MARY A. B. BICKERDYKE Subject File Civil War Activities Memoir, incomplete draft Box 3 Folder 9(Before January 1st, 1893, sign and return to Secretary of Committee, Mrs. A. G. Lord, 20th and West streets, Topeka, Kansas.) As separate petitions are required for each branch of the Legislature, signers should attach their names in both petitions. To the Legislature of the State of Kansas: We, the undersigned, citizens of the State of Kansas, realizing that out present compulsory education law is worthless, in that it cannot accomplish its purpose, being handicapped by its provisos; and that this worthlessness is a source of much that is destructive of good citizenship; also realizing that the State makes no provision for the improvement of the vicious classes of children, until they have become actual criminals in the eye of the law, do most respectfully petition your honorable body to enact such laws as will remedy these evils. I Cairo & Savanah IIII Fort Henry & Donalson in Feb 1862. IIIIII Pittsburg Landing Mar 16, 1862 & 17 lands at P. Lau & on [IV]to Savanah & below, where Hosp wr estab. There 4 mo from 4 to 9 of JulyGoing into reg hos & found in bad cond. Change caps tent & bed syphous fever Mis Arge- Can. Surg. refuses to fill order for med Mis Grant & Sher we can't go & see hos & see cardi. Car Miss Has Ward(Before January 1st, 1893, sign and return to Secretary of Committee, Mrs. A.G. Lord, 20th and West streets, Topeka, Kansas.) As separate petitions are required for each branch of the Legislature, signers should attach their names to both petitions. To the Legislature of the State of Kansas: We, the undersigned, citizens of the State of Kansas, realizing that out present compulsory education law is worthless, in that it cannot accomplish its purpose, being handicapped by its provisos; and that this worthlessness is a source of much that is destructive of good citizenship; also realizing that the State makes no provision for the improvement of the vicious classes of children, until they have become actual criminals in the eye of the law, do most respectfully petition your honorable body to enact such laws as will remedy these evils. IV To Farmington Hosp Miss. for 5 weeks (Locater?)(Before January 1st, 1863, sign and return to Secretary of Committee, Mrs. A.G. Lord, 20th and West streets, Topeka, Kansas.) As separate petitions are required for each branch of the Legislature, signers should attach their names to both petitions. To the Legislature of the State of Kansas: We, the undersigned, citizens of the State of Kansas, realizing that out present compulsory education law is worthless, in that it cannot accomplish its purpose, being handicapped by its provisos; and that this worthlessness is a source of much that is destructive of good citizenship; also realizing that the State makes no provision for the improvement of the vicious classes of children, until they have become actual criminals in the eye of the law, do most respectfully petition your honorable body to enact such laws as will remedy these evils. V. Corinth 5 mi leor Lovely country Acad Hosp Field " 1800 (m?) From Sep to early in Dec(Before January 1st, 1893, sign and return to Secretary of Commitee, Mrs. A.G. Lord, 20th and West Streets, Topeka, Kansas.) As separate petitions are required for each branch of the Legislature, signers should attach their names to both petitions. To the Legislature of the State of Kansas: We, the undersigned, citizens of the State of Kansas, realizing that out present compulsory education law is worthless, in that it cannot accomplish its purpose, being handicapped by its provisos; and that this worthlessness is a source of much that is destructive of good citizenship: also realizing that the Stare makes no provision for the improvement of the vicious classes of children until they have become actual criminals in the eyes of the law, do most respectfully petition your honorable body to enact such laws as will remedy these evils. VI Memphis Tenn, ---- Hastle for Vick Lea ... Passed through there 3840 the Jan 16th to 10 --- 1863(Before January 1st, 1893, sign and return to Secretary of Committee, Mrs. A.G. Lord, 20th and West Streets, Topeka, Kansas.) As separate petitions are required for each branch of the legislature, signers should attach their names to both petitions. To the Legislature of the State of Kansas, realizing that out present compulsory education law is worthless, in that it cannot accomplish its purpose being handicapped by its provisos; and that this worthlessness is a source of much that is destructive of good citizenship; also realizing that the State makes no provisions for the improvement of the vicious classes of children, until they have become actual criminals in the eye of the law, do most respectfully petition your honorable body to enact such laws as will remedy these evils. VII Chattanooga Look Out Mountain Missionary Ridge battles, When I left there I went to Ohio see p. 240 + ... for all. There till last of Feb. 1864 sir P2L, 3 San ...,(Before January 1st, 1893, sign and return to Secretary of Committee, Mrs. A. G. Lord, 20th and West streets, Topeka, Kansas.) As separate petitions are required for each branch of the Legislature, signers should attach their names to both petitions. To the Legislature of the State of Kansas: We, the undersigned, citizens of the State of Kansas, realizing that out present compulsory education law is worthless, in that it cannot accomplish its purpose, being handicapped by its provisos; and that this worthlessness is a source of much that is destructive of good citizenship; also realizing that the State makes no provision for the improvement of the vicious classes of children, until they have become actual criminals in the eye of the law, do most respectfully petition your honorable body to enact such laws as will remedy these evils. VIII. IS the Arm Cor to give [??rat] a week, from Chica. Commenced 12 Feb. 1864 to May 1864(Before January 1st, 1893, sign and return to Secretary of Committee, Mrs. A. G. Lord, 20th and West streets, Topeka, Kansas.) As separate petitions are required for each branch of the Legislature, signers should attach their names to both petitions. To the Legislature of the State of Kansas: We, the undersigned, citizens of the State of Kansas, realizing that out present compulsory education law is worthless, in that it cannot accomplish its purpose, being handicapped by its provisos; and that this worthlessness is a source of much that is destructive of good citizenship; also realizing that the State makes no provision for the improvement of the vicious classes of children, until they have become actual criminals in the eye of the law, do most respectfully petition your honorable body to enact such laws as will remedy these evils. IIX. Georgia Company May [16] 20 1864 to Bat. Ras Hos 10d Kingston ordered there 2 or 3 weeks & then to Altoona Pass, There 5 weeks Maretta Georgia 2 mi from Keir, Net(Before January 1st, 1893, sign and return to Secretary of Committee, Mrs. A. G. Lord, 20th and West streets, Topeka, Kansas.) [*IX*] As separate petitions are required for each branch of the Legislature, signers should attach their names to both petitions. To the Legislature of the State of Kansas: We, the undersigned, citizens of the State of Kansas, realizing that out present compulsory education law is worthless, in that it cannot accomplish its purpose, being handicapped by its provisos; and that this worthlessness is a source of much that is destructive of good citizenship; also realizing that the State makes no provision for the improvement of the vicious classes of children, until they have become actual criminals in the eye of the law, do most respectfully petition your honorable body to enact such laws as will remedy these evils. Fall of Altanta closes the Campaign Then back to leg'o carrying money back(Before January 1st, 1893, sign and return to Secretary and Committee, Mrs. A. G. Lord, 20th and West streets, Topeka, Kansas.) As separate petitions are required for each branch of the Legislature, signers should attach their names to both petitions. To the Legislature of the State of Kansas: We, the undersigned, citizens of the State of Kansas, realizing that out present compulsory education law is worthless, in that it cannot accomplish its purpose, being handicapped by its provisos; and that this worthlessness is a source of much that is destructive of good citizenship; also realizing that the State makes no provision for the improvement of the vicious classes of children, until they have become actual criminals in the eye of the law, do most respectfully petition your honorable body to enact such laws as will remedy these evils. X Shermans Raid [?] for future history(Before January 1st, 1893, sign and return to Secretary and Committee, Mrs. A. G. Lord, 20th and West streets, Topeka, Kansas.) As separate petitions are required for each branch of the Legislature, signers should attach their names to both petitions. To the Legislature of the State of Kansas: We, the undersigned, citizens of the State of Kansas, realizing that out present compulsory education law is worthless, in that it cannot accomplish its purpose, being handicapped by its provisos; and that this worthlessness is a source of much that is destructive of good citizenship; also realizing that the State makes no provision for the improvement of the vicious classes of children, until they have become actual criminals in the eye of the law, do most respectfully petition your honorable body to enact such laws as will remedy these evils. I. Cairo--1861 (1) P. [?] I arrived at Cairo June 9th `861 found Cairo. Birds Point and Fort Holt under military rule. At Birds Point in a tent I found a young man in the last stage of typhoid fever, he was so far gone, that he recognized no one in the tent. With the best of care that could be given him by the Surgeon and myself we revived him till his father arrived--his family is among my best friends today. There was all that willing heart and hands could do. Funeralsseven & eight a scarlet fever, whooping cough, measles, typhoid fever and all the diseases human nature is (or was) heir to. These loyal boys from good homes many from christian homes, and to see them so sick and dreadful dirty [the] it was the most pitiful sight I ever looked upon. A laundry must be started--and was--[and] the the first laundry started started in the Army we washed 25 army blue suits, whilst the patients were l[a]ying in the regimental hospital, the change was so great [that] in the three regimental hospitals that the surgeons and colonels said the laundries were indespensible, so I had no more trouble [as in] as regard my laundries,(Before January 1st, 1893, sign and [[missing text]] Lord, 20th and West streets, Topeka, Kansas [[missing text]] As separate petitions are required for each [[missing text]] attach [[missing text]] names to both petitions. [V] To the Legislature of the State of Kansas: We, the undersigned, citizens of the State of Kansas, realizing that out present compulsory education law is worthless, in that it cannot accomplish its purpose, being handicapped by its provisos; and that this worthlessness is a source of much that is destructive of good citizenship; also realizing that the State makes no provision for the improvement of the vicious classes of children, until they have become actual criminals in the eye of the law, do most respectfully petition your honorable body to enact such laws as will remedy these evils. Cairo (2) Soldiers were detailed to do the guard work and the counterbands (?) [done] did the labor cheerfully and willingly. As soon as I arrived in Cairo and finding the great necessity of clean clothing to change our patients with I commenced to write all over the country for hospital clothing, and it was astonishing how readily the loyal women responded. We could change three and four hundred men a day. My headquarters were[[missing text]] ford the Banker [[missing text] ] sister Mary -- The Cairo Angel" The Sanitary Commission was now being formed at Chicago, it grew to a gigantic institution. I shall not attempt to tell from my pen the great good [my] this accomplished. Early as July & August :61 we were in receipt of large packages of hospital supplies, sent from Philadelphia, New York, Brooklyn and other eastern cities. The voice of the loyal women all over the land was as one to "take good care of the soldiers." The great amount of supplies was marvelous. I have opened many a large [package] box of goods, and if I had(Before January 1st, 1893, sign and return [[missing text]] Lord, 20th and West streets, Topeka, Kansas As separate petitions are requested for each [[missing text]] names to both petitions. To the Legislature of the State of Kansas: We, the undersigned, citizens of the State of Kansas, realizing that out present compulsory education law is worthless, in that it cannot accomplish its purpose, being handicapped by its provisos; and that this worthlessness is a source of much that is destructive of good citizenship; also realizing that the State makes no provision for the improvement of the vicious classes of children, until they have become actual criminals in the eye of the law, do most respectfully petition your honorable body to enact such laws as will remedy these evils. Cairo 3 ordered it, it couldn't have been more complete, such as shirts drawers, socks, handkerchiefs, bandages, lint, and rags. - It did seem that nothing was left at home. As these articles were used and soiled they were washed and made ready for further use. [The great variety of camp life to keep the soldiers occupied] It was heart sickening to see the home sick boys, the rough fare they had, and to see the Officers using their authority over the file and rank. There was not a day but I was obliged to[[missing text]] petty abuses There was quite a number of men in a hospital tent at Fort Holt, Ky. There was a case of typhis fever. I had a tent put up [for] [this case] to put this case in, and the Surgeon was so insolent that I reported [had] him & had put under arrest. I had the army regulations which gave me the authority to — and was also sustained by two of our leading Colonels He was kept under arrest one week for drunkedness, profanity and neglect of duty. And strange to say this was done by two women,— sustained by two of our leading officers. He afterward was a wise & & better man.4 (Before January 1st, 1893, sign and return to Secretary of Committee, Mrs. A. G. Lord, 20th and West streets, Topeka, Kansas.) As separate petitions are requested for each branch of the Legislature, signers should attach their names to both petitions. II [Belmont] To the Legislature of the State of Kansas: We the undersigned, citizens of the State of Kansas, realizing that out present compulsory education law is worthless, in that it cannot accomplish its purpose, being handicapped by its provisos; and that this worthlessness is a source of much that is destructive of good citizenship; also realizing that the State makes no provision for the improvement of the vicious classes of children, until they have become actual criminals in the eye of the law, do most respectfully petition your honorable body to enact such laws as will remedy these evils. V Cairo The hot summer months rolled on and autumn and with it the battle of Belmont. Our wounded were brought to Brigade Hospital. Dr. Sterns and Major Woodruff, wanted my services at the Brigade hospital & said they would see me there & reinstate me —which they did.— [N] Dr Stearns in his low quiet way says "You may have trouble with the Surgeons here, but I hope not", but everything moved off very peacefullyand quietly for several days, when Dr. Burk informed me that he didn't wish a woman in his military hospital, that it was no place for a woman, I told him it was late and I couldn't leave, he said very decidedly [&] "you must go immediately. This happened in the amputating ward where there were about 30 cases [of amputated cases lay], This was about a week after the battle of Belmont, and many of the cases were very critcal. The Doctor said the men didn't need me: So I put it to a vote. I said to the patients "Now those who want me say I and those that don't say No" Every voice echoed "I" and the doctor with a voice of a lion5 (Before January 1st, 1893, sign and return to Secretary of Committee, Mrs. A. G. Lord, 20th and West streets, Topeka, Kansas.) As separate petitions are requested for each branch of the Legislature, signers should attach their names to both petitions. To the Legislature of the State of Kansas: We the undersigned, citizens of the State of Kansas, realizing that out present compulsory education law is worthless, in that it cannot accomplish its purpose, being handicapped by its provisos; and that this worthlessness is a source of much that is destructive of good citizenship; also realizing that the State makes no provision for the improvement of the vicious classes of children, until they have become actual criminals in the eye of the law, do most respectfully petition your honorable body to enact such laws as will remedy these evils. V said No" He wasn't very gentlemanly the rest of the eve. [On]The doctor was in the habit of seeping late, and about nine o'clock the next morning Dr Stearns came in with [the]a regular Army Officer from Washington to inspect the hospital (and he was a curiosity to me.) The morning work had been done up in most of the wards, I met the Inspector in the amputating ward. He says "Madam what are you doing here, we don't allow women in military hospitals.you can be employed as a laundress but you can't be in the wards, I strictly forbid it" [Major] I [said] replied "Thats my rank sir" and passed him [leaving the] and left the room [The steward &] Most[ly] of the patients were college students, and to see the pompas air of the new inspector, it was amusing to them, and he soon found out he was dealing with men of intelligence About half past 10 A. M. I came in collesion with the Doctor & Inspector again. The grieveous story was told that a woman was in the military hospital & the difficulty was told as [were] the night before [after arranging] They 6 (Before January 1st, 1893, sign and return to Secretary of Committee, Mrs. A. G. Lord, 20th and West streets, Topeka, Kansas.) As separate petitions are required for each branch of the Legislature, signers should attach their names to both petitions. To the Legislature of the State of Kansas: We, the undersigned, citizens of the State of Kansas, realizing that out present compulsory education law is worthless, in that it cannot accomplish its purpose, being handicapped by its provisos; and that this worthlessness is a source of much that is destructive of good citizenship; also realizing that the State makes no provision for the improvement of the vicious classes of children, until they have become actual criminals in the eye of the law, do most respectfully petition your honorable body to enact such laws as will remedy these evils. 3 watched me about an hour, giving the cooks directions for dinner. In the afternoon Major Stearns & the Inspector were walking when I passed them, the Inspector said "well I see you haven't left" I replied "No sir the Lords of creation woman obey" from that on I had no more trouble with him. Colonel Beauford gave me the Army regulation and told me to follow it to a letter— which I did it was invaluable to me.Before January 1st, 1893, sign and retu[[page torn]] Lord, 20th and West streets, Topeka, Kansas.) As separate petitions are required for each branch of the Legislature, signers should attach their names to both petitions. To the Legislature of the State of Kansas: We, the undersigned, citizens of the S[[page torn]] compulsory education law is worthless, in that it cannot [[page torn]] handicapped by its provisos; and that this worthlessness [[page torn]] destructive of good citizenship; also realizing that the State makes no provision for the improvement of the vicious classes of children, until they have become actual criminals in the eye of the law, do most respectfully petition your honorable body to enact such laws as will remedy these evils. Cairo 1862 Soldiers were detailed to do the guard work and the contra bands (9) done the labor cheerfully and willingly see 2nd The Sanitary Commission was [at Chi] was now being formed at Chicago, and it grew to a gigantic institution I shall not attempt to tell from my pen the great good this accomplished. Early as July & August 1861 we were in receipt of [pac] large packages supplies sent [ington], Philad K Brooklyn and other eastern cities The voice of the loyal women all over the land, was as one, to take good care of the soldiers, and the great amount of supplies was marvelous. I have opened many a large box of good and if I had ordered it, they couldn't have been more complete such shirts, drawers, socks, hand bandages, lint and rags. It did seem that noth was left at home, and as these articles were used and soiled they were was and made ready for further use. Colonel Dorathy gave testimony that laundries were indespensible(Before January 1st, 1893, sign and return to Secretary and Committee, Mrs. A. G. Lord, 20th and West streets, Topeka, Kansas.) As separate petitions are required for each branch of the Legislature, signers should attach their names to both petitions. To the Legislature of the State of Kansas: We, the undersigned, citizens of the State of Kansas, realizing that out present compulsory education law is worthless, in that it cannot accomplish its purpose, being handicapped by its provisos; and that this worthlessness is a source of much that is destructive of good citizenship; also realizing that the State makes no provision for the improvement of the vicious classes of children, until they have become actual criminals in the eye of the law, do most respectfully petition your honorable body to enact such laws as will remedy these evils. 2 The [friends] loyal women commenced to send clean shirts & As soon as I arrived in Cairo & finding the great necessity of clean clothes to change our patients with I commenced to write all over the country for hospital clothing and [met] it was astonishing how redial[l]y the loyal women responded. We could [could] change three or four hundred men a day. My headquarters were with Mr. Safford the anker & precious sister M The Cairo Angel" [When I][did sleep I slept thing[ [My mornings were[ taken up looking [up] [after the patients and my] after noons looking after the laundries, and in [the evening seeing to the patients] [Not one moment could] [be spared from my work] The great variety of camp life to keep the soldiers occupied, it was [gr] heart sickening to see the home sick boys and the rough fare they had, [As] and to see the Officers [use their] using their authority over "the file & rank" There was not a day but I was obliged to step between petty abuses of [?] life Need Illustrations3 had inspected the laundry [as] that he didn't wonder the [Ma[???] strong case hospital prospered. There was a ten acre lot covered over with clean clothing-- This insured good health.CIRCULAR LETTER. FELLOW CITIZENS:— Some of those who have had much experience as teachers in the public schools of Kansas, have, in conferring together decided to ask, through a citizens' petition, that the legislature of the State will make more efficient laws for the education of those who will, within one generation, control the interests of our beloved commonwealth. 1. It has seemed to them practicable to ask that every child between eight and fourteen years of age, be required by law to attend public school, at least twelve consecutive weeks each school year, unless in attendance upon some parochial or other private school, having substantially the same curriculum as the public schools. And that all pupils not attending either of such schools, shall be required to pass an examination for scholarship equivalent to that of such schools, such examination to be given by a board of examiners duly provided for by law. 2. That Truant Schools may be established in all cities of the first, and second class, and one for each county at the county seat, to which may be committed not only all truants, but all incorrigible and refractory pupils, who, being without law, are, when suspended or expelled, permitted to roam the streets, and in a majority of cases, to feed the jails and penitentiary within a short time. 3. That one member of the police force in every city of the first, and second class, and the sheriff of every county, be empowered to act as truant officers, to look vigilantly after all such classes of pupils. 4. Believing that idleness, and ignorance of the industrial arts are destructive of good citizenship, they ask that these schools shall be made industrial schools, with especial provision for indigent pupils to meet necessary educational expenses; but when such provision cannot be made, that each city or country shall be required to meet its educational expense for each indigent pupil. 5. That in all cases of illness or other physical disability, preventing the stipulated school attendance or its equivalent examination test, a certificate to that effect be furnished to the city or county superintendent by the city or county physician. COMMITTEE. Chairman, GEORGE W. WINANS, State Sup't of Public Instruction. JOHN MACDONALD, Editor of Western School Journal. H. G. LARIMER, Principal of Topeka High School. WM. M. DAVIDSON, Superintendent of Topeka Public Schools. R. B. WELCH, Chairman of Topeka Board of Education. A. T. BIGGS, Superintendent of Schools, Lincoln County. MRS. ANNA C. WAIT, Editor of Lincoln Beacon. MRS. MARGARET HILL MCCARER, ex-teacher Topeka High School. MRS. A. G. LORD, Secretary. Topeka, Kansas, Nov. 2I, I892.7 (Before January 1st, 1893, sign and return to Secretary and Committee, Mrs. A. G. Lord, 20th and West streets, Topeka, Kansas.) As separate petitions are required for each branch of the Legislature, signers should attach their names to both petitions. To the Legislature of the State of Kansas: We, the undersigned, citizens of the State of Kansas, realizing that out present compulsory education law is worthless, in that it cannot accomplish its purpose, being handicapped by its provisos; and that this worthlessness is a source of much that is destructive of good citizenship; also realizing that the State makes no provision for the improvement of the vicious classes of children, until they have become actual criminals in the eye of the law, do most respectfully petition your honorable body to enact such laws as will remedy these evils. 4 Out of [our] [all] the 30 Regiments stationed at Cairo & their surgeons attached to them, [and] only knew of two dissapated Surgeons. I learned from the army regulations no [surgeon] soldier had a right to be punished till he was court-marshaled [there was a] I learned to [?] handle the Quartermaster and commisary, in short I had no further trouble in those departments. (I studied my army regulations thoroughly) I remained in this hospital two months, when I received orders from the medical Director to prepare report on& found the floating hospital, and prepare for the battle Of Donelson & Fort Henry Oh & the [?]8 III Fort Henry & Donalson Feb. 1862 Ft Henry & Donelson I reported aboard the floating hospital [?] and fitted it up with the best of hospital stores, [and] supposing we had all that we would require There was thousands of dollars of supplies aboard this boat--it was loaded [down]. [On the 5" of February 1862] We steamed up the Ohio to Ft Henry - when I arrived the Fort was evacuated--the Floating hospital remained on the river, with the rest of the fleet. Our brave soldiers had landed at Fort Henry, it was dusk & there [camp fires were burning,] were thousands of camp fires burning, & bands of music playing. [I] Everything was buoyant & happy to think the enemy had retreated. Into late hours of the night the fires burned. [and] Two soldiers were killed by the falling trees. Morning came with the bright sunlight, and warm as a May day--soon our troops were on their way to Donelson. At four in the afternoon our boat arrived at [Donelson four miles below] Donelson so I could be taken back to the hospital where the battle was raging9 (Before January 1st, 1893, sign and return to Secretary and Committee, Mrs. A. G. Lord, 20th and West streets, Topeka, Kansas.) As separate petitions are required for each branch of the Legislature, signers should attach their names to both petitions. To the Legislature of the State of Kansas: We, the undersigned, citizens of the State of Kansas, realizing that out present compulsory education law is worthless, in that it cannot accomplish its purpose, being handicapped by its provisos; and that this worthlessness is a source of much that is destructive of good citizenship; also realizing that the State makes no provision for the improvement of the vicious classes of children, until they have become actual criminals in the eye of the law, do most respectfully petition your honorable body to enact such laws as will remedy these evils. Feb 1862 Donelson Arriving at Donelson, I left the [ambulence], boat and went directly to the hospital, & supposing we [we] would be safe from the enemies guns, but Gen. Smith made his charge right in front of this hospital, but shot & Shell flew harmlessly over us, and men fell right before our eyes. During this siege we had rain & snow thawing & freezing alternately. It would not do to allow camp fires, except far down the hill out of sight of the enemy, and it would not do to allow many of the troops to remain there at the same time. The troop suffered for a cup of coffee, and their clothes froze upon their backs, they had [froze] left their blankets & overcoats at Fort Henry. There was therefore much discomfort & absolute suffering. Up to this time we [?] [much] didn't have [much fighting] many wounded men, but McClernand had undertaken to capture a battery of the enemy, which was annoying his men. Without orders or authority [[?]] he sent 3 Regiments to make the assult. This filled out [hosp] hospitals to overflowing with badly mutilated men, and intense suffering from10 (Before January 1st, 1893, sign and return to Secretary and Committee, Mrs. A. G. Lord, 20th and West streets, Topeka, Kansas.) As separate petitions are required for each branch of the Legislature, signers should attach their names to both petitions. To the Legislature of the State of Kansas: We, the undersigned, citizens of the State of Kansas, realizing that out present compulsory education law is worthless, in that it cannot accomplish its purpose, being handicapped by its provisos; and that this worthlessness is a source of much that is destructive of good citizenship; also realizing that the State makes no provision for the improvement of the vicious classes of children, until they have become actual criminals in the eye of the law, do most respectfully petition your honorable body to enact such laws as will remedy these evils. Donelson 3 the cold weather. Henry Rogers of the 17" Ill was one that was killed He was a bright young man of 18 [yrs] summers [from] Knox College [students] Galesburg Ill. Charles Madison & other boar his lifeless body in and laid him on the straw. They said "if we face the same fate let our mother's know" Their eyes filled with tears & their hand covered with blood, they returned hastily to their charges With the [[missing text]] and the inclemency of the weather it is impossible to tell the great amount of suffering- It was my first hard fought battle And I learned to appreciate our good Surgeons. Day & night they stood at their posts storm & tempests made no difference. It was on the evening of the day of surrender, I heard some one moaning from an upper window. They assured me that [there?] was no one alive on the field But I started out with a lantern, and canteen filled with hot milk punch [in] and [an] escort, & went in11 (Before January 1st, 1893, sign and return to Secretary and Committee, Mrs. A. G. Lord, 20th and West streets, Topeka, Kansas.) As separate petitions are required for each branch of the Legislature, signers should attach their names to both petitions. To the Legislature of the State of Kansas: We, the undersigned, citizens of the State of Kansas, realizing that out present compulsory education law is worthless, in that it cannot accomplish its purpose, being handicapped by its provisos; and that this worthlessness is a source of much that is destructive of good citizenship; also realizing that the State makes no provision for the improvement of the vicious classes of children, until they have become actual criminals in the eye of the law, do most respectfully petition your honorable body to enact such laws as will remedy these evils. 4 the direction of the moan. we not only found them moaning but badly frozen They were carried into the hospital on stretches and cared for the best we could. But our wounded had to be removed from Donelson, Our first boat load on the Fannie Bullet was taken to Mound City, our two frozen heroes were turned over to Mother Angelig & Sister Gregory, with 300 more wounded men.filling the hospital to its fullest capasity. I [will] leave it to the Soldiers to tell of those ladies skilled nursing. It is strange to say those two frozen men [rem] recovered under the kind treatment of Mother Angeliq & Sister Gregory-- as did thousands of others. My second boat load was at Paducah & the third at Cairo, and fourth a Evansville, [Ill] Ind, and the fifth at Louisville, Ky I remained on board the [fan] Fannie Bullet & joined the fleet for Pittsburg Landing. On the 16" of March the weather was very changeable, we left [the] Fort Henry in12 [[missing text]] return to Secretary of Committee, Mrs. A. G. Kansas.) branch of the Legislature, signers should attach their Landing We, the undersigned citizens of the State of Kansas, realizing that out present compulsory education law is worthless, in that it cannot accomplish its purpose, being handicapped by it provisos; and that this worthlessness is a source of much that is destructive of good citizenship; also realizing that the State makes no provision for the improvement of the vicious classes of children, until they have become actual criminals in the eye of the law, do most respectfully petition your honorable body to enact such laws as will remedy these evils. 5 after noon with 2 gun boats & 90 steamers, loaded down with Grants victorious army. The bands of music & huzzas of the men made the woods re echo & re-echo. [The country was for miles completely inundated] The Tennessee was completely out of her banks, & the floating logs were covered with counterbands—they were singing "Dixie" and the Bands were playing [it?]& the cordial the colored folks soldiers going up Tennessee river should be a matter of history. We arrived at Pittsburg Landing on the morning of March 17 '62 and after gathering up our men—800 in number very very sick men— we dropped down to Savannah, where there was buildings so we could have hospitals. The peach trees were in full bloom and the mocking birds welcomed us with their sweet songs. But the southern ladies said all we wanted was their "nigers". In a few days after we got our [[missing text]]Bickerdyke left San Francisco Oct 20 1885 to attend the Soldiers reunion at Topeka, Kan. From the accounts given in the Kansas papers Mother Bickerdyke's reception in Kansas was a perfect ovation from the time she entered the state till she left it. At the reunion in Topeka group of the army veterans were eager to grasp her hand & welcome her back to Kansas, As she rode by they would call out according to the name [by] the hospital where she had nursed them "Mother here are your boys from Corinth, Shiloh, Fort Donelson, Resaca, [Man?] Missionary Ridge, Chattanooga and other places where she had done such noble work.CIRCULAR LETTER. FELLOW CITIZENS:— Some of those who have had much experience as teachers in the public schools of Kansas, have, in conferring together decided to ask, through a citizens' petition, that the Legislature of the State will make more efficient laws for the education of those who will, within one generation, control the interests of our beloved commonwealth. 1. It has seemed to them practicable to ask that every child between eight and fourteen years of age, be required by law to attend public school, at least twelve consecutive weeks each school year, unless in attendance upon some parochial or other private school, having substantially the same curriculum as the public schools. And that all pupils not attending either of such schools, shall be required to pass an examination for scholarship equivalent to that of such schools, such examination to be given by a board of examiners duly provided for by law. 2. That Truant Schools may be established in all cities of the first, and second class, and one for each county at the county seat, to which may be committed not only all truants, but all incorrigible and refractory pupils, who, being without law, are, when suspended or expelled, permitted to roam the streets, and in a majority of cases, to feed the jails and penitentiary within a short time. 3. That one member of the police force in every city of the first, and second class, and the sheriff of every county, be empowered to act as truant officers, to look vigilantly after all such classes of pupils. 4. Believing that idleness, and ignorance of the industrial arts are destructive of good citizenship, they ask that these schools shall be made industrial schools, with especial provision for indigent pupils to meet necessary educational expenses; but when such provision cannot be made, that each city or county shall be required to meet its educational expense for each indigent pupil. 5. That in all cases of illness or other physical disability, preventing the stipulated school attendance or its equivalent examination test, a certificate to that effect be furnished to the city or county superintendent by the city or county physician. COMMITTEE. Chairman, GEORGE W. WINANS, State Sup't of Public Instruction. JOHN MACDONALD, Editor of Western School Journal. H. G. LARIMER, Principal of Topeka High School. WM. M. DAVIDSON, Superintendent of Topeka Public Schools. R. B. WELCH, Chairman of Topeka Board of Education. A. T. BIGGS, Superintendent of Schools, Lincoln County. MRS. ANNA C. WAIT, Editor of Lincoln Beacon. MRS. MARGARET HILL MCCARTER, ex-teacher Topeka High School. MRS. A. G. LORD, Secretary. Topeka, Kansas, Nov. 21, 1892. -2- two skilled bakers, and all the help that [could] [be got to knead] was needed was to knead bread, heat the ovens and keep the pans in order The bread was light and sweet. Gen. McPherson and staff rode through the Marietta laundry found Mrs. Bickerdyke and Mrs. Porter ironing bandages, he saluted them and said "Ladies what are you doing here? They replied this is our laundry! He inform [report] [to] Gen Sherman that he had rode through [Marietta] Altoona Pass Hospital, andCIRCULAR LETTER. FELLOW CITIZENS:— Some of those who have had much experience as teachers in the public schools of Kansas, have, in conferring together decided to ask, through a citizens' petition, that the Legislature of the State will make more efficient laws for the education of those who will, within one generation, control the interests of our beloved commonwealth. 1. It has seemed to them practicable to ask that every child between eight and fourteen years of age, be required by law to attend public school, at least twelve consecutive weeks each school year, unless in attendance upon some parochial or other private school, having substantially the same curriculum as the public schools. And that all pupils not attending either of such schools, shall be required to pass an examination for scholarship equivalent to that of such schools, such examination to be given by a board of examiners duly provided for by law. 2. That Truant Schools may be established in all cities of the first, and second class, and one for each county at the county seat, to which may be committed not only all truants, but all incorrigible and refractory pupils, who, being without law, are, when suspended or expelled, permitted to roam the streets, and in a majority of cases, to feed the jails and penitentiary within a short time. 3. That one member of the police force in every city of the first, and second class, and the sheriff of every county, be empowered to act as truant officers, to look vigilantly after all such classes of pupils. 4. Believing that idleness, and ignorance of the industrial arts are destructive of good citizenship, they ask that these schools shall be made industrial schools, with especial provision for indigent pupils to meet necessary educational expenses; but when such provision cannot be made, that each city or county shall be required to meet its educational expense for each indigent pupil. 5. That in all cases of illness or other physical disability, preventing the stipulated school attendance or its equivalent examination test, a certificate to that effect be furnished to the city or county superintendent by the city or county physician. COMMITTEE. Chairman, GEORGE W. WINANS, State Sup't of Public Instruction. JOHN MACDONALD, Editor of Western School Journal. H. G. LARIMER, Principal of Topeka High School. WM. M. DAVIDSON, Superintendent of Topeka Public Schools. R. B. WELCH, Chairman of Topeka Board of Education. A. T. BIGGS, Superintendent of Schools, Lincoln County. MRS. ANNA C. WAIT, Editor of Lincoln Beacon. MRS. MARGARET HILL MCCARTER, ex-teacher Topeka High School. MRS. A. G. LORD, Secretary. Topeka, Kansas, Nov. 21, 1892.[?] group of one armed and one legged men sang out "Mother Bickerdyke here is your babies you nursed & saved from death" it was too much for Mrs. Bickerdyke she attempted to speak but she had to retreat, overcome by her emotions. [*Milwaukee after reg 1863 from Bayosattas New Ten 1864 - 6 [ritolab?] from Mis Hos Chat to Chicago & CC 1 LE week to 15th bring*][*Milwaukee*] CIRCULAR LETTER. FELLOW CITIZENS:— Some of those who have had much experience as teachers in the public schools of Kansas, have, in conferring together decided to ask, through a citizens' petition, that the Legislature of the State will make more efficient laws for the education of those who will, within one generation, control the interests of our beloved commonwealth. 1. It has seemed to them practicable to ask that every child between eight and fourteen years of age, be required by law to attend public school, at least twelve consecutive weeks each school year, unless in attendance upon some parochial or other private school, having substantially the same curriculum as the public schools. And that all pupils not attending either of such schools, shall be required to pass an examination for scholarship equivalent to that of such schools, such examination to be given by a board of examiners duly provided for by law. 2. That Truant Schools may be established in all cities of the first, and second class, and one for each county at the county seat, to which may be committed not only all truants, but all incorrigible and refractory pupils, who, being without law, are, when suspended or expelled, permitted to roam the streets, and in a majority of cases, to feed the jails and penitentiary within a short time. 3. That one member of the police force in every city of the first, and second class, and the sheriff of every county, be empowered to act as truant officers, to look vigilantly after all such classes of pupils. 4. Believing that idleness, and ignorance of the industrial arts are destructive of good citizenship, they ask that these schools shall be made industrial schools, with especial provision for indigent pupils to meet necessary educational expenses; but when such provision cannot be made, that each city or county shall be required to meet its educational expense for each indigent pupil. 5. That in all cases of illness or other physical disability, preventing the stipulated school attendance or its equivalent examination test, a certificate to that effect be furnished to the city or county superintendent by the city or county physician. COMMITTEE. Chairman, GEORGE W. WINANS, State Sup't of Public Instruction. JOHN MACDONALD, Editor of Western School Journal. H. G. LARIMER, Principal of Topeka High School. WM. M. DAVIDSON, Superintendent of Topeka Public Schools. R. B. WELCH, Chairman of Topeka Board of Education. A. T. BIGGS, Superintendent of Schools, Lincoln County. MRS. ANNA C. WAIT, Editor of Lincoln Beacon. MRS. MARGARET HILL MCCARTER, ex-teacher Topeka High School. MRS. A. G. LORD, Secretary. Topeka, Kansas, Nov. 21, 1892.(Return to Secretary of Committee, Ida C. Barnes, M. D., Topeka, Kansas.) As separate petitions are required for each branch of the legislature, signers should attach their names to both petitions. ================= To the Legislature of the State of Kansas: We, the undersigned, Citizens of ........ County, Kansas, recognizing the defects of the present laws of the State, concerning many criminal offences of women, and the total absence of provision for their reformation, and realizing the great need of legislation, which shall make special and adequate provision for a State Reformatory for women over the age of sixteen, to which they may be committed when found guilty of certain offenses, with a view to their moral reformation, instead of being sent to the jails or penitentiary, or simply paying a fine and pursuing their former life of crime; and recommending for consideration the marked success of Women's Reformatories established in other states; we, therefore, respectfully petition the Senate and House of Representatives to enact such laws upon the subject as will correct the evils of the present system, and make ample provision for the establishment of an institution of the character herein suggested. ====================== Gen. Wolford of Kentucky [speaks] spoke of Mrs. Bickerdyke's services in Congress in 1886 as follows -- Mrs. Bickerdyke is a woman who has done so much for [the] her country. She has spent the best part of her life with the army nursing the sick, dressing wounds, talking with the dying in the most lovely language; a surgeon of [enemi] eminence and renown says her services were of more importance to the Armythan those of any brigadier general, that went on [S] Sherman's campaign." Her huge [laundries] kitchens where thousands of men were fed from, was run in the most skillful manner, every part running like perfect clock-work. The food was carefully prepared and the best quality used. Many thousands were fed from this kitchen. The three ovens would bake 1200 rations loaves apiece which would amount to 3600 loaves a day. This would require the closest attention, which was superintended by Mrs. Bickerdyke Everything was carried on in the most perfect order.