Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1866-12-05


MR. EDITOR: As can frequently inquire
of, by the friends of the Freedmen, as to the
means by which in my opinion most can be
done fer their welfare, the articles most need
ed by them, and through what channels
clothing, &C., had better be sent, will you
allow me to say word TO those good friends
and others, through your paper
1t is not tor me of course, to dictate, and
perhaps it would not be expedient even to
ddrise, to which of the great national or
ganiz Ition's should be preferred.
But, is may not be amiss for me to suggest,
that those who have friends laborIng among
the Freedmen, frlents too, in whose ability
and disposition to do just the right thing,
they have confidence had better send directly
TO them, at least until they know these to be
well supplied. And when practicable, the bet
teT, the surer, and on the whole, the cheaper
way is, to send be Express. By other meth
ods of sending there il generally good deal
of delay, and frequently boxes and barrels new
er reach the point desI Sns ted by their donors.
During our two years and more, among the
Freedmen, several valuable boxes sent US by
our northern friends we never saw, and 9th
ers came TO hand not TIL two, four, or even
ss4 months after the receipt OF letters saying
that they had been sent Some that We did
receive, before reaching US, had been opened,
We cOult not Iell by whom, and every thing
that was 10 them of much value taken out
and the remainder thOwn in pell- nell. And
similar we know was the experience of some
others. But we are not aware that any thing
sent directly by Express, ever failed TO come
to US promptly, and in good condition.
Now, what il the ExIressage does cost
something What if for barrel or box worth
S25 90 OF $50 60 perhaps S75 60 the Ex-
pressage shou d be $500 or ever $1,000 How
much better TO pay it and have all go surely
and promptly through, especially at this sea
son of the year, when they are every day and
hour so much needed, than to send some cheap
er way, with SO much liability OF delay Il
not of final lose. IF package is not worth
sending By Express, 1t is very likely, not worth
sending at all.
There is now no way of securing trans por-
tation without some expense either to the
donors, or the societies through which they
may send. and it is hardly justfabIe to tai
the societies with freight on boxes and bar
rels the con ents of which are scarcely worth
the expense of transportation. Articles tha
are entirely worthless that could not be of an.
service to the poor of the north. can be OF n'
value at the south, and might well not b.
cent there.
h. Trnr IN II n
nance the sending to the Freedmen OF gar
ments that are second hand, out-grown, cast
off, and really old and mueh worn. provided
they can in any way be rendered serViceaol
by improving personal appearance or helping
to render somebody comfortable by day or b.
night.
Of bedding almost any article though Oh
and worn will be gladly received If new
so much the better. Sheets and pillow-case
are luxuries, which comparatively few OF tn
Freedmen have hitherto enjoyed. They ar
often much needed, especially in sickness. Ii
making up a box or barrel few pillows,
they can be spared, had better be thrown in
though small and made of hens feathers, the
need not be withheld. To some poor feveree
achirg head, which has never had anythin
better to rest upon than tuft of grass
some poor old garment, such pillow woul
be regarded as a luxury.
Almost any sort of a garment, and esrecial
ly for a woman or child. will be comfort t.
somebody. unmade garments or any materla
from which garments can be made also var
thread, thimbles, needles, and pins, are eve
needful and useful. If any are sending
friends who have anything to do with th
sick. some of the more common kinds OF mee
icines, such as they will understand how
use, may be of essential service, also dr'e
fruits, jellier, corn starch, tapioca. OF itt
good tea, may be blessing to somebody.
cannot close this communication wIthou
directing the attention of our friends especial
ly to our former field of labor in s. E VII
ginia, in which of course still feel pec'
liar interest Frequent letters from one an
another of the poor sufferers, de scribing the
necessities and Imp!oriDg our aid deeply enli
our sympstbiee, and excite in our minds
strong desire to be with them again, but th
at present cannot be.
But good friends of ours are there who
fay a. thav a.. :. blA ara IN This suhero nd ea'