Camp Alger
Among the first of the Red Cross field agents appointed was Mr. B.H. Warner, of Washington, to whose special charge was assigned the field known as “Camp Alger.” Mr. Warner makes the following report of the work done by himself and the committee of which he was chairman:
On June 10, 1898, I was notified by letter of George Kennan, Esq., first vice-president of American National Red Cross, that I had been appointed as its representative, at Camp Alger, Virginia, and was requested to report to Chief Surgeon Girard, regarding the establishment of a station at that camp; to ascertain if anything in the form of hospital supplies were needed, and to advise the Executive Committee.
It was suggested that, as the work to be established at Camp Alger was the first step of the Red Cross in the field in connection with the Spanish war, that prudence and tact should be used in maintaining friendly and harmonious relations with the military authorities, especially with the surgeons.
In accordance with my appointment, I visited the War Department, and obtained a special letter of introduction from Secretary Alger to Major-General Graham, commanding at Fort Alger, asking him to give me every facility possible in connection with the work to be undertaken. General Graham introduced me to Colonel Girard, with whom I had a long conference, the result of which was the establishment of headquarters of the Red Cross in the camp, and the settlement of some details as to work which was to be done in accordance with the advice and authority of the surgeon in charge.
I found Colonel Girard exceedingly busy, and apparently very sanguine as to the ability of the government to meet all demands that might be made by every department of the army. He seemed, however, willing that the Red Cross should furnish extra comforts for the men at the camp. I was impressed with the fact that he considered men who had received a regular army education thoroughly competent to meet the situation, and that all supplies could be had as soon as needed; that he did not want too many comforts for sick men, so as to unfit them for the hardships of war when they should go nearer to the scene of active operations.
On the twenty-first of June, in accordance with a call issued by me, quite a large number of citizens met at the Arlington Hotel, and I was formally elected chairman of an executive committee, Mrs. J. Ellen Foster, vice-chairman; C.J. Bell, treasurer, George C. Lewis, secretary. Power was given to add to this committee which, as finally constituted, consisted of the following named persons: E.H. Warner, Simon Wolf, William F. Mattingly, Mrs. J. Ellen Foster, Mrs. Thomas Calver, president of the Legion of Loyal Women; Mrs. James Tanner, national president of the Ladies’ Union Veteran Legion; Mrs. Sarah A. Spencer, Mrs. J.A.T. Hull, wife of Representative Hull, Mrs. Ellen S. Mussey, one of the counsel to the Red Cross, and Mrs. M.M. North.
Quite a number of prominent citizens were present at the first meeting, including Rev. T.S. Hamlin, D.D., and Rev. Byron Sunderland, D.D.
Mrs. Spencer was compelled by other engagements to retire from the work of the Executive Committee early in its history, but still remains as a member of the General Committee. I want to say for the ladies, who served on the Executive Committee, that I never saw more devoted, energetic and efficient service on any committee or under any conditions with which I have been familiar, than that rendered by them. They were all constantly active, both at Camp Alger, Fort Myer, and all along the line, at all hours, day and night, whenever and wherever their presence was required. They were exceptionally competent to direct, possessed of a high order of ability and intelligence, and deserve, not only the thanks of the national organization, but also of all who are friendly to the thousands of soldiers who were benefited by their administration. The Executive Committee met every Tuesday and more frequently when required.
Mrs. J. Ellen Foster began service at the commencement of war, and was very active in and around Washington in camp, hospital, and the railway relief work. She also visited Camp Wikoff, Camp Black, Camp McPherson, Camp Thomas, Chickamauga, camp at Huntsville, Ala., and the hospitals in New York and Boston, where sick soldiers were quartered. Her experience gave her opportunities of suggesting improvement in many departments of work, and the administration of relief, not only by the Red Cross, but by other organizations as well.
Captain George C. Lewis, on the twenty-first of June, was elected secretary of the committee. He had been an officer in the Civil War, and had large experience among soldiers, both in camp and hospital. His first visit to Camp Alger was made on that date, and from that time, until the camp was discontinued, he was constantly on duty there, seeing that supplies were furnished, and all possible relief extended. His headquarters were in a large hospital tent, from which the flag of the Red Cross was flying. The principal office of the Executive Committee being in Washington, at No. 1310 G street, which was tendered free of charge by Dr. and Mrs. J. Ford Thompson, and which the committee has retained much longer than originally anticipated.
Experienced nurses seemed to be needed at Camp Alger. Patients were not receiving the necessary care and attention. The committee supplied mattresses, sheets, pillows and slips, mosquito bars, lemons, and a large quantity of medicine, pajamas, underclothing, night-shirts, handkerchiefs, groceries, delicacies, etc.
The surgeons at the hospitals were timid about asking the government for supplies. As stated, the surgeon-in-chief at Camp Alger seemed to think that the soldiers who were taken sick should be treated in such a manner as would inure them to the hardships of camp, and the life of a soldier. When spoken to on this subject he said, “These men must understand that war is not play.” One of the assistant surgeons said, “It is much easier to ask the Red Cross for supplies, and they can be obtained sooner than by asking the government, as there is so much red tape and it takes so long to get everything.” When the kitchens at Camp Alger were inspected the food did not appear to be of the right kind, and was not properly cooked. Point Sheridan, Va., was visited by Mrs. Mussey on July 29, and sixteen men were found sick. They seemed to be suffering for supplies, especially medicine, which had been ordered on June 27, but had not been received. The Red Cross delivered them proper medicine within twenty-four hours. It was found that each camp hospital must have its regular visitors, and different members of the committee were appointed. Articles needed were supplied from headquarters in Washington, and large shipments were also sent direct from New York to various points. On several occasions underclothing and pajamas were supplied by the hundred within twenty-four hours.
Early in August, the Washington Barracks were made a post hospital, and the Red Cross aid was gladly accepted by Major Adair, surgeon in charge. For a long time our committee supplied this point with 800 pounds of ice, 5 gallons of chicken soup, 30 gallons of milk, 20 pounds of butter daily, as well as 2 crates of eggs weekly. We also furnished 1200 suits of underwear, several hundred suits of pajamas, 500 towels, several hundred pairs of slippers, socks and medicines, antiseptic dressings, and numerous small articles. The work at this point was closed up October 8, with expressions of mutual satisfaction.
The Secretary of War gave authority for the establishment of diet kitchens in the camps near Washington, and Mrs. Mussey, who had taken a special interest in this work from the beginning, was given general charge of the establishment of the kitchens.
A diet kitchen was established at Camp Bristow, and two competent male colored cooks placed in charge. Major Weaver, the chief surgeon, and his staff of five surgeons, were both devoted and competent in their service, and the sick soldiers were loud in their praise.
We found it was unnecessary to establish one at the hospital at the Washington Barracks as arrangements there were so good, and it only seemed necessary to furnish fresh soups daily, and the committee made a contract for five gallons per day at cost for material only.
The committee authorized Mrs. E.S. Mussey and Mrs. J.A.T. Hull to establish a diet kitchen at Fort Myer. Major Davis, surgeon in charge, yielded his own wishes to the Secretary of War. As no building was furnished, the committee made a contract for one of a temporary character, which was put up at a cost, when completed with range, plumbing, etc., of about $350.00. Dr. Mary E. Green, president of the National Household Economical Association, was secured as superintendent, and in not more than ten days from the time of its commencement the building was completed, furnished and orders being filled. It has been a great assistance, not only in furnishing properly cooked food, but invaluable as an object lesson in neatness and skilled cooking.
The government has voluntarily paid all the bills for meat, chickens and milk, leaving the committee to pay for groceries, and wages of employes. Dr. Green has rendered such efficient service that she has been employed by the government to establish diet kitchens at other points.
At Fort Myer nearly four hundred patients were suffering with typhoid and no provision existed for preparing a special diet. Canned soup was heated up and served to those just leaving a strictly milk diet, and the so-called chicken broth, which was served wholly unsatisfactorily to both physicians and nurses. When the diet kitchen was completed, beef, mutton and chicken broth, made fresh daily in the manner best calculated to bring out the nutritive value of the meat, were prepared. Mutton broth was made from hind quarters only, and beef broth from solid meat, with no waste. Albumen, so necessary to repair the waste of the system by fevers, was supplied in the palatable form of rich custards, as ice cream and blanc mange—gelatine made into jellies with port and sherry wines—and albumen jelly, all nourishing to the irritated linings.
During the month of September from the seventh instant, 55c orders, averaging fifteen portions each, or 8250 portions, were filled in the diet kitchen. Physicians, nurses and patients unite in saying the aid they secured from this work is of inestimable value, not only in saving lives, but in hastening the recovery of all. Major Davis, as the surgeon in charge, has expressed his high appreciation of the good results obtained by establishing the kitchen, and the methods pursued in conducting it.
In response to suggestions from the general committee in New York, a special committee was sent to Fortress Monroe to meet the first wounded, who came up from the battlefields of El Caney, San Juan and Guasimas. The surgeon in charge, Dr. DeWitt, stated their immediate needs, and supplies were sent one day after they were called for, consisting in part of 500 pairs of pajamas, twenty-five pairs of crutches, 200 pairs of slippers, 350 yards of rubber sheeting, large quantities of antiseptic dressings, five dozen gallons of whiskey and brandy, 200 cans of soup, granite-ware basins, pitchers, dishes, etc.
Several other visits were made to this point, resulting in the employment of additional trained nurses, with proper provision for their maintenance. Arrangements were also made on behalf of the general committee for supplying ice for the use of troops on board the transports going south, and also for the sick on their journey northward. Mr. Bickford was afterward designated to take charge of the work of the Red Cross at this point, so further work on the part of our committee was unnecessary.
The branch of the work, which has been really one of the most difficult to conduct, was the looking after soldiers, who passed through the city mostly from Southern to Northern camps, and those who were going home. There was such a general demand on the part of the men for coffee, bread and other supplies, and it was so hard to limit our service to the sick soldiers alone, that we soon determined to feed not only the convalescent, but all who were hungry. Soldiers from the following organizations were fed and supplied, the well men receiving bread and butter sandwiches:
Parts of the 5th and 6th Artillery, 25th Infantry, two troops of 1st Cavalry, 12th, 16th and 17th Infantry, portions of the 8th, 9th and 10th Cavalry, all United States troops, and the following volunteer forces: 22d Kansas, 3d and 4th Missouri, 1st Maine, 2d Tennessee, 7th Illinois, 1st, 8th, 9th, 12th, 13th, 15th and 17th Pennsylvania, 1st Connecticut, 5th Maryland, 2d, 3d, 8th, 9th, 14th and 65th New York, 1st and 2d New Jersey, two brigades of United States Signal Corps, and detachments from a number of other regiments, in all about 40,000 men.
Very frequently the committee furnished handkerchiefs and soap, as well as reading matter. The sick were given soup and milk packed in ice, fruit, medicines, etc. Forty-five were removed from the trains and taken to the hospitals in Washington. We used, in this connection, not only the services of trained nurses in the employ of the Red Cross, but Dr. Bayne was detailed by the War Department, and rendered most efficient service, as he was always ready and willing to do everything in his power, day or night, for the relief of the sick.
The War Department ordered for the use of the committee the erection of two tents in close proximity to our rooms, which were at 915 Maryland Avenue. One of these tents was filled with fully equipped cots, on which the invalids were placed while waiting the arrival of ambulances, and the other was used as a general depot for supplies. The War Department paid for the bread we used in this work, and, also, for 4346 loaves furnished to the Pension Office Relief Committee, which was engaged in the same kind of work. Many donations of food and material were received, and as stated, nearly forty thousand men were fed, and how some of them did eat not only as if they were making up for the fasts of the past, but for any which might occur in the future.
Mrs. James Tanner had charge of this work, which was very exacting, and she had been appointed a committee to secure reading matter for the different camps, before the Red Cross Committee was organized, and collected several wagon loads of books, magazines, and other periodicals, which were sent to Camp Alger, Fort Myer, Point Sheridan, Fort Washington, Chickamauga, Tampa and Santiago. Distribution of this reading matter was also made at the Red Cross quarters at 915 Maryland Avenue and handed to the soldiers who passed through the city on trains.
All bills for ice furnished to Point Sheridan, Va., Washington Barracks, and to the Diet Kitchen at Fort Myer have been paid by the Red Cross Ice Plant Auxiliary of New York, which also furnished the large ice chests for the latter point.
The Legion of Loyal Women, of which Mrs. Thomas W. Calver, a member of our committee, was president, acted as an auxiliary for the Red Cross Committee, and made a large number of mosquito nets, flannel bandages, wash cloths, and pajamas. Besides this, they collected many supplies, consisting of boxes of oranges, lemons, tea, coffee, jelly, condensed milk, crackers, yeast powder, cocoa, stamps, writing paper, tobacco, fruit, soap, socks, handkerchiefs, towels, nightshirts, underclothes, pajamas, quinine and other medicine, which were sent to the various camps.
Generous donations of clothing, jellies, cordials and money were also received from various auxiliaries of the ladies’ of the Union Veteran Legion.
The Red Cross Committee assisted in the establishment of a temporary home in this city for the returning volunteers. The existence of this home was limited to two months. The time will expire November 10, when it will be broken up. It has cared for a daily average of sixty soldiers. The Red Cross assisted by furnishing cots and furniture. Mrs. Calver, of our committee, is in charge, and it is conducted without expense to the Red Cross.
The total amount expended in the Railway Relief work, in feeding men as they passed through the city, was $2637.13.
Arrangements were also made after this work closed to look after all the sick soldiers, who came in at the several railroad stations.
The treasurer, C.J. Bell, will transmit a full report, with vouchers for all expenditures which have been up to this date, $7560, and with outstanding bills amounting to about $1000 more.
A large number of ladies rendered excellent service in making sheets, pillow-cases, mosquito nets, pajamas, bandages and articles too numerous to mention. Many volunteer nurses were anxious to go where they could render service to the sick and wounded.
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 soldiers in testifying to its wonderful and efficient work.
Among the principal donations were those from the Lutheran Church Society, Hagerstown, Md., consisting of 50 pajamas, 50 suits of underclothing, 50 nightshirts, 40 sheets, 250 pairs of socks, 100 towels, 200 handkerchiefs, 75 rolls of bandages, delicacies and sundry articles. There were also daily contributions of different supplies, demonstrating the general interest taken in our work.
There were distributed by this committee, in part, 800 sheets, 500 pillow-cases, 800 suits of pajamas, 1500 suits of underclothing, 1600 abdominal bandages, 800 pairs of socks, 750 nightshirts, 350 mosquito bars, 100 rubber sheets, 400 pairs of slippers, 2000 palm leaf fans, 75 large boxes of soap, 150 cots, 250 mattresses, 100 pairs of blankets, 275 pillows, $1000 worth of groceries, $300 malted milk, $850 soups and bouillons, $725 medicines and surgical supplies, $250 wines and liquors, and $1050 milk, a great variety and quantity of smaller articles and supplies.
The following supplies were received from the general New York Committee: 50 boxes of ivory soap, 50 rubber sheets, 400 suits of underwear, 250 sheets, 250 pillow-cases, 250 nightshirts, 200 pairs of slippers, 500 suits of pajamas, $200 worth of malted milk, beef extract and Mellin’s food, $700 worth of canned soups and bouillons and $6000 cash.
In closing, permit me to thank Vice-President Barton and the Executive Committee for prompt and liberal responses to every request made for aid of any character, and for immediately recognizing the fact that the committee at this point had a work placed upon it very extensive and unique in character, and requiring a large outlay of money and service.
I desire to call to your special attention the great service rendered by Mrs. E.S. Mussey, who, during the absence of Mrs. Foster and myself from the city, acted as chairman of the committee, and for two months gave nearly all of her time to its service, visiting different camps and hospitals, and in the work devolving upon her she was untiring and unusually efficient.
Much complaint has been made as to the location of Camp Alger, because of the prevalence of typhoid and malarial fever, and the absence of water supply both for drinking and bathing purposes. A personal knowledge of this section of Virginia, extending over many years, enables me to state that it has been regarded as unusually healthy, and a most desirable section for homes, the growth and development of which would have been very rapid had there been an additional bridge giving greater facilities for crossing the Potomac. The water there has been considered pure and healthy, and used by many families without bad results.
Falls Church, near this camp, has been regarded as one of the healthiest and most desirable suburbs of the National Capital. The topography of the ground and the presence of a large amount of shade were very suitable for the purposes of camp life. It was, however, evident, even to the inexperienced eye of a layman, that good, practical daily scavenger service aided by the effective use of disinfectants was sadly needed both for the comfort and health of the men; that the presence of numerous booths, stands and peddlers engaged in selling soft drinks, fruits, cakes, candy, etc., tended to further demoralize the already interrupted digestion of the soldiers. No matter what the general orders were they could not be made effective without the earnest and intelligent co-operation of regimental officers and soldiers. Could this be secured within two or three months from men not experienced in war? A feeling of individual responsibility appeared to be lacking. One of the most useful officers who can be detailed for camp duty is an inspector, one who will not only inspect daily, but insist that the men take care of themselves, and co-operate to prevent disease, especially in keeping the camp in proper sanitary condition by constant attention to sinks and the water supply.
The Red Cross entered upon its great work at the beginning of the war under many difficulties. Instead of being aided and encouraged in an undertaking that comprehended the generous spirit of the nation, its mission was oftimes interrupted and hindered by officers of prominence and rank. It is proper to say, however, that the President and Secretary of War were at all times deeply interested in our work, and did all in their power to expedite our plans. There appeared to be a jealous apprehension in some quarters that the Red Cross would interfere with established institutions. What it has accomplished is a matter of history, daily recorded in the public press, it has not been aggressive, nor has it dominated any legitimate authority. It has sought to be the servant and not the master. As one general particularly friendly to the organization remarked, “the Red Cross has not been the foe, but the friend of every one, even of red tape.”
If we had any criticism to make it would be in favor of more practical common sense dealing with all matters especially those pertaining to the camp and hospital, and of the necessity of fixing individual responsibility so as to be certain of results as well as orders.
Many high-minded and patriotic officers have been blamed where they ought to have been praised; one distinguished professional man dying from the effects of undeserved fault finding.
If another war should ever come to us as a nation, we trust the lessons of that which has just closed will not be forgotten. Many of the very best and most conscientious surgeons are not business men. Men who have not had business experience in time of peace cannot be expected to learn at once new methods in time of war so as to perfect or harmonize a great system. Should not the executive officer in every large hospital be selected somewhat with reference to his business capacity? Good surgeons and physicians have enough to occupy them in attending to their professional duties. They had too much to attend to in most instances during the Spanish war, and the number of deaths in comparison to the number of sick and wounded has been surprisingly small.
I want to place upon record the generous kindness of Dr. and Mrs. J. Ford Thompson in tendering to the committee the use of house No. 1310 G Street for headquarters; W.B. Moses & Sons for furniture loaned for our use; Springman & Sons for free transportation of goods; to the railroads for reduction of fare; to the Falls Church Electric Railroad, and Washington and Norfolk Steamship Company for free transportation; to the Chesapeake and Potomac Telephone Company for telephone, and to all who generously worked and contributed for the success of the committee.
The army and navy embodied the power of the government in the Spanish war, but the Red Cross in a large degree represented the affectionate regard of the American people, for those who went out to defend the flag of the Union, and their great desire to mitigate in every possible way the sufferings resulting from exposure, disease and conflict, as well as to relieve distress wherever it existed.
Courage and charity go hand in hand, and when the smoke of battle has rolled away, and the tattoo and reveille are memories of the past; when the white tents of the camps are folded; the equipment of war is exchanged for the implements of peace the appreciation of the citizen soldier for the Red Cross will grow in volume as he sits by his fireside and tells how its ministries gave relief and aid to his comrades and himself in the camp, the hospital, at Siboney, Santiago, Porto Rico and elsewhere, and how it extended succor even to his enemies when the conflict ceased.
The Red Cross of peace will outlive the Red Flag of war, even as charity shall survive the force of arms. Let us hope that the former ensign may soon float by the side of the flags of all the nations and peoples of the world, as an evidence of the advance of civilization, and the universal desire that there be no more war; that men everywhere are ready to extend a helping hand to all who suffer from disaster or disease. When this glad day comes war will be no more. Arbitration will be the supreme power.
And may I say, in closing, that no one during the past quarter of a century has in a larger degree aided in the cultivation of peace and good will among men and the promotion of a spirit of fraternity among the peoples of the earth than the president of the American National Red Cross, who, during the Spanish war, has rendered such valuable and indefatigable service in the cause of humanity.