born, and had hoped to die. Their fathers, husbands and adult sons, were in many cases conscripted into the rebel service, or compelled, as the only way of escape from it, to hide themselves in the mountains, caves or swamps, until a favorable opportunity should offer for escape into our lines. In some instances the adult males of these families had escaped from the tyranny of southern despotism, and joined our forces. In others, men who had been conscripted into the rebel ranks, had deserted, enlisted in our army and are now fighting the battles of the country for the restoration of the laws, the Constitution and peace, order and happiness. And still another class of cases has presented itself in which the adult male members of families have been wantonly and cruelly murdered in cold blood, by the heartless, tyrannical soldiers of Jeff. Davis' dominions, or by demoniac cut-throat citizens, once their own neighbors; and for no other reason than that they loved their country, its institutions and its flag. These people arrived here, for the most part, on transportation furnished them by the Government, and without any settled purpose or idea, as to their future location or means of subsistence. With scarcely an exception, they came in an extremely destitute condition, without a second suit of wearing apparel, and with none at all suited to this climate and season. In several instances they have been put off the cars in the outskirts of the city, and told "to shift for themselves." Thus no alternative was left for them but to herd together in the nearest sheds and shops, until information of their arrival and condition reached us. Of course this Department was called upon for aid in all such cases, and up to this time has furnished these people, through the Soldiers' Home, nine hundred and eighty-one full government rations, and about fifty blankets from our own supply on hand. Our liberal and patriotic citizens took the matter in hand, and by their efforts prevented much suffering among these destitute strangers. Also about the 10th of December last, an organization of efficient ladies and gentlemen was formed for the relief of Southern Refugees, and went about their work in earnest. Much embarrassment was incurred before a building could be obtained of suitable size to accommodate so large a number as we now have and must expect to have during the winter. Finally, however, a house, well adapted for the purpose, was found on West Washington street; but the lessee, whose term did not expire until October 1st, 1865, declined to transfer the lease without a bonus of six hundred dollars, ($600). This arrangement was believed to be the best that could be made, and I accordingly paid the money, received a transfer of the Part II.-D. J.-19 lease and furnished, out of supplies on hand, heating stoves and bedsteads enough, or nearly so, to supply the entire building. A committe from the organization before referred to, took charge of the house, and had the rooms thoroughly cleaned and comfortably arranged. The unfortunate refugees, about fifty in number, were then transferred there, and are still occupying the premises, in much improved and comfortable circumstances. The arrangement thus entered upon, it is supposed will be carried on successfully, without further heavy drafts upon the funds in my hands. It is the constant aim of the committee before referred to, to procure homes and employment for all these people, of both sexes, who are able to earn their own living; and a considerable number of those who first arrived were successfuly aided in that way during the last summer and fall. I here submit a statement of moneys received since October 15, 1862, to the present date, and the sources from which the same were obtained. 1862. Oct. 21. Of John C. New, late Q. M. General .......... $4,000 00 Sale of old lumber......... Dec. 24. 1863. Jan. 20. Feb. 4. March 3. Rent of old building in Camp Sullivan...... ...... .... 3 00 7 00 17 00 700 25 60 7 00 5,211 20 700 3 00 100 5 00 6 35 7.00 300 00 5.00 Oct. 2. 67 "13. In closing the present Report, I avail myself of the opportunity to express to Your Excellency my thanks, for the aid and and cooperation you have at all times rendered me in the discharge of my duties; and also to tender my congratulations upon the results of the administration about to close. In the hope that your coming one may witness the return of peace to our land, and the restoration of the Union and the Constitution, I have the honor to remain, Very respectfully, Your obedient servant, A. STONE, Quartermaster General, Indiana. |