7

stopping to see Captain Brown, who heartily endorses all we have
done, and promised us all that it was in his power to give.
‘“‘T stopped writing to attend a prayer meeting, held at the house of
one of the men here, under an arbor made of the boughs of the neigh-
boring trees. They had a good time, and I felt glad to be present with
them. I could write, if I had time, much that would amuse and interest
you all. We have been so busy that we have not read a paper since I
came here. We heard to-day that you are having stirring times.
“TI do not see how to leave until I have given these poor creatures a
start. There never was a clearer duty before me than the one that now
claims my attention. I am perfectly well—find Mason’s Island a delight-
ful place—it is only unhealthy when vegetation begins to decline. It con-
tains the former residence of Mason, of ‘‘ Trent” notoriety. WhenI can
get the cooks fully under way, give a clean whole garment to every needy,
ragged, filthy body, and set those who can spell to teach those who can-
not, I shall feel that I have performed the labor given me todo. Sally
and the doctor can then supervise, and I am sure the “ Executive Board”

will have done a work they need not be ashamed of; but to do this, it is
“ imperative that I remain at least till the middle of next week, and also
important that I have the material to work with. Without delay, thou
wilt see the Treasurer, and as many of the ‘‘ Board” as thou canst.
Say to M. A. G. that I would like to have two large boxes of children’s
clothing,—boys’ pants and shirts, baby slips and frocks, suited to ages
from three years up to ten and twelve,—not many women’s garments or
dresses, but for gzrls all that she can gather.

“For the sick I must have corn-starch, crackers, dried beef, &c. If
the ‘‘Board” can send me money, I can purchase these as cheaply in
Georgetown as they can be procured in Philadelphia, and save the expense
and trouble of transportation. We have a boat at our service, and men
to row across the river to Gegreatayn, It is making an unusual request,
but as a member of the “Board,” and seeing the need, and knowing these
things will be the life and comfort of hundreds who will continue to suf-
fer without them, I urge upon all of you to grant it. I know those in
whose care all will be intrusted are worthy your confidence. °

“The exigencies of: the military service engross everything now, and I
fear it will be almost impossible to get the boxes of clothing. If the
money is sent for buying nourishment, I can continue my supplies to the
sick, even though they should suffer for the want of clothes.

«To supply the want of crackers to-day, Sally took half of our white
sugar over to Georgetown, and exchanged it for them. We have enough
for to-morrow ; after that, will have to depend upon the Friends’ aid, &e.
The corn-meal served out is of the, most inferior quality. The rest of the
provisions generally good, except the fresh beef, which I insist shall not
be served to them while the weather is warm, in which Captain B. fally
concurs.”