 The Ladies of Chelsea
To the ladies of Chelsea :
“A box of goods was received at this Hospital designed for the use of our suffering soldiers, and being one of the officers whose duty it is to inspect and distribute such goods, I found among them a Quilt, an Album Quilt, gotten up by the young ladies of Chelsea, Mass. As I looked upon with a curious eye, strange feelings arose within my breast, and I felt a desire to know more of those kind ladies who had so nobly given their time to add one comfort to the hard life of our suffering soldiers. Truly, it was a noble work, and one worthy of such as you. Little did you think as you plied the needle, surrounded by the comforts of home, the comfort you would bestow upon our careworn soldiers – who, exposed to all kinds of weather, and the death-dreading weapon of the enemy, must fall a prey at some time to sickness, wounds, and too often death. But it is consoling to him when stretched upon his bed of pain to look upon such proofs of remembrance : he feels that those at home are with him in spirit, though absent in body. It carries his thoughts back to “Home, sweet Home,” and he forgets his ills; his strength revivies. The country must be sustained, and every one has his and her duty to perform. This work has been a portion of you allotted duty; it was an act of voluntary love and kindness; as such it can never be lost. From beneath its folds many prayers will arise, craving blessings upon those far away; and be assured your names will not be omitted. Truly it can be said of you, you have cast your bread upon the waters. In the name of our brave soldiers, I thank you for your gift. Please excuse my assurance in thus addressing you; but thinking perhaps it might be pleasant for you to hear of the “Olive Branch” sent forth by you, I have taken the liberty.
Very respectfully, yours,
R. G. D.
Assist. Surg.”  | 
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