm: Thoroughbred short-horned cattle; thoroughbred AldiTney cattle ; Poland and China hogs; thorough- bred Southdown sheep ; dairy stock ; horses, mules, and oxen ; deers, buffaloes, and elks. Premiums to the amount of 185 were awarded to specimens 11 142 THE NATIONAL HOME FOR of stock exhibited at the Southern Ohio Fair in 1874. THE DAILY ROUTINE. At sunrise the morning gun awakens the sleep- ers from their peaceful slumbers ; " then merrily sounds the bugle-horn." Succeeding the reveille the morning ablution is performed, and then at the sound of the bugle all proceed to the great dining-hall. Breakfast over, working parties proceed to their employment, and others divide their leisure hours according to their inclination or to circumstances that may present themselves. At nine o'clock the bugle sounds the sick-call, and those having any ailment or pain to complain of may call upon the surgeon and receive such attention as their cases may require. Dinner at twelve ; supper at six. At nine o'clock the bugle sounds the tattoo, when lights are extinguished and quiet reigns throughout the camp. MUSTER AND INSPECTION DAY. This occurs once a month. The barracks are put in a state of perfect cleanliness and apple-pie order, and all are expected to be present in full uniform and answer to their names. On one ot these occasions a good joke was perpetrated, which is thus related by one of the Home cor- respondents : DISABLED VOLUNTEER SOLDIERS. 143 At the National Asylum at Dayton, on muster and in- spection, which occurs once a month, every man is expected to be in uniform ; and after roll-call Colonel Brown, the governor, goes along the line and questions every one who is not so clothed. Some have for excuse that they have just come in and that they have not had time to draw them yet ; others that they are at the tailor's being altered, etc., which excuses elicit various remarks from the colonel, joc- ular or otherwise generally the latter. On inspection the colonel said to a man in citizen's clothes : " Have you a uniform?" "Yes, sir." "Where is it?" "In my box, sir." The colonel with some asperity, " Were you ever a soldier?" " No, sir." Reply with more vim and dignity: "Yes, you were, sir; you were ," when the man quickly interrupted him with, "No, sir; I was a sailor" Exit the colonel (and his staff) with the laugh *' reyther agin " him. AUCTION SALE. Occasionally there is an auction sale of con- demned quartermaster's stores in the Home, which is largely attended by citizens. There is also an auction sale held several times during the year, which is largely attended by the inmates. At this sale, which usually takes place in the evening, the unclaimed effects of men who have died in the hospital are offered for sale and disposed of to the highest bidder, the governor of the Home acting as auctioneer. The articles consist of cloth- ing, pocket-books, cutlery, watches, etc. The bidding is lively and amusing, and the usual in- terchange of jokes that characterize the city auctions are indulged in by both auctioneer and bidders, creating great merriment for the time being. 144 THE NATIONAL HOME FOR ASSOCIATIONS AT THE HOME. Associations designed to promote the moral and physical welfare of the men of the Home have been well organized and successfully conducted. THE HOME BASE-BALL CLUB. This club has a neat uniform consisting of white caps and shirts, dark-blue pants, and stockings with cross stripes of white and blue. The club has played some very successful match games with clubs from the city, often coming out winners. THE HISTORICAL AND MONUMENTAL SOCIETY. This society was formed by the veterans of the Home upon the suggestion and assistance of Hon. L. B. Guuckel, the resident manager, and its of- ficers. The objects of the society are to erect a^ monument on these grounds in order to perpetu- ate the names and memories of the men who have died or may die and be buried in the asylum cem- etery, and also to collect relics of every battle-field of the late war, and mementoes of the men who fought the battles; and last, but not least, to col- lect, arrange, and preserve the materials for a history of the institution. One of the results growing out of the organization of this society is the beautiful monument which now adorns the cemetery. The membership is not confined to DISABLED VOLUNTEER SOLDIERS. 145 officers and inmates, but is open to all persons who desire to join male or female. GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC, VETERAN POST NO. 5. This post has a large membership, and is com- posed of some of the best material in the Home. The organization is carried on with a great deal of energy ; and its appearance on parades, at fu- nerals, or on festive occasions, never fails to elicit admiration. Their meetings are often of a very interesting character, as will be seen from the fol- lowing sketch : "The members of Veteran Post No. 5, G. A. R., after their usual business on Monday evening was concluded, stacked arms and held a camp-fire meeting at which the scenes so familiar to old soldiers were again represented. Coffee-cooling, pork, hard-tack, anecdote, arigl song served to bring back to their remembrance many such evenings spent in the front when all was ' quiet on the line,' but where the surroundings were not quite as secure as they were found to be on this occasion. " It having been reported to Post Commander D. F. Gid- dinger that there were deserters in the camp, two details were made by him to secure them, resulting in the capture of comrades Colonel E. F. Brown and Captain \y. H. Lough, who were brought in under guard and made to contribute their share to the fuel of the camp-fire,. " Though excellent speeches were delivered by the worthy ch'ef cook, Comrade Jones, Comrade E. F. Brown, ana Chaplain Earnshaw, the free and easy comfort of camp life was well observed and the amusement kept lively by songs and repartee, Comrades Wearing and May contributing largely to the former. It is intended that a camp-fire shall be lighted monthly, to which the members of neighboring posts will be invited, and which, if as successful as that of last evening, will add much to the attractions which the Grand Army of the Republic has for all old soldiers." 146 THE NATIONAL HOME FOR GOOD TEMPLARS. Lookout Lodge has a membership of over two hundred, and is considered one of the finest lodges connected with the order. It has been in exist- ence for the past eight years, and has been in- strumental in rescuing many a veteran from a drunkard's grave. It comprises in its membership a considerable amount of intelligence, and its meetings are rendered very attractive by interest- ing literary exercises. THE GUARDIANS. This organization originated in the Home but is conducted on a somewhat different basis from the Good Templars, as will be seen from its plan of operations. The name is "The Guardians," implying that the members should be in some respect guardians of each other, and influentially conservators of gen- eral morals. All persons, even children of un- derstanding, are eligible to membership. The pledge is a solemn public promise to abstain from the use of liquor as a beverage, also from the buy- ing, selling, or making of any and all liquors that will intoxicate, and to aid the intemperate in ref- ormation and repress the habit of imbibing stimu- lating drinks. The officers are chosen quarterly, by ballot, the duties being as in similar societies. DISABLED VOLUNTEER SOLDIERS. 147 The meetings are held once in two weeks, on Fri- day evening. Following the successful example of the Rev. Father Theobald Matthew, the obligation may be taken for a limited period, that is, for twelve or six months ; the permanent members take it for life, avoiding ceremony and formality. The mode of address is by calling an officer or member " mis- ter" (mutatis mutandis, as to ladies). The im- portant part in the order of business is in the entertainment, the meetings being always public and open. This consists of essays, addresses, de- bates, selections, recitations, some " feast of reason and flow of soul," vocal and instrumental musical performances, after which new members will be admitted, the ceremony being simple and brief, then general business and adjournment. The above named organizations, it is almost needless to say, have the hearty approval of the Board of Managers and of the officers of the Home. Chaplain Earnshaw has devoted himself unreservedly to the advancement of the interest of the two temperance organizations, and is an active member of both, seldom, if ever, absenting himself from any of the meetings. The use of intoxicating liquors in the Home is a subject which has occasioned the Board of Managers much concern, as wilfT)e seen from the following 148 THE NATIONAL HOME FOR extract from one of their late annual reports, which we subjoin : "Were it not for the existence of intoxicating liquors for sale in the immediate vicinity of all the asylums, which were purposely located at some distance from cities, so that the men might not be led into temptation, there would be no more difficulty as a rule in the management of the sol- diers and in maintaining discipline by the officers of the institution than there would be by a judicious parent in the management of his household. " Indeed, in many respects the soldiers resemble children, in their entire dependence on those to whom they look for orders and direction ; and then the habit of discipline in the army contributes largely to the cause of order and obe- dience to rule. From nineteen twentieths of the soldiers in the asylum, nothing would ever be heard requiring any ex- ercise of authority, or be of any trouble to the officers of the asylum, were it not for this besetting sin of the soldier; in fact, one great cause of the disability a vice perhaps con- tracted in the army comes from indulging to excess in in- toxicating liquors. There are one-legged and one-armed men who, while in our institution, can earn and if they would work in the same way in a private establishment the employer could afford to pay them three to six dollars per day, and who therefore at first would seem hardly to come within our rules as "soldiers so disabled as to be unable to obtain a living or support themselves; " yet these same men when left to themselves outside in one fortnight would most generally find themselves without money, with even the clothes they have on furnished by the Government sold, themselves clothed in rags, the inmates of some alms-house. "The effect of intoxicating liquors upon these men raises a very serious and difficult problem for solution in the gov- ernment of the institution. What shall be done to a man who, deliberately, day after day bursts out of bounds against orders, tempted by the intoxicating stimulant which the harpies who keep it are glad to sell to him to his ruin ? Shall he be expelled from the institution at once and forever for violation of its rules, and for having made a beast ot himself by an almost criminal indulgence, or shall we not rather look upon this mental and physical condition of the soldier, with this not to be restrained appetite for strong drink, as a part of his disability, contracted while in the DISABLED VOLUNTEER SOLDIERS. 149 army and in the line of his duty, and discipline him by confinement for his own good until the liquor can be got out of him while under restraint, and still keep him in the asylum because of his disability, applying all the correctives and incentives which we can throw about him for the re- straint of his appetite and his reform ? "The Board as a rule have adopted this latter course to- ward these unfortunate men; and it is only when this vice ot drunkenness is complicated with other vicious habits or other vicious acts, so as to make the possessor of it otherwise dangerous, criminal, or absolutely so bad as to become a disgrace to himself and the institution, that we have not re- tained the soldier so afflicted in our several branches, and only discharged him dishonorably, finally, when he is other- wise vicious and incurable." HOW ANNIVERSARIES, DAYS OF REJOICING, ETC., ARE OBSERVED AT THE HOME. The national clays of rejoicing and thanksgiv- ing are observed at the Home in an enthusiastic manner. On these days work is suspended and an extra dinner is provided for the inmates. Each anniversary of the organization of the Home is kept in the same way, and the days of rejoicing are usually concluded with a concert at Music Hall. THE FOURTH OF JULY. In no section of the country is the nation's birth-day celebrated with more ardor and healthful patriotism than at the central branch of the na- tional homes. Visitors in large numbers come from all sections of the country to enjoy the fes- tivities, and the leading journals send their best reporters, to enable them to present to their 150 THE NATIONAL HOME FOR readers a full report of the interesting proceed- ings. From these reports we make a few extracts relating to the last celebration of the national an- niversary which transpired at the Home : "At early sunrise the national salute fired at the Soldiers' Home sounded throughout the entire Miami valley, remind- ing as it awakened the slumbering community of the glorious day they were to celebrate, and of the universally interesting programme prepared by the veterans for the enjoyment ot all. Every railroad coming into the city brought in one or more heavily -loaded excursion trains, and by six -o'clock in the morning the travel toward the Home began. The vari- ous street railroads leading there were taxed to their utmost capacity, notwithstanding a large number of extra cars had been placed on for the occasion. The pikes leading to the Home from all directions presented one mass of humanity, in fact every style of vehicle imaginable was brought into requisition, and hundreds were traveling on foot, the recent heavy rains having completely laid the dust, thus making this part of the travel more pleasant, while it also gave the lawns and foliage an exquisite freshness,, presenting the Home in its loveliest aspect. "By eight o'clock, the hour set for the commencement of the day's exercises, the crowd by far exceeded that of any previous occasion in the history of the institution. " The programme opened with the amusing and laughable drill of ' The Bummer Brigade.' This occupied about one hour, and was greatly enjoyed by spectators. At the con- clusion of this the grand review of the veterans, who were drawn up in lines on the lawn in front of head-quarters, was made by his excellency Governor Noyes, Hon. T. W. Ferry of Michigan, Hon. Stanley Matthews of Ohio, and a large number of invited visitors. These lines of war-worn veterans some on crutches, others with one arm and other- wise mangled, was an impressive spectacle. " At the conclusion of the review the formation of a pro- cession began in the following order: Home Band, grand marshal, veterans of the army and navy and escort, presi- dent and orator of the day, vice-presidents and invited guests, ladies, citizens on foot, fire company, artillery com- pany, followed by citizens in carriages, etc. "The procession slowly moved to the city of the dead, DISABLED VOLUNTEER SOLDIERS. 151 which is situated in a small grove just west of the hospital, where sleep the last sleep, representing almost every state in the Union, several hundred veterans. Upon arriving at this truly sad yet unusually interesting part of the Home, the band discoursed 'America' in its sweetest strains. Follow- ing this the Rev. Mr. Herman, of West Alexandria, Ohio, offered up a most fervent prayer, after which Governor Brown introduced the orator of the day. THE AFTERNOON. " It was hot in the sun, although there was a pleasant breere going. The corridors in front of head-quarters and the row of barracks and Music Hall were delightfully cool and pleasant. Everybody was in good humor. The young girls with their beaus were among the marked features ot the scene. They promenaded along the corridors, visited the ice-cream saloons, the grotto, the greenhouse, and seemed to enjoy everything. Sensible people who had passed that interesting period of flirtation and courtship were seated with their children in the cool, shady places, quietly enjoying the beautiful scenes within reach of their vision. Everybody wore a satisfied look, as if their visit to the Home thus far had brought them far more pleasure than they had anticipated. THE OUTDOOR SPORTS. " f he ring for the races had been formed on the lawn in front of the barracks. A cord attached to stakes marked it definitely. There were to be trials of speed between con- testants who were not in first-rate condition for the turf, owing to the fact that one leg was natural and the other artificial. Then there were one-armed veterans who were to contend for the prizes to be awarded to the fastest men ; but these athletes had two good legs, and the absent arms hadn't much to do with running, save as pendulums to swing the racers forward. Then there were races for men on crutches and men in sacks, and men blindfolded with wheelbarrows to trundle. Of racing there was a variety of damaged 01 hampered humanity, which covered all possible and impos- sible conditions of success, so far as speed was concerned. THE INTEREST MANIFESTED. "The oblong ring in which these variegated races were to take place was surrounded by deeply interested spectators 152 THE NATIONAL HOME FOR long before the sports commenced. The American appetite for fun is strong. There, around that rope, were a thousand or more men and women, boys and girls, standing three deep, awaiting the coming athletes. The sun was shining, and it was hot of course; but for more that an hour those who had 'good places ' stood fast, waiting for the contestants. It was a manifestation of endurance worthy of veteran sight- seers. Others more thoughtful and prudent of their comfort were seated in chairs upon the flat portions of the roofs and porticoes, sheltered from the sun's rays by the towering Mansard behind them. The anxiety to get good places a full hour before the races were to begin showed a degree of enterprise which was hardly expected, even on the ninety-sev- enth anniversary of the nation's birth. The compensation for this exposure to the heat was afforded by the band, which from its pagoda diffused enlivening strains of music over the beautiful lawn. THE CROWD INCREASING. "Just at this time there was a large influx of people from the city and surrounding country. Carriages, buggies, and wagons were seen in every direction making a tour of the grounds. There were at that time nearly rive thousand visitors enjoying the pleasant sights which met their view on every side. THE MULE-RACE. "This was the first entertainment on the programme of sports for the afternoon. The animals were in fine condition and the riders enthusiastic. There was no garish display in the trappings of these sure-footed animals. The jockeys made no show of costume except that which was worn on week-days. Four started. The mules all 'got off well,' as the patois of the turf has it, and after an exciting contest for the lead, came down the home stretch in a string, mak- ing the mile inside of ten minutes, They were lustily cheered by the crowd as they 'passed under the wire' at head-quarters. The first prize, $5. was awarded to George W. Scott; second, $4, to Frank Cox; third. $2, to Henry Dekel; fourth, $i, to George Parris. THE SPORTS OF THE RING. "The referees for the sports were Colonel D. B Corwin, Samuel Stevenson, Esq., and Major J. B. Thomas. It is DISABLED VOLUNTEER SOLDIERS. 153 universally conceded that they discharged their arduous duties with dignity and fairness. " One-armed veterans made the first foot-race. The loss of an arm placed them a little out of balance, but they made first-rate use of their legs. William Blair won the first prize, $4, and R. H. Jones the second, $2.50. "The second race, for men with one leg off below the knee, was a curious affair. One of the contestants wore an artificial leg, and the other scudded with a bare pole. He stumped it. The ground had been softened by the rain, and before he had reached the center of the track the stump sunk into the mellow sod and he pitched forward measuring his length on the grass. He regained his perpendicular in an instant after he had stopped sliding and dashed forward at a killing pace, but his antagonist came in ahead on an easy trot, magnanimously slackening his speed when his opponent went to grass. The first prize was awarded to I. W. Fat, $4, and the second, $i, to the stumper, John Baker. "The race 'for men with leg off above the knee,' as the programme has it, was well contested, and Silas Crowell won the first prize, 5, and William H. Miller, second, $3. 'The sack-race was a fanciful affair. The contestants, who were tied up in sacks, from which projected outlandish masks, looked as if there was no speed in them, although there was plenty of bottom in the sack. It was an awk- ward run ; and George Parris won the first prize, $4, and James Jackson the second, $2. " The wheelbarrow race was one of the most amusing of the series. The veterans who propelled these useful imple- ments were blindfolded. The barrows were to be wheeled against the flag-staff at the opposite limit of the inelosure from which the start was made. Among the starters some made for the staff, while others only circled around the im- mediate vicinity from which they started, straggling at times into the crowd at the ropes. Of those who got the right di- rection, William Gleason, a blind man, struck his wheel against the staff, and won the prize, $4. Eugene Smith took the second money, $2. "Then came striking the bottle. It was an empty bottle of course. If it had been full the blindfolded veterans would have struck it with more certainty. The magnetism of the exciting fluid would have drawn the rods to the right spot, as the pure water far below the surface attracts the witch-hazel as it lies upon the hands of the skilled worker. There were 154 THE NATIONAL HOME FOR a good many awkward blows given by the blindfolded con- testants ; but a few of them struck the bottle, empty as it was. William Gleason, William C. Smith, Charles Linden, James McCarin, and Thomas Heffner took the prize of $i each for successful strikes. "The classical feat of the 'goose-hunt ' was the next in order according to the programme; but by this time the sky was overcast, and the clouds, as if sorrowing for the in- termission which shut out the ' goose-hunt,' were dropping tears of contrition all over the multitude on the lawn. Hardly appreciating the grief of the upper strata, the crowd dispersed for shelter under the porticoes, mourning the deprivation of the pleasure which was promised by the 'goose-hunt.' THE NIGHT-BLOOMING CEREUS. " Many persons cheerfully remained at the Home after nightfall to see the promised opening of the night-blooming ceres at the conservatory. It was regurlarly advertised in placards all over the grounds, and it came off in accordance, with the programme. Mr. Mundt understands the peculiar habits of the ceres. He can tell a day beforehand that it is the pleasure of her ladyship to expand and display her lux- uriant glories, and he prints it accordingly. So the crowd gathered around the night-bloomer, and she came to time without any hesitation. The people watched the swelling bud until it expanded to the full proportions an immense lilly a foot or more in circumference at the outer lines of its beautiful leaves ; but of the depth to its delicious recesses, from which were exhaled the verbena-scented fragrance, no one dared to take account. It was a sacred fount from which were wafted the odors of 'Araby the Blest.' THE FIRE-WORKS. " The rain had filled the sod with moisture, and the air was charged with dampness. It was believed that fire-works could not be a success with such unfavorable surroundings. But Colonel Brown was not to be deterred by any such draw- backs. He said that fire-works had been procurred for the celebration of the Fourth, and that in spite of all the unfa- vorable influence outside they should accomplish just what was intended by their purchase. These old soldiers do not take stock in discouraging circumstances. They will not suc- cumb to what other people consider impossibilities. So the colonel ordered the boxes containing the fire-works to be ,- 1 Y BBS ITT ' INTERIOR OF CHURCH, DISABLED VOLUNTEER SOLDIERS. 155 hauled down to the locality below the lakes, where the frames had been erected upon which to burn them. And then, at the appointed hour, they were offered up. And such a dis- play! It is unnecessary to go into detail. In fact there is not room to do it. Nothing so brilliant has ever been wit- nessed here. The rockets, which ever and anon darted skyward, were the very perfection of skylarkers, some of them, as they burst in the upper air, resembled in the scat- tering of their fires the tail of an immense peacock, with its indefinable treasures of silver figures and jets, and its fringes of gold. Others would cast into the air a magnificent pro- fusion of golden rain. The 'set pieces,' it is not possible to describe ; science vied with patriotism in the fiery disclosures which followed the touch of the torch to the explosive ma- terial. It was a grand finale to the entertainments of the day. THE DINING-HALL AND REFRESHMENT-ROOMS. "Every arrangement was made at the Home for the en- tertainment of visitors who remained through the day and were not prepared for a picnic. Music Hall was converted into a dining-room, and a comfortable meal could be had there at any time during the day. Besides this, there were rooms and rustic cottages at which ice-cream and delicacies of that sort could be had on call. THE CLOSING SCENE. "After the fire-works there was a general desire to get home; but to do that was not an easy matter, except for those who had their own conveyances. The dummy train went out full, crowded, jammed with people, and continued its trips till a late hour. The Third Street line of cars could not carry the passengers into town as fast as the dummy brought them to the station. The upshot was that at mid- night they were compelled to walk from the station, and some all the way from the Home to their residences in the city. RECEIPTS FOR THE DAY. "At the gates, $1,100.65; refreshments, etc., $651.97. Mak- ing a total of $1,752.62. The net proceeds, it is believed, will complete the work on the monument, making it all ready for the bronze figures by which it is to be surmounted. So that the celebration of the Home was a complete success in every respect." 12 156 THE NATIONAL HOME FOR WASHINGTON'S BIRTH-DAY. Washington's birth-day is usually celebrated at the Home with great spirit. On a late occasion a festive banquet was prepared at twelve o'clock, noon, and it was a commemorative report which served to fix the event on the minds of the hun- dreds of veterans who sat down to the well and luxuriously filled board. At two o'clock the fire- department was marshaled out in parade. The magnificent steam fire-engine was drawn by four splendid horses handsomely caparisoned, under command of its officers, and au excellent hose company under the direction of its officers. The entire force, elegantly uniformed, were brought out for inspection, and were reviewed by the officers of the institution. Their companies formed a very attractive pageant, and the force was very much admired. The immense dining-hall of the institution was put in the gayest possible holiday attire for the commemorative occasion. The large platform at the west end of the hall was overhung with [miniature flags and innumerable stars. Muskets were stacked at either end of the line of chairs, and these were flanked by other insignia of war. A piano occupied a prominent position on the platform, and the elevation was flanked by huge cannon. The entire hall was ornamented with handsome pictures, and every- DISABLED VOLUNTEER SOLDIERS. 157 where flags fluttered ; and the stars of silver and gold glittered in every direction, while the blue stars decked the walls and support to the ceiling. Everywhere in the ample hall were evidences of the festive character of the celebration ; and prominent, overlooking the entire audience, were the portraits of George and Martha Washington. Altogether, it was a magnificent place. At three o'clock the admirable band of the Home called together the vast audience by their charming music. Hon. L. B. Gunckel, local manager, pre- sided. The musical programme was extended by a song from the German glee-club. Chaplain Van Home invoked the divine blessing upon the au- dience and the occasion. The English glee-club followed in an admirable song, Professor Fisher being musical director. Major-general T. J. Wood was then introduced, and addressed the audience at some length. He was followed by the Rev. Mr. Colby and the Hon. L. B. Gunckel, and finally all ended in a feast of reason and a flow of soul. DECORATION-DAY. The annual decorative ceremonies in honor of the memory of those who after nobly defending the country in the field had passed from earth and the peaceful and beautiful home furnished by a grateful nation, are striking and appropriate. As 158 THE NATIONAL HOME FOR these ceremonies vary but little in their general character the following synopsis from a newspa- per report will suffice : "Every preparation had been made by Colonel Brown for successfully carrying into effect the ceremonies of decora- tion-day. The morning was delightful. And as the hour arrived for forming the procession, the lines of the veterans in blue were arranged with military precision, and the dif- ferent companies stationed in various positions, so as to take their places in the procession in proper order. There was no stir, no noise, no confusion. All was quiet, orderly, and solemn. When the order was given to form the procession the band moved forward ; then came a detail of men with muskets and accouterments, whose duty it was to fire the funeral volley over the graves in the cemetery; then the orator of the day and a portion of the officers of the Home, the representatives of the press, and other invited guests. After these the companies marched into line in accordance with the programme. They proceeded to the beautifully located cemetery of the Home, where the exercises which had been inaugurated by Veteran Post No. 5, G. A. R., were most impressively performed. " The procession formed a hollow (oblong) square around the compact little cemetery, the officers of the asylum, ora- tors, reporters, and invited guests, with the Excelsior Mu- sical Society of Cincinnati occupying the center. The cemetery contains five rows of graves, with about fifty in a row, each with a neat head-board painted white, containing the name, age, and rank of the occupant. On one we no- ticed the words, ' Name unknown.' Poor fellow ! It was enough that he wore the national uniform and marched and fought under the flag of his country. Though unknown, he was not unhonored, for he shared with his silent comrades the gratitude and sympathy of those who gathered there to strew flowers upon the hallowed spot. " It was a solemn and beautiful sight to look upon such an assemblage. While there were orderly ceremonies to be gone through with, no one could look upon the serious and sympathetic faces surrounding the cemetery without feeling that it was not mere idle formality, but real and genuine heart-work. "The order of exercises were opened by Chaplain Earn- DISABLED VOLUNTEER SOLDIERS. 159 shaw with an appropriate prayer to the God of armies and battles and nations, invoking the divine blessing npon all present. Then followed the memorial address of Chaplain Link, of Veteran Post No. 5, G. A. R. "The strewing of flowers, being the next thing in order, was done by a detail of one-armed soldiers, who formed along one side with their baskets, and marching across the cemetery in military order, covered each grave with fragrant memorials. It was indeed a touching sight. thus, as it were, to hold communion with unseen comrades through the un- seen fragrance of flowers. It was the language of the heart speaking louder and better than the tongue. "The memorial salute from a detail of veterans, three times repeated, was another mode of expressing the respect of the living over the sleeping comrades beneath the sod. These exercises were interspersed with sweet, solemn music from the members of the Excelsior Musical Society, of Cin- cinnati, and a dirge from the Home Band. "The oration was delivered from a platform adjoining the cemetery by Major-general M. F. Force, whose eloquent and touching words deeply impressed all within the sound of his voice." In this connection it is proper that we should mention that for some time past it has been the custom, previous to the appointed day, for the ladies of the Home and of Dayton to furnish committees to carry out the purposes of (Jecora- tion. This beautiful tribute to the memories of the dead forms one of the great days at the Home, and a very large number of visitors from the city and neighborhood take part in the proceedings, ANNUAL MEETING OF THE BOARD OF MANAGERS. It is said that there never was anything so brill- iant as the reception given to 'the Board of Man- agers on the evening of September 27, 1872. Unlike 160 THE NATIONAL HOME FOR * ordinary illuminations of rejoicing, the occasion, the place, and the surrounding circumstances of the Central Home illumination make it impossible to describe the scene of its heart-felt effect. This much, however, may be said, that the dazzling splendor of ^n eastern romance or the poet's dream of the region of fairy- land are pale before the reality of beauty then exhibited. Many were there who had witnessed fetes and illuminations in the palace gardens of the crowned heads of Europe, and they had no hesitation in declaring that the scene at the Home in beauty and splendor excelled them all ; and there is no doubt that it is unrivalled in the world's history. There was not a cloud in the sky, and it was so dark that all the effects of light upon a broad and variegated landscape were fairly developed. Every building at the Home was dazzlingly illuminated with bright lights, Chinese lanterns, and glitter- ing lamps. All around the lawns, the various avenues, the grottoes, springs, and lakes, there were rows of blazing lights, and each sheet of water multiplied the illumination most brilliantly. The "Martindale Conservatory" was ablaze of light. Over on the slope opposite the veterans had inscribed in letters of living light the initials U. S. G. L. B. G. DISABLED VOLUNTEER SOLDIERS. 161 Which everybody could read as they ran. Stand- ing on the crown of the hill which looked down into the garden it appeared that the conservatory was blooming with blazing meteors, and that the lakes were flaming. Governor Brown's quarters seemed to be on fire, and the barracks on the main avenues, the head- quarters, and the hospital, were as brilliant as a glaring illumination could make them. The circle in front of the hospital was a glare of fire. The lakes were lurid and reflected back the light of thousands of blazing torches. Everywhere you went there was a glow of glit- tering beauty. ARRIVAL OF THE MANAGERS. General Butler, General Martindale, General Osborn, General Cavender, Judge Bond, Ex-gov- ernor Smythe, and Dr. Wolcott arrived at the northern gate of the Home about 8:30 p. M., es- corted by Local Manager Gunckel. They were received by the band and some hundreds of vet- erans, facing inward on Main Avenue, each veteran bearing a torch. Then the battery fired the customary salute, and the procession moved around the grounds through the various drives, admiring the brilliant spectacle. At the bridge on the east side, by the lakes, the old bugler sounded a salute, to which the band on the hill 162 THE NATIONAL HOME FOE responded eloquently. The people meantime' were promenading all through the gayly-lighted grounds, enjoying the glittering scenes, which were made more beautiful by the variegated fires red, white, and blue, which reflected a sort of weird light upon the changing foliage of autumn in the groves. HEAD-QUAKTERS. There was a stand erected in front of head- quarters, and there the procession halted. Colonel Brown, with his usual promptitude, called the meeting to order, the veterans with their torches and a large concourse of people assembling in front, and many ladies and a number of strangers occupying the porch of head-quarters. Colonel Brown then delivered an appropriate address ot welcome to the Board of Managers, which was responded to by General Butler. General Martindale, of New York, followed in a brief and beautiful speech, referring to his com- rades who had served in the army with him. Judge Bond, of Maryland, followed in one of his happiest impromptu speeches. Ex-governor Smythe, of New Hampshire, made a few remarks, giving something of a history of the Dayton Home, which were heartily applauded. Dr. Wolcott returned his thanks for the inter- view, and General Cavender indorsed what was DISABLED VOLUNTEER SOLDIERS. 163 said by other speakers. General Osborn gave a promise to the ear which he broke to the heart. Everybody knew that he could make a big speech, and he started out that way when he suddenly concluded, disappointing everybody. Mr. Gunckel was frequently called but excused himself. After the speaking the audience was dismissed, when the managers and other guests after ten o'clock made a night inspection of the illumin- ated grottoes and gardens, and then everybody re- sponded to taps. At a subsequent meeting of the Board of Man- agers the Rev. Richard Smythe, D. D., of Ireland, now a member of parliament, made the following speech : " Mr. President and gentlemen of the Board of Managers of this institution, soldiers, and citizens of America : I thank you very sincerely for the courtesy which has been extended to me in asking me to take ever so humble a part in the proceedings of this festive occasion. But I can assure the gentleman who has introduced me to you that he has brought an old house over his head in presenting me as a substitute, and I am well persuaded that he will never repeat that ex- periment during the term of his natural life, after he has heard the statements which I have to make. [A laugh.] " I have had to travel four thousand miles to stand upon this platform, and I am about that distance from my home, and I think the orthodox feeling, in my mind, ought to be that I am a stranger I am a foreigner at any rate. But somehow I mnst make this confession, that under the call and enjoying the hospitalities of my kind and respected friends, Doctor and Mrs. McDermont, and enjoying, also, as I have done since I came here, the courteous offices of the governor and chaplain and others in this Home, I must 164 THE NATIONAL HOME FOB admit that I feel just about as much at home as any other disabled volunteer in this room. You have made me feel so, and I do not regret that I feel so. " I have witnessed the greatness of your country from Sandy Hook to the Clift House beyond San Francisco, for it is some miles beyond that city, and every new phase of American progress and resources has struck me with a new wondtr. But my admiration, I confess, has culminated in witnessing the splendid comforts that have been provided here for the men who bear the scars and wounds which they have received in fighting the good and loyal fight for their country. During the great conflict of the American war ten years ago I always thought for I thought a great deal about it then ; I was ten years younger than I am now, and per- haps my thinking powers were greater than they are now I used to think about that American conflict that it repre- sented two things. It represented a policy and a principle, and with both of these I sympathized^ The policy was Union and the principle was liberty. [Applause.] The policy I always thought perfectly defensible a policy that could be defended not only by revolutionary Americans, but by all who were able to appreciate true policy, that this great country should remain one and indivisible. But I see in it something even more elevated than that the principle of liberty for all the people of this country,, the object being the realization of that which had been, I think to. some extent, before that time only a theory that all men are bom free and equal. And, Mr. President, I had thought this, that the na- tion which constructs her action and her life out of two such threads as those has^/ormed for herself a net that ought to catch the sympathies and approbation of the civilized world. [Great applause.] " Sir, this nation was powerful in war ; but, surrounded as I have been here for the last few days by the evidences which this Home affords of the gratitude and the kindness of this great country to those who have fought her battles, I am bound to say that America seems to. me as great in peace as she was great in war. [Applause]. We have an expression in a hymn of ours in the old country which we sing sometimes, setting forth two great characteristics of the divine being whose supremacy we acknowledge, and whose character sets forth what ought to be found in. nations as well as individuals. The couplet is this : " 'Tho' his arm. is strong to.smite *Tis alio strong to save.' DI8ABLBD VOLUNTEER SOLDIERS. 165 "Nobody doubts, or if any one did doubt of it his doubts would be dispelled by refreshing his recollection by the names I see printed around these walls. I am glad to think that in this hall you have placed Bull Run and Appomattox side by side. [Applause]. You are not ashamed to do that, for whether it was one side or the other that gained the victory, either Bull Run or Appomattox,as I take it you were Americans that fought in both. [Applause]. I say sur- rounded by these memorials and the gallant generals who sit on this platform at this moment nobody can doubt that America is strong to smite. She did hit hard when she smote at all. But then America is something more. The disabled soldiers in this room and who surround these win- dows can surely bear testimony to this fact, that though her arm is strong to smite it is also strong to save ; and I trust that thg gratitude which America shows to her soldiers will cause to spring up in every one who enjoys the benefits of this splendid home a gratitude commensurate with that. "Sir, in going or being taken around by my friend Dr. McDermont through this Home there were several things that struck me very much. Perhaps that which interested me most was that splendid library and reading-room asso- ciated with the name of a lady who gave a gallant son to her country, [cheers] and, having given her son to her country, is now making the disabled soldiers of America the heirs of that son's fortune. Oh ! if that lady were in the Old World we would never think of her as anybody but a princess. But she is better still, for I believe, in the lan- guage of our English poet laureate Tennyson, " f 'Tis noble to be good, Kind words are more than coronets, And simple faith than Norman Wood.* [Applause.] "I saw one thing that tickled my fancy and interested me very much, and that was a deer-park round here. [A laugh.] There are some of you who came from England, Ireland, and Scotland, and you know this, that no man lower down in the social scale than a duke would have a deer-park like that. [Laughter.] But there is just this difference between the old country and the new; we can make a noble very easily there. The queen has only to take her pen and write her name to a certain document of a few lines in length, and she has turned a common man into a noble. Now you do not do. it so easily here, for yo-u carve your nobility for 166 THE NATIONAL HOME FOR yourselves by your bayonets and your wounds ; and, as 1 take it, in this country the nobles are the disabled volunteer soldiers of America, and they are having their deer-park. "There is just one other thing, but I do not wish to de- tain you. [Cries of 'go on,' 'go on.'] As I said before, I was taken into that beautiful library and reading-room and I saw there President Grant's saddle. Well, I suppose that saddle is kept there as a memento, as a memorial of a dis- tinguished hero on the field of battle ; and I dare say, or perhaps this is a fancy of my own, it is kept there as a sym- bol of American government. General Grant, I have no doubt, rode his horse well on the battle-field, was a brave horseman there ; and we of the old country have got an im- pression to the effect that he has had a very firm seat as President of the United States, and that it has been rather a difficult thing to unhorse him. [Laughter and applause.] And so they have President Grant's saddle very well fixed in the reading-room. And how is it fixed ? Well, I noticed this, that there were two chairs, back to back, and the sad- dle was put over the two fronts, because if they had put it on only one chair it would come down, and therefore they have two, back to back, for security. Well, I think that is a symbol of American government. It does not do to put the symbol of government over the northern states ; you must have it over the southern states as well. [Tremendous applause]. You can not go in that way. I believe the American government would be unstable if it were merely sectional in that way; and not only so, but the northern states themselves would suffer by attempting to govern them alone. They must be placed back to back, shoulder to shoulder, to save them... I am a loyal subject to Queen Vic- toria ; and though I am attached to the government of my own country, which has very nearly as much republicanism in it as you have in this country ; although we have the noble element as head of government in our queen ; although I am a loyal subject of Queen Victoria, I rejoice that the American Union has been declared- declared on battle- fields, declared in cabinets, declared in congress, to be one and indivisible. [Great applause.] I rejoice as a Briton in the consolidation of your strength and the development of your national resources. If England and America I beg pardon if America and England will remain true friends, as I trust and pray they ever will, [applause] then, sir, I think they will be able to keep the peace of the world; and then the eloquent prediction of General Osborn will be true DISABLED VOLUNTEER SOLDIERS. 167 V- ^* And I have faith enough in the future of this and other lands to believe that it will ; that you have been instrumental in making the last veterans on battle-fields that ever shall be made. " I thank you once more most sincerely for giving me this opportunity of saying one or two words, and I can assure you, president, soldiers, and citizens, that among the most pleasant and most prominent of my recollections will be this ?iy visit to the Disabled Volunteer Soldiers' Home in this place where I now find it." [Loud applause.] Amid repeated cries for General Butler, the general, although suffering from the effects of a recent cold, came forward and addressed the veterans as follows : " War-worn veterans of the great conflict of the rebellion : I had thought to excuse myself from speaking to you, not from want of any desire to do so, but from fear of inability from the condition of my lungs to make myself heard with- out such effort as would be painful to us both. But, comrades of a hundred well-fought battles, I greet you once more ; and although I may not address you in the eloquent language of the senior vice-president (General Martindale], or that of my associates, nor in that well-put address for which I thank the gentleman from Great Britain, yet you will allow me, while I have strength to do so, to make a few suggestions that he, among others, may take away with him to his home. " The rise of these soldiers homes is not well understood, even by you. In the year 1865, in March, a corporation was established by congress of one hundred of the principal gentlemen of the country who incorporated it into an in- stitution known as the National Soldiers' and Sailors' Home for the disabled volunteers of the army and navy. There were five several attempts made to get that hundred men together or fifty-one of them, which it was necessary to do under the law for organization. Those attempts failed. A citizen of Dayton, now representing our country at the first court in the world, General Schenck, was chairman of the Military Committee of the lower house of congress. Coming disheartened from that meeting which I had three times attended because I had said to those soldiers who went out with me in 1861 without bounty or hope of reward 168 THE NATIONAL HOME FOR that, God sparing my life, I would see to it that they were taken care of so long as they should live [applause,] and that promise I was bound to fulfill, and therefore was pres- ent at each of these meetings, I said to General Schenck in despair, 'What shall be done? These men who have fought my battles, who have been disabled by shot and shell, and bayonet and saber-cuts, and worse than all those who have been disabled by the fell diseases of the swamps and fens of the southern climate, and worse still those who have been disabled by starvation in prisons where they have been found, what provision can be made for their future support and comfort?' Entering with great heartiness into the matter, he said to me : 'Come to my room this evening and we will endeavor to draw some plan by which a soldiers' home can be organized.' " Thereupon the present plan was drawn. An establish- ment known as the National Asylum for Disabled Volunteer Soldiers and Sailors was made, consisting of nine active members of the Board of Managers and three members ex officio, consisting of the president, secretary of war, and chief-justice; and in order that the Board of Managers might be a perpetual body, always having some members in it, the Board was chosen for six years two for four years, two for two years, and two for one year, so that one third of the active members should go out every two years ; and congress every two years renews our Board. "In 1866 that Board met, but before the act went through congress the secretary of the navy desired congress to amend it by striking from it the words volunteers of the navy and taking away all the revenue derived from prize money or for naval fines and forfeitures. So that you will now un- derstand why it is that you have substantially no navy men among you. When we first began and found a navy man, a volunteer seaman who was disabled, while we had plenty of room and apparently a great plenty of funds we took him in. But I am sorry to say that the opinion of the sec- retary of the navy as well as our own, upon reflection, was that we had no right to do so; and that will account to you why some of the older beneficiaries who were sailors you do not now see among you. "Again : we desired that there should be as there was but one government, one war, one enemy, one disability, one glory, no distinction made between the soldiers of the regular army and the volunteer soldiers ; that the Home should be as well for the volunteers as the regulars. But the officers DISABLED VOLUNTEER SOLDIERS. 169 of the regular army, asserting that this institution would die out so far as the volunteers were concerned, because but a few years more must close over us all, officers and soldiers, beneficiaries and managers, and therefore as the regular army was to be perpetual forever as the right arm of the nation it was best that the soldiers of the regular army should have their soldiers' home separate and distinct, as you know it is at Washington. Therefore, my friends, they struck out that portion of it ; and that is the reason why we are not now by law allowed to take any soldier of the regular army into our homes. When we find a soldier of the regular army who is starved and destitute, I am sorry to say for myself, I do not look so critically at his discharge paper to see what company he served in as I ought to, and sometimes a soldier or two of the regular army slips in. But by law we can have nobody here but disabled volunteer soldiers of the war of the rebellion, with two exceptions. Congress two years ago added that the soldiers of the Mexican war and the soldiers now scarce almost as angels' visits of the war of 1812 should find an asylum here. " 1 have been thus careful, my friends ana comrades, to give you this history of the institution for the first time in order that you may understand exactly who are entitled here and who are not, and how we of the Board of Man- agers are entirely confined in our action by the law of the land ; and while in many cases we should be glad to take in those who have become disabled since for instance, a man who was in the war and served his country faithfully but fortunately having come out unscathed, but yet who now has lost an arm or a leg by railroad accident can not by law be taken in here, however much we may wish. He must have been disabled in the line of duty ; that is, while he was actually engaged in the service of the United States in the war of the rebellion. Another case I will give you : Take a soldier who fought in the volunteer army and disappeared by leave, or left and went and enlisted after he left the reg- ular army and was wounded in fighting, he can not have place among us by law. " Our only source of revenue is fines, forfeitures, and un- claimed pay of volunteer soldiers. That pay due to some poor volunteer probably whose only record is an unknown grave in the green mounds of the South comes to us. The forfeitures of soldiers who deserted their post nay, not sol- diers who deserted their posts, but those who for bounty said they wanted to become soldiers and ran away before they 170 THE NATIONAL HOME FOR ever saw a gun or smelled powder 'their pay and their bounty we have for the purpose of sustaining this institution. Now so long as the support of the institution is from the volun- teer service you will see how unjust it would be if we took that to give to the regular soldier or seaman. " Now then this organization took place seven years ago. And let me premise that there is no other institution like this on earth. We may have made mistakes. We had neither precedent nor guide. We read the charters and or- dinances of the Greenwich Hospital ; they gave us no light. We sent and got the envoi of the Hotel des Invalides at Paris where Napoleon put his veterans, and that gave us no light. The soldiers' regular home at Washington gave us but very little because it was simply almost a toy, as before the war our regular army seemed to be a costly toy of the nation. Therefore we had to begin organization from the beginning. We were told in the beginning by well-judging, clear-headed men over and over again that we need make no provision for these soldiers, as we never should find any to come to our home. My answer was ' if you make a home for the soldier there will be soldiers to come to it ; if you make a very bad pen you will catch very few in it.' [Ap- plause.] " Under these circumstances it was determined to build three homes, one at Milwaukee, one at Dayton, and one in the eastern part, in New England ; and we found this trouble, that the soldiers came faster than we could get ready for them. Then we lost by fire one of our homes in the East, and had to sustain our soldiers at state and city institutions. " Now, my comrades, I am going to talk plainly, because plain frankness is a speech all understand with each other. One great trouble we found with our first soldiers was that they had been staying at benevolent institutions and state homes where unfortunately there was not the semblance of discipline, and where a great many having contracted a dis- ease in the army for strong drink were allowed to go uncon- trolled either by the officers of the home or by the soldier himself. Now there is not a man of you here and I am speaking to the man who drinks the most there is not a man of you here who does not wish, as he turns up the cup to his lips, that there was no such a thing as whisky on earth ; and without it, my friends, we should nave no more trouble at any of our homes than there would be in the best regu- lated family in the country. We have but little more now than that; but when our Home first started we had that THE PUTNAM LIBRARY. 13 DISABLED VOLUNTEER SOLDIERS. 171 trouble, because the desire to drink liquor, which is a disease contracted in the army, had broken out and had been nour- ished by men who had nothing on earth to do but to drink in the state homes and the city homes, where they were petted by ladies who thought they were doing God's service, and who were because they thought so, but were doing no service to man. " Now they come here, and the change is wonderful ; and I am not going to give you any generalities, but facts and figures. You see I, as executive officer of the Board, am in the mouth of the tunnel; all that comes in at the top comes to me at last. So I hear all that is done that is wrong, and yet I know but very few of you. Who are those I know best? They are the poorest and worst men among you. [Laughter.] Those are the very men I hear of. Let us see how large a percentage there are of those that complain that we make rules and regulations, and some of them are irk- some to them. They say, 'Why can not I be allowed to go out when I please ? ' Well, I will tell you why. Because there are just about two in a hundred who can not be al- lowed to go. [Laughter.] For instances, of all the instances that have been brought before the Board for examination of bad men for bad conduct, there averages just about two and a half in a hundred, and because of those two and a half ninety-seven and a half must be put under restraint. Now that is the exact fact. Of the applications for re-admission of men who are trying to get back from misconduct, and an uneasy desire to wander away from Home to Home, and desert and go this way and that way, there is only two and a half in a hundred. Then there is about one in a hundred who tries honestly to get a home if they can, but fail and come back. And I want to say to you, so that you may understand it, that the rule of the Board is that where a man honestly tries to go out and get a living and fails we re-admit him unconditionally. But if he gets a miff, or gets cross, or gets punished, and then suddenly comes to the con- clusion that he can support himself and demands his dis- charge we mean to make it uncomfortable enough for him to get back, so that he will stay where he is when he gets back. [Laughter.] "I want to say again to you, for you will keep it with you now, that where, suppose, a man goes down into Dayton and there is overtaken by liquor, what is the consequence ? Why, it is that you are brought into disgrace by your ene- mies for you have got some here, although God knows why THE NATIONAL HOME FOR you should have them. But the enemies of your Home will at once say, * Why, there is a drunken soldier from the Home,' not reflecting that there are fourteen hundred and ninety-nine sober, honest, industrious, quiet men here, and one there only. And if you should look at that enemy's grandfather or grandmother, or other relatives, you would find them a much greater per cent than this. [Laughter.] That is why we have to have regulations in that regard. " Now, then, there is another matter. When you were small in numbers we had an excess of revenue over our ex- penditures, and we run up quite a fund because we had three or four hundred men for the first three or four years. But now you see what a large number you have. You have two thousand on your roll. There are two thousand more me- diately and immediately with the other institutions, and for which out-door relief is afforded. Think a moment how much it costs to feed those four thousand men as economically as we strive to do it. Think how much it costs to clothe them at fifteen or twenty dollars a suit as the case may be ; so that we find that our funds are being drawn upon, and therefore it is that we are practicing rigid economy. What may hap- pen when our funds run out ? -because it will take four or five years to bring the account of these forfeitures to a close. We shall have to go to congress and ask appropriations year by year to support you. And although I have a very high opinion of congress, yet I do want to put off the day when we shall have to ask congress to appropriate as long as pos- sible. And therefore the Boaid of Managers, agreeing with me, are trying to husband the funds every way and make them last as long as they will, because I see one fact: When we go to congress for funds they will say, 'You support these men, don't you?' 'Yes.' 'You take care of them in sickness and in health?' 'Yes.' 'Clothe them, feed them, doctor them ? ' ' Yes ; we even pay the last sad rites of sep- ulcher.' * Very well, then/ some man gets up and says who slept on soft cushions during the war, ' if we have got to ap- propriate money for these soldiers let us take away their pen- sions. There is no reason why we should give pensions to men who have all these things furnished by the Government,' ignoring the idea on which the Board has acted. "And I want to explain to you this matter about pensions so that you will understand it. The law, when passed by congress, looked to our taking all the pensions of the men, and gave the right to the Board to take them ; and the ques- tion came up early in the discussion, what shall we do about DISABLED VOLUNTEER SOLDIERS. 173 this ? Because we saw that the men looked upon the pen- sion as a little more than the value of money ; they looked upon it as a reward of merit, and would not like to give it up. Having a large excess of funds, and seeing that we be- lieved upon the whole that the men would be happier with their pensions, and that certainly they ought to go to the families, and the law giving us the liberty to use our discre- tion and that is about the only discretion that our Board had so far as the expenditure of funds are concerned we, as a Board, after due discussion, chose to say that the pension should be given to the family and should not be taken away from the men, except as an act of necessary discipline, and sometimes as a punishment. Now then, why do we ever take away pensions? I will tell you why. Some men can not be affected in any other way some of this two per cent that I have told you of. And then the only use some men make of their pension is to get liquor; and it is a mercy to them to take it away. Therefore we have in some. instances taken away a part, and in some instances all. But we want to do that as little as possible ; and it is simply not for us but for you to say, for I tell you again, and I know you will believe me I tell it to you in the presence of my associates that the great object of striving we have is to keep you econom- ically so that your funds shall last as long as possible. I trust for the amount is yet undetermined it may last long enough before the Great Messenger calls for us to keep us away from congress, so that no man who goes there from the South or North may think that he may demagogue a lit- tle in congress with some stupid constituency by getting a little glory in taking away the disabled soldiers' pension. [Applause.] " Now I have not attempted to make you a speech ; I have attempted to explain to you the ground upon which we act. It is your home ; it is your place where you are to live and die, where all your hopes are centered; and I ask you to CO" operate with us and make yourselves a committee of the whole to take care of this fiftieth man^the other forty-nine we never hear of. Take care of him yourseiiy.es, an,d do not send him to me. I am not a good person to whom to send men to be taken care of who do not behave well. Perhaps I might incline to be too harsh ; therefore do not send him to me. Take him up kindly. If you see one of your com- rades down in the city making a fool of himself, kindly lay your hand upon him, if you have one to lay upon him, an.d you may have but one, take him by the sjboulder, and lead 174 THE NATIONAL HOME FOB him home. Cover his fault as well as you can from the of- ficers and keep him from doing the like again. [Applause.] "Now I have given you, so that you may all understand, the history of the institution and of our part in it. These gentlemen one from St. Louis, one from Chicago, one from New Hampshire, one from" Massachusetts, have left their homes to come here in obedience to that call which made most of you, perhaps all, leave your homes when the order of your country's peril came the call of duty. We come here because it is a duty put upon us. We have no wish but your welfare, no interest but yours, no hope of reward but to see you happy nay, seeing that your old age shall be as happy as your youth and manhood have been brave and honorable." At the close of the general's remarks nine cheers were proposed by Colonel Brown, and heartily given for General Butler. CHRISTMAS AND THANKSGIVING AT THE HOME. Thanksgiving-day is usually observed in the following manner: Religious services in the church, and addresses by some distinguished speakers. A grand thanksgiving dinner is served up in the dining-hall, oysters purchased by the barrel and turkeys by the hundreds making the substantial of the occasion, In the evening there is a suitable entertainment in Music Hall, com- posed of music, tableaux, and dramatic plays. The following bill of fare is usually served up at the Christmas dinner Oysters stewed, Roast beef, Mashed potatoes, Tomatoes, Pickles, Bread, Butter, Cakes, Mince-pie, Coffee, and Apples. DISABLED VOLUNTEER SOLDIERS. 175 There are also entertainments of a varied character. The annual Christmas present to the Home by their ever kind friend and patron, Mrs. Mary Lowell Putnam, is always the most inter- esting feature of the occasion. Last year the present was a large box of splendid books This was made the occasion of a splendid ovation to the generous donor. It was a sort of a mass- meeting in library hall, which, large as it is, was filled with the veterans. The books were on ex- hibition, and after they were examined and ad- mired Colonel Brown, in a few words, opened the exercises by calling out Chaplain Earnshaw, who spoke eloquently of Mrs. Putnam, and read letters more eloquent still from Mrs. Putnam herself. These letters ran from 1868 to Novem- ber, 1871 ; and during their reading, so intent were the veterans that the falling of a pin could have been heard. After the chaplain, Manager Gunckel was called out. He said he had not come to speak, but to join them in their Christmas and to unite with them in doing honor to their best friend, Mrs. Putnam, whom he pronounced the truest of women and the purest of Christians. After a description of Mrs. Putnam and his visits to her, and a eulogy on her splendid work, he closed by suggesting the formation of a monumental and 176 THE NATIONAL HOME FOB historical society at the Soldiers' Home, with twofold objects. First, the erection of a mon- ument to those who had died at the Soldiers' Home, upon which the name of every veteran who had died or should hereafter die at the Soldiers' Home should be inscribed; and second, the col- lection of relics from all the battle-fields of the re- bellion, which should constitute a national museum at the Soldiers' Home. The veterans took the suggestions at once, and appointed a committee to report a constitution for the formation of the proposed society. Col- onel Brown closed the meeting by offering reso- lutionswhich were unanimously adopted re- turning thanks to Mrs. Putnam for her Christmas present, and requesting her to furnish her own portrait for the adornment of library hall. The dinner which followed was splendid, such as would have done honor to any of our best hotels. ST. PATRICK'S DAY AT THE HOME. The Irish-American veterans, as well as others, have their day at the Home. A large crowd as- sembled at Music Hall on the occasion of the en- tertainment given by the Irish-American veterans in celebration of St. Patrick's day. There was a large number of visitors present from the city, DISABLED VOLUNTEER SOLDIERS. 177 and many from the neighboring cities and towns. The stage and hall were gorgeously decorated, the entire background of the former being a large American flag. In front of this was a green square, in the center of which was a harp wreathed in gold, and above it a spread-eagle, while on the left was a green flag, and on the right the Amer- ican standard. On each side of the stage were American flags in folds, and the drop-curtain was decorated with evergreens and banners red, white, blue, and green. The music furnished by the Home Band was of the most delightful character, and appropriate to the occasion. Colonel William G. Halpin, of Cincinnati, de- livered an oration which did not occupy more than half an hour in the delivery, yet it was so eloquent and pointed that it stirred every Irish heart in his hearing. Colonel Halpin congratu- lated his hearers upon the fact that the Ireland of to-day was not what it was even forty years ago. There had been advancements there as well as elsewhere. Education was more generally dif- fused among the people, and more attention was paid to all those influences which elevate and en- noble humanity. He regretted that it had been said of Irishmen that they were not so brave at home as they were 178 THE NATIONAL HOME FOR abroad. It was true that in every land through- out the four quarters of the globe Irishmen had made for themselves an enviable record; but he denied that they had shown any less gallantry on their native soil. In support of his position he cited Limerick, Vinegar Hill, and other battle- fields on which Irishmen had heroically shed their blood in defense of their rights and liberties. Colooel Halpin's address was enthusiastically cheered, and the only criticism made upon it was complimentary to it, and that was that it was too brief. Father Carey made some very happy remarks, at the conclusion of which he introduced Father O'Reilly an(J. Father Ilahne as good Irishmen. The clerical pleasantry which prompted the in- troduction of Father Hahne as an Irishman was received with shouts of laughter by the audience. Father O'Reilly made a brief address, and was followed by Father Mackey, of St. Patrick's Church, Cincinnati. The songs were good. Mr. Intelkofer rendered the "Rising of the Moon" with fine effect, and the " Irish Brigade," in character, by Mr. L. Cal- lahan, was rapturously encored. "Come Where My Love Lies Dreaming" was not on the pro- gramme, yet it was sung by St. Joseph's choir with such admirable effect that it might be de- nominated the vooal gem of the evening. DISABLED VOLUNTEER SOLDIERS. 179 Mr. W. H. Emoss and Mr. Louis L. Welton also contributed much, to the enjoyment of the occasion by their singing. " Johnny, I hardly Knew You/' as rendered by Mr. L. Callahan in character, was convulsively funny. "Donald Aboo," by Mr. Larkin, was a most delightful performance, and the same may be said of the piano performance by Mr. Schenck. The veterans tendered their thanks to Colonel Halpin, Colonel Brown, Father Carey, and St. Joseph choir for the part they had taken in con- tributing to the success of the celebration. Then with three cheers to "the day we cele- brate " the exercises were concluded. OUTSIDE ASSOCIATIONS. The Home is not without its pleasant associ- ations with the outside world. Crowds of visitors from all sections of the country, and also from Europe, come here daily and express their ad- miration of the Home and its surroundings. In addition to these, during the summer months gay picnic parties fill the woods, and carriages of various descriptions throng the avenues. Broad drives, and fair promenades in visiting the garden, library, church, and other buildings evince the proud satisfaction they feel in so noble and beau- tiful a home having been provided for the nation's 180 THE NATIONAL HOME FOR defenders. The ladies of the Christian Association of Dayton also attend weekly with music and read- ing for the blind. Various military and civic organizations come in a body, and distinguished actors, musicians, and lecturers generously enter- tain and instruct the inmates. Some of these pleasant visits that have transpired within the past two or three years we now propose briefly to describe. PIONEERS OF THE MIAMI VALLEY The pioneers' reunion held at the Soldiers' Home was one of the notable events of the period. On no other occasion of the kind have so many of the early settlers in this section of the state been brought face to face for the enjoyment of social life. At 11:30 A. M. the pioneers assembled at the chapel of the Home, which was densely crowded. John D. Caldwell, Esq., of Cincinnati, secretary of the Hamilton County Pioneer Association, called the meeting to order. Judge D. K. Este, of Cincin- nati, a pioneer of eighty-eight years, was chosen chairman, and Robert W. Steele, of Dayton, sec- retary. Before the organization the audience joined in singing " Praise God, from whom all blessings flow," to the tune of Old Hundred, which is in- DISABLED VOLUNTEER SOLDIERS. 181 separably connected with the words. Then fol- lowed the invocation by Rev. D. Winters, chap- lain of the Montgomery County Pioneer Associ- ation. After the election of officers Hon. L. B. Gunckel, resident manager, made the following address of welcome on behalf of the Home : "It happens that I am the oldest person officially con- nected with the Soldiers' Home who was born in this county, and for that reason have been selected to welcome the pi- oneers of Hamilton, Butler, Darke, and Montgomery. The veterans of the Home, now numbering near two thousand, like all soldiers and gentlemen (the veterans are both), re- spect old age, especially honorable old age, such as they know yours to be. They know full well the privations and sufferings, the courage, industry, and economy of the pioneer men and women which have been required to make the Miami valley what it is the most beautiful in the world. They respect, honor, love you, and instruct me to make the welcome as strong and as hearty as words can make it, and I do not know how I can do it better than to say our welcome is of the real old-fashioned kind. It is not without reason that older people complain that modern politeness is formal, cold, and heartless, and fashionable welcomes too often mere lip-service. So I repeat, we mean ours to be an old- fashioned welcome one which comes from the heart and shows itself in the hearty grip of the hand, such shakes as made old General Harrison, in 1840, wish he had no hands at all. We want our welcome to be just such as would have been extended to you, at this very place, sixty years ago the latch-string of the log-cabin out, a place for you around the open log-fire, and an invitation to share the corn-dodger and hard-cider. So we gladly extend to you the freedom and hospitality of the Soldiers' Home. " But before clcsing I beg to introduce a few of our ' boys in blue ; ' the oldest ninety-four, and the youngest ' the child of the regiment' only forty-eight! They are veterans of the war of 1812. By the original act establishing these homes, such soldiers only were admissible as had been dis- abled in the war of the rebellion. But it seemed so unjust 182 THE NATIONAL HOME FOR to exclude those who had fought and been disabled under General Jackson in the South, under General Harrison in the Northwest, and under General Scott in Mexico, that con- gress amended the act and admitted these noble old veterans on the same terms as the others. Their history is remark- able. Some of them have distinguished themselves in European as well as American wars. One was in thirty-one general engagements, and wounded five times ; another in twenty-five general engagements and never received even a scratch; another went through twenty-one battles un- harmed, but only to be wounded at Fort Donaldson. One entered the French service when twelve years old ; another at his birth. His father was a French soldier; he was born in camp, and at once entered on the army rolls ; but whether with or without 'back pay' I can not say." This was a very interesting feature of the oc- casion, and as the old soldiers were presented they were received with hearty applause. Benjamin Lereaux, aged ninety-four, served in the war of 1812, and fought at Lundy's Lane, Pittsburgh, and Chippewa. Thomas Maddox, aged ninety-five, a volunteer of 1812, was at the defense of Baltimore. Ira Anderson, eighty-two, a veteran of 1812. Amen Clark, seventy-eight, a veteran of 1812. John Manz, seventy- three, enlisted in the French army as a bugler at the age of twelve ; was bugler for Napoleon's body-guard at Waterloo, and was taken prisoner; afterward served for seventeen years in the army of Holland ; emigrated to the' United States in 1850, and served two years in the war of the rebellion ; was discharged on ac-l count of the loss of his eyesight. *',-,* DISABLED VOLUNTEER SOLDIERS. ^7^83 ^ Adolph Grimm, aged eighty-seven, fought in the battles of Leipsic, Waterloo, and Katzbach, and served two years in the American army. Edward Milton, aged seventy-five, was forty- three years in military service, and forty years a non-commissioned officer ; served under General Harney in the Seminole war, and helped to capt- ure Wild Cat, the Seminole chief; was with Captain Bonneville in his Rocky Mountain ex- plorations. Benning Wentworth, who weighs almost three hundred, was pleasantly introduced as the child of the regiment. He is only forty-eight, and served with credit through the war of the re- bellion. Charles Schaffter, sixty-six years, was born a soldier with the French army, in the field. His name was entered on the army roll on the day of his birth, and he received the regular pay, rations, and clothing allotted to the adult soldier. He served in the Union army during the continuance of the rebellion. John W. Bayz, a veteran of only fifty-seven years, served twenty years in the regular army ; was in the Florida and Mexican wars, and did a good deal in fighting Indians in the West besides. He was on board the steamer San Francisco, with some four hundred soldiers, when she was wrecked 184 THE NATIONAL HOME FOR on her voyage to California. He was in thirty- one engagements, and received five wounds. Edward Kates, sixty-two, served nineteen years in the United States marine corps, and five years in the regular army ; was in the Mexican, Chinese, and Florida wara, and served five years in the Union army. He was in twenty-two engage- ments. J. C. Lamb, forty-seven, for fifteen years in the navy; served in the Mexican and Chinese wars; was under fire in twenty-five general engagements. VISIT OF GOVERNOR ALLENSOLDIERS' REUNION. The reunion and basket picnic of the one hun- dred and tenth, ninety-fourth, seventy-first, and forty-fourth Ohio regiments at the Soldiers' Home drew together a larger crowd than has here- tofore assembled on a similar occasion. The reg- iments were all represented, all the surviving members of several companies being present, and they were accompanied by vast crowds of people of both sexes. It is estimated that fully five thousand persons were brought to the city by the railroads, who, with the citizens of Dayton that went out to the Home, made a vast multitude. Every addition that could be made to the means of transportation to theJEEome was brought into requisition. Extra cars were put on the Third '^^ii^" 1 14 DISABLED VOLUNTEER SOLDIERS. 185 f*-" **' Street route, and the street was thronged with express-wagons, omnibusses, and carriages, but still numbers of people were compelled to walk. It was like a Fourth of July scene on the grounds. The park, the wood, the lawns, and avenues were filled with people, here in groups, there in pairs,, and there again in crowds. Governor Allen, accompanied bj a number of prominent citizens of Dayton, arrived on the grounds at 11:00 A. M., and was received at head- quarters by Colonel E. F. Brown, governor of the Home, who conducted him to the speaker's stand. As the gubernatorial party ascended to the plat- form the Home Band struck up " Hail to the Chief," and the distinguished gentleman was greeted, with a spontaneous outburst of applause. Colonel Brown, on the part of the regiments on whose invitation Governor Allen was present, and also in behalf of the officers and men of the Home, delivered the address of welcome. GOVERNOR ALLEN'S SPEBCH. ' Governor Brown, citizens, and soldiers : This is one of the most agreeable days of my life, rendered so by the honor conferred upon me, by the kind reception tendered me by the officers and inmates of this institution, and the vast multitude before me. In passing my eye along the line of these structures, and over the beauty of these grounds with their ornaments, I know that every dollar appropriated by the Government for the Soldiers' Home has been hon- estly applied to the purpose that it was intended that pur- pose was to promote the happiness of that portion of the 186 THE NATIONAL HOME FOR community wounded in the war. The traveler in making the journey of the earth will find no institution like this. It is superior to any similar institution of other countries throughout the world. It was organized wisely and econom- ically and placed under the supervision of the ablest and purest citizens of the country and soldiers of the army. The men intrusted with this great work have been faithful to their trust, and have managed the affairs of the institu- tion so wisely and economically that it is an honor to the whole country; and it is a blessing to the wounded soldiers. They have done their duty well ; we see evidences of it here to-day. The Government has done no more than it was in honor bound to do ; it is our duty to provide for those who were disabled in defense of the country. This has been the policy of all governments in ancient and modern times. In the ages of antiquity the disabled soldiers were taken care of. The Greeks carried this idea so far that they sent into exile seven of their victorious generals because they did not take time to bury their fallen soldiers even in the midst of a campaign. They would not accept such an ex- cuse as that. It is especially the duty of the United States to provide for her wounded soldiers. Here we have no large standing army; never shall as long as we remain free. We do not need them, because every man is a soldier and a patriot that has interest in the country. We keep a few soldiers to occupy the forts and to keep the Indians in check on the frontier; but we do not keep any to bayonet unof- fending citizens to the ground." At the meetings held by the several regiments, resolutions were passed tendering their thanks to Governor Brown and the officers and men of the Soldiers' Home. This proceeding was highly appropriate, for Governor Brown and his sub- ordinates were untiring in their attentions to the visitors. They accompanied them about the grounds, pointed out the objects of interest, and in every way they could extended a soldier's kindly greeting to a soldier* DISABLED VOLUNTEER SOLDIERS. 187 GENERAL HOOKER'S VISIT TO THE HOME. Seldom has a more spontaneous and general outburst of enthusiasm ever been witnessed at the Home than that displayed on the occasion of General Hooker's visit to the disabled soldiers. The general, accompanied by Major-general Wood and Manager Gunckel, of Dayton, arrived at the asylum at 10 o'clock A. M., and was met at the gate (the entrance to the asylum grounds) by Colonel E. F. Brown, governor of the institution, accompanied by the celebrated Home Band. The party was escorted up the avenue leading to the institution by the band, the guns on the parade- ground at the same time firing a military salute in honor of the distinguished visitor. In front of head- quarters was erected a triumphal arch deco- rated with evergreens, bearing the inscription, " Welcome to General Hooker, the hero of Look- out Mountain." As the carriage drove along the lawn in front of the barracks, where nearly all the soldiers able to leave their quarters were as- sembled, cheer after cheer rent the air as he passed along the line. The formal reception was advertised to take place in Music Hall, and as soon as the doors were opened, it was quickly filled to overflowing, every available spot for standing-room being occupied. The general's appearance on the stage in the 188 THE NATIONAL HOME FOR hall was greeted with enthusiastic applause, dur- ing which the band struck up " Sherman's March through Georgia." He was introduced to the* audience by the governor, Colonel E. F. Brown, who, after referring briefly to his distinguished services in the army in connection with the vet- erans before him, in behalf of the Board of Man- agers, officers, and inmates of the institution bade him a hearty welcome. The general on rising to his feet was once again greeted with three times three by the " boys," nearly all rising to their feet by general impulse. He was evidently taken by surprise by the cordial welcome extended to him on all hands, and exhibited slight embarrassment and no small degree of emotion, but controlled himself sufficiently to reply in an eloquent and appropriate address, during the delivery of which he was frequently interrupted by applause and laughter. At the close of the exercises a large crowd of soldiers lingered outside the hall, where he was again welcomed by expressions of love and respect ; indeed, it appeared to an observer as if the enthusiasm of the veterans was only restrained out of sympathy for the general himself, on be- holding his present physical condition. BIG INJINS AT THE HOME THE PIPE OF PEACE SMOKED AND GRAND POWWOW GENERALLY. On the afternoon of April 18th, 1871, the mem- DISABLED VOLUNTEER SOLDIERS. 189 bers of the Great Council of the Improved Order of Red Men visited the Soldiers' Home, and were met at the gate by the courteous officers of that institution, armed with tomahawks. The pipe of peace was smoked, when the Red Men were capt- ured and taken in charge by the officers. A very interesting welcome address was delivered by Chaplain Earnshaw and responded to by the great chief of records, Betts. The visitors were highly delighted with their visit, and unanimously voted the officers of the Home as whole-souled and genial gentlemen, and congratulated the inmates that such true-hearted men were permitted to contribute to their happiness in their unfortunate condition. GENERAL SHERMAN'S VISIT TO THE HOME .ON DECORATION-DAY, MAY 30, 1870. General Sherman arrived at 6:00 A. M., and pro- ceeded to the residence of J. W. Stoddard, Esq., where he was entertained. By eight o'clock crowds of persons had taken up the line of march from the city and country to the Home, crowding the dusty highways. At 9:30 A. M. General Sherman, accompanied by Mr. Stoddard and Hon. L. B. Gunckel, ar- rived at the grounds, where the General of the army of the United States was received with military honors. 190 THE NATIONAL HOME FOR A graceful triple arch spanned the gate, in- scribed in front, " Honor to the Brave ! WELCOME SHERMAN! From Atlanta to the Sea!" On the other side, " In memory of our Fallen Comrades." Following the Soldiers' Home Band, and es- corted by a guard of honor, General Sherman proceeded to the Home. Passing the battery he was greeted with the customary general's salute, and in front of head- quarters struck the head of the line of veterans drawn up in form to receive him, the orphans of soldiers from the Home at Xenia on the extreme left, the firemen of the Home with their gay uniforms and shining ap- paratus on the right. Rising, with his head un- covered, General Sherman saluted the veterans and proceeded to Music Hall. The ceremonies there were brief. The soldiers' orphans from the Home at Xenia occupied the right of the hall, the G. A. R. the center, and the veterans, with a few civilians, filled the remaining space. On the stage was Resident Manager Gunckel, General Sherman, Lieutenant-governor Lee, Major-general T. J. Wood, Major-general W. H. Gibson, Chaplains Byers and Earnshaw, DISABLED VOLUNTEER SOLDIERS. 191 Rev. W. W. Ramsey, Rev. R. A. Sawyer, Rev. J.R.Hughes, and others. General Sherman was greeted warmly by the veterans who recognized him at once. Hon. L. B. Gunckel, with his usual good taste and lispatch, promptly arose and said: " It was related that a gentleman once kindly offered to in- troduce an old French soldier to Napoleon. 'Thank you,' said the veteran, who had followed Napoleon through all his campaigns, ' thank you, but we've seen each other before /' He said he would not repeat that mistake by presuming to introduce their distinguished guest, General Sherman, to his own soldiers ,- they had met each other before. He simply de- sired in behalf of the veterans and of the officers and man- agers to thank General Sherman, that on a day observed all over the country, when a hundred cities would have been proud to have claimed him as their guest, he had chosen to come back to his old soldiers and unite with them in doing honor to the memory of their fallen comrades. Because these veterans had loved him as their leader, and now they had reason to love him as their friend, they bid him a wel- come a thousand times welcome to their home." After the applause had subsided, General Sher- man arose and addressed himself to his " old com- rades" and the assembly. He told them that he did not come to make speeches to them, because he knew that others had prepared for that; but he came to see how the old soldiers were getting along ; to see whether his country and his coun- trymen were doing their duty by those who had served them faithfully; whether the country was doing justice to the old soldiers. Even the short time he had been there had justified his hopes. 192 THE NATIONAL HOME FOR He would say that from his observations that if there is a predominant feeling in the country, it is that the old soldiers who suffered for their country should spend the rest of their days happily ; that, they should have the best compensation that a grateful country could wisely and justly offer them. This is no charity, but only what the veterans have a right to demand ; and to get this they have only to ask it. It was pleasant to him to feel as- sured that he could now go elsewhere and tell other old soldiers how happy the veterans are at your beautiful home. General Sherman proceeded to speak of the expenditures of the Government at the present time for pensions, and in other ways for the benefit of soldiers, his remarks be- ing perfectly soldierly, and in marked contrast with the ordinary political rhetoric of the times upon such occasions. He proceeded to reiterate that no patriot ever thought of the military asy- lums as a charity, but as a matter of justice to men who had sacrificed everything for the flag. And this entitled them to demand just what they have at the Home. It was a proud thought to him that no demand had been made; but the country had not only fulfilled its contract with the soldiers, but it had manifested a sense of honor which is above all contracts". General Sherman now briefly and eloquently touched on the past, which, he said, DISABLED VOLUNTEER SOLDIERS. 193 he dare not venture upon, for lie knew not where it would take him. The inscriptions about the halls, names of many great battles, re-called scenes and incidents which fill a soldier's heart; things worthy of perpetual remembrance ; things which can not be forgotten; things and incidents and scenes that will bind our hearts and our Union together forever and ever. (Applause.) Colonel Brown now announced that after a song by the sol dies' orphans they would repair to the cemetery; and at the word of command by Mr. Cooper, a merchant of Xenia, eighty-three little fellows, girls and boys, led by a lad of thirteen or fourteen, sung " Ked, "White, and Blue,' 5 with cheerful voices, and in excellent time and measure. The procession to the cemetery was under com- mand of Colonel Brown, and formed in the fol- lowing order: 1. Music; 2. Military escort of General Sherman; 3. Grand Army; 4. Soldiers' orphans; 5. Orator (General W. H. Gibson), Chaplain Earnshaw, invited guests, and veterans ; 6. Citizens and fire department ot the Home. This formed a picturesque pageant passing through the pleasant grounds and groves to the cemetery, into which none passed but the orphans, guests, orators, decorative committees, and a com- pany of veterans with the full equipments of sol- diers The great crowd of citizens encircled the 194: THE NATIONAL HOME FOR quiet forest cemetery, outside a cordon of solemn veterans, who contemplated the one hundred and twelve grassy graves before them with serious mien. In the center stood General Sherman and a group of guests surrounded by soldiers' or- phans. A broken cannon, wreathed with memo- rial flowers, formed a pretty perspective to the striking tableau. A touching and beautiful prayer was offered by Eev. R. A. Sawyer, of the Third Street Pres- byterian church, when the following graceful and pathetic opening address was delivered by Chap- lain Earnshaw : General Sherman, ladies, and gentlemen : In the name and behalf of Veteran Post No. 5, G. A. R., I greet you on these sacred grounds. You come here by invitation to join us in paying a tearful tribute, expressed in the beautiful and touching language of flowers, to the memory of the gallant dead whose sacred dust lies here under our guardianship. The peculiar relation the men who sleep beneath these grassy mounds sustains to our country calls for services some- what extraordinary. When the "war of five hundred bat- tles" closed these men, unlike tens of thousands, had no happy home to go to and there receive the welcome plaudits, and have placed on their brows the victor's laurels by the fair hands of admiring loved ones. They had fought as bravely, and surely they had suffered as much as others ; but not un- til this great republic had spread her grateful and protecting wings over them and threw her mighty arms around them by means of this great national institution, did they feel that they had found a resting-place for their tired and scattered bodies a home and a peaceful place in which to die. It is proper then that you, kind friends, should take the places of father and mother, brother and sister, in the sol- emn ceremonies held here to-day. And how strikingly and affectingly appropriate it is that these dear little orphans, DISABLED VOLUNTEER SOLDIERS. 195 whose fathers' graves are this hour receiving similar honors on distant southern battle-fields, should be the ones selected to-day to lay our hearts' tribute on the breasts of these sleep- ing heroes. And it is eminently fitting that the illustrious commander of our armies should make a pilgrimage from the center of the government to this place of all others in the land, thereby showing how his great heart can love and revere the memory of our gallant dead. Since our organization three years ago we have stood by to see one hundred and forty of our comrades " mustered out" of service on earth for "promotion," we trust, in the "army of heaven." And here are their graves. Let us with full hearts do them honor, ever remembering how cheerfully they buckled on their country's armor, and how they stood by the dear "old flag; " how they lingered and suffered for years ere they were permitted to die. " May their patriotism and their deeds of valor live forever." The tableau of strewing flowers upon the graves was very beautiful and impressive, and the moral irresistible. General Shermau afterward spoke ot it as a scene to make patriots and soldiers. Colonel Brown, governor of the Home, advanced and said that while General Sherman had re- fused to speak, he knew he would upon demand ; and presently the requisition was so mandatory that refusal was out of the question. General Sherman said again that he did not visit the Home to make speeches, but he had been gratified beyond measure to visit this beautiful place. It had surprised him. He had not antic- ipated what he saw. It was gracious in the sight of man, and he doubted not it was so in the sight of God. The scenes and incidents of the day were very beautiful. They were grateful to an old 196 THE NATIONAL HOME FOR soldier. He was sure that all the veterans before him would feel better to know that after he dies some sweet little child the child of some brave soldier would strew his grave with flowers in memory of the good deeds he had done. He knew that he felt better when such thoughts came to him as they did now. The moral lesson was forc- ible. It impressed the mothers and these fathers about us. It enkindled patriotism ; it made sol- diers for future wars. It was beautiful to be under the influence of scenes like this. These beautiful beeches, which were not new to him because he had been familiar with them for fifty years and more, and not very far from this place, for he was born and raised in Ohio, he said, were the best temples for thought and free intercourse better far than churches surmounted by the tallest steeples. It had been well said that the groves were God's first temples. The General then addressed himself more di- rectly to the soldiers. He knew they felt kindly toward him. They had been together in times that tried men. They had been true to each other, and God knows they had tried to be true to each other. They had been together amid scenes which knit men to each other. No other men knew how they feel. No other men knew how worthy their deeds are of perpetual remem- DISABLED VOLUNTEER SOLDIERS. 197 brance. God forbid that we should have more war in his time; yet we may have war, and such scenes as have been witnessed to-day will make soldiers for our armies, for soldiers see that our countrymen are greatful and will redeem their promises. Again thanking the audience for their personal compliments to him, General Sherman bowed and retired, when after a benediction ot liev. Mr. Ramsey the audience dispersed, and the procession moved back to head-quarters where it was dismissed. General Sherman was now conducted through the new hospital and all the various departments of the Home, and then after a generous luncheon enjoyed by many others at Colonel Brown's quarters, he was conducted back to the city to par- ticipate in the decoration ceremonies of Dayton.. The visit of the General was very grateful to the old soldiers, so many of whom had served under his command in various fields, especially from Atlanta to the sea ; and he said it was es- pecially pleasant to him, because facts were pre- sented to him of which he did not dream. The Home was beautiful to him, worthy of the Gov- ernment, and reflects great credit upon those who have transformed it into an asylum of genuine beauty and thorough comfort. It was, in short, a fair redemption of fair promises to soldiers of the republic. 198 THE NATIONAL HOME FOR VISIT OF PRESIDENT GRANT, WIFE, AND DAUGH- TER, OCTOBER 3, 1871. Soon after one o'clock the President, accom- panied by Attorney-general Akerman, Hon. L. B. Guuckel, and General Wood, followed by visitors from a distance, the Dayton committee, and a long procession of carriages, proceeded rapidly to the Soldiers' Home in a cloud of dust that utterly prevented sight-seeing. At the gate of the Home sentries were on guard as in camp, and presented arms upon the approach of the commander-in-chief. So all the wa} r up the grand avenue. As the procession approached the battery a thundering salute of twenty-one guns was fired ; the band played " Hail to the Chief," and afterward, " The Conquering Hero Conies." Turning the corner at head-quarters a thousand veterans were seen drawn up in accurate line upon the parade-ground, officers in front, as on dress- parade. The carriages passed through an arch inscribed : WELCOME TO THE PRESIDENT. Vicksburg and Appomattox. The arch was crowned with a portrait of the president, and guards were on the top and at the base on either side, making a striking tableau. DISABLED VOLUNTEER SOLDIERS. 199 The President and his company drew up and alighted in front of the colors, and after saluting the officers passed in review down the front and up between the lines which had assumed the open- order form. Afterward the President took po- sition on the right of the line and the veterans passed him in review, in columns of fours, to the chapel. "While the men were passing into the chapel the President was driven about the grounds. At about two o'clock the President appeared upon the platform of the chapel and was greeted with hearty applause. He sat upon the right, and was the object of unusual observation. Manager Gunckel, Attorney-general Akerman, Governor Brown, and others also, had seats upon the plat- form. Ladies were seated upon the right and left, and the auditorium was crowded with