The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1865-03-18
MAJ tina Washington Society and the Sol
diars.

The following letter from one of the ladies
In charge Of our sick and wounded soldiers at
the United States Hospital at Annapolis, Md.
to Mrs. Benz. Kingsbury, Jr., President of the
Martha Warrington Society, will be read with
deep interest, and we trust its urgent appeal
for help will not be permitted to pass unheed-
ed. Since the letter was written, two steam
ers have arrived at Annapolis March 49, from
Wilmington, with 1900 paroled prisoners
Many of thep were mere. Skeletons and in a
most wretched condition. In addition to
what they have suffered from starvation, q
large number were without coats, jackets,
boots or shoes. The feet-of many were stain
ed with blood, and swollen to such an extent
that they seemed ready to burst the wrappers
of old rags with which the men had covered
them as a protection against the cold weather.
Some of the men were unable to walk, and
were conveyed in ambulances to the hospital.
On the same day AZ Of the paroled prisoners
were buried at Annapolis.
The Martha Washington Society, since the
war commenced, have every week met to work
for the soldiers. But this Is by no means all they
have done in that direction. For several
years past they have sent regularly, at short
intervals, boxes and barrels of such medicines,
delicacies and clothing as are most needed by
the sick and wounded, to the Annapolis Hos.
pital; and every package has arrived safely
There Is no more untiring association Of pat
riotic ladies in our city. But we understand
that they are in want OF funds. Will not the
public generously assist them? While thus
aiding the soldier, they do not relax their be-
Inefficient labors for the poor OF Portland
They are found in the attics and dens Of pow
erty and suffering in the city, doing the deli
gated work of their Master.
q ANNAPOLIS, Md, Mar. IL, 1866.
Dear Mrs. KingSbury:-Your letter prom.
ising the barrel and box was received last
evening, and came but short time in advance
OF those articles. Many thanks for yonr re-
membrance OF US at this time. L have felt
prompted to make special appeal to all aid
societies, and ali loyal workers at the North.
Tor help when our prisoners are coming back
TO US In such crowds, and in so much want. --
But am sure no appeal ought TO be needed,
n The mere knowledge of the fact that gem
eral exchange is to be effected, should wake
up every one to do his all for the relief of
the sufferers. The daily papers must keep
you Informed OF the constant arrivals of the
flag OF truce boats; and your own hearts must
tell you how busy we are consequently made
Yesterday 496, and to day upwards Of 800
sick have been landed at the wharf. The con-
dition of those now coming is, think. gener
ally conceded to be an Improvement upon
those exchanged in the early part of the win
ter. Certainly the deaths among these are
fewer in number. Many come in state of
violent fever, but they are not generally SO re.
duced, and in such hopeless condition, as
some others. 1 suppose there is sad enough
reason for this, viz: that all who were not
brought in December have been left behind
now to lie in Southern graves till Gods judg-
ment day shall come. Vengeance is mine,
WIN repay, saith the Lord" and we may be
contenS 70 leave the recompense in his hands,
tnough retaliation is SO often the only feeling
suat = Ippefmost, as we hear of the long
ii9n.us VI hardship these men have endured.
=, LIZ me hsk youto continue your labors In
tnelr behalf. We are constantly needing sup-
phesEof various sorts ;-esnecialIv bandker-
cnieis, suspenders, fine and coarse combs cot
ION drawers, socks, &c. In fact eno..,,1;,,o a.
ne rue and and everything in large sbundancs.
LIZ; Tue oarrel of crackers is one of the GOOD
s sass was about to write for to Massschn.
seS, W;., iney VIII be most acceptable ~
WIN many thanks for the help Won 49,
given, and with the hope that Won NAV a Ia We
encouraged to labor on till the coming d 10. pe
peace appears, remain. yours tr,,,a 10Y OF
M M q HvTy