The Buchanan County Guardian

Mr. Editor: - Permit me to say a few words in the columns of your paper about the sick and wounded soldiers. I left this place May 27th, to attend the State Sanitary Convention at Davenport, at which place I arrived the next day by boat from Dubuque. I found the Sanitary society in full blast, and in attendance was our worthy Governor, who appeared to be very anxious for the welfare of the Iowa soldiers. He made a statement of what he had done with the limited means placed at his command, and that he expected to care for the Iowa boys the best in his power. Adj. Gen. Baker was present and plainly detailed the situation of affairs as they appeared to him. All appeared anxious to do the best to relieve the sick and wounded Iowa boys, now fighting the battles of our country.

The Sanitary convention adjourned sine die about 11 p. M. I expected to find a Hospital in full blast at this place, but was disappointed. The next day I started for Keokuk on board the Steamer Kate Cassell, and after a very pleasant trip, arrived at Keokuk about 7 A. M., Saturday morning, and was soon quartered at the Demming House. After partaking of a good breakfast, I went to the Hospital, where, by kindness of one of the Ward Masters, I soon gained admittance. The Hospital is a magnificent Building, well ventilated, and clean as water would make it, from top to bottom. Here I found 260 heroes of Pittsburg Landing, being taken care of in the best possible manner. The waiters were plenty, and the Ward masters perfect gentlemen, and here I spent many hours, while in Keokuk, in conversation with the boys. The Hospital is under the immediate care of J. C. Hughes, M. D., Surgeon Gen. of Iowa. In him I found a perfect gentleman and agreeable man. By him I was shown many interesting surgical cases, and general details were given of mode and manner of treatment, and results. The Hospital was well arranged, and all in attendance on the sick and wounded knew their business and did it. I conversed with a great many, and not a word of complaint did I hear. The beds were neat and clean, and offensive odors were not there. Many had lost arms, feet, fingers and other serious wounds, but all were apparently contented and seemed cheerful. Even our secesh friends were here sick and wounded, and not a word of complaint did I hear from them. I conversed with many, and one boy in particular I was much interested in. He appeared to be about 17 years of age, was of small stature, light hair, light blue eyes, and was really handsome. He, too, was wounded in the arm at the Pittsburg battle. The wound had nearly healed when Erysipelas set in and his whole arm was involved in the difficulty, but he was cheerful, was soon going to be well again. The doctor told him so, and he had all confidence in him. After an agreeable hour spent with him, I asked him what regiment he belonged to; his answer was 19th Alabama. I also found the 18th Tennessee represented here. They were all taken care of alike, there was no difference. The Steward of the Hospital, Mr. Reynold, was kind and affable, and imparted much information. To him I am under many obligations for favors received.

We have often read in the papers that Beauregard's orders at the Battle of Pittsburg Landing was to shoot low. Now if the wounded in this Hospital are a general sample of what were wounded there the order was certainly disobeyed. I found more men that had lost arms, and were wounded in the arms, than any other place. A few had lost a foot. One poor fellow was shot through the liver, and will probably die. Another was shot through the hip, and he will get well.

One man from an Ill. Regiment was struck by a ball about the right eye; it passed downwards, took out right eye, then into the cheek, and came out about the lower jaw. He said it was no inconvenience to him, and he was really getting well without any unpleasant symptoms. He said he was going back again, as he had a small account to settle down there, and woe to the secesh he comes across.

The Ladies of Keokuk appear to take good care of the boys. The bouquets of flowers were plentifully distributed through its many rooms, which gave them a cheerful look, which the sick appeared to really enjoy. From what I saw there I can truly say that if all the Hospitals are as good as the Keokuk Hospital, there would be less mortality among the sick and wounded.

Independence, June 13th, 1862.

Geo. Warne, M. D.