The Photographic History of The Civil War: in ten volumes, Thousands of Scenes Photographed 1861-65, with Text by many Special Authorities, Volume 7: Prisons and Hospitals.
Francis Trevelyan Miller, Ed.

Sanitary Commission.

Whether in permanent Camp or on the field, the agents of the Sanitary Commission were always present with the armies, having ready some of the easily transported, yet invaluable hospital supplies of which the surgeons were so likely to run short. Many of the agents were accompanied by their wives, who often did good service in the hospitals. Nurses were also attached to the Commission officially or unofficially, and their service should be fully recognized. There were temporary shelters for invalid soldiers and members of the Sanitary Commission, their purpose being to furnish them with clean bedding and wholesome food and keep them out of the hands of sharpers or thugs who might otherwise prey upon them in their enfeebled condition. Here soldiers might await the coming of their relatives or the gaining of strength to enable them to travel to their homes. Aid was always given to secure pay, correcting papers which prevented them from receiving the same, and in a dozen other ways looking after their welfare. In all there were about forty of these lodges. The convalescent camp, at Alexandria, Virginia, intended for the care of those soldiers discharged from the hospitals but not yet able to resume their places in the ranks, was a special charge of the Commission, though not directly under its control. Other camps were established at Memphis, Cairo, and various other points in the West. Some of these rest-lodges are shown above.

A hospital at new Berne, N. C.	Lodge no. 5 at Washington, July, 1864
A lodge for invalid soldiers	Tents at Belle Plain