- Joined
- Aug 27, 2011
- Location
- Central Massachusetts
During the course of the war, huge organizations were formed to collect and forward to the armies "parcels from home" containing all manner of necessary and luxury items the men might need or desire. U. S. Sanitary and Christian Commissions, Ladies' Aid Societies and many others did a wonderful job in supplying and comforting Federal soldiers at the front. And the Confederacy saw a similar development. But, it all started in a small way, "at home," as local communities, led usually by the ladies, banded together to see to it that "their boys" were well looked after
At the beginning of the war, the small town of Stockbridge, Mass. provided just 13 men for Company K, 2nd Massachusetts Infantry. They were not forgotten:
"June 12, 1861
"Captain Goodwin.
"Sir
"I am informed that the volunteers from Stockbridge, all belong to your company; I have therefore taken the liberty of addressing to you, (Care of Mr Abbott) a box, containing clothing for them, which I beg you to distribute. Each parcel is directed, and upon the top of the box is a towel for each man. The materials for these garments were furnished by our town, and the ladies did the the sewing. Will you be so kind as to inform the men, whence this contribution comes, and say to them; that the ladies of Stockbridge feel an earnest interest in their welfare; and will always gladly do any thing in their power to promote their comfort, and aid them in performing faithfully the duties they have undertaken in their country's service. May God bless you all.
"Yrs Respectfully
"Jeanie Pomeroy"
Actually, such local efforts could create a problem. Some communities, it seems, were much more lavish in their generosity to their own, leading sometimes to hard feelings within a company or regiment. This was one of the great motivators for the establishment of the larger aid organizations. Individual soldiers could still be sent personal packages, but the major donations would be distributed more democratically.
jno
At the beginning of the war, the small town of Stockbridge, Mass. provided just 13 men for Company K, 2nd Massachusetts Infantry. They were not forgotten:
"June 12, 1861
"Captain Goodwin.
"Sir
"I am informed that the volunteers from Stockbridge, all belong to your company; I have therefore taken the liberty of addressing to you, (Care of Mr Abbott) a box, containing clothing for them, which I beg you to distribute. Each parcel is directed, and upon the top of the box is a towel for each man. The materials for these garments were furnished by our town, and the ladies did the the sewing. Will you be so kind as to inform the men, whence this contribution comes, and say to them; that the ladies of Stockbridge feel an earnest interest in their welfare; and will always gladly do any thing in their power to promote their comfort, and aid them in performing faithfully the duties they have undertaken in their country's service. May God bless you all.
"Yrs Respectfully
"Jeanie Pomeroy"
Actually, such local efforts could create a problem. Some communities, it seems, were much more lavish in their generosity to their own, leading sometimes to hard feelings within a company or regiment. This was one of the great motivators for the establishment of the larger aid organizations. Individual soldiers could still be sent personal packages, but the major donations would be distributed more democratically.
jno