Dr. John Stearns, Jr., letter to Abby Hopper Gibbons

Buron 26th [August] '63

Dear Mrs Gibbons.

It was refreshing to
see your handwriting again, though
not quite equal to taking tea with
you at the [point]. Concerning "[Hospital]
transports" it is here regarded as a
tribute to young Dr Ware, whose
loss is deeply felt. I've not
read the book. Nau was my friend
& I know more of him than any
[Sanitation Committee].

About contras [contrabands]. I write especially
to tell you that there is an article
by Peirce in Atlantic worthy (for Sept)
which tells the whole thing for the
Port Royal & you will enjoy it.
I've seen Mr Philbrick, who

is at the head of the practical port
at Beaufort. His success is beyond
all question. Besides regular
fragments for work, premiums are
given for any excess or extra
product (a great improvement
over the West India system).
You will find the whole story in this
article, besides there is a capital
using up, of Roebuck, by an
Oxford man (an acquaintance I met
in [Washington]). You have hit the
character of my friend
Bernard justly. He is a
perpetual comfort to the
few who know him well
and to hundreds who do not
he is a tender friend & benefactor

You say that it is not worthwhile
for me to [express]
an opinion about Point
matters. I shall not
say a word.

I wish I had not sent back
those extracts from [Kerchains?]
letter so soon. Mrs Dana
tells me that it was great
pleasure to see Mrs H.

Mrs. B tells me that [General Grant]
is doing well for the contras [contrabands]
at Vicksburg, also Mr Hartman
in St. Louis. I think that
practical results must be
seen in due time, for
there is no helping it
that must follow.

My kindest regards please
to all at No 98.
My kind friends.
Faithfully [your] friend & St
J Stearns Jr