In a September 1865 sermon advocating negro suffrage Henry Ward Beecher reportedly said that the North could take care of all the freed slaves in the South, “but the so doing would be a violation of the fundamental law of society, which says that every man must take care of himself.” Unfortunately, the Civil War created a class of men who were not able to take care of themselves, at least not immediately. 150 years ago this month a Soldiers Home in Philadelphia advertised an upcoming fair to raise funds for the home because the need to help disabled veterans was so great. “Can we, as Americans, forget the vast debt we owe to the brave spirits who periled life and limb, and have fought so bravely for our country, many of whom have lost health and limbs in the service, and are thereby prevented from earning for themselves an honest livelihood?”
Philadelphia pauper prevention
At least there weren’t new battle casualties. The Philadelphia Citizens Volunteer Hospital closed on August 9, 1865:
temporary relief
Here’s a couple images related to the Citizens Volunteer Hospital:
donation to help the wounded
hospital scenes
In addition to military camps, hospitals figured prominently in the following Civil War map of Philadelphia:
Citizens Volunteer Hospital labeled “L” – “Military map of Philadelphia 1861-1865 ” (c.1914, Library of Congress)
