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XIX
Cofined
Other Branches
of
Special Relief Service.
in the
Department of the Gulf.
Established at new Grleane under change of men
who had gained Experince al our Homes and Lodyes
in Washington; and from that time until the
a Nebu wed retirns
Other Grander of
Special Relief Service
in the Department of the Gulf.
In the Department of the Gulf, with new Orleans as
the base, Special Relief was essentially the same,
both as regards growth and method, as the Con-
reponding mork at Washington.
During the first yrar this special service
devolerd upon the agents of supply and the
General Relief humane Agents: They win peculiarly
Earnest and men who corthoul epleific
instructions, win care, out of there own judgement
and heart to meet according to thin Incane all
Emergencies when suffering called for help.
Afterword, the number and variety of Cases
claiming this form of aid, nndered it impossible
for the general agents mithout neglect of legitimate
dutus to attend to all Consiquently in the Fall
of 1863 the distinct department of special Relief
with its various Infoductions of service was
Established at new Orleane under change of men
who had gained Experince al our Homes and Lodyes
in Washington; and from that time until the
Nebur wed newing
2
End of the of the mork went on.
at euch posts as Louisville, Chirland and
If the Special Reliy Service was of value
Louisiana and Texas. At distant and
Hashington, it was of form fold worth in
at isolated points with frontier fighting continually
going on knowled also from rady Communication
with Bureaus of the War Department, Emergencies
must constantly arice which the ordinary pro-
meet. irsin of Gevernment would be inadequate to
To have deficiencies supplied;
mongs rednesed; Errors corrected; abuses
investigated, was none the less important
though far mer difficult for these soldies
on the Gulf or in the mlds of Texas. than form
those on the quieter banks of the Potomerc.
them, or by slow process at these for off places
no one who has not himeelf been one of
aided in reliving these suffering, worn-out
and disheartened men, can have any idea
whatever of the value of a warm and thong
hand of help.
In selecting certain sections from the
large mass of material furnished by the letters
a Nebu wed retirn
3-
and neords of our agents in the Department
of the Gulf, I shall not attentpt to gur in
that was done for the Soldies there by the
the least degree, a connected history of all
l shall simply Endeaoor to illustrate the
Commission under the head of Special Relief
variety and thoel of the work
Dn Blake who most honorably represented
four yrurs. says me
the Commission in that Spartment for
SHE
xxxxxxxxxx
"She first opportunity afforded
Yourtagent for "lpecial aliefcoot in the "De
far time eat of the Luef occurred he Boston
singulary Enough,
Harbor, during Chefist creek of Kennary 186r
belonging to the Eulf Department
Dan Char Companies of
Caralry had fust Enbasked on the Iteamer
Constitution tosait for ship Gland in
Midiseippio Lound; it was seconly intensely Cold,
coith a a north lound Flouing Poisteronely We
laid at auchor tap and leases country
acather Common the Coastol Then England
privailed. Sefluence and Treamonia Chest
induced by Exposur, and became quite prese
leat The berth apprificated for hospital hear.
which had no
posses Werk in the decord Cabin unforded
whang Garning apparatud whatever So special Inv-
arision had been made for she lick Dase ten days
shipply of Inedieurs m as the Doldies here they
R >>
2
west assigned toracant Ferths, Farrmof
mattrall and destitute of Every fort Then
then was
Gen no Extrablankets who hillows nothing!
and her special alief work hegan
Your ageat obtained from the store mom
of the Commission a quantity of thats Frillow
tc and from Mr. Damasa of Sostow Branch stome
mattripes with which the
Chilled patients aer made Comportable
Her officers and min first interped
and acknowledge d the Exential and langible
bruefits chat flow from the Commission.
The troops had rot been vaccinated
and the Surgeons were mable Coprocar
any Managent Poughthilerally
and Iupplied them. aftera detention often
days are proceeded to tatnp when
an additional the pply of Sanitary flore Gas
shawnen
the R >>
2
west assigned tobacant Ferths, Farrmof
mattrall and destitute of Then
EveryComfort then was
DE
Gen no Extrablankets who hillows nothing!
and her special xlief Cook hegan
Your ageat obtained from the store mom
of the Commission a quantity of quilts Frillow
tc and from Mr. Damand of Sostow they Branch stome
mattripes segnature, with which the
Chilled patients aer made Comprtable
Her, officers and min
and acknowledged the Exential and langible
bruefits chat flow from the Commission
The troops had rot been vaccinated
and the Surgeons were mable Coprocar
any Managent
and Supplied them. aftera a detention often
days are proceeded to when
an additional stupply of Sanitary flore Gas
Pr. IS IVI
3
obtained from Mashington including Your fols
whiskey and quinine.
T
During the mouse
and the trip G Ship Gland cher ther Jame
XXXXX of
Cases of measles among the troops,
tau pied in
and offerding dhecial nlufto
Che foldies by distributing ssading matter
Corting letters nr.
OK indicating
cognition ofche value of
chesteripos Budered Scopy
lettyrcothe Veneral trentary
as indicating the of Character of there and
9 appeard Sxtrest fur
Wharks made chapmblic that S
Mgm Sen't Wother th following winter at
aputhe meeting in Lowell May
a Nebur wed
13
Remarke of Yew. Butter at Lowell
" Sam happy. my fellow citizens,
lobear testimony, from personal knowledge to
the Efficient, Economical charitable and
Kindly aid received by the Soldiers in the Dept
xxxxxx/,
of the Fulfpour the family Commission:
and Sam very glad Counte with you in
aiding that chast offer charity, which Sheleine
has been officiently administend Everywhere.
Certain it is, Id know, Chatt Lawalleirated
much luffering in the hospitals and Among
ohe lick in the Department of the Lulf. The
Charities Cher then of immented value Cous:
and toib, for its many features anorthy of
Commendation colohe anarded the prance
of that Department as well as that frany
others, I doubt ast.
from knowledge chat Go Joldier cranted the
a wed Helions
14
Propermedical attendance and Comforts
of the Hospital auring my Command ohest:
and again San glad that
from the hationage which this Charity has
received her. che Commission will Thain
verymaterial aid AXXXXXX.
abbott
- Dr Blake Ever on to Sy This
record -
Transly
It cras not until the arrival of lleps
Pullard & abbott in chefall of 863 that che
special Relief work age charoughly
Organised: Chen the Joldies Home passed
loous hatroyage ago and in Connection certict
a special nlief office Gas spened
XXXXXX
arrested r/ Tye the almost inhuman manner in
She attention of your agea to had been
which the lick and Gounded discharged
and Jurloughed fun Soldiers Gen being shipped
home Gehe loldies had been paid what
Gas due them, mileage and Subsistence to
place of Entistment, Even then it is not dif
Ficult to unagine that Jome might he to
Gieble as to need Especial Can in transit;
Lubwhen a rule obtain which is che nsult
ofan arrangement between Paymenter and
whenby the foldier neeines
marves a Nobil wed Helions
they
39
N.O.
transpor tation whind a bain and ha-
York, and mileage Chence whis home, it
becomes an imposition
to sterilly carried out chat Even lick and
Enfeebled men, who Could robrasily Induratoip
on the decks of a a Iteamer or an withthen chehold ofa the thip
twing on such food as they could comy many of men too
feble loft
Coess forced to their lotake hands, chat or nothing, in The longing
for home couth di Comforts supmpathy nerved
the men to Sumount difficulties they little dreamed
of when they rolunteend conect Cheir this Services n
We are trying to as Something to woong.
then Chepapen ofa fielble man
"a communication from MrBullard (Sp. Rl agent)
Brigham the Chief Paymenter
to Major Bollard Upon this Subject setting forth the Sael
injustice of the ne and affecting has been the occasing for
this home? This single order will bring untile vehif to hundreds of thousands
the issue of an order directing all paymentin topey the Poldies michage I subsitance
of our soldiess. of singly needed some one to seathe Evil point it out day and demence the better way,
the prport your " Mart
marves a Noil wed Heling
transpor tation ankind a bain and hr
York, and mileage Chence whis home it
becomes an imposition, whis rule Gas)
to denicity carried out chat Even lick and
Enfeebled men, who Could robrasily Indursation
on the decks of a a Steamer or as chehold ofa thip
tiving on such food as they could cony withthen many of the men too
feble
Coers to forced loft their lotake hands, chat or roching, in The longing
for home couth di Comforts sumpathy nerved
the men to Sumount difficulties they little doramed
of when they voluntee conect rd Cheir this Services n
We are trying to as Something to woong.
Then Chepapers ofa feeble man
fill into che hands of Mr. Pullard, by special
pleading he Could occasion ally obtain
for the Soldies whatuan habpy actually ane him
and withhold what no one had aug Invinep to
Mr. follows in
his report 1864
marves a Nobil wed Heling
24
Previously as we have seen, the mained arthre Sufebled
by disease, have been stomed 1 away like "Swine,"-
afforded for haps a realing place in the
'hold'- on bales of cotton - to intisitas they
conld. an firth the hope of getting home and
on scanly eations, received before lsse backing
Non the milage and intristance in money
will afford every dis charge ed toldies a Com
fortable passage home. of any write arboot he
may choose".
Warves & Rebil wed Stehing,
00
was follows Mr abbott who wentfun Working time to
Establish the work the "Nor. 20th 1863
Res. F. & Kenaff:
Sir,
Itake pleasure in exforting
progress.
Today we aferid the doors of one
Special Keching office here. for adjusting the
papers of discharged soldiers
Santicipate that chis will be a very infor-
tant work at ihis point. maj Brigham
chief Paymaster of the Defartment says that
it is the most important which work chat Ive can
give one attention toin this Department.
We have secured for an office, two 200ms at
No. 96 Inlia St. between Camp and Gragagine
streets It-is my fororably located, at a cen-
tral point between the public offices, and
Warves & Rebil wed Stating
6
Dechi first report from the Special Kelief
Office - New Orleans, dated January 1864- In
Bullard in phone faithful hands the work was left
says, xxxxxx6rery facility is afforded by the Pay-
masters for ihe prompt and fororable Bettlement
of all claims of discharged soldiers and for
the adjustment of such im importect papers as can
be corrected, in a Defertment to for
Washington
as it becomes known that there is an
office in New arleans where all forts of ingrimes
are kindly and free by answered there is a daily
increase of applicants, for varions degrees of as
sistance
During this first worth The number
for of coses recorded in the fournal, is forty
eight=1 amount collected for discharged
soldiers $3289.54.
The Raymonder prefers that
who are able, should present-their
one papers- he has shown great kindness
in furthing my efforts in behalf of those
needing assistance - Therefore make ita
point to send to him Inch soldiers as can
comfortably walk the short-distance to his office
providing their papers are correct
13y adopting This consol the Imajor nn
derstands object is simply help those
unable to help chem.selves - Jam seldom
denied any reasonable faror for a sick, or evand
ed soldier -
It-is the Custom here, for the key moster
in retiling with the adischarged soldier to give
office of the home The experience that
has acgained in Baltimore with soldiers
papers enables him to be of considerable terrice
The Superinted of
to the Special Rechif office while doing his
the home is (he is) in structed to ex-
assime the papers of the discharged soldiers +7
as they Come in, and direct-those who need
he special aid, to the Rymoster This of consse
reduces the number of applicants at say this office-
but-the work is done, and another object-ettained
The soldies is fut eight at the start your
is anything many abont-his hapers or the roldier
trinks that chere is it is between that it thould
he looked into before a collission with officials
There is one noticiable point of differ-
encl between the Special Belief work in this
Department and chatin Washing ton. So for
we here had no cases of dis changed soldies
with chose tranklessme records against them on
the rolls- absence "Disertion"
This Department is comformation by isolated
the men when risk or Immided are not
exposed to an in definite 20mmal of transfer from
hospital G hospital finally drifting into Con.
valescent Camp. to be disharged
time lists
The Lengeon of a hospital allof whose
inmates are from the Defartment Can jenen
ally, with proper effort-obtain the military his
try. of each man. before discharging him.
Were t-othermol Armld be extremely
difficult loget-inch papers corrected al-this
distance from Washington
Bespectfully Submitted
(digned,
b.b. Bullard
In a letter L- In Anapp tomorhatic later in
January In Bulland soys
"The Special keelief affice is becoming
an institution here for time respects the
work is different from that in Washington
but-che Kertin ties for helping the soldiers
in various ways are constantly moreasing
Some days Ican reasely get-ont-of the of
fice, to attend to outpide dnties. The items
of work are mall, and the aggregate cannot
show lay hither an record or in uports.
much Rmy time is consmmecl in anameny
ingorines, and futting the Inen eight when
trying to get chir just dnes. or when ata
loss concerning the many points of personal
interest them, about-which un fortunately
tome military officials teem too clerated
to timble themselves- when a and perhaps
would schall night
"
Inen are being fortonghed from the hospi-
tals lig. North in - Some of there
have only mailferent hospital Sothing with
ro over coats - others are fastory hed from
cheir egaments with monfficient clothing for
the preat-chary of climate. They Cannot:
as many of ihem expect do, dran claiming
in this city on their Discription list
Thore increded in ince cases today
by short-and respectful letters 6-vasions of
fraish - in getting the for fillows well clasl,
over.coats included Teras glad L- fee them
this evening al-the looking arm and
comfortable in their rew rig. - - +
32 31
Jusing the last of Inarch, and the early
part of april the Special Rechief agent 6.6. Bullerd
has absent from New Cerleans, organizing belief 1 work at
Alexandria on th Red Ruce
Supt of the Home"
W. S. Bullard reforts the Honaff the
following statistics of ihe office enth for the
month ending Inarch
Num ber of cases recorded in formal,
Eighty chice (83)
amount of enomy collected in Inanch
$15,648.66
Number of letters eritten Thirty (80)
33 32
The following trant from the cefart for
the month of april gifes a symptois of the work
"The month of april has been a brey
one in the Special Keelief affice
I ras absentin Alexandria lill the 14th
W. S. Bullerd has leften change.
Imagin Senny Paymester of Dischayed fol.
diers afforded him every facility, and he was
grite increasful up in his efforts
Whole number of cases recorded in the
formal during the month 149.
amount collected $27,842,24-
than the usual amount f ork to comflete them.
Injury of the comes have cignined more
about the middle of the month. a large
mum her of men were dis changed, some what hund
G. from ihe Invalid borps-
They were mostly men who had been
34 33-
boken down by diseases, ince dent to this climate,
and con tracted in Service during the last
Leason. after a ainter spent in hospitals,
the experiment of futting them into this Corp,
still under Inalarial influence, is likely lifease
a failure - They were of Come from many
different legisments Their time fapers were radly
deficient. For tome two crecks one work has
very herry. We did all we could for the Brys
and deres glad to see the for fellows on the any
home, before the fall Hoge of another frommer
should him ont-the little life left in them.
it
Sce next
a rin Paymenter may Reobie
you
has been appointed to fay dischosyed soldiers,
in place of Major Lenguy who is rm fazing afficers
New difficulties are how coming up
in the cases of men discharged since re-enlist.
ment. I anticipate more work with perhaps,
35 34
be
less results, in fignses, for the heat month
her we shall expanse it, as the heal increase
is in the future
This per and the the there paper can
into a smele page of desirable as The
was an important and teth well the work + influence the of th
9 timed questions violether it were wh well to retain the "application" Entre
Beopectfully submitted
6.6. Bullard.
Exhels from
The informed copy of a communical
lion addressed to the Indical Inspictor of
the Department copy of Special Order So.
115- Headgranters Defenses. N.G. explain
put
themselves.) ihemselves.
The arder was effective. The end
JoDr apread
complained of was for the most fast abated
while the unfulness If the Soldier's home was
enhanced and increased opportunities of
36 ass-
directassistance afforded other agencies of
the Commission
n.o. may // 1864
Gol. I. W. Stipp
medical Inspector
Dept. of the Smlf.
Sir:
Can there not be an order to the Sengeons
of ihe several hospitals, instructing them to
send all discharged soldies as toon as their
papers are complete to the "Soldiers theme" with
Their Discharg. fapers endorsed and address-
ed to the Superinten dent of the home!
after the names of the men are registered
the papers will be handed to me. Twillepsmin
the papers in the presence of the men that
chy may be satisfied about-the fay due ihem,
before their papers go to the Paymester
37 36
after Effecting any recessary corrections, I
will collect their fay - and with the consent of
the parties - defosit the money in the safe giving
each man a receipt ill trans portation can be
obtained for them
all necessary assistance will he een_
desed in processing lickets, transistance
and in helping them to the baats.
While the men are writing the collection
of their pay and arrang ments for their trans.
portation there ntitled to pensions, or having
claims for areass of pay - or founty. which
cannot-be retiled on their Discharg fapers)
will have ample time to make the proper ap-
flications. and obtain necessary instructions,
through one Pension agent free of change
at present the papers are made ont,
and pay collected by officials in the hosfitals.
38 37
The certificate of discharge and enong is
handed to the soldies, he knowing nothing of
the basis one which his claim may have been
settled To say the least, a mide door is
cherely opened- for incaponsible parties to
practice frand and imposture.
Iam creditly informed, that in form
cases, the soldiers have been chargest funns,
ranging from $5-4815 for such ferrices
Intimithis I matter to fine knoky
contider ation. "
key respectfully
(orgned)
6.6. Bullard
Special Keelief agent
U.S. Lan. Com.
Copy.
39 3/8
headgmenters Vefences Sen beleams
New Geleans may 14th-1864.
The Special Kelief
the le. S. Sanitary Commission having
proffered graticitors services to procome
for soldiers discharged from the rulitary
service, while in hospitals, their pay and
final settlements, as well as to institute
means to establish claims for pensions
when entitled.
the Surgeoses in change of has-
fritals in This City and within the lines
of Defences of New 6. millin all
cases of discharge from ferrice send
the men discharged, to the "Poldies's home"
in This City, with their discharg papers inclos
20 29
ed and addressed to the Seperimendent
of the "Kome".
In ro case will any officer
or em flayer in any hospital act as agent
for the collection of pay dne any dis-
charged soldier, nor for inste thing
claims for pensions-
By Commond of may Genl. G.f. Reynolds
(syneal) John Levening
Imajor and a.a. General
Mill
It
In the month of dray. 127 cases are se-
ported as having received direct and in the
collection of pay, in final settlements
amount collected - $20,5-22. 08.
the June report gives 165 cares
amount collected $26,649.10.
In July - 82 cases reported; and
$13794.00 00 collected for discharged soldies.
the farmed three months of may, Jame, and
fuly 1864, were a period of greatment
at New Cerleans in the tereral operations of
the Comenission. the army had fas-
sed through a dangeron one crisis, ranowly es-
caping annikilation; had suffered much both
in fighting and extrecting 11 in ihe femore
Roed Riser expidition-
Co the hummer approached large
numbers of men were discharged or frielonghed
and our office was crinded with applicate for advide x ahelper
45-
Reshaps Dr. fast of ihe Sfecial Rachief fer
rice in the mobily Defactment the Inly. has of more
importance the discharged soldiers than what
has done in the matter of the correction of
inferfect papers New grestions arese con-
stantly arising relatine to the various Bruntin
trancl allowances of listed men and
many other fornts frital imfortance to the
validity of the Indiew final statiments
No Phymester could safely do protice
to Soldiers with inferdect fapus.
not a fes of the
officers in and rolemteer againing ations Irese
grite as yoursant on many of these infortant
posits, as the soldiers themselved
Inen rese being discharged from all
sections parts of the Defartment; from Barrancas cas in There
de to Beagas in the extreame mith breation
46
limit of Texas They were tent-from There
Iarions faints to New asleens to draw their
pay, and startfor their homes In a large
or other
proportion of cases some error and afpear
whom him discharge fapers making timfor- and
sible for the Paymenter to sittle infully often
undering the papers grite insaled
In mch instances the men smal when
he sent-back. perhaps to the distantforts mention
ed for the correction of their febre - or they
must wait in New Orleans mtil thin faper
could he returned sent to the peoper officers for
correction. When it is understord that from
tagan returned
of the prilitary Poots in the Defactment
from til to feren hundred ssiles only distant from
New - Li be weeched by irregular
the inconvenum
for ficale men recation
ed by ench delays can for hope he affreciated
when Errors
many leters occurred ex flairing the
frints, 1 monthemently - of had been
sent from the Special Rechif affice - asking
for the correction of goven Lets of fapers -
To servicely, in pact & pirated, these enls, a
circular was free faced and sent ont ex ten
fine for among the Comfany Commanders in
the ^ Defartment first informated
to the Local Paymonter and to object Endorsed and
contents approved - It Iras to heartity approved
at the Difences of New beleans
that several hundred copies 1 were dis tn Intedfrom
chat office -
Whenever incorrect fapers were
returned ^ a circulars was enclosed, with
one of these
mch tections marked, as 2e find 4 errors
to he corrected
copy of the Circular. of performed a most baluble Affice.
The following is a
liscular
it. S. Sanitary Commission,
DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF,
New Orleans,
1863.
OFFICER COMMANDING
Co.
REGIMENT
SIR:
Under existing rules, the Paymasters in this Department object to pay on final statements of discharged
soldiers, when not perfectly clear and definite on certain important points:
1st. (a). In all cases of discharge for disability, it should be definitely stated, whether the disability existed before or was
incurred since enlistment (or re-enlistment). Papers are rejected that are not explicit in this respect.
(b). If a soldier is discharged "for wounds," it should be stated, "by reason of woundfreceived in battle at," etc.
(giving place and date).
2d. (a). Place (town and State) and date of enlistment should be given, as well as place and date of muster into
service.
(b). If drafted, place and date of draft should be given.
Travel allowances are reckoned from place of discharge to place of enlistment.
Clothing accounts are settled from date of enlistment, unless there has been a subsequent settlement of clothing.
(c). A volunteer, discharged to re-enlist as a veteran, having so re-enlisted, when finally discharged, is entitled to
travel allowances to place of original enlistment. Therefore the place of original enlistment and place of
re-enlistment should be given.
3d. Date of last settlement of clothing account should follow amount of clothing since drawn.
If there has been no settlement, the words "since enlistment" (or re-enlistment) should follow amount given.
4th. If the soldier has received advance bounty, one or more instalments, the actual amount should be given, not in-
cluding premium.
If one or more instalments are due, but unpaid, the fact should be so stated.
5th. The date of final statements must be the same as that of the certificate of discharge.
The place of discharge must be plainly indicated on final statements, to meet the question of travel allowances.
6th. Remarks on margins of final statements, must have the same official signature as the papers.
7th. Erasures and changes of dates, amounts, etc., destroy the validity of the papers.
The great inconvenience to which discharged soldiers have been subjected, from apparently slight errors in their
papers, and the saving to Government, in all cases fully settled on discharge papers, are deemed sufficient
excuse for this circular.
Your attention to the above suggestions is respectfully solicited.
0. C. BULLARD,
Special Relief Agent,
U. S. Sanitary Commission.
58
0
It has been imforme he to keep minntos of
what is really the terrice called on our
Records are keft of the cases
money responsibility
we receive them the fapers of dis charge Indiess
for
to collect, their fay. Bnthatis is a small
item of the office rook. Hos come to
be pritty generally understand that in this
office any soldier will he kindly Listened
to and assisted, if his case is stall within
one reach None are trimed off with cold
as indifferent andmers as a consequence but
the applications are, nmmenons and diffi-
not only
anlt to classify-
hum who Can a get oreither ee-
dress nor, patient civil effice from, fficials find
form achief in simple ep confrasions of kind
Ginterest many of the unimiliated
fail in securing what is justly their dne
5-4
has the time or she
become no one prill take the timble fut
them on the eight-track
Probably, more real terrice has
in the aggregate,
been afforded the soldiers, in little items
of advice and direction, then in the
more apparent labor which is fully record.
col
Nearly all the fapers of dis-
charged soldiers commy L the theome are
carefully examined, before the Inen Even go to
the Pay master. [ they eegine correction,
the soldier the fat able who is sent-back Item the offiere with
to furnited
instructions or of recessary an agent -at-
tends fenanally, to the matter
you will Infote notice great-tam.
ation in the monthly g eyeords, of amounts
collected. This anses any from fever al conses
they are indication of the actual
labor performed.
56-
0
0
Different Paymenters have from time
to time faid discharged soldiers in New
arleans
Some egnine every mon who
is able to bring his am fapers and down his
pay personally - behins, after a short ac.
do rot object to fay through
the agent
When satisfactory are frifer to
collect for the boys, as we can then, with
their consent deposite the money in ihe
safe lill they are ready to startfor home.
Nates are taken of all Cases collected
by the agent The many is delivered to ihe
soldier and his receift taken in a book
keft for that purpose. If he connot-get
transfortation the day he is faid he is ad-
vised to make the defosita. When these as
components are carried ont there are any
56
few cases of cobberry which thereir frequitly occur
The present Pay master
prefers to have the men being their fapers
to his office convernently the smk is just
how, Inne than usually disnltory and
without secord
another print there are acca-
sional periods, some times of areeks, when
there is Ino money in the Department t relief stations
al-mch limes am hands, are full, caring
for the commilating him bees - or making
the best-assory ments possible, for their
trans portation home, with their claims am
settled-
Therfollowing statisment shows the
Imm her of Cases econoled in formal and
The amounts collected,
Д 129,550
to the 10th Jonnary to MD Dec was
The foregring was the Past-mitten He
fort the Special Rechief Office, in New
arleans.
Dr. Blake has keftinformed
restally, and of his mm abservation of the
progress of events, and mate everkly an from
er, Lo the General Lecratary concerning the
various interests of the Commission in the
Infartment:
after the rednation of the assay
commenced and indeed driving the prog
ress of Inobile. the work
of the office 11 capidly increased. Soffere has
very little time for taking minutes,
The Special Rechief agent has with
ont clerks, and June crowded with
the were
men regising helf.
In the hung of mustering out
and vast dis charging, such large hum hero of
men a many errors remand in their im
portant fapers.
Unfortunately a
of che troops were mms lind ont-al-fosts
dis tant from ben Cerleans, and were fent
h that city to receive their fay.
as the frommer approached, the
fregrent and anny my delays rearling
from such errors, cansed great in conven
ince to the soldiers, and incessantle
fto the Sanitary bm mission agent
many a for fillow mustered
ont of the fernal in the interior of ala bana
- hear mobile - at Barrancas Fla. or on
the coast of Jerpas - formal, on reaching
New arleans, chathis fahers must be returned
for pay. correction, before he could receive his
77
pay.
To add to the nconvemence of
the the last months experience
of this office I-was asses tained chat
instead of one Bymastic could rot settle the accounts
the Indn Consequents as safially as Ley came in
atm time there arere from his
to ten located in different
fasts of the city faying discharged soldiers
and with A this force through
last of system the men arere after delayed
a neck or two even when their fapins here
correct.
Fall papers mere L- he handed
in to the Chief Rymaster's effice, Ehe to be distint
bented * * the several dis Insuring officers.
Here is a elight Heich of the
daily work of the agent
The men arere advised for
71.
tryistering thing names al-the "Kemi",
to take their fapers to the Herial Reclief
office for examination before handfing
them in to the since of
they were not complite considerable delay
would be santed Consequently every Inom.
inj the fffice ras filled with soldiers, desire
my inkh examination.
When it is u
mym bened chatat-chis ling from fire
to seven ham dred men trere daily account_
dated at the 'tome', and a lerge propor.
to the officer
lion carried their fapers in for the Grent
Commission
K5 examine. it is unnecessary L- say that
he was may in the office through the mim
my as from as this fact of the ank could
be disposed of the rainons tay mostins mud
be erited, either to look after the Cases of
hose who were too fuble L- collect their
72
mn pay; to hunt-up the papers of those
who could not-find to which tab - Bay moster
theirs had been assigned for fay ment; to
press the factionler cases of the feetle or
those who had been longest delay ed;
or, perhaps, the un fleasant task of look-
inj. after the cases of those who had 2l-
ceired their fay, bit-who mere dis ratisfied
with the amintlecined.
In many instances, this matter
of retting an final statements was entire
by ren to the Paymosters. and fregment
mistakes ocenned, even when the fapers
are correct:
The influence of the samittry
Commission agent are less effective
among the several her Bymester
withowhom he was unacgrainted unax then
12
it has when he dialtmine one men who
frilly understood his objects. and usliged
that the agents work sored him from
smch annoyance. [Senerally, however,
his efforts in behalf of the men arere fre.
Cess ful.
Large amounts of many
were collected for the sick, and for those
who had Lein detained amoiting fapers
returned for correctional
Such was, in fast the character
of this arok. up to the day the agent left-the
Defartment another Commission
This rensed the 20th of June Us65- and
ends the distinction Special Rochif Service
in New Cerleans-
In Seaton the Pension and
Claim agent desoted all the time he
could apare from his regular duties (at
this time heary) to the examination of
papers, and ^ assistance in the correction
those which were imperfect.
Document source description
This item is a draft copy of Chapter XIX of the "History of the Special Relief Service of the United States Sanitary Commission, 1861-1865," by Frederick N. Knapp, Special Relief Agent.
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"ocrText": "XIX\nCofined\nOther Branches\nof\nSpecial Relief Service.\nin the\nDepartment of the Gulf.\nEstablished at new Grleane under change of men\nwho had gained Experince al our Homes and Lodyes\nin Washington; and from that time until the\na Nebu wed retirns\nOther Grander of\nSpecial Relief Service\nin the Department of the Gulf.\nIn the Department of the Gulf, with new Orleans as\nthe base, Special Relief was essentially the same,\nboth as regards growth and method, as the Con-\nreponding mork at Washington.\nDuring the first yrar this special service\ndevolerd upon the agents of supply and the\nGeneral Relief humane Agents: They win peculiarly\nEarnest and men who corthoul epleific\ninstructions, win care, out of there own judgement\nand heart to meet according to thin Incane all\nEmergencies when suffering called for help.\nAfterword, the number and variety of Cases\nclaiming this form of aid, nndered it impossible\nfor the general agents mithout neglect of legitimate\ndutus to attend to all Consiquently in the Fall\nof 1863 the distinct department of special Relief\nwith its various Infoductions of service was\nEstablished at new Orleane under change of men\nwho had gained Experince al our Homes and Lodyes\nin Washington; and from that time until the\nNebur wed newing\n2\nEnd of the of the mork went on.\nat euch posts as Louisville, Chirland and\nIf the Special Reliy Service was of value\nLouisiana and Texas. At distant and\nHashington, it was of form fold worth in\nat isolated points with frontier fighting continually\ngoing on knowled also from rady Communication\nwith Bureaus of the War Department, Emergencies\nmust constantly arice which the ordinary pro-\nmeet. irsin of Gevernment would be inadequate to\nTo have deficiencies supplied;\nmongs rednesed; Errors corrected; abuses\ninvestigated, was none the less important\nthough far mer difficult for these soldies\non the Gulf or in the mlds of Texas. than form\nthose on the quieter banks of the Potomerc.\nthem, or by slow process at these for off places\nno one who has not himeelf been one of\naided in reliving these suffering, worn-out\nand disheartened men, can have any idea\nwhatever of the value of a warm and thong\nhand of help.\nIn selecting certain sections from the\nlarge mass of material furnished by the letters\na Nebu wed retirn\n3-\nand neords of our agents in the Department\nof the Gulf, I shall not attentpt to gur in\nthat was done for the Soldies there by the\nthe least degree, a connected history of all\nl shall simply Endeaoor to illustrate the\nCommission under the head of Special Relief\nvariety and thoel of the work\nDn Blake who most honorably represented\nfour yrurs. says me\nthe Commission in that Spartment for\nSHE\nxxxxxxxxxx\n\"She first opportunity afforded\nYourtagent for \"lpecial aliefcoot in the \"De\nfar time eat of the Luef occurred he Boston\nsingulary Enough,\nHarbor, during Chefist creek of Kennary 186r\nbelonging to the Eulf Department\nDan Char Companies of\nCaralry had fust Enbasked on the Iteamer\nConstitution tosait for ship Gland in\nMidiseippio Lound; it was seconly intensely Cold,\ncoith a a north lound Flouing Poisteronely We\nlaid at auchor tap and leases country\nacather Common the Coastol Then England\nprivailed. Sefluence and Treamonia Chest\ninduced by Exposur, and became quite prese\nleat The berth apprificated for hospital hear.\nwhich had no\nposses Werk in the decord Cabin unforded\nwhang Garning apparatud whatever So special Inv-\narision had been made for she lick Dase ten days\nshipply of Inedieurs m as the Doldies here they\nR >>\n2\nwest assigned toracant Ferths, Farrmof\nmattrall and destitute of Every fort Then\nthen was\nGen no Extrablankets who hillows nothing!\nand her special alief work hegan\nYour ageat obtained from the store mom\nof the Commission a quantity of thats Frillow\ntc and from Mr. Damasa of Sostow Branch stome\nmattripes with which the\nChilled patients aer made Comportable\nHer officers and min first interped\nand acknowledge d the Exential and langible\nbruefits chat flow from the Commission.\nThe troops had rot been vaccinated\nand the Surgeons were mable Coprocar\nany Managent Poughthilerally\nand Iupplied them. aftera detention often\ndays are proceeded to tatnp when\nan additional the pply of Sanitary flore Gas\nshawnen\nthe R >>\n2\nwest assigned tobacant Ferths, Farrmof\nmattrall and destitute of Then\nEveryComfort then was\nDE\nGen no Extrablankets who hillows nothing!\nand her special xlief Cook hegan\nYour ageat obtained from the store mom\nof the Commission a quantity of quilts Frillow\ntc and from Mr. Damand of Sostow they Branch stome\nmattripes segnature, with which the\nChilled patients aer made Comprtable\nHer, officers and min\nand acknowledged the Exential and langible\nbruefits chat flow from the Commission\nThe troops had rot been vaccinated\nand the Surgeons were mable Coprocar\nany Managent\nand Supplied them. aftera a detention often\ndays are proceeded to when\nan additional stupply of Sanitary flore Gas\nPr. IS IVI\n3\nobtained from Mashington including Your fols\nwhiskey and quinine.\nT\nDuring the mouse\nand the trip G Ship Gland cher ther Jame\nXXXXX of\nCases of measles among the troops,\ntau pied in\nand offerding dhecial nlufto\nChe foldies by distributing ssading matter\nCorting letters nr.\nOK indicating\ncognition ofche value of\nchesteripos Budered Scopy\nlettyrcothe Veneral trentary\nas indicating the of Character of there and\n9 appeard Sxtrest fur\nWharks made chapmblic that S\nMgm Sen't Wother th following winter at\naputhe meeting in Lowell May\na Nebur wed\n13\nRemarke of Yew. Butter at Lowell\n\" Sam happy. my fellow citizens,\nlobear testimony, from personal knowledge to\nthe Efficient, Economical charitable and\nKindly aid received by the Soldiers in the Dept\nxxxxxx/,\nof the Fulfpour the family Commission:\nand Sam very glad Counte with you in\naiding that chast offer charity, which Sheleine\nhas been officiently administend Everywhere.\nCertain it is, Id know, Chatt Lawalleirated\nmuch luffering in the hospitals and Among\nohe lick in the Department of the Lulf. The\nCharities Cher then of immented value Cous:\nand toib, for its many features anorthy of\nCommendation colohe anarded the prance\nof that Department as well as that frany\nothers, I doubt ast.\nfrom knowledge chat Go Joldier cranted the\na wed Helions\n14\nPropermedical attendance and Comforts\nof the Hospital auring my Command ohest:\nand again San glad that\nfrom the hationage which this Charity has\nreceived her. che Commission will Thain\nverymaterial aid AXXXXXX.\nabbott\n- Dr Blake Ever on to Sy This\nrecord -\nTransly\nIt cras not until the arrival of lleps\nPullard & abbott in chefall of 863 that che\nspecial Relief work age charoughly\nOrganised: Chen the Joldies Home passed\nloous hatroyage ago and in Connection certict\na special nlief office Gas spened\nXXXXXX\narrested r/ Tye the almost inhuman manner in\nShe attention of your agea to had been\nwhich the lick and Gounded discharged\nand Jurloughed fun Soldiers Gen being shipped\nhome Gehe loldies had been paid what\nGas due them, mileage and Subsistence to\nplace of Entistment, Even then it is not dif\nFicult to unagine that Jome might he to\nGieble as to need Especial Can in transit;\nLubwhen a rule obtain which is che nsult\nofan arrangement between Paymenter and\nwhenby the foldier neeines\nmarves a Nobil wed Helions\nthey\n39\nN.O.\ntranspor tation whind a bain and ha-\nYork, and mileage Chence whis home, it\nbecomes an imposition\nto sterilly carried out chat Even lick and\nEnfeebled men, who Could robrasily Induratoip\non the decks of a a Iteamer or an withthen chehold ofa the thip\ntwing on such food as they could comy many of men too\nfeble loft\nCoess forced to their lotake hands, chat or nothing, in The longing\nfor home couth di Comforts supmpathy nerved\nthe men to Sumount difficulties they little dreamed\nof when they rolunteend conect Cheir this Services n\nWe are trying to as Something to woong.\nthen Chepapen ofa fielble man\n\"a communication from MrBullard (Sp. Rl agent)\nBrigham the Chief Paymenter\nto Major Bollard Upon this Subject setting forth the Sael\ninjustice of the ne and affecting has been the occasing for\nthis home? This single order will bring untile vehif to hundreds of thousands\nthe issue of an order directing all paymentin topey the Poldies michage I subsitance\nof our soldiess. of singly needed some one to seathe Evil point it out day and demence the better way,\nthe prport your \" Mart\nmarves a Noil wed Heling\ntranspor tation ankind a bain and hr\nYork, and mileage Chence whis home it\nbecomes an imposition, whis rule Gas)\nto denicity carried out chat Even lick and\nEnfeebled men, who Could robrasily Indursation\non the decks of a a Steamer or as chehold ofa thip\ntiving on such food as they could cony withthen many of the men too\nfeble\nCoers to forced loft their lotake hands, chat or roching, in The longing\nfor home couth di Comforts sumpathy nerved\nthe men to Sumount difficulties they little doramed\nof when they voluntee conect rd Cheir this Services n\nWe are trying to as Something to woong.\nThen Chepapers ofa feeble man\nfill into che hands of Mr. Pullard, by special\npleading he Could occasion ally obtain\nfor the Soldies whatuan habpy actually ane him\nand withhold what no one had aug Invinep to\nMr. follows in\nhis report 1864\nmarves a Nobil wed Heling\n24\nPreviously as we have seen, the mained arthre Sufebled\nby disease, have been stomed 1 away like \"Swine,\"-\nafforded for haps a realing place in the\n'hold'- on bales of cotton - to intisitas they\nconld. an firth the hope of getting home and\non scanly eations, received before lsse backing\nNon the milage and intristance in money\nwill afford every dis charge ed toldies a Com\nfortable passage home. of any write arboot he\nmay choose\".\nWarves & Rebil wed Stehing,\n00\nwas follows Mr abbott who wentfun Working time to\nEstablish the work the \"Nor. 20th 1863\nRes. F. & Kenaff:\nSir,\nItake pleasure in exforting\nprogress.\nToday we aferid the doors of one\nSpecial Keching office here. for adjusting the\npapers of discharged soldiers\nSanticipate that chis will be a very infor-\ntant work at ihis point. maj Brigham\nchief Paymaster of the Defartment says that\nit is the most important which work chat Ive can\ngive one attention toin this Department.\nWe have secured for an office, two 200ms at\nNo. 96 Inlia St. between Camp and Gragagine\nstreets It-is my fororably located, at a cen-\ntral point between the public offices, and\nWarves & Rebil wed Stating\n6\nDechi first report from the Special Kelief\nOffice - New Orleans, dated January 1864- In\nBullard in phone faithful hands the work was left\nsays, xxxxxx6rery facility is afforded by the Pay-\nmasters for ihe prompt and fororable Bettlement\nof all claims of discharged soldiers and for\nthe adjustment of such im importect papers as can\nbe corrected, in a Defertment to for\nWashington\nas it becomes known that there is an\noffice in New arleans where all forts of ingrimes\nare kindly and free by answered there is a daily\nincrease of applicants, for varions degrees of as\nsistance\nDuring this first worth The number\nfor of coses recorded in the fournal, is forty\neight=1 amount collected for discharged\nsoldiers $3289.54.\nThe Raymonder prefers that\nwho are able, should present-their\none papers- he has shown great kindness\nin furthing my efforts in behalf of those\nneeding assistance - Therefore make ita\npoint to send to him Inch soldiers as can\ncomfortably walk the short-distance to his office\nproviding their papers are correct\n13y adopting This consol the Imajor nn\nderstands object is simply help those\nunable to help chem.selves - Jam seldom\ndenied any reasonable faror for a sick, or evand\ned soldier -\nIt-is the Custom here, for the key moster\nin retiling with the adischarged soldier to give\noffice of the home The experience that\nhas acgained in Baltimore with soldiers\npapers enables him to be of considerable terrice\nThe Superinted of\nto the Special Rechif office while doing his\nthe home is (he is) in structed to ex-\nassime the papers of the discharged soldiers +7\nas they Come in, and direct-those who need\nhe special aid, to the Rymoster This of consse\nreduces the number of applicants at say this office-\nbut-the work is done, and another object-ettained\nThe soldies is fut eight at the start your\nis anything many abont-his hapers or the roldier\ntrinks that chere is it is between that it thould\nhe looked into before a collission with officials\nThere is one noticiable point of differ-\nencl between the Special Belief work in this\nDepartment and chatin Washing ton. So for\nwe here had no cases of dis changed soldies\nwith chose tranklessme records against them on\nthe rolls- absence \"Disertion\"\nThis Department is comformation by isolated\nthe men when risk or Immided are not\nexposed to an in definite 20mmal of transfer from\nhospital G hospital finally drifting into Con.\nvalescent Camp. to be disharged\ntime lists\nThe Lengeon of a hospital allof whose\ninmates are from the Defartment Can jenen\nally, with proper effort-obtain the military his\ntry. of each man. before discharging him.\nWere t-othermol Armld be extremely\ndifficult loget-inch papers corrected al-this\ndistance from Washington\nBespectfully Submitted\n(digned,\nb.b. Bullard\nIn a letter L- In Anapp tomorhatic later in\nJanuary In Bulland soys\n\"The Special keelief affice is becoming\nan institution here for time respects the\nwork is different from that in Washington\nbut-che Kertin ties for helping the soldiers\nin various ways are constantly moreasing\nSome days Ican reasely get-ont-of the of\nfice, to attend to outpide dnties. The items\nof work are mall, and the aggregate cannot\nshow lay hither an record or in uports.\nmuch Rmy time is consmmecl in anameny\ningorines, and futting the Inen eight when\ntrying to get chir just dnes. or when ata\nloss concerning the many points of personal\ninterest them, about-which un fortunately\ntome military officials teem too clerated\nto timble themselves- when a and perhaps\nwould schall night\n\"\nInen are being fortonghed from the hospi-\ntals lig. North in - Some of there\nhave only mailferent hospital Sothing with\nro over coats - others are fastory hed from\ncheir egaments with monfficient clothing for\nthe preat-chary of climate. They Cannot:\nas many of ihem expect do, dran claiming\nin this city on their Discription list\nThore increded in ince cases today\nby short-and respectful letters 6-vasions of\nfraish - in getting the for fillows well clasl,\nover.coats included Teras glad L- fee them\nthis evening al-the looking arm and\ncomfortable in their rew rig. - - +\n32 31\nJusing the last of Inarch, and the early\npart of april the Special Rechief agent 6.6. Bullerd\nhas absent from New Cerleans, organizing belief 1 work at\nAlexandria on th Red Ruce\nSupt of the Home\"\nW. S. Bullard reforts the Honaff the\nfollowing statistics of ihe office enth for the\nmonth ending Inarch\nNum ber of cases recorded in formal,\nEighty chice (83)\namount of enomy collected in Inanch\n$15,648.66\nNumber of letters eritten Thirty (80)\n33 32\nThe following trant from the cefart for\nthe month of april gifes a symptois of the work\n\"The month of april has been a brey\none in the Special Keelief affice\nI ras absentin Alexandria lill the 14th\nW. S. Bullerd has leften change.\nImagin Senny Paymester of Dischayed fol.\ndiers afforded him every facility, and he was\ngrite increasful up in his efforts\nWhole number of cases recorded in the\nformal during the month 149.\namount collected $27,842,24-\nthan the usual amount f ork to comflete them.\nInjury of the comes have cignined more\nabout the middle of the month. a large\nmum her of men were dis changed, some what hund\nG. from ihe Invalid borps-\nThey were mostly men who had been\n34 33-\nboken down by diseases, ince dent to this climate,\nand con tracted in Service during the last\nLeason. after a ainter spent in hospitals,\nthe experiment of futting them into this Corp,\nstill under Inalarial influence, is likely lifease\na failure - They were of Come from many\ndifferent legisments Their time fapers were radly\ndeficient. For tome two crecks one work has\nvery herry. We did all we could for the Brys\nand deres glad to see the for fellows on the any\nhome, before the fall Hoge of another frommer\nshould him ont-the little life left in them.\nit\nSce next\na rin Paymenter may Reobie\nyou\nhas been appointed to fay dischosyed soldiers,\nin place of Major Lenguy who is rm fazing afficers\nNew difficulties are how coming up\nin the cases of men discharged since re-enlist.\nment. I anticipate more work with perhaps,\n35 34\nbe\nless results, in fignses, for the heat month\nher we shall expanse it, as the heal increase\nis in the future\nThis per and the the there paper can\ninto a smele page of desirable as The\nwas an important and teth well the work + influence the of th\n9 timed questions violether it were wh well to retain the \"application\" Entre\nBeopectfully submitted\n6.6. Bullard.\nExhels from\nThe informed copy of a communical\nlion addressed to the Indical Inspictor of\nthe Department copy of Special Order So.\n115- Headgranters Defenses. N.G. explain\nput\nthemselves.) ihemselves.\nThe arder was effective. The end\nJoDr apread\ncomplained of was for the most fast abated\nwhile the unfulness If the Soldier's home was\nenhanced and increased opportunities of\n36 ass-\ndirectassistance afforded other agencies of\nthe Commission\nn.o. may // 1864\nGol. I. W. Stipp\nmedical Inspector\nDept. of the Smlf.\nSir:\nCan there not be an order to the Sengeons\nof ihe several hospitals, instructing them to\nsend all discharged soldies as toon as their\npapers are complete to the \"Soldiers theme\" with\nTheir Discharg. fapers endorsed and address-\ned to the Superinten dent of the home!\nafter the names of the men are registered\nthe papers will be handed to me. Twillepsmin\nthe papers in the presence of the men that\nchy may be satisfied about-the fay due ihem,\nbefore their papers go to the Paymester\n37 36\nafter Effecting any recessary corrections, I\nwill collect their fay - and with the consent of\nthe parties - defosit the money in the safe giving\neach man a receipt ill trans portation can be\nobtained for them\nall necessary assistance will he een_\ndesed in processing lickets, transistance\nand in helping them to the baats.\nWhile the men are writing the collection\nof their pay and arrang ments for their trans.\nportation there ntitled to pensions, or having\nclaims for areass of pay - or founty. which\ncannot-be retiled on their Discharg fapers)\nwill have ample time to make the proper ap-\nflications. and obtain necessary instructions,\nthrough one Pension agent free of change\nat present the papers are made ont,\nand pay collected by officials in the hosfitals.\n38 37\nThe certificate of discharge and enong is\nhanded to the soldies, he knowing nothing of\nthe basis one which his claim may have been\nsettled To say the least, a mide door is\ncherely opened- for incaponsible parties to\npractice frand and imposture.\nIam creditly informed, that in form\ncases, the soldiers have been chargest funns,\nranging from $5-4815 for such ferrices\nIntimithis I matter to fine knoky\ncontider ation. \"\nkey respectfully\n(orgned)\n6.6. Bullard\nSpecial Keelief agent\nU.S. Lan. Com.\nCopy.\n39 3/8\nheadgmenters Vefences Sen beleams\nNew Geleans may 14th-1864.\nThe Special Kelief\nthe le. S. Sanitary Commission having\nproffered graticitors services to procome\nfor soldiers discharged from the rulitary\nservice, while in hospitals, their pay and\nfinal settlements, as well as to institute\nmeans to establish claims for pensions\nwhen entitled.\nthe Surgeoses in change of has-\nfritals in This City and within the lines\nof Defences of New 6. millin all\ncases of discharge from ferrice send\nthe men discharged, to the \"Poldies's home\"\nin This City, with their discharg papers inclos\n20 29\ned and addressed to the Seperimendent\nof the \"Kome\".\nIn ro case will any officer\nor em flayer in any hospital act as agent\nfor the collection of pay dne any dis-\ncharged soldier, nor for inste thing\nclaims for pensions-\nBy Commond of may Genl. G.f. Reynolds\n(syneal) John Levening\nImajor and a.a. General\nMill\nIt\nIn the month of dray. 127 cases are se-\nported as having received direct and in the\ncollection of pay, in final settlements\namount collected - $20,5-22. 08.\nthe June report gives 165 cares\namount collected $26,649.10.\nIn July - 82 cases reported; and\n$13794.00 00 collected for discharged soldies.\nthe farmed three months of may, Jame, and\nfuly 1864, were a period of greatment\nat New Cerleans in the tereral operations of\nthe Comenission. the army had fas-\nsed through a dangeron one crisis, ranowly es-\ncaping annikilation; had suffered much both\nin fighting and extrecting 11 in ihe femore\nRoed Riser expidition-\nCo the hummer approached large\nnumbers of men were discharged or frielonghed\nand our office was crinded with applicate for advide x ahelper\n45-\nReshaps Dr. fast of ihe Sfecial Rachief fer\nrice in the mobily Defactment the Inly. has of more\nimportance the discharged soldiers than what\nhas done in the matter of the correction of\ninferfect papers New grestions arese con-\nstantly arising relatine to the various Bruntin\ntrancl allowances of listed men and\nmany other fornts frital imfortance to the\nvalidity of the Indiew final statiments\nNo Phymester could safely do protice\nto Soldiers with inferdect fapus.\nnot a fes of the\nofficers in and rolemteer againing ations Irese\ngrite as yoursant on many of these infortant\nposits, as the soldiers themselved\nInen rese being discharged from all\nsections parts of the Defartment; from Barrancas cas in There\nde to Beagas in the extreame mith breation\n46\nlimit of Texas They were tent-from There\nIarions faints to New asleens to draw their\npay, and startfor their homes In a large\nor other\nproportion of cases some error and afpear\nwhom him discharge fapers making timfor- and\nsible for the Paymenter to sittle infully often\nundering the papers grite insaled\nIn mch instances the men smal when\nhe sent-back. perhaps to the distantforts mention\ned for the correction of their febre - or they\nmust wait in New Orleans mtil thin faper\ncould he returned sent to the peoper officers for\ncorrection. When it is understord that from\ntagan returned\nof the prilitary Poots in the Defactment\nfrom til to feren hundred ssiles only distant from\nNew - Li be weeched by irregular\nthe inconvenum\nfor ficale men recation\ned by ench delays can for hope he affreciated\nwhen Errors\nmany leters occurred ex flairing the\nfrints, 1 monthemently - of had been\nsent from the Special Rechif affice - asking\nfor the correction of goven Lets of fapers -\nTo servicely, in pact & pirated, these enls, a\ncircular was free faced and sent ont ex ten\nfine for among the Comfany Commanders in\nthe ^ Defartment first informated\nto the Local Paymonter and to object Endorsed and\ncontents approved - It Iras to heartity approved\nat the Difences of New beleans\nthat several hundred copies 1 were dis tn Intedfrom\nchat office -\nWhenever incorrect fapers were\nreturned ^ a circulars was enclosed, with\none of these\nmch tections marked, as 2e find 4 errors\nto he corrected\ncopy of the Circular. of performed a most baluble Affice.\nThe following is a\nliscular\nit. S. Sanitary Commission,\nDEPARTMENT OF THE GULF,\nNew Orleans,\n1863.\nOFFICER COMMANDING\nCo.\nREGIMENT\nSIR:\nUnder existing rules, the Paymasters in this Department object to pay on final statements of discharged\nsoldiers, when not perfectly clear and definite on certain important points:\n1st. (a). In all cases of discharge for disability, it should be definitely stated, whether the disability existed before or was\nincurred since enlistment (or re-enlistment). Papers are rejected that are not explicit in this respect.\n(b). If a soldier is discharged \"for wounds,\" it should be stated, \"by reason of woundfreceived in battle at,\" etc.\n(giving place and date).\n2d. (a). Place (town and State) and date of enlistment should be given, as well as place and date of muster into\nservice.\n(b). If drafted, place and date of draft should be given.\nTravel allowances are reckoned from place of discharge to place of enlistment.\nClothing accounts are settled from date of enlistment, unless there has been a subsequent settlement of clothing.\n(c). A volunteer, discharged to re-enlist as a veteran, having so re-enlisted, when finally discharged, is entitled to\ntravel allowances to place of original enlistment. Therefore the place of original enlistment and place of\nre-enlistment should be given.\n3d. Date of last settlement of clothing account should follow amount of clothing since drawn.\nIf there has been no settlement, the words \"since enlistment\" (or re-enlistment) should follow amount given.\n4th. If the soldier has received advance bounty, one or more instalments, the actual amount should be given, not in-\ncluding premium.\nIf one or more instalments are due, but unpaid, the fact should be so stated.\n5th. The date of final statements must be the same as that of the certificate of discharge.\nThe place of discharge must be plainly indicated on final statements, to meet the question of travel allowances.\n6th. Remarks on margins of final statements, must have the same official signature as the papers.\n7th. Erasures and changes of dates, amounts, etc., destroy the validity of the papers.\nThe great inconvenience to which discharged soldiers have been subjected, from apparently slight errors in their\npapers, and the saving to Government, in all cases fully settled on discharge papers, are deemed sufficient\nexcuse for this circular.\nYour attention to the above suggestions is respectfully solicited.\n0. C. BULLARD,\nSpecial Relief Agent,\nU. S. Sanitary Commission.\n58\n0\nIt has been imforme he to keep minntos of\nwhat is really the terrice called on our\nRecords are keft of the cases\nmoney responsibility\nwe receive them the fapers of dis charge Indiess\nfor\nto collect, their fay. Bnthatis is a small\nitem of the office rook. Hos come to\nbe pritty generally understand that in this\noffice any soldier will he kindly Listened\nto and assisted, if his case is stall within\none reach None are trimed off with cold\nas indifferent andmers as a consequence but\nthe applications are, nmmenons and diffi-\nnot only\nanlt to classify-\nhum who Can a get oreither ee-\ndress nor, patient civil effice from, fficials find\nform achief in simple ep confrasions of kind\nGinterest many of the unimiliated\nfail in securing what is justly their dne\n5-4\nhas the time or she\nbecome no one prill take the timble fut\nthem on the eight-track\nProbably, more real terrice has\nin the aggregate,\nbeen afforded the soldiers, in little items\nof advice and direction, then in the\nmore apparent labor which is fully record.\ncol\nNearly all the fapers of dis-\ncharged soldiers commy L the theome are\ncarefully examined, before the Inen Even go to\nthe Pay master. [ they eegine correction,\nthe soldier the fat able who is sent-back Item the offiere with\nto furnited\ninstructions or of recessary an agent -at-\ntends fenanally, to the matter\nyou will Infote notice great-tam.\nation in the monthly g eyeords, of amounts\ncollected. This anses any from fever al conses\nthey are indication of the actual\nlabor performed.\n56-\n0\n0\nDifferent Paymenters have from time\nto time faid discharged soldiers in New\narleans\nSome egnine every mon who\nis able to bring his am fapers and down his\npay personally - behins, after a short ac.\ndo rot object to fay through\nthe agent\nWhen satisfactory are frifer to\ncollect for the boys, as we can then, with\ntheir consent deposite the money in ihe\nsafe lill they are ready to startfor home.\nNates are taken of all Cases collected\nby the agent The many is delivered to ihe\nsoldier and his receift taken in a book\nkeft for that purpose. If he connot-get\ntransfortation the day he is faid he is ad-\nvised to make the defosita. When these as\ncomponents are carried ont there are any\n56\nfew cases of cobberry which thereir frequitly occur\nThe present Pay master\nprefers to have the men being their fapers\nto his office convernently the smk is just\nhow, Inne than usually disnltory and\nwithout secord\nanother print there are acca-\nsional periods, some times of areeks, when\nthere is Ino money in the Department t relief stations\nal-mch limes am hands, are full, caring\nfor the commilating him bees - or making\nthe best-assory ments possible, for their\ntrans portation home, with their claims am\nsettled-\nTherfollowing statisment shows the\nImm her of Cases econoled in formal and\nThe amounts collected,\nД 129,550\nto the 10th Jonnary to MD Dec was\nThe foregring was the Past-mitten He\nfort the Special Rechief Office, in New\narleans.\nDr. Blake has keftinformed\nrestally, and of his mm abservation of the\nprogress of events, and mate everkly an from\ner, Lo the General Lecratary concerning the\nvarious interests of the Commission in the\nInfartment:\nafter the rednation of the assay\ncommenced and indeed driving the prog\nress of Inobile. the work\nof the office 11 capidly increased. Soffere has\nvery little time for taking minutes,\nThe Special Rechief agent has with\nont clerks, and June crowded with\nthe were\nmen regising helf.\nIn the hung of mustering out\nand vast dis charging, such large hum hero of\nmen a many errors remand in their im\nportant fapers.\nUnfortunately a\nof che troops were mms lind ont-al-fosts\ndis tant from ben Cerleans, and were fent\nh that city to receive their fay.\nas the frommer approached, the\nfregrent and anny my delays rearling\nfrom such errors, cansed great in conven\nince to the soldiers, and incessantle\nfto the Sanitary bm mission agent\nmany a for fillow mustered\nont of the fernal in the interior of ala bana\n- hear mobile - at Barrancas Fla. or on\nthe coast of Jerpas - formal, on reaching\nNew arleans, chathis fahers must be returned\nfor pay. correction, before he could receive his\n77\npay.\nTo add to the nconvemence of\nthe the last months experience\nof this office I-was asses tained chat\ninstead of one Bymastic could rot settle the accounts\nthe Indn Consequents as safially as Ley came in\natm time there arere from his\nto ten located in different\nfasts of the city faying discharged soldiers\nand with A this force through\nlast of system the men arere after delayed\na neck or two even when their fapins here\ncorrect.\nFall papers mere L- he handed\nin to the Chief Rymaster's effice, Ehe to be distint\nbented * * the several dis Insuring officers.\nHere is a elight Heich of the\ndaily work of the agent\nThe men arere advised for\n71.\ntryistering thing names al-the \"Kemi\",\nto take their fapers to the Herial Reclief\noffice for examination before handfing\nthem in to the since of\nthey were not complite considerable delay\nwould be santed Consequently every Inom.\ninj the fffice ras filled with soldiers, desire\nmy inkh examination.\nWhen it is u\nmym bened chatat-chis ling from fire\nto seven ham dred men trere daily account_\ndated at the 'tome', and a lerge propor.\nto the officer\nlion carried their fapers in for the Grent\nCommission\nK5 examine. it is unnecessary L- say that\nhe was may in the office through the mim\nmy as from as this fact of the ank could\nbe disposed of the rainons tay mostins mud\nbe erited, either to look after the Cases of\nhose who were too fuble L- collect their\n72\nmn pay; to hunt-up the papers of those\nwho could not-find to which tab - Bay moster\ntheirs had been assigned for fay ment; to\npress the factionler cases of the feetle or\nthose who had been longest delay ed;\nor, perhaps, the un fleasant task of look-\ninj. after the cases of those who had 2l-\nceired their fay, bit-who mere dis ratisfied\nwith the amintlecined.\nIn many instances, this matter\nof retting an final statements was entire\nby ren to the Paymosters. and fregment\nmistakes ocenned, even when the fapers\nare correct:\nThe influence of the samittry\nCommission agent are less effective\namong the several her Bymester\nwithowhom he was unacgrainted unax then\n12\nit has when he dialtmine one men who\nfrilly understood his objects. and usliged\nthat the agents work sored him from\nsmch annoyance. [Senerally, however,\nhis efforts in behalf of the men arere fre.\nCess ful.\nLarge amounts of many\nwere collected for the sick, and for those\nwho had Lein detained amoiting fapers\nreturned for correctional\nSuch was, in fast the character\nof this arok. up to the day the agent left-the\nDefartment another Commission\nThis rensed the 20th of June Us65- and\nends the distinction Special Rochif Service\nin New Cerleans-\nIn Seaton the Pension and\nClaim agent desoted all the time he\ncould apare from his regular duties (at\nthis time heary) to the examination of\npapers, and ^ assistance in the correction\nthose which were imperfect."
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