I have no doubt but what the ladies (God bless them) of Centralia are doing what they think will do some poor wounded or sick soldier good and are doing it through kind and patriotic motives, and I am really glad to hear they even think of soldiers enough to have a big supper on their account, and then dance and have a fine time generally, all to
benefit the "poor soldier." But it never reaches the "poor soldier" anyhow, not over
once in a thousand times. When the ladies of a village send their fixins direct to a
certain reg, they generally get what is sent, but it has to go through three or four
hands, and finally gets in the hands of the Sanitary Committee, and they send
it by a committee to the army. Just after a battle the committee arrives on the battle
ground and the first thing they do is to visit some officer friends and get on a
big drink on the brandy and wine that was sent for the poor wounded soldier. The
next thing is to walk over the battle field, pick up curiosities to take home, such
as gov guns worth from $14 to $40 a piece, rob the wounded soldiers of their
revolvers and matches, take the killed soldiers pocket book, go back to the
officer's quarters, and have the good things of the ladies and society sent up, and
have a grand supper for the benefit of the ladies. The other necessary for wounded
men are left on the boat, and stay there till they rot or are given to hospital
stewards, nurses, and cooks. You may not believe this, but I know of just such
cases. I do not care for you belonging to such society if it is any enjoyment or
pleasure to you or any benefit to you. Neither do I care for the small amount
you appropriate, but never give another cent thinking it will ever go to a
soldier unless it is going to be sent direct from Centralia to a certain Reg.
