Chapter XIX: Part 19

The extraordinary amount of typhoid fever and intestinal diseases among the troops was the object of thoughtful attention. Several native physicians and army surgeons were solicited to write their diagnosis and treatment of these diseases, in the hope that their combined testimony may furnish valuable data for guidance of physicians and surgeons who may have charge of our troops here in the future.

On October 6, Mr. Monroe Scott, arrived from New York on the steamship "Chester," to be second assistant in our work. He was desirous of giving personal service to the sick, as he had just came from such work in the Northern army hospitals. But the needs at the various hospitals in Porto Rico were being so fully met that he gave his attention to the varied demands at the office, where his courteous manner and efficiency in detail were highly appreciated. Two ambulances were sent to Ponce in September. They proved of great value in emergency cases requiring quick transportation to and from the hospitals, and in conveying our goods for short distances. It must be admitted, however, that they proved also a delicate responsibility, as everybody seemed to regard them as free pleasure coaches in which the Red Cross was eager to take the town to ride.

A daily care was to note all incoming steamers, to board them to inquire for Red Cross supplies, also to note all departing steamers and provide that all sick and convalescents had Red Cross goods enough to insure their comfort for the homeward voyage. The chief surgeons were appealed to and asked not to allow any detachment of sick men to go home without previously notifying us, so that we might provide for their nutriment in supplement to that provided by the Government. It is proper to add that the surgeons going home in charge of the sick on ships were all attentive to their duty in securing Red Cross supplies for their patients. Twelve shipments were made for transports carrying home the sick.

One of the duties of the office was to give first aid to the sick and injured. Hardly a day passed without our giving many prescriptions of medicine to soldiers for intestinal troubles, or first dressing to men injured on the pier or on shipboard. We carefully gave antiseptic dressing and bound up gashed heads and limbs, and tenderly conveyed the unfortunates to the proper hospitals or to their homes or ships.

In September on order from New York, we began to furnish ice to hospitals not already supplied. We purchased machine-made ice at the heavy cost of forty pesos a ton, and had arranged with the hospitals of Coamo and Guayama, the only ones not supplied, to send wagons weekly for a load. For this work we were about to establish an ice-storage plant, when a large cargo furnished by the Government arrived, and although about one hundred tons soon after came from New York, consigned to the Red Cross, it was not needed, nor an ice-house for storage, as the government supply was freely furnished to all in need, and was so large as to last till the Red Cross ice, though carefully stored in a covered lighter, had entirely melted. Had the Government not made this provision, a free grant of site, lumber and labor for an ice plant already secured, would have been utilized. The same cablegram authorizing an ice supply also authorized the supply of milk as needed. On inquiry it was found that all of the hospitals were already well provided with this article. In case of the hospital for the First Engineers, however, the ingenious surgeon, Dr. Proben, had opened negotiations for a cow, and we promptly insisted on paying for it, but were allowed to pledge only one-half its cost, which we most cheerfully did.

Twelve hospital tents, 14x14 feet each, were furnished by the Red Cross, of which one was loaned to the Engineers' hospital, one to the Sixth Massachusetts hospital, and ten were located, under medical supervision, beneath a row of cocoanut trees, for the accommodation of convalescents awaiting transportation. A suitable trench was dug, flooring put in all the tents by the engineers, and straw was furnished for bedding by the quartermaster. This camp was named "Camp Barton."

Some of the incidental work of the Red Cross was to answer letters of inquiry concerning missing soldiers; to guide numerous strangers arriving at the port; to get stragglers of the army into their proper quarters; to help soldiers in various conditions of distress; always to be ready with a kind look and friendly hand, as proper representatives of a generous public, desiring to show full appreciation of these who upheld the nation's honor with the offering of their lives. Every man on the staff of the Red Cross in Porto Rico, could he have embodied his real preferences, would have spent his whole time personally with the boys in their tents or hospitals. It was a real regret to us all that from early morning until dark we had to be hard at work, with few exceptions, in dealing out stores and attending to duties at headquarters.

But as we were serving, not a campaigning army, but garrisons after hostilities had ceased, and the supply of surgeons and nurses was ample, there was no need of personal field service on our part. A tribute of respect and praise is demanded in honor of the army officials of Porto Rico, especially those of the southern district, so wisely administered by General Guy V. Henry, now Governor of Porto Rico. The different departments were ably conducted. Their relations were entirely cordial. The difficult problems presenting themselves were handled in a manful way.

The Red Cross carefully avoided the role of critic or censor, and sought to conform to the wishes of commanders and surgeons, while watchfully providing for the needs of the sick, as ascertained by independent investigation. It never had occasion to make a protest, nor acted as a meddler, but attended strictly to its own business, and kept in its own place as an army auxiliary, and servant of the sick. Hence from the first of its work the military, naval, surgical, medical, commissary and quartermaster's departments treated it as a part of their own common fraternity, freely granting all its requests, subjecting it to no restrictions, and cordially accepting and forwarding its beneficent operations. We received every advantage gratuitously. Not in a single instance were our requests denied. By this cordial understanding many hundreds of dollars of expense were saved to the Red Cross.

Indications of the heavy sick rate in the army of Porto Rico may be found in the following data, gathered at the time from official sources: In August the surgeon in charge at Mayaguez reported that fully 7.5 per cent of the troops stationed there were sick in hospitals, or in quarters, or unfit for duty. September 10 there were in the district of Ponce over 1400 sick, including 350 typhoid cases, 600 malarial, 350 intestinal diseases. September 20 the official report shows 750 sick in Ponce, 799 in Coamo, 336 in Mayaguez, 264 in Utuado, 22 in Guanica, and 328 in Guayama. September 28th the Sixteenth Pennsylvania Infantry, at Coamo, reported 625 sick. One company had no officers on duty, all being sick. October 3 there were 125 sick in Ponce, 60 in Guayama, 65 in Utuado, 40 in Mayaguez, and 491 at Coamo. Total in these places, 781. This great reduction in the number of reported sick was due to large shipments of patients to the States. October 20 there were 747 sick in the general hospital in Ponce, 120 in that at Mayaguez, and 125 in that at Guayama.

On November 10, 603 men were reported sick in the district of Ponce. The data above given will best be understood if it is remembered that they comprise for the most part only hospital inmates. The sick in quarters were not generally reported, though they fully equaled in number those in hospitals. Again it should be remembered that those unfit for duty equaled in number both of the other two classes. In brief, during September, October and November, not more than one-half of the army was available for duty. In September a captain of engineers informed me that in the morning he had only four men report for duty.

Several obvious causes operated to produce the great sick rate. The effects of exposures and hardships before reaching Porto Rico, the nature of the food, malarious influences, native fruits, the heavy rains, and the excessive heat, were potent factors in producing the general illness. There was no invigoration in the atmosphere, its heat and humidity being very depressing, and not allowing rapid recovery after prostration. Almost every man lost heavily in weight, the amounts varying from twenty-five to one hundred pounds. This was true even of those who were extremely careful of their diet and habits. During September and October a register of temperatures, kept by Dr. Charles I. Proben, surgeon of the First Engineers, showed an average daily temperature of 82.52° Fahrenheit, and in October 80.136° Fahrenheit. These figures give little suggestion of what the soldiers had to endure, as for instance, September 20 the mercury stood 96° in the shade at midday, and 113° in the sun. October 3 the mercury stood at 92° at midday. These health conditions made every American in Porto Rico a fitting subject for relief, but Red Cross supplies were limited as far as practicable to the sick and convalescent.

The extent and direction of our Red Cross work are indicated below:

Number of issues to twenty-four army hospitals 150
Number of issues to United States transports returning North
with sick 12
Number of issues to Infantry, regiments and detachments 101
Number of issues to Artillery batteries 24
Number of issues to Cavalry troops 6
Number of issues to Officers' messes 8
Number of issues to Miscellaneous parties 61
----
Total issues 362

These issues were all recorded, and vouchers filed. The number of issues to single applicants for their own immediate use, mostly private soldiers, were over 1200. Prescriptions of medicine to sick soldiers, applying at the office, about 300. Wounds dressed at office, in first aid to wounded men, about 30. Sick carried in ambulances of Red Cross, 50.

The camps and hospitals served by the Red Cross were scattered all over the island, some accessible only through difficult mountain passes, bad roads, or by long sea voyages, necessitating weekly consultation of the chief surgeons, sick reports from all military stations, and careful study of the best routes and means of transportation.

Three months' experience lead one to say that if a man knows how to keep a hotel, run a restaurant, and a refreshment stand; if he be a good grocer, dry goodsman, apothecary, financier, accountant, doctor, and linguist; if he have the strength of a Samson, the patience of a Job, and the cheerfulness of the morning lark; if he have the power to see much and say little, to sweat and not swear, to behold limitless suffering and be fair to all; if he is pachydermous to the shafts of criticism, diplomat enough to secure universal favor, and worthy to hold it by solid merit, let him try a Field Agency of the Red Cross with confidence, for in such service he will need all of these qualities in abundance. And yet, in the midst of it all, he will daily hear the sweetest words of gratitude, and feel that he is doing the most self-rewarding work of his whole life.

SHIPMENTS BY TRANSPORTS.

By the courtesy of the War Department, the Executive Committee were enabled to make several shipments, both to Cuba and to Porto Rico, on the United States transports. With the exception of the first cargo by the "Port Victor," the larger part of these supplies which should properly have been consigned to the Red Cross at the front, were sent direct to the commanding officers, or to the officers of the medical department of the army, upon request. The consignment of the "Port Victor," although received by the Red Cross and forwarded to Gibra for distribution, was afterward taken by an officer of the U.S. army without permission. Among the shipments were:

"Port Victor," July 10, to Santiago, 800 tons general provisions and
medical supplies.

"New Hampshire," July 15, to Santiago, 25 tons groceries and
hospital supplies.

"Olivette," July 18, to Santiago, clothing and delicacies.

"Resolute," July 19, to Santiago, general supplies and clothing.
Value, $2000.

"Missouri," July 19, to Santiago, clothing, laundry plant, ice
plant, cots and delicacies.

"Seneca," July 21, to Santiago, clothing for 50 men.

"Kanawa," July 22, to Santiago, 10 cases of supplies.

"Concho," August 1, to Santiago, supplies for 200 men.

"Breakwater," August 6, to Santiago, 10 cases general supplies.

"Harvard," August 5, to Santiago, 16 cases groceries and clothes.

"Altai," August 5, to Santiago, 96 cases delicacies and clothing.

"Seguranca," August 20, to Santiago, 113 cases provisions and soups.

"Port Victor," October 7, to Santiago, 115 tons of ice, 50 equipped
cots.

"Concho," August 13, to Porto Rico, 900 cases general provisions and
50 equipped cots.

"Yucatan," September 7, to Porto Rico, 545 cases general provisions
and medical supplies.

"Obdam," September 14, to Porto Rico, 387 cases assorted provisions
and 2 ambulances.

"Chester," September 27, to Porto Rico, 406 cases assorted supplies.

"Missouri," September 19, to Porto Rico, 60 cases general supplies.

"Berlin," September 20, to Porto Rico, 20 barrels ginger ale.

"Port Victor," October 7, to Porto Rico, 115 tons of ice and 50
equipped cots, duplicate of shipment to Santiago.

"Panama," October 12, to Porto Rico, 300 cases of groceries and
clothing, 50 equipped cots and 101 cases medicine for General
Wood at Santiago.

Since their appointment by the President of the United States, the Central Cuban Relief Committee have been busily engaged in carrying on the great work entrusted to them by the government. In addition to the smaller consignments of materials sent for distribution to the relief stations in Cuba and on the Florida coast, they have expended in the purchase and forwarding of larger shipments of relief, over two hundred thousand dollars, and have collected in money and supplies nearly half a million. The latest important shipment was sent by the steamer "City of San Antonio," consisting of an assorted cargo of about 700 tons, which was landed at the port of Matanzas, and distributed by the representatives of the Red Cross in charge of the vessel.

THE AMERICAN NATIONAL RED CROSS RELIEF COMMITTEE OF NEW YORK.

The origin of this great volunteer emergency committee has already been explained in these pages. But the story of their wonderful work can never be fully told. With their co-operation much suffering has been prevented or relieved, and many lives have been saved; through the ministrations made possible by their efforts, the humblest private in the ranks now realizes that "the great heart of the nation will not let the soldier die." No words can express the gratitude of the Red Cross for their powerful assistance. Faithful, earnest and efficient, they have labored incessantly through the campaign, and now at the close they make the following short but eloquent report:

REPORT OF THE RELIEF COMMITTEE.

_Organized May 3, 1898._

_Officers._--Rt. Rev. Henry C. Potter, D.D., chairman; Alexander E. Orr, vice-chairman; William T. Wardwell, vice-chairman; John P. Faure, Secretary; Frederick D. Tappen, treasurer; Samuel Woolverton, assistant treasurer.

_Members._--Dr. Felix Adler, Bishop Edward G. Andrews, August Belmont, Joseph H. Choate, William P. Clyde, John D. Crimmins, Chauncey M. Depew, Cleveland H. Dodge, John P. Faure, Edwin Gould, Clement A. Griscom, Jr., John S. Huyler, Morris K. Jesup, Edwin Langdon, Dr. A.M. Lesser, William G. Low, Rev. Sylvester Malone, J. Pierpont Morgan, Levi P. Morton, Alexander E. Orr, Rt. Rev. Henry C. Potter, D.D., LL.D., Percy R. Pyne, Douglas Robinson, John D. Rockefeller, Jacob H. Schiff, Gustav H. Schwab, Charles Stewart Smith, Dr. George F. Shrady, James Speyer, William R. Stewart, A.S. Solomons, Frederick D. Tappen, Howard Townsend, Dr. T. Gaillard Thomas, William T. Wardwell.

_Executive Committee._--William T. Wardwell, chairman; John P. Faure, secretary; Levi P. Morton, Frederick D. Tappen, George F. Shrady, M.D., William G. Low, Gustav H. Schwab, Cleveland H. Dodge, A.S. Solomons, Douglas Robinson, Howard Townsend, A. Monae Lesser, M.D.; Rt. Rev. Henry C. Potter, D.D., LL.D., ex-officio; Alexander E. Orr, ex-officio.

_Finance Committee._--J. Pierpont Morgan, chairman; Frederick D. Tappen, vice-chairman; August Belmont, James Speyer, Gustav H. Schwab, Edwin Langdon, Levi P. Morton.

_Committee on Yacht "Red Cross."_--William T. Wardwell, Gustav H. Schwab, Alexander E. Orr.

_Supply Committee._--Cleveland H. Dodge, chairman; Mrs. W.S. Cowles, Mrs. John Lyon Gardiner, John S. Huyler, Percy R. Pyne, George F. Shrady, M.D., A.S. Solomons, Howard Townsend; Miss Helen Fidelia Hoffman, secretary; F.C. Garmany, purchasing agent.

_Medical Advisory Board._--Wm. H. Draper, M.D., chairman; Andrew J. McCosh, M.D., secretary; Francis P. Kinnicutt, M.D., Francis Delafield, M.D., John S. Billings, M.D., Edward G. Janeway, M.D., Charles McBurney, M.D., Richard H. Derby, M.D.

TREASURER'S REPORT

_And Analysis of Expenditures, May 9 to December 1, 1898._

Total receipts $305,229 66
Office supplies $ 5,117 89
Food supplies, groceries, milk, fruit, etc. 46,067 95
Cots and equipments 24,946 09
Medical supplies, wines, liquors, etc. 11,357 33
Clothing and dry goods 1,413 61
Miscellaneous supplies 16,051 14
Account nurses 17,718 24
Ambulances and mules 7,782 56
Ice 27,666 14
Yacht "Red Cross" and maintenance 54,057 16
Cash to General Committee, account of camps 59,913 02
Laundry plant 1,230 10
Freight, express charges, towing,
transportation, etc. 4,283 05 277,604 28
-------- ----------
Balance on hand $27,625 38

_Woman's Committee on Auxiliaries._--Mrs. John Lyon Gardiner,
chairman; Mrs. Paul Dana, secretary; Miss Martha L. Draper,
treasurer; Mrs. Butler Duncan, Mrs. James W. Gerard, Mrs. Bettina
Hofker Lesser, Mrs. J. Pierpont Morgan, Dr. Lucy Hall Brown, Mrs.
W.S. Cowles, Mrs. Winthrop Cowdin, Mrs. Levi P. Morton, Mrs. Henry
C. Potter, Mrs. G.F. Shrady.

By a resolution of the Executive Committee the above ladies were appointed a Woman's Committee on Auxiliaries, charged with the duty of organizing auxiliary committees throughout the United States, to assist in Red Cross work. This committee met for the first time on May 12, and it was decided to interest, by personal effort and correspondence, the people of the country in serving the sick and wounded soldiers and sailors during the war without regard to nationality, in accordance with the rules of the Conference of Geneva.

From its inaugural meeting on May 12 until the present date the Woman's Committee has authorized the organization of ninety-two auxiliaries, many of these with numerous sub-auxiliaries, thus spreading the work throughout the country from Maine to the Rocky Mountains, the western limit of the work of the Relief Committee.

THE FOLLOWING AUXILIARIES WERE ORGANIZED: No. of No. Name. Place. President. Sub-Aux.

1 First N.Y. Ambulance Equip. Society New York Mrs. W.S. Cowles 3 2 Women's Confer. Soc. " " Mrs. Henry Ollesheimer. of Ethical Culture 3 Maintenance of Trained Nurses " " Mrs. James Speyer. 15 4 Yonkers, N.Y. Mrs. William Sharman. 5 Metcalf-Bliss Hospital Mrs. William 16 Cot Equipment New York Metcalf-Bliss. 6 Columbia University " " Mrs. Seth Low. 7 N.Y. City Ch. D.A.R. " " Mrs. Donald McLean. 8 Council of Jewish " " Mrs. Cyrus L. Sulzberger. Women 9 Hartford Wom. Aux. Hartford, Conn Mrs. F.W. Cheney. 9 10 Ice Plant Auxiliary New York Miss Julia L. Delafield. 11 Norwalk, Conn. Mrs. Jennings. 12 Soldiers' Field New York Miss E.C. Hebert. Hosp. 13 Mohegan Ch. D.A.R. Sing Sing, N.Y. Mrs. Annie Van 8 Rensselaer Wells. 14 Morristown, N.J. Miss Louisa E. Keasby. 7 15 Green Twigs Aux. Flushing, L.I. Miss Helen A. Colgate. 16 Litchfield, Conn. Mrs. George M. Woodruff. 17 First Penn. Red Pittsburg, Pa. Mr. John B. Jackson. 74 Cross Auxiliary 18 Miscellaneous Aux. New York Miss Helen Dominick. 19 Laundry Plant Aux. " " Miss Alice B. Babcock. 20 Westchester Co. Mt. Kisco, N.Y. Mrs. Henry Marquand. 14 Aux. 21 Hazleton, Pa. Mrs. W.C. Gailey. 22 Land and Sea Aux. Pelham Manor Mrs. Frank K. Hunter. 5 23 Staten Island Aux. New Brighton Mrs. George Beers. 24 Princeton, N.J. Mrs. James P. Morgan. 3 25 Hackensack, N.J. Mrs. James Romeyn. 26 Sewickley, Pa. Rev. B.A. Benton. 27 The Farmers' Aux. Jennerstown, Pa. Miss F.E. Coffin. 28 Fort Stanwix Aux. Rome, N.Y. Mrs. Louise M. Duffy. 29 Fairfield, Conn. Mrs. Henry S. Glover. 30 Norwich, Kan. Mrs. Sarah A. King. 31 Beaver County Aux. New Brighton, Pa. Mrs. Mary C. Kennedy. 32 Grace Par. Laun. New York Mrs. Butler Duncan. Aux. 33 Athens, Pa. Mrs. L.M. Park. 34 Canandaigua Mrs. C.C. Wilcox. 35 Eau Claire, Wis. Mrs. Francis P. Ide. 36 Mount Vernon, N.Y. Mrs. William Wilson. 1 37 Elmhurst, N.Y. Mrs. A.C. Green. 38 Dublin, N.H. Mrs. Lewis B. Monroe. 39 Larkinsville, Ala. Miss Anna L. Morris. 40 Western Reserve Cleveland, Ohio Mrs. Andrew Squire. 163 Ch. D.A.R. 41 New Canaan, Conn. Mrs. Willard Parker. 42 Flatbush, Brooklyn Mrs. Cornelius L. Wells. 43 Colorado Springs Mrs. E.S. Cohen. 44 North Shore, L.I., Glen Cove, L.I. Mrs. John E. Leech. Au. 45 " " Mrs. W. Zabriskie. 46 Far Rockaway. Mrs. Alexander Stevens. 47 First R.I. Providence Mrs. Charles Mason. Auxiliary. 48 Nassau Co., L.I., Roslyn, L.I. Mrs. Valentine Mott. Aux. 49 Kinderhook, N.Y. Mrs. P.S.V. Pruyn. 50 Tobacco Auxiliary Newport, R.I. Mrs. Schuyler Van Rensselaer. 51 Central Falls, " " Mrs. Arthur Rogers. R.I., Au. 52 Rhode Island Aux. Providence Mrs. Mary Frost Evans. 53 Westmoreland Co., Pa., Auxiliary Greensburg, Pa. Miss Louise Brunot. 3 54 Pottstown, Pa. Mrs. E.S. Cook. 55 Emporia, Kan. Miss Sabia E. Whitley. 56 Scott Schley, of Frederick, Md. Mrs. Henry Williams. 57 Lenox, Mass. Mrs. John E. Alexandre. 58 Caldwell, N.J. Mrs. F.H. Wing. 59 Upper Red Hook Mrs. Theodore Cookingham. 60 Saugerties-on-Hudson Mrs. George F. Shrady. 61 Hokendauqua, Pa. Miss Bessie Thomas. 62 Bridgeport, Conn. Mrs. Charles B. Read. 63 Suffolk Co., N.Y., Greenport L.I. Miss Bessie Clark. Aux. 64 Staatsburgh, N.Y. Miss Madeleine Dinsmore. 65 Otsego Co., N.Y., Springfield Centre Mrs. H.W. Wardwell. Aux. 66 Plymouth Church Au. Worcester, Mass. Mr. Arthur Reed Taft. 1 67 Oyster Bay, L.I. Mrs. Thomas S. Young, Jr. 68 Cranford, N.J. Mrs. F.R. Bourne. 69 Loyal Friends Aux. New York Mrs. F.P.P. Miller. 70 London, Ohio Mrs. George Lincoln. 71 Shortsville, N.Y. Mrs. O.S. Titus. 72 Richmond Hill Mrs. Walter P. Long. 73 South Orange, N.J. Mrs. F. Arnold. 74 Telegraph Signal Corps Auxiliary Brooklyn, N.Y. Miss Mary A. Tomlinson. 75 Platteville, Wis. Mrs. E.G. Buck. 76 Walden, N.Y. Mrs. Phoebe Saxe. 77 First West Va. Aux. Wheeling, W. Va. Mrs. William F. Butler. 78 Toledo, Ohio Mrs. S.S. Knabenshue. 79 Lovington, Ill. Mr. S.S. Boggs. 80 New Brunswick, N.J. Mrs. Nicholas G. Rutgers. 81 Colored Women's Au. Kansas City, Kan. Mrs. Katie Minor. 82 Sons and Daughters Red Cross Aux. North Berwick, Me. Chester A. Hayes. 83 Orange, N.J. Miss Rosamond Howard. 84 Hammond, Ind. Dr. Mary E. Jackson. 85 Holdredge, Neb. Mrs. Reeves. 86 Girls' Towel Aux. Glen Cove, L.I. Miss Alice O. Draper. 87 Brattleboro, Vt. Miss Mary E. Cabot. 88 Evanston, Ill. Mrs. N. Gill Kirk. 89 Montclair, N.J. Mrs. Benjamin Strong. 90 Lyons, N.Y. Miss Eudora A. Lewis. 91 Dobbs Ferry, N.Y. Mrs. Walston Hill Browne. 92 Marshall, Mich. Mrs. W.H. Porter.

SUPPLIES CONTRIBUTED BY AUXILIARIES THROUGH SUPPLY COMMITTEE.

Cots 3,601
Sheets 13,623
Draw sheets 994
Rubber sheets 226
Pillowcases 13,858
Blankets 586
Towels 36,821
Wash cloths 10,473
Nightshirts 12,388
Pajamas 14,264
Wrappers 53
Handkerchiefs 40,268
Socks 8,484
Slippers 2,342
Abdominal bands 18,557
Negligee shirts 5,097
Undershirts 6,937
Under drawers 6,937
Comfort bags 1,188
Palm-leaf fans 6 cs.
Cot pads 1,006
Mosquito netting 32 pcs.
Nurses' caps 271
Nurses' aprons 100
Brassards 90
Old linen 10 cs.
Napkins 466
Stationery 2 cs.
Delicacies 900 cs.
Tobacco 20 cs.
Pipes 5,000
Literature 120 cs.
Miscellaneous articles 13,394
Red Cross flags 70

Estimated value, $80,000.

SPECIAL WORK DONE BY AUXILIARIES.

Auxiliary No. 1 provided eleven equipped ambulances with forty mules. For Hospital Ship "Missouri": two hundred electric fans, telephones, six rubber beds, disinfecting plant, carbonating plant, twenty-eight foot steam launch, thirty-seven foot steam launch, sent to Chief Surgeon Havard at Santiago. Supplies of clothing and delicacies sent to Colonel Wood at Santiago.

Auxiliary No. 2 opened a work shop on Madison Avenue and Fifty-ninth Street. There women, members of the families of enlisted men, were employed to make the garments supplied by this auxiliary. Employment was given to these women both at their homes and at the shop. Those who took work home were paid by the piece. In all, 142 women were employed, many having steady work for over five months. Up to December 1, 20,842 articles were made by this Auxiliary.

Auxiliary No. 3 has perhaps brought more comfort to the sick and wounded soldiers than any of the others. It was organized for the special work of providing funds for the maintenance of trained nurses, and as will be seen by the following list of nurses sent out by this auxiliary, no opportunity to relieve the suffering of the sick was ever passed by.

Railway transportation was furnished for nearly four hundred nurses sent out from the New York office.

The number of nurses employed may be divided approximately into four classes: (1) Those employed, maintained and paid by the auxiliary. (2) Those whose salaries and maintenance were borne partly by the government, and partly by the auxiliary. (3) Those who signed the government contract and were paid and supplied with army rations by the government, but received additional supplies from the auxiliary. (4) Those who were paid by the auxiliary and maintained by local aid.

_Class I._

At Fort Wadsworth 41 Nurses.
" Charleston 20 "
" Leiter Hospital 10 "
" Governor's Island 6 "
" Tampa 5 "
" Atlantic Highlands 5 Nurses, 1 Surgeon.
" Convalescent Home for Nurses 1 Nurse.
" Hospital Cars 4 Nurses.

_Class II._

At Camp Black 42 Nurses.
" Fort Hamilton 23 "
" Fortress Monroe 43 "
On Hospital Ship "Missouri" 14 Nurses (Men).
At Bedloe's Island 1 Nurse.
" Portsmouth 6 Nurses (Men).

_Class III._

General Hospital, Montauk 125 Nurses.
Sternberg Hospital, Chickamauga 64 "

_Class IV._

L.I. City Relief Station 29 Nurses, 2 Surgeons.
Relief Tents, Montauk Station 1 "
Nassau Hospital, Hempstead 20 "
Home for Convalescent Soldiers at Sag Harbor 6 "
Convalescent Home of 8th Reg't, Hunter's Island 2 "
U.S. Transport "Lampasas" 29 Nurses(of these many were Volunteers).

The salaries of some and maintenance of all were borne by the auxiliary. Nurses were also supplied on emergency calls to the Eighth and Ninth Regiment Armories.

Auxiliary No. 5 sent equipped cots to the different camps in the United States, Cuba and Porto Rico, supplying in all 3766.

Auxiliary No. 10 undertook to send ice to Cuba and Porto Rico, the blockading fleet, and the different camps. This auxiliary also furnished the ice plant on the Hospital Ship "Missouri," and expended in all for ice $27,802.20.

The work of this auxiliary appealed especially to every one during the hot weather, and donations poured in upon it, not the least of which was a steady income from the "Nathalie Schenck Ice Chain," which produced a revenue of $24,000 in three months.

Auxiliary No. 17, enrolled seventy-four sub-auxiliaries, with a total membership of 6173.

To the Supply Committee this auxiliary sent in the largest quantity of supplies.

Auxiliary No. 19 raised funds for a laundry plant, and put same on Hospital Ship "Missouri."

Auxiliary No. 22 had five sub-auxiliaries, with a total membership of 1018. 14,144 garments, 850 cases and packages of food, and 12,583 books and magazines were sent to the Supply Depot. In September the auxiliary took as its particular work the supplying of clothing to destitute soldiers applying for same, with properly signed orders, at 554 Broadway. Nearly 800 men were given underwear, blue flannel shirts, socks, handkerchiefs, night shirts, etc., etc.

Auxiliary No. 40.--The War Emergency Relief Board of Cleveland became an auxiliary to the Red Cross in June, with 163 sub-auxiliaries. Ten thousand dollars in money, and between thirty and forty thousand dollars worth of supplies, were sent to the front. Two thousand dollars were spent in fitting up unfurnished wards in Cleveland hospitals, where 533 soldiers were cared for. The wives and families of soldiers and sailors were also cared for. Five thousand four hundred and fifty hot breakfasts and dinners were served at the Union Depot to soldiers passing through Cleveland. Four hundred cases of clothing and delicacies were shipped by this auxiliary.

REQUISITIONS FILLED BY SUPPLY COMMITTEE.

_June 22 to December 1._

TOTAL NUMBER, 427.

To Santiago Shipments, 26
" Porto Rico " 10
" Camp Wikoff " 53
" " Thomas " 34
" " Alger " 7
" " Black " 5
" " Townsend " 1
" " Hobson " 1
" Jacksonville " 17
" Tampa " 9
Miami " 2
" Governor's Island " 14
" Bedloe's Island " 3
" Seavey's Island " 3
" Fort Wadsworth " 20
To Fortress Monroe " 5
" Fort Riley " 1
" Fort Hamilton " 18
" Fort McPherson " 4
" Quarantine " 5
" Bellevue Hospital " 6
" Roosevelt Hospital " 2
" Brooklyn Hospital " 3
" St. Peter's Hospital " 6
" St. Francis' Hospital " 2
" St. Catherine's Hospital " 2
" St. Joseph's Hospital " 4
" Yonkers Hospital " 4
" Mount Vernon Hospital " 4
" New Rochelle Hospital " 4
" Jamaica Hospital " 1
" Nassau Hospital " 4
" Long Island College Hospital " 6
" Long Island Red Cross Emergency Hospital " 22
" Stapleton Marine Hospital " 1
" U.S.S. "St Paul" " 1
" " "New Hampshire" " 1
" " "Nahant" " 1
" " "Harvard" " 1
" " "Kanawha" " 1
" " "Elfrida" " 1
" " "Vigilancia" " 1
" " "Supply" " 1
" Hospital Ship "Missouri" " 4
" " " "Relief" " 2
" "Red Cross" Yacht " 2
" 9th Regiment Armory " 7
" 8th " " " 4
" 71st " " " 1
" 13th " " " 2
" Convalescent Homes " 43
" Soldiers' Comfort Committees " 25
" Distribution to Soldiers at Supply Depot " 13
" Stephen E. Barton " 2
" Dr. B.B. Lanier, U.S.A. " 1
" Major Henry Page, U.S.V. " 1
" Mrs. L. Hutton, Athens, Ga. " 1
" Mrs. G.M. Moulton, Savannah " 1
" Mrs. F.M. Armstrong, Hampton, Va. " 1
----
Total 427

EXTRACTS OF REPORTS FROM CAMPS.

JACKSONVILLE, FLA.

Field Agent, Rev. Alexander Kent.

Headquarters opened June 16, 1898. The hospital was found in a very distressing and unhealthful condition. Most of the patients were indeed on cots, but few had either sheets or night shirts to cover them! It was also found that the sick had no suitable food, and when the suitable food was provided it was found that there was no provision for preparing it!

The government provided many sheets, many cots, many pillows, but the demand ever outran the supply, and the Red Cross was called on continually to supply the lack.

The government made no provision for ice, milk, eggs, lemons, malted milk, peptonoids, clam bouillon, beef extracts and delicacies of all kinds until after the first of September, when each patient was allowed sixty cents a day. All supplies of this sort were furnished by the Red Cross, or by the beneficient agencies.

At the Second Division Hospital the Red Cross paid for a bath house, kitchen and large circular tent for convalescents--100 cots, mattresses and 1000 pillows. Sheets, pillow cases, night shirts, pajamas and towels were sent by the thousand.

The Red Cross furnished over $1000 worth of medicines not on the government list, over 1000 bath and surgical sponges, 50 ice chests, over 700 buckets, tumblers by the barrel, medicine glasses, ice bags, hypodermic syringes, etc.

Over $1300 was spent for hospital equipment and supplies of various kinds; in addition to this, large shipments were received from New York.

An important part of the work in this camp was the supplying of ice for the purpose of cooling the drinking water. The cost of this ice, $6000, was met by Auxiliary No. 10.

The milk bills averaged $500 a week.

When the Recuperating Hospital was opened at Pablo Beach, the Red Cross, at the request of the chief surgeon, supplied 250 sets of dishes, with a complete outfit of pitchers, trays, buckets, etc.

The several heads of divisional hospitals have said to the agent again and again, "The hospitals never could have equipped themselves. They would have broken down utterly without the aid of the Red Cross."

CAMP THOMAS, CHICKAMAUGA, GA.

Field Agent, E.C. Smith.

"No array of mere numerals written to express dollars, or tables of figures standing for quantities, could, in comprehensive sense, tell the story of the Red Cross work at Chickamauga in 1898. The record is written indelibly in the hearts of thousands of soldiers who were stricken with disease on this battlefield, and the story has been told at quiet firesides in every State of the Union." Here in Chickamauga men fell from the ranks day after day, and were carried helpless to the regimental, division, corps and general hospitals, stricken by an unseen foe. It was at these hospitals that the Red Cross sent supplies of all kinds, medical and surgical, clothing, bedding, delicacies, etc. The agent, Mr. Smith, was told to supply everything needed, regardless of cost. Milk and ice were the chief requisites, and all the surrounding farming country was called upon to supply the milk, some of it coming as far as Biltmore, N.C. The agent ascertained the necessities of the sick through the best official sources, and without delay the necessities were supplied.

Mr. Smith was stricken at his post with typhoid, but is now convalescent.

WASHINGTON, D.C.

Headquarters for Camp Alger, Point Sheridan, Va., Washington
Barracks Post Hospital, Camp Bristow, Fort Meyer, Fortress Monroe.
B.H. Warner, Agent and Chairman Executive Committee of Red Cross at
Washington.

By this branch of the Red Cross a large part of the work in camps was undertaken. A meeting was called on June 21, at which a large number of citizens met, and an Executive Committee was formed to carry on the relief work at these different posts.

Captain George C. Lewis was the representative of the committee at Camp Alger. He was constantly on duty there, seeing that supplies were furnished and all possible relief extended--mattresses, pillows, sheets, pillow cases, mosquito bars, night shirts, pajamas, handkerchiefs, underclothing, medicines, groceries and delicacies were supplied in large quantities to this camp.

Point Sheridan was visited by Mrs. Mussey, a member of the Committee. It was found that they were suffering for supplies of all kinds, but especially for medicines, which had been ordered a month before, but had not been received. Proper medicines were delivered by the Red Cross within twenty-four hours, and other necessities were supplied, large shipments being also sent from New York.

When the Washington Barracks was made a post hospital, the Red Cross supplied daily 800 pounds of ice, 5 gallons chicken soup, 30 gallons of milk, 20 pounds of butter and 2 crates of eggs weekly. Also furnished 1200 suits underwear, several hundred suits of pajamas, several hundred pairs socks, and slippers, 500 towels, medicines, antiseptic dressings, etc. The work at this point closed October 8.

The Secretary of War gave authority for the establishment of diet kitchens, in the camps near Washington, and Mrs. Mussey was given general charge of this special work. A diet kitchen was established at Camp Bristow, one at the hospital at the Washington Barracks and at Fort Meyer.

The government had voluntarily paid for meat, chicken and milk, leaving the committee only bills for groceries and wages of employees.

Dr. Green rendered such efficient service that she has been employed by the government to establish diet kitchens at other points.

"Physicians, nurses and patients unite in saying the aid they secured from the work was of inestimable value."

To Fortress Monroe supplies were sent one day after they were called for, consisting in part of 500 suits pajamas, 25 pairs crutches, 200 pairs slippers, 350 yards rubber sheeting, large quantities antiseptic dressings, 60 gallons whiskey and brandy, 200 cans soups, basins, pitchers, dishes, etc.

Arrangements were also made at this point for supplying ice for the use of the troops on board the transports going South, and also for the sick on their journey North.

The branch of work undertaken by this committee, which was the most difficult to conduct, was in looking after the sick soldiers who passed through the city. Soldiers from almost forty different regiments were fed and cared for when ill. In all, about 40,000 men. The War Department paid for the bread used in this branch of the work. All bills for ice, and ice chests provided by this committee, were paid for by Auxiliary No. 10.

"It is gratifying to be able to state that whatever view the surgeons and other officers may have had as to the need of the Red Cross at the beginning of the war, at the close they joined with the private soldier in testifying to its wonderful and efficient work."

YACHT "RED CROSS."

The yacht "Red Cross" was bought by the Relief Committee, to be used by Miss Barton as headquarters during her stay in Cuba. The yacht sailed from New York for Key West on June 30, laden with twenty-five tons of surgical and medical supplies, and with five doctors, arriving at Key West on July 10. From Key West the yacht sailed for Santiago on July 16. She ran into a storm, and was so badly damaged she had to put back to Key West for repairs. It was found impossible to repair her there, so the medical supplies were transferred to a transport sailing for Cuba, and the "Red Cross" returned to New York, arriving August 4.

In three or four days she was in order again, and took on board a cargo of supplies for Camp Wikoff. She was then offered to the government to transfer patients from the general hospitals at Camp Wikoff to the hospitals in New York, New Haven, and adjacent cities, where the soldiers could receive better shelter and care. The yacht was comfortably fitted out, and made twenty-eight trips, carrying in all 449 sick men. During these trips she carried a doctor and three trained nurses to care for the sick, and often the relatives and friends of the soldiers were allowed to accompany those whom they had been to find at Camp Wikoff.

CAMP WIKOFF, MONTAUK POINT, L.I.

Field Agent, Mr. Howard Townsend.

It is difficult indeed, in giving extracts of this report, to present any idea of the great work accomplished here. Mr. Townsend visited the camp on August 8, and, after returning to New York to report to the Relief Committee, went to Montauk on the 10th to open "headquarters." The first, and in some respects the most important work was the delivery of a daily supply of water for the troops. Ten thousand gallons of hygeia water were delivered to the government, and four tank cars were brought daily from Jamaica with fresh spring water. This work ceased when the great well was finished. To the general hospital such supplies were furnished as were rendered necessary by the confusion and hurry of the first weeks, indeed a large part of the articles necessary for a hospital were placed in the wards a few hours after the need was discovered.

We supplied but few delicacies to the hospital after it was in running order. Oranges and lemons, were, however, supplied at the rate of 1000 a day, and 200 gallons of milk were furnished, until, by order of Secretary Alger, the government furnished 2000 gallons of milk a day to the hospitals and troops. The detention hospital we also kept abundantly supplied with delicacies, and often with necessities.

The regimental hospitals were found to be in great need of equipment and food suitable for the sick, and to this part of the work Dr. Geo. E. Brewer and Mr. Samuel Parrish devoted themselves, making daily visits to the regiments, and assisting the regimental surgeons in their discouraging work.

Auxiliary No. 3 sent a dietary expert, Mrs. Willard, to the camp to establish diet kitchens, and with the aid of Mr. Prescott, of the Massachusetts Volunteer Aid Society they were established in connection with the various hospitals, and such satisfactory results were worked out that the government agreed to pay all the expenses.

The feeding of all the sick and half-starved men who arrived from Cuba on the transports was undertaken by Dr. and Mrs. Valentine Mott, while Dr. Magruder, chief quarantine officer, exerted himself admirably in Red Cross work, carrying continually stores of Red Cross delicacies to those ships which were in quarantine and suffering for lack of food.

At the railroad station, the men leaving on sick furlough frequently collapsed, and here the government erected two tents for the Red Cross, and Miss Martha L. Draper was asked to take charge. The men were fed with milk, and when necessary given a few ounces of whiskey to enable them to continue their journey. Those who were unable to take the train were kept in the tents over night, which sheltered at times as many as twenty sick men!

A great effort was made to answer all the inquiries from relatives of the missing soldiers. Few can realize the number of letters and telegrams received each day from all parts of the country.

"Owing to the recognition given to the Red Cross agent by Major-General Young when the camp was first begun, the Red Cross was able to enter into a far broader sphere of usefulness than would otherwise have been possible."

The following list is given of articles furnished by the Red Cross, to show in what quantities the supplies were used:

Equipped cots 1,523
Suits underwear 4,948
Pairs of socks 4,322
Night shirts 4,322
Pajamas 4,733
Comfort bags 1,511
Sheets 2,471
Pillow cases 2,536
Handkerchiefs 10,946
Pairs of slippers 2,423
Towels 6,554
Pillows 800
Blankets 929
Cocoa 1,440
Soups (cans) 10,344
Lactated food (bottles) 3,456
Beef extract 1,224

In all, 178 different articles were furnished, and many of them in as large, some in even larger numbers than these given.

RED CROSS RELIEF STATION, LONG ISLAND CITY.

Mrs. Hammond in charge.

The Red Cross Relief Station was opened on August 29th. The building which was directly opposite the railroad station, and in every way most admirably adapted to the work, was offered to the Society by Patrick J. Gleason, ex-Mayor of Long Island City. On the second and third floors of this building, cots were erected, diet kitchens were started, a corps of servants employed, and in a day or two everything was in readiness. All the trains arriving from Montauk were met and the men assisted to the Red Cross Relief Station, where they were all fed. Many men were too ill to continue on their journey and were kept at the "Emergency Hospital," or sent to hospitals in New York and Brooklyn. The work, in a day or two, assumed such large proportions that cots were erected on the first floor, and the Information and Business offices were in a tent in front of the building. Even this proved inadequate, and fifteen tents were erected, each holding six cots.

Competent trained nurses were on duty, supplied by Auxiliary No. 3.

Two ambulances were supplied by Auxiliary No 1.

Clothing and delicacies of all kinds were dispensed in large quantities.

Over fourteen thousand men were fed, and about $7000 was spent in carrying on this work.

From the reports of the physicians in charge we can safely say that for the first two weeks 75 per cent of all that came in were sick, needing care and medical attention, the third week about 50 per cent, and the fourth week about 25 per cent.

It was due to the untiring enthusiasm of the women interested in the relief work that the society was able to carry it on so successfully.

THE WOMAN'S AUXILIARIES OF THE RED CROSS.

By special authority from the American National Red Cross, these auxiliaries were organized under the auspices of the Relief Committee in New York, acting in conjunction with the Executive Committee of the Red Cross. Therefore, full reports of what they have accomplished have not been sent direct to the national headquarters. Among the woman's auxiliaries it was the custom for each to organize for some special work, and devote their entire attention to it. It is a pleasure to be able to insert here, as an example of the manner in which these loyal women did their part in the work of war relief, the following from the report of Auxiliary No. 3, organized for the maintenance of trained nurses:

FROM THE REPORT OF RED CROSS AUXILIARY NO. 3.

At the request of the Women's Committee on Auxiliaries, this auxiliary was organized on May 18, 1898, to provide funds for the maintenance of trained nurses. It was the original intention that these nurses should be placed on a hospital ship to be furnished by the National Relief Committee. It was not long, however, before this plan of specialized work was abandoned by the Relief Committee, and the Executive Committee of the auxiliary adapted itself to the change, by using its funds and devoting its energies in supplying and maintaining trained nurses in army hospitals, where, owing to the suddenness and greatness of the emergency, the supply and maintenance of an adequate number of nurses were not in the government's power. This form of work was begun early in July, and on the 19th of that month was, with the concurrence of the Relief Committee, finally adopted as the chief purpose of the auxiliary. It is hoped that some estimate of the success achieved may be gained from this report.

Immediately on its organization, the important work of raising money was undertaken, systematic efforts were made to reach subscribers, associate members were enlisted, circulars were sent out, and personal appeals were made. From Paris alone, by the generosity of French and American friends, more than $21,000 was received. Suburban branches were also established, which, under the direction of separate committees, labored earnestly and contributed largely, both in money and in supplies. The chief of these branches were at Seabright, Elberon, Navesink, Orange, New Hamburg, Tuxedo, Tarrytown, Northern Westchester County, Riverdale, Rye and Harrison, White Plains, Lake George, St. Hubert's Inn, Lenox, Wakefield and Narragansett and Bar Harbor. The Executive Committee met frequently to consider this question of ways and means, and the assistant treasurer, Mrs. Edmund L. Baylies, was soon able to report a generous response. As shown by her account, the sum of $107,785.12 has in all been collected, of which $72,101.64 has already been expended. Without this hearty support from the friends of the cause, the good accomplished by the auxiliary would have been sadly restricted. Indeed, when the critical time of arranging coöperation with the government came, we might never have felt justified in undertaking such a responsibility, had our actual contributions not been so large, and the assurance of further financial support so definite.

On June 30 the first call for nurses came in the shape of a telegraphic dispatch from Santiago, sent by Dr. A. Monae Lesser, chief surgeon of the American National Red Cross Society. Two days later, in compliance with this dispatch, a party consisting of twelve trained nurses, one immune nurse, and one assistant, was sent from New York to Tampa in charge of Miss Laura D. Gill, with orders to proceed to Santiago at the first opportunity. This party was reinforced by a second, consisting of three physicians and eleven nurses, who left New York on July 4 in charge of Miss Isabel Rutty. A third party of two physicians, thirty-two nurses, and six orderlies was sent forward the same week, and reached Tampa on the evening of July 9. The first available steamer for Santiago was the U.S. transport "Lampasas," which was taking out Col. Black and his engineering corps, and through the kindness of General Coppinger and Col. Edmond Rice, five physicians, twenty-nine nurses, and two orderlies were given transportation upon that ship.

The "Lampasas" reached Santiago just after its surrender, but owing to the recent outbreak of yellow fever in the city, a strict quarantine had been established, and none but immunes were permitted to go ashore. The steamer thereupon proceeded to Porto Rico, and on reaching the harbor of Guanica was converted into a hospital ship. The plan of landing the nurses was abandoned, and they immediately devoted themselves to the care of the 112 soldiers, most of them typhoid fever patients, for whom accommodation was provided on the vessel. Two of these patients died at Guanica, two at Ponce, and four on the homeward voyage. The remaining 104 were safely landed at Fort Monroe early in August. Miss Mary E. Gladwin, who was with the party, spoke for all the nurses when she said that this "Lampasas" trip was the opportunity of a lifetime, and that the two weeks of absorbing work "were worth years of ordinary living."

In the meantime the rest of our party at Tampa had embarked on another government transport, the "Nueces," also bound for Santiago. But within a few hours after the "Lampasas" left the dock at Tampa, and before the "Nueces" could get away, a telegram was received telling of the outbreak of yellow fever in Cuba. By direction of the government, all of our party, except one trained nurse and four assistants, were thereupon removed from the "Nueces," and left in Tampa to await further developments. The five excepted members of the party proceeded to Cuba, and some time afterwards returned to New York in attendance upon the patients who were brought home on the steamer "Concho."

It was in Tampa, while these nurses were impatiently awaiting transportation to the front, that the sudden outbreak of typhoid fever in the camp there gave the first important occasion for their services. Four nurses, under the charge of Mrs. E.B. Freer, were assigned to the Division Hospital at Picnic Island, and continued their work until about July 27, when the sick men were removed and the island abandoned as a camp. The services of Mrs. Freer's party were then desired by Colonel O'Reilly, chief surgeon of the Fourth Army Corps, and she was asked on Saturday, July 30, to superintend the opening of a new military hospital in West Tampa. Authority and funds were, on application to the auxiliary in New York, telegraphed her accordingly, and the effectiveness of the compliance with the chief surgeon's request will appear when it is said that by evening of the next day (Sunday) a three-story brick building was selected for the hospital, thoroughly cleaned, equipped with cots and other necessary hospital appliances, and the cots themselves occupied by fifty soldiers suffering from typhoid and malarial fevers. The spirit of this auspicious beginning guided the conduct of the hospital until its last patient had been discharged on October 14. Five hundred soldiers, chiefly typhoid patients, were treated during those ten weeks, and only eleven deaths occurred. Even a modern city hospital might be proud of such a record.

Meanwhile the constant efforts of the auxiliary to send nurses to Cuba were thwarted by the appearance of yellow fever in Santiago. Notwithstanding our repeated offers, the government adhered to its determination to permit none but immune nurses at the front, and the extension of the auxiliary's work seemed to be hopelessly checked. The situation with which we were confronted was most serious. We had sought and collected over $60,000 in money, and notwithstanding the great amount of suffering, and our conviction that if only permitted to do so we might relieve so much of it, we were nearly helpless. Happily, a speedy and most gratifying solution of the problem was found in the following manner: The Executive Board of the Relief Committee decided to send a committee representing itself and this auxiliary to Washington, to reach some positive understanding with the President and the surgeon-general of the army regarding the regular employment of our nurses.