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than I could talk of the war of the rebellion without the Stars and Stripes, and Grant and Sherman. When the history of this war shall be read, and its leaves turned over in sickening horror, the pure white pages that tell the story of the Commissions and kindred institutions, embracing in their arms the sick and wounded scattered over three thousand miles of army lines, supplying their spiritual and temporal wants, will be as oases in the desert and springs of water in a dry and thirsty land.

I would make honorable mention of still another association, the "Ladies' Relief Society of Philadelphia." It was an independent organization. Mrs. Judge Joel Jones was its president; Mrs. Stephen Colwell, treasurer; Mrs. Dr. Harris, secretary. The indefatigable Mrs. Harris represented this Society in the army, and carried blessings in her train. I was informed by its officers that almost unasked the monthly contribution of $1200 was paid into the treasury, and thus supplied materials for the continued work of the Society. Under the admirable management of such women it became a power for good to the suffering soldiers. The letters of Mrs. Dr. Harris, who writes as well as she works, have been published by the Society and extensively read. They are deeply interesting, and will well repay perusal.

The GOVERNORS of the North-western States threw themselves into the army work with an ardor that was as striking as any other feature of this remarkable war. They stumped their respective States to stimulate enlistments. Richard Yates, Governor of Illinois, achieved miracles in this respect, and then followed the brave boys to the field with sympathy, love, and assistance, and frequently visited them in person.

Governor Harvey, the beloved ruler of Wisconsin, found a watery grave at Pittsburg Landing, whither he had gone to watch over the interests of the Wisconsin soldiers; and his bereaved widow has, since his death, devoted her entire time to soldiers' interests. Governor Morton's careworn face, when I last met him at Vicksburg, revealed the secret of overtasked powers, that have since driven him to foreign lands to rest and recuperate. No need to multiply names. They are recorded in the nation's heart, and will adorn the page of history.

Each of these States had a Sanitary Commission called by its name, which undoubtedly rendered valuable assistance to the soldiers. During the last two years of the war there was an increased preference for the federal principle of the Sanitary Commission. Nevertheless, these State organizations were undoubtedly of value, and were the almoners of untold blessings. Has the world ever witnessed such a strife for benevolent organizations, and a field so thoroughly occupied, that none might be excused, or rather denied, the privilege of giving and working?

From the history of the great volunteer work for the army it must not be inferred that the government was lax or inefficient. On the contrary, it is the universal testimony of all who visited the field, and engaged in the work of the Commissions in the later years of the war, that the beneficence of the government to its army is without a parallel. Large as have been the gifts of the people through the various Commissions, they have not been a tithe of what this model government expended and bestowed upon her brave sick and wounded soldiers. The work of the Commissions was

BOARD OF TRADE OF CHICAGO.

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supplementary, and with their aid the spectacle of the hospitals, and the small percentum of deaths from wounds and sickness, astonished the scientific world. The quality and liberality of the soldiers' rations, and the comfort and character of their clothing and equipments, amazed all who beheld them, and were considered ample and satisfactory by the "rank and file" themselves. War is not romance, but terrible reality; and with all possible and actual ameliorations cannot be made comfortable. Of this none should complain, but bless God that so much relief was afforded.

I would not close this sketch of patriotic benevolent efforts without alluding to the noble action of the Board of Trade of the city of Chicago. That organization made its record in the city where I dwelt, and acted in concert with the North-western Branch of the U. S. Sanitary Commission with which I was identified; a sufficient explanation of the notice of a local and patriotic movement.

The Board of Trade and Mercantile Association of Chicago, acted on the principle, that those who did not enlist to fight, had work to do at home, in the way of giving time and money to the cause of the country. They resolved to assist the government by stimulating enlistments and forming regiments, pledging themselves to sustain these regiments while in the field, by special visitation and sanitary assistance, and by giving a certain monthly revenue to the soldiers' families at home. In this way they raised the 72d, 88th and 113th regiments of Illinois Volunteers, and two batteries -the Board of Trade and Mercantile batteries--and furnished each with a magnificent set of silk colors, which were rent in tatters, by ball and shell, and are now retained at the Chamber

of Commerce, as proud memorials of the brave men who upheld them. These regiments and batteries furnished three brevet-brigadiers, and large numbers of officers from their ranks.

For the various purposes of keeping an agent in the field, sending sanitary stores, vegetables, rubber blankets, etc., etc., this body raised over $100,000. In every exigency, the Board of Trade stood ready with its money and its influence, and on one day raised $3,600, to purchase vegetables for the army at Young's Point. The name of Col. John Hancock, its earnest president, became the watchword of vigilance, patriotism and liberality, and its list of members warmly seconded him in all his movements. One of its prominent members was elected colonel of the 72d regiment. With rare magnanimity and honesty, he declined the honor, on account of his limited military knowledge, and took the secondary place of Lieut.-colonel, which he held with great honor, till he lost a limb in the first assault on Vicksburg, May 19, 1864. This wound eventuated in his death. Few men have made a more honorable record, or been more widely mourned than Lieut.-Col. J. C. Wright. He was a brave officer and humble Christian, fond husband and father, and left not only a great breach in his regiment, but in the Church and family. The city of Chicago mourned his loss and paid reverence to his memory; and the Board of Trade may feel honored at having furnished from their number an officer so universally esteemed and deeply lamented. Its able and efficient secretary, Col. Beattie, has occupied an important place in its record, and with faithfulness and earnestness, used the influence of his official position to carry out its patriotic schemes.

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CHAPTER V.

The Woman's Council at Washington.-Resolutions voted.-NorthWestern work.-Visit to President Lincoln.-Soldiers' Home at Washington.-U. S. Sanitary Commission warehouses in Washington.-Douglas Hospital.-Convalescent camp incidents.-Too early removals from hospitals illustrated.-National buildings at Washington.-Long Bridge.-Martyrdom of Col. Ellsworth.

THE Woman's Council that met at Washington, November, 1862, was composed of women whose ability, carnestness, and self-sacrifice would have done honor to any organization. During its progress, full opportunity was given for free discussion and interchange of views. The presence and statements of Mr. Olmstead, General Secretary of the Commission; Dr. Newberry, Associate Secretary and Superintendent of the Western Department of the Commission; Mr. Knapp, Special Relief Agent; and Mr. Bloor, Corresponding Secretary, enabled us to profit by their wisdom and experience. A plan for associate managers, from the Boston Branch, had been prepared by Miss Abby May, submitted, and adopted before our arrival, as we had been detained by broken connections. When called upon for our opinion, we were obliged to say that the North-West was an independent, vigorous, and somewhat conceited scion of a noble stock; that she was rather impatient of strict rules, and had a prodigious fancy for doing things in her own way. Still we