REPORT OF INDIANA MILITARY AGENCIES, TO THE GOVERNOR. V REPORT OF INDIANA MILITARY AGENCIES. TO THE GOVERNOR. ^^. . 0^X«-^\ INDIANAPOLIS: W. R. HOLLOWAY, STATE PRINTER, 1865. .1 ^3 & 1 E P R T. Indiana Military Agency, \ Indianapolis, December , 1864. y 0. P. Morton, Governor of the State of Indiana : Sir : — I respectfully submit the following report of the India&a Military Agencies : Early in 1862, your department became aware of the fact that additional systematic aid for the soldiers, by the State, was an im- perative necessity. Accordingly, on the 10th of December, 1862, under your commission, I opened a Military Agency Office in this city, and similar offices were opened in several cities, where large bodies of Indiana soldiers were likely to be stationed, or to whoso hospitals they might be transferred. In Philadelphia, Penn., an office was opened, June 28th, 1862, by R. R. Corson, Esq., who makes a very efficient Agent. His attention to our sick and wounded has been untiring, as his reports accompany- ing this will 6how. July 10th, 1862, Col. Frank E. Howe, of New York, was desig- nated as Military Agent for that city, and while but few Indiana men have been sent there, Col. Howe has been attentive to their wants and all the duties appertaining to his position. Dr. Calvin J. Woods, of Centreville, Ind., was appointed Military Agent for Louisville, Ky., Oct. 27th, 1862, and at once opened an office at 540 Main street. This was a most important post in our army opperations. Hundreds of our men were daily passing through Louisville, and their wants were promptly and kind!y relieved by Dr. Woods and his faithful assistant, Jason Ham, Esq., who was sent to his aid, Dec. 13th, 1862. The amount of business transacted at this office was very large ; day and night it was besieged, yet these faith- ful men never grew weary in well doing. On the first of June, 1863, Dr. Woods resigned, and was succeeded by his assistant, Jason Ham, who is yet in charge of the office. Col. Ham has won great praise from all who have come in contact with him. His name is on the lips of all soldiers who pass through Louisville. Whether day or night, Col. Ham is ready to counsel or relieve soldiers or citizens, and help them on their way. On Dec. 6th, 1862, Dr. R. Bosworth was sent to Memphis, Tenn., to open an office there. Dr. B. had rendered the State efficient ser- vice as Traveling Sanitary Agent, and was well qualified to discharge the duties of Military Agent. The relief bestowed upon our sick and wounded was very great, and, until worn out, Dr. B. continued his labors, only yielding when prostrated by disease. He was succeeded by Dr. Geo. O. Jobes, of Randolph County, Ind., March 3, 1863, who has made a most faith- ful Military Agent. The Memphis office, under Dr. Jobes, is a model one. Ever at his post, kind, pleasant, and always ready to relieve the sufferer ; all go away satisfied and bless the State authorities for sending to them such a man as Dr. Jobes. The Nashville Agency was opened, Dec. 12th, 1862, by Dr. David Hutchison of Mooresville, Ind. Next to Louisville, this is the most important post in the south-west. Dr. Hutchison was energetic and efficient, always attentive to the private soldier, and kind to all. Being appointed Surgeon in the 30th Ind. Vols., he resigned the Military Agency, March 3d, 1863, and was succeeded by Capt. J. W. Scott, who had been in the office as Clerk for some time. Capt. Scott was very attentive and affable. He made the private soldier, as well as the officer, feel at home, while in his office, which became a resort for soldiers and citizens. Capt. Scott remained in charge until Oct. 27th, 1863, when he was succeeded by Col. Edward Shaw, who at this time fills the position most efficiently. The State is largely indebtedly to him for succeeding in obtaining transportation for our sanitary supplies to points soath of Nashville, and the ener- getic discharge of the duties of his office. He is constantly on duty, and ever looking to the relief of our suffering men. Maj. J. S. Wilson was appointed Military Agent Dec. 16,. 1862, and sent to Columbus, Ky., but, upon examination of the field, it was not deemed advisable to open an office there. He was then sent to St. Louis, Mo., January 10, 1863, where he opened an office and re- mained until August 1, 1863, when our sick being all removed the office was closed. On the 16th of Dec, 1863, Dr. J. E. McGaughey was appointed to again open an agency in St. Louis, and the office is yet open under his charge. Dr. McGaughey renders entire satisfaction in the dis- charge of his duties ; is attentive to all who command his services. Col. Phillip Hornbrook, of Evansville, was appointed January 10, 1863, to open an agency at that place, and is 'yet most efficiently conducting the duties of that office. No agent has a kinder heart or more willing mind in the relief of the suffering soldier, than Col. Hornbrook. In addition to his multi- tude of other duties, he has aided our soldiers very much in the collection of claims for back pay, bounties and pensions. The agency at Washington City was opened Feb. 20, 1863, by Rev. Isaac W. Montfort. He has been very energetic in attention to our men on the battlefield and in the hospitals, and has paid considerable attention to the collection of claims in favor of our soldiers. He was succeeded July 1, 1864, by Wm. H. DeMotte, Esq., of this city, Who is now in charge of that office, and makes a very efficient agent. Ever pleasant to the soldiers, always at his post, prompt, accurate, attentive and energetic in the discharge of his duties. In him the State is creditably represented at the capital. July 25, 1863, Col. C. F. Kimball was appointed and opened an office in Vicksburg, Miss. Shortly afterwards our troops were re- moved to New Orleans and Texas, leaving a very small force in Vicksburg. It was then deemed proper to transfer Col. Kimball to New Orleans, where, on the 29th of October, 1863, he opened an office and remained in charge until August, 1864. Col. Kimball was an energetic agent, and attentive to the wants of our soldiers. October 1, 1864, Dr. George W. New was appointed to the New Orleans agency, and immediately went forward to take charge of the office. Dr. New and his lady have had large experi- ence in the army, which qualifies them for this position, and undoubt- edly their duties will be well performed. Major James H. Turner, of Marion County, was appointed Military Agent November 24, 1863, and proceeded to Chattanooga, Tennessee. During the winter and spring the labors of his agency there were arduous. Surrounded by a large army, suffering for lack of sufficient supplies, the demands on the agency were very great. Maj. Turner most faithfully attended to his duties there up to September 1, 1864, when his services being required in this office he returned home. He was succeeded by Mr. Vincent Carter, of Morgan County, Indiana. Mr. Carter having been himself a soldier, "well knows the wants of a soldier, and is prompt to render any aid required by our suffering men. The State has a faithful agent in Mr. Carter. An agency was also opened in Kcokuck, Iowa, March 7, 1863, by Mr. E. K. Hart, formerly a citizen of Indiana, to whose large hospi- tals it was understood a great number of Indiana sick and wounded would be taken, but as very few of our soldiers were sent there the agency was soon discontinued. The narration of the multifarious duties, of these agencies, will be found in the frequent reports which accompany this report. I shall refer only to those matters of more prominent importance. RECORD FOR INFORMATION. At every agency, books are opened in which are recorded the names of all Indiana soldiers, sick or wounded, in general or field hospitals, in the vicinity of the agency, giving the character of the disease or wound, and condition of the patient from time to time, until the sol- dier returns to duty, is furloughed, discharged or dies. Copies of this record are regularly sent to the Central Agency here, and afford a speedy means of satisfactorily answering the numerous inquiries regarding relatives in the army. After a battle, the Agent in whose district it occurs, takes immediate steps to ascertain the names of the killed and wounded of Indiana regiments. These lists are recorded at his own office, and transmitted for record here. These records have become a source of great interest to thousands of friends, who are looking with anxious hearts to find some clue to long lost sons, brothers, husbands and fathers. ANSWERS TO INQUIRIES. In addition to the large amount of correspondence between the central and the other agencies, each agency has a great number of letters of inquiry to answer daily. The records of the office are frequently sufficient, after diligent search, to supply the desired information ; but often the agent must needs go to other offices, hospitals, or encampments, for the knowledge wanted ; and whether it be from soldiers' friends at home, from men in the ranks or offi- cers, the business of the State Agent is to search every source of information to the end that correspondents may obtain a full and correct answer. This method of obtaining information saves the people of the State much time and expense, and all the perplexities and dangers of long journeys towards the front. CALLS OF PRIVATE SOLDIERS. Particular attention has been given at all times to calls of private, soldiers. Men in hospitals, camps, or returning to or from their regiments, make frequent calls upon the State Agents for informa- tion, for little comforts unknown to army regulations, or for special transportation ; and these are freely given in all worthy cases. Con- valescent soldiers gather in to the agency daily, to learn the news, or read home papers, and are always welcome. AID TO SICK AND WOUNDED SOLDIERS. Hospitals are visited frequently, and the necessities of our men supplied, changes noted, and mismanagement reported. Reading matter is often furnished, newspapers, tracts, hymn-books, and books which have been donated. After a battle, if the agent is located near the scene of the engagement he goes at once to render all pos- sible aid. Our agent at Washington City writes as follows in rela- tion to the work : " After the battle of Ohancellorsville, many packages of sanitary stores were taken to the front, and distributed among our wounded. The assortment consisted of dressings, shirts, drawers, socks, towels, fruit, corn meal, crackers and wine. Packages of brandy, jellies and crackers, furnished by a friend in Philadelphia, were added to the assortment. These stores were taken to division hospitals, where our men were found, and distributed to them." And again he says : " On the 5th of July, accompanied by five assistants, a start was made for the battle field of Gettysburg, which was reached on the morning of the 6th, having traveled twenty-nine miles by wagon after leaving the railroad. In these wagons, with stores and two of our company in each, we separated for different hospitals. Over the whole line of the road the slightly wounded were passing, making their way tj the nearest railroad depot, twenty-nine miles distant. " Wounds were dressed and dressing furnished during the whole day. The suffering on the battle field beggars description, and was greatly increased on account of the lack of supplies. " We were the first to reach the field, -with stores, and several days in advance of the usual medical supplies. Never were visitors more welcome, relief never more timely. We parceled out a large quan- tity of dressings, shirts, drawers and socks. Several wagon loads of provisions were gathered from various sources, suitable for the wounded, and were distributed among the needy. Two weeks were spent in these hospitals." TRANSPORTATION. Our agents daily find soldiers who for months have been wasting away with disease, or suffering from wounds, and who have received no pay, but are furloughed or discharged and without the means of getting home. Such men are supplied with our Indiana military pass. The gratitude of their hearts, for this favor, knows no bounds. Again, a wife, mother or sister seeks some dear friend who has been wounded, while fighting for the old flag, but is destitute of the means of reaching the desired hospital or camp, where they may minister to the sufferer. In such cases we extend the aid of a State military ticket. These passes are given to surgeons and nurses, hastening to the battle fields or hospitals, also, to Sanitary Agents and occasionally to refugees. They are issued with great caution, and only to those engaged in charitable offices, to our suffering sol- diers, and a few such destitute persons as military necessities has driven northward. The exact number of these passes issued, up to this time, is as fol- lows : Soldiers, 3,053 ; to soldiers', wives, 509 ; to Sanitary Agents, 339; to nurses, 222; to special surgeons, 106; to Military Agents, 154 ; to refugees, 109. Total number, 4,542. The average cost of these passes to the State will not exceed two dollars. It is believed that the Federal Government will finally re-imburse the State for its outlay, in all these cases, but this question does not now enter into the consideration of the subject, for the necessities of the hour demand the outlays. ATTORNEYS FOR SOLDIERS. There has sprung up, all over the country, in every city and town, a host of " soldiers' claim agencies," some of them, no doubt, hon- estly managed, but many of them organized for the purpose of " fleecing " the soldier or his heirs, by exhorbitant charges, by pur- 9 chase of claims at enormous discount, or by stealing the entire claim. Your instructions to Military Agents to attend to collections, and other business of this character, for soldiers, free of charge, is one of the greatest blessings you could have conferred upon the soldiers and their heirs. One agent cites a number of cases to show how the soldiers are swindled. I quote as follows : A soldier writes, " Before I left Washington I employed a lawyer to collect my pay, and paid him five dollars. It has now been six months, and others, who applied at the same time, have long since got their pay. I wrote to the lawyer several times, but have got no answer." Upon examination this case was found to be a clear swindle. Another writes : " I employed some men at the capitol to get my bounty, and was to pay them twenty-five dollars." This, of course, was an outrageous charge, even if the work should otherwice be done honestly. In another case, in which the claimant seemed to have some fears that all was not right, it was found, on examination, that a certificate for pay had been issued some six months before, but certificate and attorney were both gone. These and many similar cases of fraud and extortion, show that a great necessity exists for the protection you have, in this matter, thrown around the widow and orphan of deceased soldiers, as well as the uninformed soldier himself. This a ork has greatly increased the labor in the offices of all the agencies, and will increase it yet more when the public are more generally informed that the Military Agents give attention to this business as well as every thing else that can benefit the soldier or his friends, free of charge. TRANSMISSION OF SOLDIERS' MONEY. Thousands of dollars are saved and securely transmitted by the soldiers in the field through this channel, to their friends at home. The agent at Evansville writes that over one hundred thousand dollars have been paid over by him to the families of soldiers which has been sent home through the Military Agencies. TRANSFER OF SANITARY GOODS. In the transfer of sanitary goods, from one point to another in the south, Military Agents perform an important service, in promptly and efficiently dispatching goods. 10 REMOVAL OF SICK AND WOUNDED. The Military Agent is considered the soldier's guardian, he is always ready to perform any service which may benefit the soldier. He assists in conveying the sick and wounded from one depot to another or to and from the hotel and steamboat, or from one hospital to another where his companions may be. The agent at Louisville writes that the ambulance sent him by Governor Morton aids admirably in this labor of love. He also says that, as his office has been located for so long a time at one place its location is well known, and scarcely a night passes but that he is called up to render assistance to soldiers or citizens passing through that city. MEMORIALS OF THE DEAD SENT HOME. Memorials of the dead are hunted up, preserved and sent to friends at home. These are obtained in various ways, from the hand of the dying man or from ids person at burial ; from the company officers or from Government sales, if not previously secured. Hundreds of knapsacks have been returned to this office through the Military Agencies and delivered to anxious friends. Many are the applications we have had to obtain, if possible, some keep-sake of the patriot dead, and in many instances we have been successful, much to our own satisfaction and the unspeakable joy of the recipient. Application has been made to the War Department for a general order returning to the State Agents the efFects of deceased soldiers, instead of selling them at public sale, and we have strong hopes that such a humane request will eventually be granted, and then much of the difficulty now in the way of obtaining these sacred relics will be obviated. RECORD OF GRAVES. Records are.preserved at each agency, not only of the names and regiments of Indiana soldiers who have died at the hospital in the vicinity, but also of the place of burial and the number of the grave, so that at any time friends may obtain the bodies of their loved and lost ones. In the work of shipping bodies home the agent performs a kind office for mourning and disconsolate friends. 11 WRITING LETTERS FOR SOLDIERS. The neglect of furnishing descriptive rolls to the hospital patients by their officers, has produced much labor for all our agents in cor- respondence. The agent at Evansville writes, that in November T " twenty-seven descriptive rolls were written for, and twelve applica- tions made for back pay and bounty." SOLDIERS iND CITIZENS OF OTHER STATES ASSISTED. The benefits of these agencies are not confined exclusively to our own State, as cases will arise where humanity demands that soldiers of other States shall be assisted. Our Agent at Memphis writes, that he has assisted numbers of men from other States. He says, ** whenever a poor, sick soldier comes to me and asks a pittance to aid him in reaching his home and rejoining the friends he loves, where northern air and northern scenery may restore to health and vigor his wasted frame, if it is in my power to assist, I cannot deny." The Agents at Louisville and Nashville write, that it i3 an every day occurrance for them to render aid in the way of information and otherwise to the soldiers and citizens of other States. AID TO FEMALE NURSES. Aid rendered to female nurseB sent, from home to the hospitals is of vast importance. These self-sacraficing women are met at the depot or steamboat landing, and directed to their several fields of usefulness, and are encouraged and sustained in their ministrations of mercy. The Memphis Agent writes: "As auxiliaries in the discharge of the duties of this office, they have rendered me invalu- able assistance, but to the sick and wounded soldiers in the wards,, their services have been invaluable. Their delicate skill in the prep- aration of diets, their watchful attention to the slightest want, their words of sympathy and encouragement have made the hospital a home ; and in hundreds of instances have quite lured the sufferer back from death into life." GRATITUDE OF THE SOLDIERS. The experience of all the Agents is the same on this point. There is a heartfelt thankfulness on the part of the soldier who is aided by our efforts. He glories in boasting that he is from Indiana. He expresses the most emphatic praise of her noble Governor* The 12 •effect of the kind care exercised in behalf of our soldiers, is noticed .n the field as well as in the hospital, and a State pride as well as a national patriotism swells the soldiers heart and inspires the noblest courage and endurance. CLOSING ^REMARK. The benefits resulting from the establishment of these agencies cannot be computed in dollars and cents. An amount of suffering impossible to approximate has been prevented and the lives of thousands of our brave men have been saved. Tne officers of the array are inclined to give paramount import- ance to "Army Regulations," and what is not found there is of little consequence in their estimation. It has been with no little dif- ficulty that the several great charities of the war have been estab- lished. But the Sanitary, the Freedman's and the Christian Commissions have become necessary institutions, and in their respective fields, are of incalculable value. The Military Agencies perform a distinctive work as philanthropic as any one of the organizations named, and while the charity of a generous public sustains the others, the bur- dens of this fall equally upon all, and our noble State is crowned with the wreath of glory this system has woven. All of which is respectfully submitted. WM. HANNAMAN, Indiana Military Agent. REPORTS OF AGENTS, CEICAMAUGA. REPORT OF DR. G. W. CLIPPINGER, SEPTEMBER, 1863. Gov. 0. P. Morton : Sir : I would respectfully submit the following report : In obedience with instructions, I left Indianapolis, Ind., on the evening of the 21st Sept., 1863, for Chattanooga, Tenn., having in company and charge twelve other special surgeons. We arrived at Bridgeport Alabama, on the 23d inst. Here Acting Medical Direc- tor Surgeon Salter had detailed Drs. Davis, Sparks and Ward, of my company, to assist in dressing and forwarding to Nashville the wounded arriving from the front. On the 24th inst., we started for Chattanooga from Bridgeport, arriving there on the night of the 24th inst. As soon as arrived, Dr. Myers, of the 72d Reg't Ind. Vols.,. and Dr. Mendenhall, also of my party, were assigned the care of some fifty sick cavalrymen. On the morning of the 27th inst., I had the honor to report in person to Major General Rosecrans, who referred me to his Medical Director, Dr. Perrin. This gentleman assured me, that, in consequence of so large a portion of the wounded having been sent tc Nashville, our services would not be immediately necessary ; but expressed a wish that we should remain until we learned if a flag of truce would be entertained, and under it our wounded obtained. On the 28th the flag was successful, and some two hundred ambulances having been sent early on the morning of the 29th inst., I left at the field hospital, Chattanooga, Drs. Fahne- stock, Hamilton, Cox, Myers and Ong, they having reported them- selves ready for duty if their services were required when the wounded arrived from within the^enemy's lines. Having on the 28th 14 and 29th visited, as my time admitted, the various division hospitals composing the general field hospital of Chattanooga, and having obtained from Gen. Rosecrans and Dr. Pen-in a promise to send home «.s rapidly as the necessary papers could be made out, our wounded, rhat could be sent without injury to them and the service, I left the front on my return home, arriving at Indianapolis on the 3d of Octo- ber, 1863. It is due the Medical officers of the Army of the Cumberland to state that they exhibited great energy and dispatch in caring for the wounded in their hands, and, as far as practicable, caring for those left within the enemy's lines, a large number of surgeons remain- ing voluntarily as prisoners to attend upon the wounded left on the battle field, retaining for the use of these a reasonable supply of the necessary stores. Of the 2,865 wounded sent to Bridgeport, a distance of fifty or more miles, but one died on the trip. Here they were dressed and supplied food, and then proceeded by rail to Nashville. The following division hospitals of the general field hospital, oppo- site Chattanooga, were severally visited and inspected : Wood's division, Surgeon W. W. Blair in charge — Patients 160 " « " " " *< 6o Palmer's " " Sherman " " 153 3d " " Tailer " " 150 Besides the above, a number of other hospitals, containing fewer patients, were visited, in all of which, I am happy to state, the wounded were doing unusually well, and the surgeons in charge were unwearying in constant attention to their several charges. The San- itary agents, Messrs. Ham, at Louisville, Ky., and Scott, at Nash- ville, Tenn., were prompt in rendering what assistance they could in hurrying us to the front, and also in forwarding the stores intrusted them. My party was the first, by several days, to reach Chatta- nooga, and the energy of Capt. Scott secured for his stores prece- dence in obtaining transportation. The gentlemen composing my party were all that could be desired in special surgeons. I have the honor to be, Your most obedient servant, GEO. W. CLIPPINGER. 15 WASHINGTON AGENCY. REPORT OF REV. J. W. MONTFORT, AGENT, OCT. 1, 1863. Washington, D. C, Oct, 1, 1863. To His Excellency , 0. P. Morton, Governor of Indiana, Indianapolis, Ind. : Sir: — Monthly reports have heen sent from this office to the Department at Indianapolis, excepting for the month of August. I' embrace the first opportunity offered to furnish a full return of the workings of this agency to this date. HOSPITAL DEPARTMENT. There have been admitted to hospital, in this city, since the agency has come under its present charge, 690 sick and wounded soldiers of our State. Of these there have died 26 " been discharged 45 " left hospital on furlough 54 " returned to duty 123 " detailed in hospital 14 " deserted 6 " " " " transferred to other hospitals 325 Yet under treatment 97 690 A record is kept of those admitted, for the benefit of friends visit- ing here. The hospitals are visited the second and third weeks of each month, with reference to supplying the necessities of our men, and noting the changes as they occur among them. This work devolves upon Mr. Henry P. Lantz, clerk in this office, whose labors are worthy of being mentioned with approval. The hospitals of this city, as to appointments and management, are all that could be desired. No cause of complaint has at any time been found. The convalescents are our daily visitors, who gather in to learn the news of the army or peruse the home papers. 16 OTHER HOSPITALS. Beside the register of sick and wounded in hospitals, here, it has been found necessary to procure and keep on file lists of Indiana soldiers, in eastern hospitals. From these files we draw the follow- ing summary : ■ Fort Schuyler, N. Y., General Hospital 17 St. Josephs, " « " 5 Ladies' Home, New York 3 Newark, New Jersey, General Hospital 9 Mower, near Phil., " " 33 Cuyler, " « " 9 Nice Town, " " " ..., 13 SummitHouse, " " " 11 Broad street, " " " 6 Filburt " " " " 4 Satterlee'" " " " 78 York, Pa., " " 45 Gettysburg, " " " 46 Alexandria, Va., " " 26 Fairfax, " " " 9 Annapolis, Md., " " 63 St. John's, " " " 9 Camp Lattaman, Gettysburg, Pa., General Hospital 37 McKim, Baltimore, Md., " " 7 Jarvis, " " " " 16 West's Building, " " " " 2 Camden street, " " " " 11 Newton University, " " «< " 8 Patterson Park, " " " " 12 Total 479 These reports are to Sept. 1, 1863. Of these some have returned to duty, some have been furloughed and a few have died. It is not to be expected that all the changes occurring in these hospitals can be known here, as it is only to furnish a starting point for inquiry, that files are kept. Being in correspondence with these hospitals, however, there need be but little delay in tracing any one whose name appears upon the lists in this office. 17 CONVALESCENT CAM1\ i Frequent complaints having been made by our soldiers, in conva- lescent camp, near Alexandria, Va., in regard to their treatment, several visits have been made, to inquire after the causes of these complaints. Nothing was brought to light which could have justified the entering of charges or a complaint against the military command- ant, but more recently these complaints have increased, and the mat- ter has been brought to the notice of Col. Hoffman, Commissary of parolled prisoners. My acquaintance with this officer justifies the belief that " if there is a wrong it will be righted." Convalescents and parolled prisoners have more time for com- plaints than other soldiers. The former feel that the days of conva- lescence ought to be spent at home, the latter that their parole might be. For these reasons they are restless* SANITARY. The supply of sanitary stores has been well kept up. Every order upon the office at Indianapolis has been promptly met. The goods have been serviceable and come in good condition. CIIANCELLORSVILLEs After the battle of Chancellorsvilie, several packages were taken to the front and distributed among our wounded. The assortment consisted of dressings, shirts, drawers, socks, towels, fruit, corn meal, crackers and wine. Two packages of brandy, Jellies and crackers, furnished me by a friend in Philadelphia, were added to the assortment. These stores were taken to division hospitals, where our men were found, and distributed to them. In only one division hospital was there a surgeon from our State, in which case the stores were put into his charge and receipt taken. The supply of dressings, at one time, shortly after the battle of Chancellorsvilie, being very small, a lot was furnished one of the hospitals here, by request. GETTYSBURG. On the 5th of July, accompanied by five assistants, a start was made for the battle field of Gettysburg, which was reached on the morning of the 6th, having traveled by wagon 29 miles, after leaving the railroad. In these wagons, with two of our company and stores in each, we •■separated with instructions as to the corps hospitals they were respect- I. M. A. R.— 2 19 ively to visit. Over the whole line of the road the slightly wounded were passing, making their way to the nearest railroad depot, 29 miles distant. Wounds were dressed and dressings furnished during the whole day. The suffering, upon the battle field, beggars descrip- tion, and was greatly increased ojj account of the lack of supplies. We were the first to reach the field with sanitary stores, and sev- eral days in advance of the usual medical supply. Never were visit- ors more welcome, relief never more timely. Dressings were par- celled out to hundreds, and there can be no doubt that lives were saved by this timely visitation. Besides a large quantity of dress- ings about one hundred, each, of shirts and drawers, were supplied, and fifty pairs of socks. Several wagon loads of provisions were gathered from various sources, consisting of light bread, soda crack- ers, beef, mutton, chickens, butter, eggs, potatoes, &c, and were carried to the hospitals in which our wounded were. Two week:-' were spent in these hospitals. Could the " God bless you," of the wounded and dying, whose necessities were met in the distribution of our supplies, be echoed throughout the length and breadth of our State, there would follow such an ingathering of contributions as would require an order (novel in these days,) from our sanitary chief: " Let neither man nor woman make any more work for the ofFerini' of the Sanctuary. So the people were restrained from giving." For a more detailed account of this visit, reference may be had tc the report furnished your excellency about the 1st of August. DISTRIBUTIONS FROM THE OFFICE. Distributions have been made as follows : Shirts , 225 Drawers, pairs 142 Socks, pairs 161 Towels 72 Handkerchiefs 56 Wine, bottles 40 Fruits, cans 40 Besides these, there have been distributed dried apples, fans am! slippers, &c. A record is kept of the articles given out, with the name of the soldier, his regiment and hospital. In the semi-monthly visits to the hospitals, the wants of our soldiers are inquired after. If anything is needed by them, the articles are furnished and marked on our 19 books as distributed by the person carrying them. The name of the hospital, number of ward, and number of bed are furnished to the distributor before starting. So far as is known, there has been no misdirection of goods. The work in the hospitals is well system- atized. INFORMATION. This office has become a military intelligence office for the State. Located at the seat of Government, and recognized in the different departments, by order of the Secretary of War, every facility is fur- nished for the furtherance of any interest of persons at home. Letters are frequently received from the homes of soldiers, asking information in regard to them, which cannot be had in the regiments. Transferred from one hospital to another, they are lost sight of in the regiments ; or, wounded in battle, have fallen into a corps hospi- tal, remote from their own. In several cases the missing have been found. PAROLED PRISONERS. For a while a register was kept of our parolled prisoners, but the .imount of labor connected with this particular work was so great, and the office of the Commissary of Parolled Prisoners being at hand, and accessible, where information could be obtained at any time, it was deemed unnecessary to continue keeping a record. Money and packages of clothing are frequently received from their hands for prisoners of war in Richmond. No difficulty has been experienced as yet in sending small packages, properly directed and pre-paid, to our men in Richmond, Va., through Gen. Meredith, Gov- ernment Agent for the Exchange of Prisoners. 4 MEMENTOES. Another duty devolving upon the office is, hunting up mementoes of the dead. The effects of deceased soldiers are sold and the pro- ceeds entered to their credit, to be paid to their heirs upon final set- tlement of their accounts. But mementoes such as pictures, rings, and other keepsakes are sent to the Second Auditor of the Treasury Department, to be reclaimed by friends. The following extract from a letter, is a sample of others upon this subject fre- quently received at this office. 20 "Dear Sir: My son, C. E. K., was a member of Co. K, Ind. Vols., and died at Vicksburg, on the 30th of July, 1862. He had in his possession a silver detatchcd lever watch, hunting case. I sent to Vicksburg for it, and learned that I would have to send to Washington. You will confer a great favor by preventing its being sold. I want a memento from him, and will bear any expense in procuring it." We are often able to trace these little keepsakes of the heart, and return them to relatives. OUR DEAD. Reports have been furnished, giving the number and names of our soldiers who have died in this city, their burial place, with the num- ber of the grave. This information may prove of some interest and value in after years. CLAIMS. The policy which it was your pleasure to inaugurate in regard to the collection of claims growing out of the war — without expense to claimants, is one which seems to have commended itself to all. It has been gratifying to learn, from the frequent notices of this policy as found in almost all our public prints, that it is received with favor. That your Excellency should have instituted this measure is highly gatifying to your friends. The agent of Ohio has issued a circular, setting forth the justice of this cause, and is urging its adoption in that State. I was informed by the Agent of New York that the Adj't. General of that State recommended it, and thought it would be adopted in that State. But whatever may be the approval or disapproval, it is but justice to the widow and orphan, and to them a most acceptable way of expressing sympathy. There might be furnished from letters in this office abundant testimony of the wisdom and necessity for some such arrangement as Indiana has entered upon in this matter. The following extracts will exhibit somewhat the propriety of this policy: " Sir : Pardon me if you call this intrusion. I wish to gain in- formation in regard to the affairs of my deceased husband. I was an orphan before marriage, and now I am left friendless. I have no one left to depend upon or to advise me what way to proceed. I 21 wish to get what is justly due me, and if it is possible to get along without an attorney, I wish to do it — that would be expensive. I wrote to the captain of his company in regard to his affairs, but can not get an answer. My husband received no pay." Another writes : "Sir: Before I left Washington I employed a lawyer to collect my pay, and paid him $5 00. It has now been six months, and others get their pay. I wrote several times to him and he does not write me." The above case was a swindle. Another writes : " I employed some men in Columbus, Ohio, to get my bounty and was to pay them $25 00." In another case in which the claimant seemed to have some fears that all was not right, it was found on examination, that a certificate for pay had been issued some six months before, but certificate and attorney were both gone. These are given as specimen cases — a volume might be filled from our varieties. There is evidently a necessity that the uninformed should have pointed out to them the method of securing their dues, and that the interests of widows and orphans, so great in the aggregate, should have some safeguard and protection. This work has greatly increased the labor in this office, as our postage account will show. The postage of the office in March was $3 35 ; for August $20 57. Back pay and bounty has been col- lected for about three hundred soldiers; commutation of rations, while prisoners of war, for one hundred ; company savings to the amount of $3,000. One hundred and seventeen applications for bounty and pensions for widows and orphans and other heirs have been filed in their respective departments. PAY FOR HORSES. The rule in the office of the Third Auditor of the Treasury De- partment, in regard to horses lost in battle, bears heavily upon the members of our 3d cavalry, who furnished their own horses. That order is, that the commanders of companies shall keep an account of losses, and enter them upon the muster-out-roll of the soldier. At the time of discharge he receives pay for his horse. When a horse has been killed, the soldier supplied himself with another captured 22 from the enemy, or drawn from the Quartermaster, in either case taking him at an appraised value. This amount is deducted from his next pay. Some of the brave men of the 3d cavalry have lost as many as four horses each, which they replace from their own earnings, and thus are compelled to become creditors to the govern- ment, to the amount of &400 or $500. Should the records of com- panies be lost, all is gone, or should the soldier die, his heirs must await the necessarily slow operations of the department, before in- demnity can be obtained. The evidence of loss is as complete at the time, as it can possibly be at any subsequent one, and the necessity and justice of our early settlement of such claims is quite apparent. I would respectfully ask in behalf of this interest your attention, and that an effort be made to have the order upon this subject so changed, as that compensation in these cases may be had more promptly. As this Agency is purely benevolent in its design and operation, as well in the collection of claims and furnishing information, as in ministering to the wants of our suffering soldiers, a suggestion is re- spectfully offered, whether it might not with propriety be adopted as the protege of the Indiana State Sanitary Commission. Respectfully, your obedient servant, J. W. MONFORT, Indiana Military Agent. CAPT. H. B. HILL'S REPORT. ME TRIP TO MEMPHIS, TENN., OCTOBER 27, 1863. Indianapolis, Oct. 27, 1863. Governor 0. P. Morton : In accordance with your instructions I left here on the 1st. inst.. and stopped at Cairo, visited the hospital there, but found but four Indiana soldiers there ; they appeared to be well cared for, two of them were nearly ready to return to duty, the other two will not soon, if ever, rejoin their comrades. I then went to Memphis, where I learned that nearly all the Indiana regiments that were at Vicksburg were on their way up the river and I awaited their arrival. I visited the 25th, 83d and 89th regiments that were there then ; the men were in good health and were well supplied generally. The 83d 23 was not well off for Surgeons as the principal had resigned, the first assistant on detailed duty, the second was sick at home, and the regiment had a detail from some other regiment. I visited, in company with Dr. Jobes, the hospitals of Memphis and found them in fine condition, there is quite a large number of our men there; they seemed to be doing well generally, and said they were cared for. Herewith find a list of all the Indiana soldiers in hospital at Memphis. The 12th, 97th, 99th and 100th regiments arrived from below and were ordered forward on the line of the Memphis and Charleston Railroad, and on the 11th inst. I started and stayed at Colleeville where I found the 66th regiment, and w&s there at the battle of that lay, all behaved well, and the enemy withdrew without doing us much harm, i left them, and at Lagrange I found the 83d regiment, and from some cause a good many of the men had been taken sick, since they left Memphis, with chills and fever; a few cases of other diseases. I then went to Corinth and visited the hospital there, the accommodation is not good as there is no building suitable for the purpose and tents are used instead; here the 83d, 12th, 97th, 99th and 100th regiments pass me. I then went to Iuka, where I found the 48th and 59th regiments, and they were being paid off. I stayed and received of the men what money they wished to send home ; the 97th and 9$ith came up and were paid, and I received what money they wished to send home. I then returned to Burnville, where the 12th and 100th regiments were paid, and I received of the 100th regiment what they wished to send. I did not receive any from the 12th, as I learned the men had made a contract to get new uniforms in this city instead of through the Q. M. Department. I then started for this city where I arrived at 7 o'clock P. M., yesterday, three days from Iitka, Miss. I have placed all the money, about $40,000, In the Express office to be forwarded to the proper destination. Your Agent, Dr. Jobes, at Memphis, I found very efficient, and doing much good. I think if a suitable arrangement can be made with the U. S. Sanitary Commission by our State Sanitary Commis- sion, much expense could be avoided and our effects in that direction be quite as efficient. From what I saw, I am satisfied that great advantage to the sick and wounded is derived by having lady nurses in the hospitals, as well as a large saving of sanitary supplies, and I wish to urge this upon our Sanitary Commission. I am yours truly, II. B. HILL; 24 EVANSVILLE AGENCY. REPORT OF P. HORNBROOK, AGENT, FOR 1863 AND 1864. To His Excellency, Gov. 0. P. Morton : Sir: — Believing that it is the duty of every one, entrusted with public business, to make full report of his work, so that all may read and know, I herewith make the following : On the 7th day of January, 1863, you appointed me to fill the- position of Military Agent at this post. How far I have done my duty, I leave to our brave soldiers, who through the vicissitudes of war, have been placed in our hospitals at this post, and their rela- tives and friends to say. Your instructions were full, and the labor set forth arduous. JANUARY, 1863. I at once went into the work, and with the help of my assistant, Mr. E. Newbury, took and recorded a complete list of Indiana sol- diers, in a book provided by you for that purpose; and in one pro- vided by myself, made record of all Union troops from other States. I found in hospitals 1, 2, 3 and 4, 256 Indianians, representing 56 regiments and batteries, and 239 representing Ohio, Illinois, Ken- tucky, Iowa, Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Nebraska, Pennsylva- nia, Tennessee, and IT. S. Regulars, total 504. Wishing to do all the good I could, I addressed you on the propriety of corresponding with the Governors of Ohio, Illinois, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, Wisconsin and Minnesota, proposing to furnish them with monthly, or semi-monthly reports of the condition of troops from their States, asking them to pay the clerical labor only. Not one of these gen- tlemen responded to my communication. Nevertheless, whatever could be done for the soldiers, without regard to State lines, has been done. On the 17th of this month, the steamer "Undine," loaded with sick and wounded, was furnished with sanitary stores and medicines. The battle of Stone River, fought on the last of December, and the 1st of this month, had filled the hospital at Murfreesboro and Nashville with wounded, and amongst them a large number of Indi- ana's sons; and during the whole of this month, my office was thronged, upon the arrival of the 9:30 P. M. train, with fathers and 25 brothers, seeking information as to the best mode of travel to those points to which they were going, to minister to the wants of their suffering relatives. To all such I gave advice as to the best route, and letters to Post Commandants along the Ohio and Cumberland Rivers, and to your Agent at Nashville, requesting them to render aid if required. On the 26th, Mr. W. Patterson, with several lady .nurses, came through on their way to Paducah, Ky., and Mound City, Illinois," taking with them sanitary stores for the sick and wounded in hospital at the above points. I rendered them all the aid I could, sending them on their mission of mercy, and adding to their supply of sanitary stores such articles as were needed. During this month there were 251 Indianians admitted into hospital at this post, representing 56 regiments. FEBRUARY, 1863. From the 1st to the 19th of February, the stream of sanitary stores was in constant flow for Nashville and out-posts, in lots of from five to sixty packages, in charge of persons selected by the donors. For all these, transportation had to be furnished, and I will here remark that the thanks of this State are due to Capt. F. H. Ehrman, A. Q. M. at this post, for the kindness, promptness, and courtesy with which he aided me in forwarding supplies and agents. During this month, the Ohio Sanitary steamers, " Ohio No. 3," and " Groesbeck," were furnished with sanitary stores and medicines, needed on their upward trip. On the 23d, Mr. Geo. Merritt, of In- dianapolis, with twenty-five lady nurses, and twenty surgeons, and Capt. A. Atkinson, in charge of sanitary stores, left here on the steamer " Capitol a." From the agency, Mr. Merritt was furnished with stationery, and supplied with sanitary stores needed, by contri- bution of our citizens. His able report made to you, gave a good account of his stewardship. Friends of deceased soldiers, and soldiers who had been discharged, were by blood-suckers, in this vicinity, robbed, (I cannot call it any- thing else,) in the exhorbitant charges made for collecting back pay and bounty, all of which I represented to you, and asked your aid to prevent it if possible. By your advice and commission, as a Notary Public, Mr. E. New- berry, my assistant, entered upon this duty, and I am pleased to say. collected claims at fair and honest rates. During this month sixty-five Indianians were admitted into hospi- tal at this post, representing twenty-five regiments. 26 MARCH, 1863. March was to me a very busy month. On the 7th one hundred and six barrels of vegetables were sent to this point by Wm. Ilanna- raan, the efficient President of the State Sanitary Commission, to be shipped to Nashville, and on the 17th thirteen packages for Mem- phis ; all of which were transported on Government steamers free of charge. During this month thirty Indianians, representing twelve regiments and batteries, were admitted into general hospitals at this post. Descriptive rolls were obtained, and aid rendered in procuring discharges ; letters given to citizens of this and other States, visiting their relatives in hospitals at Memphis and other points. APRIL, 1863. On April 4th, 106 barrels and boxes of sanitary stores were received at this post for Memphis ; on the 6th, 11 boxes for the GOth Reg't Ind. Vols. ; on the 8th, 109 packages sanitary goods for Memphis ; on the 8th two car loads for Vicksburg ; on the loth 3 2-k packages; on the 14th, 100 packages; on the 16th, 120 ; and on the 22d, 23 packages for the same destination. On the 24th, the steamer " Lady Franklin," in charge of Col. I ' J. Woods, and Capt. A. Atkinson, in charge of sanitary stores and eleven lady nurses, left this post for Memphis. On the 29th, another lot of sanitary stores, sent by donors, were forwarded to same point. During this month, 15 Indianians, representing four regiments, were admitted into hospitals at this post. Furloughs, transfers and discharges were procured, and the usual number of letters in answer to inquiries of friends as to the condition of sick and wounded ones ; effects of deceased soldiers sent home, making no distinction as to States ; and here let me thank the Evansville and Wabash Tele- graph Company for their promptness in sending all sanitary tele- grams free of charge. may, 1863. On May 11th, 111 packages, on the 18th, one car load, and on the 22d, 44 packages were received from Indianapolis, and were shipped on the last date to Nashville, on the propellor "Gov. O. P. Morton." On the 26th, the steamer "Courier" was chartered to go to Vicks- burg, in charge of State Quartermaster General A. Stone. A large quantity of sanitary stores were shipped, one item of which was six 27 tons of lake ice. The lamented Dr. Bullard was in charge of the medical department, accompanied by several lady nurses and sur- geons. On the 29th, the steamer " Atlantic" was chartered ; a large lot of sanitary stores gathered at this point, and six and one-half tons of lake ice were shipped, the boat and stores being in charge of Capt. W. C. French, of this city, and the medical department under charge of Dr. G. Grant, Medical Director at this post. Of the relief afforded, and wounded brought to hospitals in this city, you have been apprised by the reports of these gentlemen. From this date until the return of the steamers, the citizens of our noble State poured in their contributions for the relief of the sick and wounded. During this month there were 13 Indianians, representing seven regiments, admitted to hospital at this post. june, 1863. On June 4th, I was advised that another steamer would be sent from this post; on the 17th, I received one car load sanitary stores; on the 22d, one, and on the 29th, one. On the latter date the steamer " City Belle," in charge of Gen. A. Stone, was started with the stores, including six tons of ice. Surgeons and nurses in the usual number, accompanied the expedition. In the early part of this month, 265 Indianians, representing 41 regiments, were received in hospital at this post. july, 1863. In July there was much done ; 50 Indianians, wounded, represent- ing sixteen regiments, were received in hospital here. Almost every man received in June and this month, were without descrip- tive rolls, and all were anxious to procure them in time for the Pay- master. Through the agency of the Adjutant Generals of Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana, I procured rolls for troops from those States. august, 1863. From the 1st to the 16th of August, preparations were made to send another sanitary boat to Vicksburg. Three carloads of sanitary stores were received from Indianapolis, and a quantity collected and purchased here, which, with eight and one-quarter tons of lake ice, were shipped on the steamer " Sunny Side," and on Sunday, the 16th, she left this post in charge of Mr. Putman, with Dr. Wishard in charge of medical department. As you are aware, the boat could 28 not return to this post, on account of the lowncss of the river, and the sick and wounded were debarked at Cairo, and forwarded t( Indianapolis by railroad ; after which several were transferred to hos- pital at this post. During this month, 25 Indianians were received in hospital, representing ten regiments. SEPTEMBER, 1863. During the month of September many sanitary stores were for warded to commands adjacent to this post, and the usual quantity oi letters of inquiry received and answered. Efforts were made, as yoi are aware, to have our sick and wounded brought here from Louis- ville, Ky. I know that army officers, and some of our volunteer sur geons, say that the removal of sick and wounded near to their home; is an injury rather than a good, and that men, wounded or sick, ar< better off, away from home, than near to it. My experience is tha these gentlemen are far from practicing what they preach, and then are none of the human family more ready to receive the kind office; of a mother, wife or sister than they. Their practice teaches m( that the kindly hands of women do much to alleviate suffering. OCTOBER, 1863. On October 9th, 123 Indianians, representing 43 regiments ant batteries, were recived in hospital at this post, mostly from Louisville Ky., and hardly any with descriptive rolls. The change of locality was evidently grateful to the men, and the observer could plainly see " nearer home " written in their faces. DEATHS. On the 1st of this month I gathered statistics of the number o: men admitted to hospital, and the number of deaths, at this post, foi the ten months preceding, and the result was truly gratifying, onh one oat of seventy. This certainly speaks well for our medical corps NOVEMBER, 1863. The Cumberland river having risen, early in November, I fel anxious, as you are aware, to have our wounded and sick transferrec from Nashville, Tenn., to this post, and promises have been made tc you that this should be done, the order having been issued, but up to this date (Nov. 30th,) not one has been received. During this montli four car loads of sanitary stores have been received, here, for oui 29 army on the lower Mississippi, and two hundred dozens of canned fruits were purchased, at this place, for sanitary purposes. DESCRIPTIVE ROLLS. I have kept a partial record of descriptive rolls, obtained for sol- diers here, and when I place the number at six hundred I know that I am below the mark. From officers in the field I have received prompt replies, and, in almost every instance, the blank roll for- warded from this agency has been filled and returned. But I do complain of the action, or non-action, of those shoulder strapped M. D.'s who have charge of hospitals. In a majority of cases they have refused to forward the descriptive rolls to me, and thus have sub- verted the justice of our Government. Little do some of these M. D.'s care how much a poor soldier's family needs the pay of their relative to procure the necessaries of life. My report may be too lengthy, and you may think that I should only have treated of the matter directly connected with a Military Agency, but I cannot seperate the Sanitary Commission from it, having found that it is an essential part, in fact, the two are blended together, and, seperated, do not work out that good that they will do when connected. From the medical corps and military authorities, at this post, I have received nothing but kindness, and all have evinced a willing- ness to assist me in carrying out your wishes. * . P. HORNBROOK, Military Agent for Indiana. Evansville, Nov. 20, 1863. DECEMBER, 1863. Early in this month, (December, 1863,) it was determined to send a sanitary boat to New Orleans, to call at all points where Indiana troops were stationed, and distribute sanitary stores to them. Eight car loads were received at this post, to be forwarded. On the 14th, Mr. Hannaman dispatched as follows : " Can a small boat be chartered ? " Being answered in the negative, the steamer " City Bell," was chartered at Cincinnati, and sent on this mission of mercy — leaving this post on the 20th, well freighted with stores ; one thousand three hundred and forty-one (1341) packages having 30 been shipped at this point, in addition to what had been placed on her above, carrying, also, nurses and surgeons. More than the usual number of descriptive rolls were sent for, sanitary stores were sent to hospitals at Paducah, money waa re- ceived from soldiers in the field and paid over to their families bodies of deceased soldiers were sent for from Tennessee, and trans- portation furnished to wives and mothers of soldiers, who had been to visit their sick and wounded husbands and sons. JANUARY, 1864. I stated in the early part of this report, that I had placed myself in correspondence with the Governors of adjacent States, with a hope that this agency might render greater good to their soldiers, and on the 12th of this month, (January, 1864,) I received a communication from Gov. Blair, of Michigan, saying that Michigan had an Agent at Louisville, Ky., and that Evansville was in his district, and wished me to say to Michigan troops, that they could communicate with him, and he would visit them. I mention this fact to show that much misery could have been alleviated, had Gov. Blair constituted your Agent here, to act for his State, and this will apply to other States with equal force. During this month, I purchased two hundred and twenty-seven (227) barrels of dried apples, for the use of our armies in Tennessee and Alabama. On the 28th, I shipped to Nashville fifty (50) barrels of dried apples, and one hundred and forty-six (146) barrels of potatoes. The number of letters of inquiry from persons who had friends in hospital at this post increase, and their visits decrease in proportion, thus saving great expense to the people. FEBRUARY, 1864. During February, two car loads of sanitary stores were received from Indianapolis, and these, with stoies received here, were shipped to Nashville, for the use of our soldiers with Sherman. The amount forwarded is as follows : Two hundred and eighteen (218) barrels of fruit and vegetables, thirty-one (31) kegs of krout and pickles, and one hundred and ninety-nine (199) boxes of fruit, clothing, &c. It does seem to me strange, that officers, commandants of compa- nies, should suffer the men under their command, when sent to hos- pital, to leave them without descriptive rolls — the carelessness shown in this matter is without excuse ; the men suffer in mind, and their families want, or are thrown on the charity of friends. In the early part of this war, I abhorred red tape and constant reference to the regulations, but I am convinced that if our officers would observe both more closely, great suffering would be averted. march, 1864. In the first part of this month, (March,) you convened a State Sanitary Convention at Indianapolis, and I am glad to know I was there. There were not many sanitary goods forwarded from this point during this month, but more than the usual number of calls for descriptive rolls. Toward the latter part of this month considerable sums of money were received from the front, and paid over to the families of sol- diers who sent it. This agency had been supplied with the various blank forms, for collecting back pay and bounty due deceased sol- diers, also blanks for applicatian for pensions, and without fee, these claims were made out and forwarded to your Agent in Washington City for collection; here then was another saving of expense to the relatives of dead heroes. APRIL, 1804. Navigation being good, the Cumberland River was again made the channel of transit for sanitary goods. Ninety-eight (98) packages were received from Indianapolis and forwarded to Nashville during this month, (April.) Our hospitals were pretty well filled, and on every arrival of pa- tients, the request was, " will you obtain my descriptive list?" Sol- diers discharged at this post, and living in the border counties, had their back pay collected through this agency. This was brought about by a conference with the Paymasters at Indianapolis, in which Mr. Ilannaman bore a conspicuous part. By this arrangement the soldier was saved the out lay of transportation and other consequent expenses. may, 1864. On the 11th of this month (May), one hundred and ten (110) packages of sanitary stores were shipped to this post from Indianap- olis, to be sent to Nashville, Term., which was done on the 17th ; and on the 26th, one hundred and six (106) packages were received from the same point, and forwarded on the 29th to Nashville. 32 The battle of Resaca, in which Indiana troops bore so conspicuous a part, brought numbers of persons to our agency, some to inquire for their friends, others to go to the front to look after their wounded ones, and then many who wished to make the same journey, to bring home the remains of their loved ones. This was a month of labor, but it was done cheerfully. •TUNE, 1864. Transfers from this to other hospitals having been made, we were prepared to receive our sick and wounded from Georgia, and your agents at other points were advised of our condition, asking that the wounded be sent here. Mr. Ilannaman urged the proper officers to do so, and at length we received one hundred and fifty (150). On the 11th of this month (June) eighty-five (85) packages of sanitary stores were forwarded to this point from Indianapolis, and on the 26th, they were shipped hence to Nashville. On the 15th, five (5) of our dead, late members of the 80th Regiment, were received through your agencies. On the 28th, one hundred and thirty-one (131) packages of sanitary stores were received from Indianapolis, and forwarded to Nashville Thus ended the month of June. july, 1864. The hospitals at this post have been, for a year past, supplied with sanitary stores by the people of this region, and the gathering them in has been no small part of our labor. Applications for back pay and bounty, also, for pensions, increase until those who have been sucking the life-blood of our widows and orphans complain of our, to them, wrong. The claim agent's voca- tion is gone here, or it is of such small amount that they do not make their bread with the blood of those who have protected them and theirs. The usual call for descriptive rolls is still made, and the < agent has to write to remind those of a duty which they ought not to neglect. AUGUST, 1864. The 12th of this month (August), I received the corpse of Colonel Hodge, 65th Indiana — a brave soldier gone to his long home. The military agent may think his work done, but my experience teaches me, that there is always some poor fellow who needs advice or assist- ance. '33 The sanitary goods were received for shipment this month, hut there was much done which would be difficult to enumerate in a report like this. The sameness of month after month, would not interest the rea4- ers ; but that work was done, I have only to refer to our soldiers in hospital to prove the fact. I could introduce statistics which would please some ; but the work was done, and you, Governor, have the credit for your forethought in the establishing of agencies for the aid of the soldier. SEPTEMBER, 1864. Early in this month (September) the soldiers in hospital began to ■express anxiety as to the probability of being furloughed home, so that they might enjoy the right of franchise. Steps were taken by the proper authorities to have this done, and on the 22d, orders were received by the Medical Director to furlough for fifteen (15) days. Applications for back pay and bounty, also for pensions, were fre- quent, and for this and a thousand other matters which the soldier and his friends feel interested in, your agent was called upon to attend to. No one but a Military Agent knows how often and urgent these calls are, and if any one in the land should pray for peace that one should be the agent. OCTOBER, 1864. During the month of October our hospitals were pretty well thinned out, for it will be remembered that, on the 15th, orders were received from the Secretary of War to extend furloughs of furloughed soldiers to November 10th, so that they could vote at the Presidential election. The latter part of September, or a portion of it, was used for the purpose of urging our poople to contribute to the State Sanitary Fair, and how they responded the records of the Fair will show. From the 3rd to the 8th of October was devoted to the Fair, and I doubt not our sick and wounded will feel the goodness of our people. During this month twenty-two (22) applications for back pay, bounty and pensions were made. Had claim agents done this work, it would have cost the soldiers, or their relatives, at least two hun- dred and twenty dollars ($220). Descriptive rolls and transfers were applied for, and, I am glad to state, were obtained more readily than heretofore. I. M. A. R.— 3 34 NOVEMBER, 1864. November was commenced in quietness, but on the return of the soldiers from their homes they soon made their wants manifest. Twenty-seven (27) descriptive rolls were written for and twelve (12) applications made for back pay and bounty. The army under Gen. Thomas having been paid off, members of regiments, whose homes are in this vicinity, sent their money to your agent to be handed, by him, to their families. Since this agency has been established, more than one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000) have been paid over. On the 28th three hundred and fifty-one (351) ■patients were brought from Nashville, and this addition fills our hos- pitals. Of this number fifty-one (51) were Indiana men. Many of the sick and wounded were very low. For general information I append the subjoined report of the hos- pital, at this post, for the year ending September 30, 1864, of which. as a Hoosier, I feel proud. Report of the United States Army General Hospital at Uvansville, Ind., for the year ending Sept. 30, 1864. ' bfi © > ■ .S '3 Remaining,! Admitted dur- .• o . to the rps. © CO a ^ Oct. 1, '63. ing the year. CO a o © hi © © o3 to O © erred regim erred 1 R. Co — © S .2 T3 © numbei ept. 30 ■T3 ns a it-t e+H o3 -l-> O M o a o u bJO © rans rans 00 © CO © -73 © ■a 00 o m £ CD 566 < tf H |EH Q Q ft H 149 59 1412 2186 924 460 210 146 32 54 360 In writing a report two objects should be kept in view, namely, first, a statement of facts, and, secondly, to render it in such a style as would induce all to read, for all are interested. The first I have done, and it remains to time and the public to verify the latter. P. HORN BROOK, Indiana Military Agent, Evansville, Nov. 30, 1864. 35 MEMPHIS AGENCY. REPORT OF DR. GEO. 0. JOBES, AGENT, FOR 1863 AND 1804. In December, 1862, Dr. R. Bosworth, who had rendered impor- tant service as a traveling agent, was authorized to establish ar. " Indiana Military Agency" at Memphis, Tenn. He reached that place on the 12th day of the month, secured an office in a convenient part of the city, and immediately entered upou his duties. At that time there were many sick at Memphis, for whose care and comfort no adequate provision had been made ; and, in forward- ing the interests and providing for the many wants of those belong- ing to our State, the Doctor labored with great energy and useful- ness, until his health was so impaired that he was compelled to resign. He was succeeded by Dr. John H. Spurrier ; and in the latter parr of February, Mr. Geo. H. Merritt and Dr. J. Brower, who were in charge of sanitary stores and a corps of nurses and surgeons for different points on the Mississippi, seeing how arduous Dr. Spur- rier's labors were, and that his health, too, was failing, detailed Mr. •Tames H. Turner and Dr. John E. McGaughey to assist him. On the 2d day of March, 1863, I was ordered to relieve Dr. Spur- rier as agent in charge, and to retain him and such other assistance as might be necessary. I arrived here on the 6th, and since then the office has remained in my charge. Mr. Turner remained with me only until the 14th of March, and Dr. Spurrier until the 31st. Dr. McGaughey continued to assist me until the latter part of the July following, when he, too, was com- pelled to leave on account of failing health. These gentlemen all rendered me essential service during their stay, and many a soldier will cherish a grateful remembrance of their kindness. Since Dr. McGaughey left me, no assistance has been required, except a detailed soldier, who was unable for field duty. By advice and personal solicitation, those who have served in this office have endeavored to ameliorate the condition of the soldiers and their friends who were visiting them. By assistance and encourage- ment to female nurses, they have done much to provide the sick and wounded with tender and skillful care. By the judicious distribu- tion of sanitary supplies, the comforts of the sick and wounded have been increased. By the disbursement of small sums of money, the 36 pressing wants of many destitute soldiers have been relieved ; and hundreds have been enabled to go to their homes on furlough who could not otherwise have done so, and, in this way, no doubt, numbers of valuable lives have been saved. And, finally, it is believed that this agency, by furnishing information, through correspondence and through reports to the office of the General Agency at Indianapolis, and by transacting business, has saved more, in time and traveling expenses, to the people of our State than all its cost. Respectfully submitted, GEO. 0. JGBES. Indiana Military Agency, Memphis, Tenn., 1 January 1, 1864. j WM. H ANN AM AN, General Military Agent : Sir: In compliance with your request, I have the honor to trans- mit to you the following report of the operations of this office for the year just closed. No one who has not been connected with one of these agencies, can have any very accurate notion of the duties they have to per- form. If a soldier is a fit subject for a discharge or furlough, if he is absent from his regiment without a discriptive list, or if there is anything in his circumstances requiring some special favor from the military authorities, he feels, as he certainly should, that in the per- son of his State Agent he has a friend from whom he may always expect a patient and respectful hearing, and such assistance as it may be in his power to render. These duties, requiring personal attention and solicitation in behalf of the soldier, are often important to him, and require much time and labor. Besides these duties which are performed directly for the soldier, there are many which belong to his friends and relatives, who, prompted by affection, visit him in the camp or hospital, to pro- vide for his many wants, and to cheer and encourage him by the presence of the loving heart and beaming face of a father, a mother, a sister, or a brother. Passes are to be procured, a hospital is to be .pointed out, a friend to be sought and found, or, as is too often the case, sad news is to be broken as softly as may be, and the bereaved 37 one to be accompanied to the undertakers' and to the grave of the fallen patriot. Another important function of the agency is that of an intelli- gence office. Either by personal application or by letter, many inquiries are made, calling for information upon almost every ques- tion that could possibly arise in connection with the service ; and considerable investigation is frequently necessary, that these inqui- ries may be correctly answered. In addition to these there are certain miscelldfcieous duties required, such as procuring the effects of deceased soldiers and forwarding them to their friends, receiving and forwarding goods shipped in the care of the agent, distributing letters and papers sent to his cart. &c, &c. On my arrival here, on the 6th of March, there were many soldiers in the hospitals and convalescent caihp, who were fit subjects for discharge. At that time all examination for discharge were made by one board of surgeons, and their time was so occupied that, without the interventton of a friend, it was almost impossible for the most deserving ones to get an examination, as they were crowded out by those whose superior strength and assurance placed them in the front. It was the business of this office to furnish that friend ; and during the months of March and April this was the important work to be performed. Much good was done in this respect, but not all that ought to have been done. During the three succeeding months, the arrival of sick and wounded from below, and the duties incidental to this, occupied a large share of the time and attention of myself and assistant, and since then the furloughing of men has brought up a new class of duties. On the 1st of April, there were in the several hospitals of this city, three hundred and sixteen enlisted men and seventeen commis- sioned officers belonging to Indiana regiments ; on the 1st of October there were three hundred and two men and twelve officers ; and on the 31st day of December, there were only one hundred and fifty- nine men and one officer. This does not include those who are on furlough. Besides being much less numerous, the cases are much less grave in their character than they were some months ago. This diminution in numbers cannot be fairly attributed to the improved health of the troop3, for all the regiments belonging to our State except three, the 25th, 89th and 93d, are at points so distant from this place, that their sick and wounded cannot be brought here 38 for treatment. Still the news from all points is, that the army has never been in such perfect health as it is now. I have kept no account of the number of packages of sanitary stores received and distributed, and if I had done this, there would still be no means of arriving at their cash value. They must have unnunted to several thousands of dollars, but to the sick, their value could scarcely be estimated by dollars and cents ; and this is espec- ially true of the choice wines and canned fruits, with which you have kept me so liberally Supplied. In the distribution of these and other delicacies for the sick, I have thought it best to place them in the hands of the female nurses, as I could do this with perfect confidence that they would be properly used; and I have the best of evidence that they have uniformly been so used. Most of the articles of clothing disposed of have also been distrib- uted to them, or directly to the soldiers needing them. In supplying regimental hospitals, I have thought it my duty to provide first for those of our own State, but in the distribution of stores to the general hospitals, no distinction was made or sought to be made. The money furnished me by the Sanitary Commission, has been used almost exclusively in assisting destitute furloughed soldiers in ^oin 650 00 Total ^ 156 46 Cash refunded by soldiers 1*2 00 Cash received of H. B. Hibben 20 00 Cash received for boxes sold 6 50 t, , i 9 4-0 Railroad passes a _^ Ca*h received of Wm. Hannaman 3,085 56 83,156 46 76 ACCOUNT WITH SANITARY COMMISSION. Amount received of Wm. Hannaman $84 75 Afisoelleneous receipts 48 54 J Balance due mo. January 1. 1864 $87 75 Drayage and miscellaneous expenses 19 25 Amount loaned to soldiers 35 00 Expenses for benefit of sick 32 10 Total' $1-24 10 Balance due Sanitary Commission $9 19 -pectfully submitted. GEO. 0. JOBES ; Indiana Military, Agent. LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 013 763 111 8 *