Worcester daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1850-1888, 1863-10-27
comtraband Camp at Washington,

COntrabAnd Camp Mt Washington.
My Dear Mrs. DEMONSTRATING lately visit.
ed the "contraband" camp near Fourteenth
street in Washington, the one lately removed
from Capitol Hill, want to interest you and
the many friends OF the freedmen in Worces-
ter in their behalf.
lin the absence of the commandant, J. T.
Fore, we were kindly received by the super
intendents, Mr.. and Mrs. j. B. Holt, and COIL
Quoted to every part of the great establish
ment. Humble indeed it was. but we were
greatly impressed by the scenes which were
brought to our notice.
The camp is well situated on elevated
ground, and at fair distance from other
buildings. Itwas late in the day on Satur-
day, and quiet order reigned everywhere;
the children were many of them gathered in
groups, amusing themselves in various ways.
Many Of the women were outside their huts,
and whenever we stopped to speak to them, or
to look into their little rooms, we heard from
them expressions of the greatest satisfaction
that they had so many comforts, $50 much
better, mssus, than we ever expected" no
complaints from any. The tidy appearance
both within and without surprised US, as there
Is but single well for the use of the 700
now there, and they have to 60 quarter
of a mile for much of the water used.
Effort has not been spared to have water
brought in pipes, as in other parts of the city.
One hundred and fifty men are now in the
employ Of the government, and most serious
drawback to the comfort of the camp is the
injustice done in Withholding their wages.
Since June they have received but a few dol
lars each. If they were paid regularly, we
we're assured by the superintendent, there
| would be small occasion for charity.
The young and able-bo women-alas
there are too few who have not suffered from
| their hard fate as slaves are in great demand
for domestic service, and here again we see
the spirit of slavery still dominant. Many of
| these women and girls come back to the camp
utterly discouraged, having their wages re-
fused them. and sometimes, after months of
service, receiving only some cast off clothing.
We went to the hospital, where all were
made comfortable and kindly cared for. DIR.
Powell (culored) from New Bedford, Mass,
is the surgeon, and seems greatly interested.
We saw a child of two years asleep in its
| little bed, whose leg had just been ampu-
| tated. The mother having been with it to
distant part OF the city, returning, was re-
| fused a ride an the horse cars, and stood
upon the front platform; the inhuman
| driver would not stop to let her get
| off, and she fell with the child in
| her arms, who rolled under the wheels of
the car, and must go through life crippled
boy and man In one cabin | saw a young
girl of II or IA, neatly dressed and sitting
very still. l spoke to her as she looked up
| at me- and receiving no answer, the mother
came to me and said she does not know enough
to talk, and the poor woman then told me the
cause. She was bright, promising girl, but
received heavy blow upon her head from her
owner and was deprived ever after of her rea-
son. All the brothers and sisters are the
mother knows not where.
The large proportion of aged and very
young people in the camp make it very neces-
sary to appeal to the benevolent for help for
them. Mrs. Holt told me they were in great
need of something for beds. Many sleep upon
the floor. Even cotfee-bags will be gratefully
received-anything which will hold straw
and warm clothing, particularly, for women
and children. A little money may be advan
tageously used for the benefit of the sick, bu
the prices OF articles for clothing and bedding
in Washington make it undesirable to buy i
there. Both Mr.. and Mrs. Holt interested u
very much, and seem eminently qualified 70
their duties, unweared in their efforts to teacl
these poor creatures to take care of them
selves. They are Of New England origil
are refugees from Kentucky on account 0
their loyalty and opposition to slavery. Their
is daily school, superintendent by Mrs. Hol
and assisted by teachers, who devote them
selves to their work with generous zeal.
The camp is provided with food and fuel b.
government, and has been from the com
mencement.
Anything sent to them may be put up i
| Jokes OF DdTEelS, lOI mdiuSu 40 liSlSht Ny ran
road, directed to Capt. j. L. Ferre, or Super
intendent j. B. Holt, Contraband Camp
Washington, d. c..
cannot close this letter without congratu
lating you and the ladies' connected with 20
in the great success of the Fair just held
Worcester for the benefit of the soldier
: and the freedmen, and to thank you an
f them most earnestly for the generous devo
ton Of yourselves, your time, your none
= to help on the good time coming to this nation
: With sincere regards, am, yours,
s SARAH RUSSELL MAI.
Leicester, Oct. 26, 1868.