The problem of nursing was coincident. Men in the division and other hospitals were willing, no doubt, but there was “lack of woman’s nursing.” There was no “dearth of woman’s tears,”—at home.
The Red Cross Auxiliary No. 3 of New York, through the agency of Miss Maud Cromlein in the field, took up this work. At one time there were 140 young women graduate nurses in the service of the Red Cross in this camp, mainly at Sternberg Hospital. How to care for this large number of refined young women, unused to the hardships of camp life, was a serious problem. Dormitories were built to shelter them, and furnished for their comfort. A contract was made with a steam laundry at Chattanooga to wash their clothing and everything possible was done to make their stay at least endurable. Some fell sick, of course, and were tenderly cared for or furloughed and sent to their homes. Under the direction of Miss Maxwell a perfect system was established in all the work, which commanded the respect and approbation of the medical officers. Diet kitchens were introduced, and the sick were furnished with every necessary delicacy.
It is now a matter of history that this first organized experiment of using women in large numbers as nurses in a field hospital has been an unqualified success. It has the official approval of the medical officers of the government from Surgeon-General Sternberg to the smallest, humblest subaltern.
The Red Cross did not confine its efforts to the help of nurses wearing the Red Cross. At the old Third Division First Corps Hospital, afterward called Sanger, Sisters of Charity and Sisters of Mercy ministered to the sick. The same attention was given to them; all requisitions for milk and ice and delicacies were promptly filled. One of these noble women, Sister Stella Boyle, wrote, “We are overwhelmed with your kindness—what should we have done without the Red Cross!” Leiter Hospital received the same help; milk and ice and delicacies were furnished “promptly and without stint.” That was the watchword. And so with the regimental hospitals; the surgeons in charge made requisition for necessary supplies and they were forthcoming, even to the day of the departure of the last troops from the camp, the hospital trains being supplied as well. Thus the Red Cross followed the sick to the doors of their own homes.
The Christian women of Chattanooga belonging to the Epworth League and the churches of that city, did a greatly needed work in establishing hospitals for the care of sick soldiers enroute. They were amazed and delighted when they learned they could make requisition on the Red Cross for necessary supplies.
Field Agent E.C. Smith, frail of body but stout of soul, was stricken at his post of duty with typhoid September 12, but is convalescent and rapidly gaining strength. When Miss Cromlein and Miss Maxwell retired about the same date, they were succeeded by Miss Gladwin and Miss Lounsbury, who have ably managed the affairs of the Red Cross at Sternberg. Under my direction Miss Gladwin recently visited Anniston, Ala., and found the service of the Red Cross greatly needed at Camp Shipp. Miss Gladwin has established a Diet Kitchen at that camp and has done much to better the condition of the soldiers in the camp hospitals.
There are still 200 sick at Sternberg and 50 at Leiter, but these will soon I hope be furloughed and returned to their homes.
All who have represented the Red Cross at Chickamauga have worked with the greatest self-denial and enthusiasm with full appreciation of the lofty aims of the society and with personal pride. When the roll of honor is made up, I know of no name that should be omitted.
U.S.S. “OREGON.”