Library Collections: Document: Full Text

If this matter be left to politicians, or be hurried through Congress by busy men, it will want all profound merits. It will be sure to violate our American principles, to wound political economy, and to botch the whole idea. If, on the other hand, we can slowly mature a wise, ripe plan, it may become a germ of the utmost beneficence to the soldiers and to the nation.

But why am I laying all this unasked, before you?

It is time I answered that question. I have long been acquainted with your familiarity with subjects of this nature, and the fitness of your mind to contemplate and digest them of your into form. I heard that you were just going abroad to spend some time. I was persuaded that you must carry with you the deepest solicitude for your country, and desire to serve it. Now, dear sir, there is a great opportunity to render the country, and the soldiers, a serious service. I have spoken of the light which the experience of foreign nations casts on this subject of invalid asylums. We are very anxious to have a careful report on the subject of the foreign institutions for the care of invalid soldiers, before the next meeting of Congress. And at the meeting of the Executive Committee of the Sanitary Commission recently held at my house, the following resolution was offered by Mr. Olmsted, and passed:

"Resolved, That S. G. Perkins, Esq., be requested to study the military pension and invalid system of the principal European nations, visiting the more important establishments in which invalid soldiers are maintained, and to report his observations to the Commission, with the conclusions of his judgment in regard to an invalid and pension system for the disabled soldiers of the present war."

I hope you will consent to do this work for us. I know no man so well fitted, and I really think it can be laid upon you as a clear call of Divine Providence. Nothing was said on the subject of remuneration. We are all volunteers in this good work. But I think there is no doubt that any necessary expenses, incurred in this service, extra to your natural expenses, would be cheerfully reimbursed by this Commission; and if this is a point of interest or importance, I will have action taken upon it at the earliest moment. . . .

I am, dear sir, very respectfully and cordially,
Yours,
HENRY W. BELLOWS, President of the Sanitary Commission.