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.