[There is nothing in the history of the Civil War
worthier of celebration in verse, or more to be honored
in the remembrance, than the organization and work of the
United States Sanitary Commission. When the conditions
created by the stress of the war became apparent, the
compassion of kindly men and women in the North was deeply
stirred by the thought that there was suffering among the
soldiers which the government could not relieve, and that
there were wants which could not be supplied by military
agencies. The generous desire to minister to these wants
and to relieve this suffering was quickly organized into
action with that business-like sagacity which distinguishes
the American character. The Sanitary Commission was formed
as the agent and almoner of the popular generosity. It was
supported entirely by voluntary contributions. It was as
thoroughly organized as the army commissariat itself, and
wherever there was a comfort needed, or a wounded or sick
man to be cared for, its supply wagons, its appliances,
and its trained nurses were found. The affectionate
gratitude of the troops toward the beneficent association
is reflected in this poem.--EDITOR.]
[Illustration]
[Illustration]
“HOW ARE YOU, SANITARY?”
Down the picket-guarded lane
Rolled the comfort-laden wain,
Cheered by shouts that shook the plain,
Soldier-like and merry:
Phrases such as camps may teach,
Sabre-cuts of Saxon speech,
Such as “Bully!” “Them’s the peach!”
“Wade in, Sanitary!”
Right and left the caissons drew
As the car went lumbering through,
Quick succeeding in review
Squadrons military;
Sunburnt men with beards like frieze,
Smooth-faced boys, and cries like these:
“U. S. San. Com.” “That’s the cheese!”
“Pass in, Sanitary!”
In such cheer it struggled on
Till the battle front was won;
Then the car, its journey done,
Lo! was stationary;
And where bullets whistling fly
Came the sadder, fainter cry:
“Help us, brothers, ere we die!--
Save us, Sanitary!”
Such the work. The phantom flies,
Wrapped in battle-clouds that rise;
But the brave--whose dying eyes,
Veiled and visionary,
See the jasper gates swung wide,
See the parted throng outside--
Hears the voice to those who ride:
“Pass in, Sanitary!”
[Illustration]
[Illustration]