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| View of campsite |
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| The food preparation table, water keg, and crates seen outside the Sanitary Commission's tent. |
Even before the attack on Fort Sumter, medical
and business leaders in New York City recognized that the United States Army Medical Bureau was sorely lacking in necessary
personnel, transportation, facilities, and supplies. The magnitude of the impending war demanded new ways of thinking and
acting. Drawing from the experience of the British in the Crimea and the changes wrought by Florence Nightengale, these leaders
proposed improvements to the U.S. Army Medical Bureau. The government however, both civilian and military, did not see
the looming problems as clearly as the founders of the Sanitary Commission.
| Demonstration tools |
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| Food and medical items used during the demonstration. |
At first the military opposed and hindered these
civilians. Military administrators and surgeons had the training and experience necessary to care for the war's
wounded and ill, not civilians. As the war progressed, however, the military came to see that the task they
faced was far greater than their abilities and resources. The Commission was eventually welcomed as a necessary supplier
of food, clothing, medicines, and even labor in the effort to adequately care for the wounded and ill soldiers.
| Daily Chores |
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| Agent cleans up after a meal. |
The U.S. Sanitary Commission as portrayed by the Mackinaw River
Valley CWC is located at the siege of Vicksburg in June, 1863. Our impression is that of a depot that receives material and
food from the North and redistributes it to the hospitals with the Army of the Tennessee. We also prepare food for
soldiers who are hospitalized and wash bed linens and clothing from the hospitals.
| Campsite |
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| Another view of USSC campsite. |
In addition to teaching about the Sanitary Commission, the impression
illustrates mid-19th century lifestyle. This could include lifting spirits by joining in music and song. A preacher
may comfort the ill and console the sorrowful. Sewing tools are brought out to mend articles from the hospital or
personal clothing. Chopping firewood and fetching water are chores that need to be regularly completed.
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