chengyewang/TexOCR-eval huggingface dataset:
\section{Women's National War Relief Association.}

The Mount Vernon branch of the Women's National War Relief Association held an executive meeting on Tuesday last.

Several new members were enrolled and gratifying reports were heard from all committees. It was decided to forward to the general society in New York the sums already raised by subscription, amounting to $55, which money is to be used in the furnishing of the hospital ship.

One hundred and six abdominal bandages have also been made by this society and have been approved and accepted.

It is not generally known that this Association is the only one working under Government direction. No salaries are paid and no expense incurred. The society does the work, raises the money and the Government of the United States directs, controls and superintends in every way its outlay. The ship Relief has been fitted out as a floating hospital, complete in every detail, by the W. N. W. R., the awnings alone costing $1,500.

The Mount Vernon branch is working for this great object, and feels that if by their effort even one of the American soldiers or sailors, sick or wounded, can be spared the discomforts of the ordinary hospital transport, its work will be well done; and the public have the great satisfaction of knowing that every cent given to this Association is used for the comfort and benefit of our own brave men.

Prominent members of the society will from time to time, address the meetings, which will be held (by the kindness of the W. C. T. U.) in Willard Hall every Tuesday at 4 o'clock P. M.

All are most cordially invited to attend.

\subsection{Women's National War Relief.}

The Mount Vernon branch of the Women National War Relief Association will hold its meetings every Tuesday at 4 o'clock p. m., at Willard Hall. This society is not international in character, it acts under the direct supervision of the United States government, and cares for our soldiers and sailors. Everyone is cordially invited to these meetings, where the work accomplished and to be accomplished will be fully explained.
I enclose three clippings from N.Y.T. papers to have you see what obstacles I have fought against and overcome. Nothing dies, but error and untruth ---; Red Cross will live forever! Respectf.
Individual interests are absorbed in this great National calamity. I know it not but cannot realize it. I look upon the same beautiful flower --- upon the same quiet landscape --- the same clear blue sky, the same floating clouds, the face of nature is unchanged --- nothing. The fatal invisible veil that the dastardly has drawn over our country's history is now being written in lines of blood! But I know and one glance on the face of men reveals the terrible certainty of some dark impending woe. The 19th of April! Is it not an omen of evil import to those who have dared to raise the hand of rebellion against the common country? For that day 1861 is again made memorable by forming the "dance of death" by the stabbing, the blooding of the sons of Mass. as in the days of the Revolution 1775. And was the massacre of Baltimore a necessary prelude to the melancholy dance which has already

Dear Madam,

Your letter reached me on the 11th inst. I consider it to have come at a moment when I was more than busy, and as I had just written Mrs. D-- since (as when I read the article) a detailed account of them hiding and forced declaration, I have since felt much regret to allow your letter to remain unanswered for a day, that I might have leisure to write you at greater length. You must before this have learned from my letter to Mrs. D-- the occasion of the delay (viz. uncertain orders, army recruits and others formed) which ended and decided with one other the (anxious) feeling has long before this foreseen the machine of events in motion. The bundles were all packed together in a stout box, securely mailed, and delivered to the Sutler of the 15th Regt. who promised to deliver
began, and which God alone knows when, & how it will end.

The above was part of a letter written to a friend, the purport of the news which we have of the receiving of the Mass. forts in the city of Baltimore Feb 19th 1864, J. A. Ward.

When safely at Head quarters I have no doubt but it has all been mostly done. A box for the 25 B.C. I have delivered to Capt. Alexander Rice and leave with much satisfaction the gratification it afforded the various recipients. The men are looking splendidly, and I need not tell you that it is a live regiment from Col. & Chaplain down. Horses in Co. are in good order.

I come now to the expressions in your excellent letter which I have all along feared are our ideas. Which caused a little irritation, "favorite point I have dreaded," lest a sense of your commanding in regard to matters here should draw you to the effect of our ladies at home. It was this fear once which now whether in your own eyes you arrange to place the worthy ladies of your committee (so really only professing to contribute upon a subject after which they seem perfectly familiar) and knowing so little.

I know how to reply. It is said that our Army is "sufficient." But this may be, it is not for me to gainsay, and so far as New England troops are concerned it may be that in these days of idleness they have ready our present wants. But in the
event of a Battle who can tell what their measures might grow to in a single day. They would want them faster than you could make. But only a small portion of our Army consequently are New England troops. N.Y., Penn., N. Jer., & Maryland have sent their hundreds of thousands, and I greatly fear that these States lack the intelligent, active, enterprising organizations at home which do characterize our New England leaders. Without volunteers none of this is then carried. I feel while passing through them that they would be better supplied without danger of exhaustion from business. State it is said that our army is superfluous. It is also said, upon the same authority, that we need no more, either male or female, and none are admitted. I arrived an hour ago tired. You had been with me. In compliance with a request of my sister in this city I went to her house and found there a young Englishman, a brother of one of their domestics, who had enlisted.
Hay Side Long Island\\
New York, May 22, 1914.

Honorable Colonel
Theodore Roosevelt.
Oyster Bay, Long Island.

Dear Sir:-

I am very glad that you arrived home in good health. It has been a long time since I want to write to you and to tell you what a great admiration and respect I have for you, that I cannot express on the paper. But there is one mistake,
ding the summer in a regt of Pennsylvanian Cavalry they are stationed at Camp Pierpont. We visited him that he had been worse with the congestive habit of a live enjoys warm covers at home, nine miles out to his camp, \& took the same day found him in an almost dying condition and begged that he be sent to her; he was taken shortly after in an ambulance and upon his arrival his condition was found to be most deplorable -- he had been attacked 10 weeks from which during fever -- and had lain unmoved until the flesh upon all parts of the body which rested upon whatever was under him had decayed and grown perfectly black and was falling off; his heels had assumed the same appearance \& his stockings had never been removed during all his illness and his toes were matted and grown together and are now dropping off at the joints. The cavities in his bed are described horrible. When intelligent medical attendance was summoned from the city the absence of sensation when examined was that his extremities were perishing for want of nourishment; he had been neglected until he was literally starving to a little nourishment for circulation into the system during his illness to preserve life at the extremities. This conclusion seems all the more reliable from the famished appearance which he presents. I saw occurrences to see people hungry when seeming from a fever -- but I find that hunger and starvation are two distinct conditions. He can lie only on his face with his wrists stuffed up with hair pillows to prevent his two forearms touching the bed (for with the least pressure by hand I care, sensation is so acute) and asks only for ``something to eat''. Food is forced by him at night, and with the earliest dawn of day commences his cries of broth \& soup -- even a little meat, and he eats and begs for more; and sleeps \& talks \& begs -- three of his toes are to be amputated today. The surgeon of the Regt comes to see him, but had no idea of his condition, said that if there had been danger was killed and that he
...was time that the women had not been seen before. He was very angry. With the attendance which this young man is now receiving she will probably recover, but had it been otherwise; only thus after that could not far from this time the only way perhaps under caption of Death of Soldiers would have contained this physician. Being called Private Camp Pierpont -- and this would have been at the end. Who even could have mentioned that this soldier had starved to death through want of proper attendance? When all accounts of our poor boys have not a doubt in either case one of them -- (and this I state on authority) ``We have no need of nurses; and can carry on so sufficiently.''

How this can be so I fail to see while again it is not for me to question; our autocrats must be respected though our men perish. I only mention such facts as come under my own observation, and only a few at a fleeting time -- this is not an accusation with any desire of injuring. I dare not accuse English people of many men lying in camp uncared for until the last moment when they are put in with most people unequal to them to take care of them, and should they need more nurses, if with plenty of persons about who prefer to care for them we should think they needed better.

I can only repeat that I speak to one case. I greatly fear that the few privileged elegantly dressed ladies who ride over and sit in their carriages to witness offensive scenes and insult the sufferings of the sick, and am among those delighted to learn anything little of what lies there under canvas. Their seeming you better than those necessary to converse with a number of the most intelligent \& competent ladies who are or have been connected with the hospitals in this city.
and all agree upon one point viz that our army cannot afford that one state lay down their monies and fold their hands if their exertions are not needed just today they may be tomorrow, and somewhere they are needed today—and again all agree in advising that whatever is sent be gotten as nearly direct as possible from the hands of the donors to the army for which it is design'd, not to pass through too general distributions, attempting that advice by many persons \& circumstances which I do not feel at liberty to lay open. No one can mistake the position that a source of general receipts \& distribution of stores of all description for the whole U.S. must be a monstrous concern abounding in confusion which always involves loss \& destruction of property. I am confident that this idea cannot be incorrect and therefore I will not hesitate to deliver it again on my own responsibility—viz that every state should have in the vicinity of her quota body of troops a depot of her own where all her contributions should be sent—and disposed if her own soldiers need it all to them if then let her share generously and intelligently with those whose wants she knows and what she gives we shall never have any alarm nor need another mode of discerning the real wants of our soldiers, when the store houses of any state should be found empty—it would be safe to conclude that her troops are in need then let the full generous attention which their necessities demand be exerted: this would systematize the whole matter, and do away with all unnecessary expense, waste and uncertainty—it would preclude all possibility of loss, as it would be the business of the owners of the stores to look to its conveyance. There is some truth in the old maxim that "interest is everybody's business" whereas nobody's business; I believe that at a very early age in the early settlement of our country it was found that the plan
general alarm, general discontent, general distress, prevailed in effecting and reduced our little colony to a state of confusion, almost ruin. When we were on shore but one, scarce how few hands there were. Of frequency I even ask, whence could this have its origin in this city and Ireland? Here are few of materials thus to cause what would be no imposition for human charity and industry. I discern other spirits; this has been clear to me from the first; strength evinced by early moments daily observation.

When I write another idea months to come—hard—how thoughts of his friend each of an arrangement that are to accompany the most expensive with some stray well filled lists of useful articles to store, which are not to be opened until some later occasion, as always necessity renders supplies necessary. These necessities are sure to follow, even under anticipated caution against them; no activity nor the want of friends at home can prevent the suffering which their absence will create with regard to our 23, 25, and 24 regts I cannot speak, but our 21st I know have no such provision, and will not have unless they stay at home; and the consequence of neglect will be that by and by we may have them coming by orders of at least officers and about the confounded thing, their lines completed by the orders of latter.
concluded in the month of a battle, with publicly declaimed close some space more closely to death, on our country by starvation than swords with blood \& slaughter.

A more quiet calm upon me that can be consciousness of success for 31 endangered men stationed at the arsenal of this city, in matters for their supplies. Boston are compelled to sleep on their bare floors with a single blanket and are taking some cakes and every thing sparingly --- my inquiries prove no means of relief due to long neglect. I have written to be relieved with them to raise monies and the remainder of my arrangements to draw them from the depths a little. They are far more exposed than they would be on the ground under a good tent. I almost envy you ladies when evening of you can make light and be comfortable somewhat --- while our poor fellows are so singly housed. The future often looks dark to me \& amid --- seems sometimes that the smiles of heaven are almost withdrawn from us, for want of deserved charity and yet

there is every thing to be grateful for and day advances the least of this distressful month.

But I must desist and crave pardon for my (perhaps unpardonably) long letter, for you have followed me thus far, and especially as comparatively on a paper a note I have written you must be weary. I did not continue to say so much but little of interest be my apology. Concerning one more point and in answer to your rational question I have done, Ladies remember that the call for your organized efforts in behalf of our army, was not from any Commission or Committee but from Abraham Lincoln \& Simon Cameron and when they no longer need your labors they will tell you
before you again, only that I incidentally learned that our excellent Dr. Hitchcock, has taken back from Roanoke other papers relating to the same subject, which will doubtless be laid before you, and as I have an entirely different boon to crave, I find it necessary to speak.

I desire your Excellency's permission to go to Roanoke. I should have preferred my request weeks earlier, but I am called home to witness the last hours of my old Soldier Father, who is wearing out the remnant of an oak and iron constitution, seasoned and tempered in the wild wars of ``Mad Anthony.'' --- His last tale of the Redman's knife, --- a few more Suns, and the old Soldier's weary march is ended, --- Honorably discharged, his journeying home.

With this, my highest duties close, and I would fain be allowed to go and administer comfort to our brave men who peril life and limbs in defense of the priceless boon the fathers so dearly won.

If I know my own heart, I have none but right motives. I ask neither pay or praise, simply a soldier's fare and the sanction of your Excellency to go and do with my might, whatever my hands find to do.

In General Burnside's noble command are upwards of forty young men who on former days were my pupils\footnote{I am glad to know that somewhere they have learned their duty to their country, and have come out neither cowards, or Traitors.}

I think I am safe in saying that I possess the entire confidence and respect of every one of them. For the Officers, their signatures are before you.

If my request appear unreasonable, and must be denied, I shall submit, patiently, trustfully, still hoping better things. I beg to subscribe myself

With the Highest Respect

Yours

Clara H. Barton
I do not think, at the present time, Miss Barton had better undertake to go to Burnside's Division to act as a nurse.\\

Alfred H. Hitchcock\\

March 25th 1862.\\

Respectfully referred for the information of Miss Barton.\\

Granburn\\

Mar 25/62.
Miss Clara H. Barton \\
North Oxford, Mass.

I beg to assure you, Miss Barton, of my cordial sympathy with your most worthy sentiments and wishes; and that if I have any power to promote your design in aid of our soldiers I will freely use it. Whenever you may be ready to visit Gen'l. Burnside's division I will cheerfully give you a letter of introduction, with my hearty approval of your visit and my testimony to the value of the service to our sick and wounded, it will be in your power to tender.

With high respect I am \\
Your ob. servant

John A. Andrews.
My dear Miss Barton,

I beg to express for Gov. Andrew my cordial sympathy with you in the embarrassments under which you labor, and to assure you that if there are any persons appointed to duties in aid of our soldiers whose services you feel you can use, whenever you may have need, do not hesitate to make it known to this department and you will be cheerfully aided.

With much respect
That can prove you it and from which you can imagine and convince yourself of the truth of my words. My first son who is attending a Public School at Bay Side in Long Island is named in your honor.

In closing this letter, I really hope and wish from the dept of my heart that some day I shall have the greatest honor of seeing you and saying to you one word in a voice of sincere devotion.

Your humble servant,

P. Belmonte

P.S. I would highly appreciate if you would send me your picture.
Approval of your wish \
\& my retaining of the \
value of the present \
from Miss Morse, it \
since be in the hands to \
London, \\
With highest regard I am \
Yr Ob Servt \\
Charles Sumner
Col. Alexander of Louisville -- formerly Mrs. Alexander who kept the Soldiers Home in Washington had among other servants -- one Louisa Rudd, who had been the property of his wife Sallie Rudd -- and one Wesley Williams -- who became the husband of said Louisa while in Louisville -- and they had four children. Two of which Mary \& Robert they took with them to Washington and two others Rachael and Louisa were left in Louisville with captn. Rudd, or Mrs. Alexander came now with Mrs Alexander,

When Maj. Alexander went to Louisville in 1862 or 3, Louisa \& Wesley Williams, declined going with him, and remained in Washington --

On the Boat St Nicholas plying between Louisville \& Cincinnati, I met Rachael Alexander the Mother of Louisa (Wesley) Williams of Washington who desires to hear from her and wishes to tell her and her husband to send to
Louisville and got their two children who reside now with Mrs. Alexander as she fears they may not be well treated. This Minion is transmitted to Rosa who will make enquiry.

Dr. Nicholas O'Hara

Aug. 21. Most of a day.

They must address their letter to Mrs. Nellie Churchill (mother of daughter) Cincinnati, O. Water St. Bet. Elm \& Plum No. 178 -- to whom the Mother is on this way now.

P. H. Watson

Sir.

I have the honor to request whether I obtain knowledge at your hands, allow me without charge or expense to relate a few essentials connected with the past years life. When an apprentice boy living some six to ten miles of Baltimore, I was early accustomed to labor both with hands and horses. The first locality of post which was ever given to me was in this city; from that day I was from the time under our service command, and in Virginia at the Battle of Cedar Mountain. I was the person who would have cut supplies and provisions at the Battle of 2nd Bull Run when Jackson's division started with a car load of
of poor & cattle suffered intensely owing and remain without sleep a seat until leaving night when the boat arrived more and among the Belle of Cholera had been perish and the district just to be destroyed. I then followed the course of the river and landed near Col. Huchan an army surgeon and with it led to the almost met the Battle of Cambon, on the morning of the 17th and remained until my sufferer and slightly unwell with exhaustion, and resolved to re-supplying myself and remain with meat & preserve the cow -- 40 or 60 cattle at Hespino being -- as I moved the front and army around the hills, and I feeling campaign and the diet, and forcing little at the time was down the mountains & travelled.

When I came down with them to Hostagno. Genl Alvear by his order our chief surgeon take charge of my tents when I gave up as debilitated. After day before the two battles, at the bombardment, I lost my post at the line and with the exception of two days where I formed among the broken suffering in Buenos Ayres by -- I served then until the diminished of work ceased before until they were all taken away. I believe my services have been faithful & that they have been laborious and appreciated. I have changed my own practice and I then continued it when the sun to close by the soldiers within the hospital.