Maria M. Morgan letter to Abby Hopper Gibbons

Skaneateles August 9th 63

My dear friend

Mrs Gibbons

I hope to find
an apology for intruding upon you
at this time, in my feeble attempts
to express my sincere sympathy
for you as a family, in your trials.
That house of all others should have
escaped the fury of the mob.
While its mistress, and her daughter
were acting the part of "Ministering
Angels" &c these who have given their
lives, at the call of their country.
Mere words could not convey to you my
sorrow at your loss, and the desecration
of that home, rendered doubly sacred
from the memories and associates
connected with the loved, and gone.
Every article seemed sacrilege to touch.
So it is, in this life, the good must

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even suffer persecution. It never
occured to me that your house
would be molested by that dreadful
mob. I will not thrust a long letter
upon you, as I would like to
ask you a few questions regarding
hospital stores. If you still wish us
to send our trifling gifts to your hospital
as we have done? To whom directed,
and did you receive $70 sent
to Mr Haydock for the benefit
of the Patients at Point Lookout.
It is a small sum I know, but
the best we could do, where so
few take an interest and Copperheads
are plenty. I know you will still
feel an interest in that hospital
even if you should not return.
We have now a keg of Pickles, and
some Jellies Jams &c, which we
will send to you if you desire only
a few words will satisfy all parties
Then there will be no delay in sending

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on as usual to Point Lookout.
Believe me, my dear Mrs Gibbons
with heartfelt sympathy your
sincere friend
Maria M Morgan