New York 8/28, 1863
My Dear A,
Thy letter of 24th [received] to-day. As
thee wrote before that thee would most likely
return to the Point on the 28th, it was thought
best to direct there instead of to Washington.
I have read you the bill & the articles of Association
of the Relief institution, but they
indicate no particular plan, and it is therefore
impossible or me to know how to frame
a circular about it. If you have a temporary
house in [Washington] and want funds, or other
aid, these can be called for. But the thing
to be done should be specifically stated. If
funds to a large amount to construct a
building, or if the See of War has assigned
you a place, with old buildings on it to be
repaired, or anything of the sort, then a call
can be made. Besides, it does not appear
from the documents that the organization is
completed. The Bill calls for a President,
Vice Pres. [Secretary], Treasurer, & board of nine
executive Committee. To whom are all letters,
remittances &c to be sent. If Mrs Breed was
[Secretary] of the meeting at which the articles were adopted, it does not follow
that she is [Secretary] of the organized association.
You should meet, if you have not, and elect
those officers. Then everything will be in
order. Let me know these facts & I
will write a circular. In the mean time,
I shall be thinking of the matter, and
there will be nothing lost.
I put a call in the Post yesterday for
clothing for the contrabands at the Point
& hope for some returns. The last shipment
of 20 packages, advised by letter,
I suppose has reached you before this.
Things are going on as usual at home.
Monday is Willie's birth day & we are invited
to dinner. Mr Sinclair has sold his place
in Connecticut, or an unexpected application,
and doubtless profitably. They will spend the
summer in Vermont or New Hampshire.
We are now trimming the vines, and putting
the goods first & back in order. The Underhills
came near selling their house
yesterday. If they do, I hope we shall get
agreeable neighbors. The Gray's next door
are going to move, & the Crumsby house is for
sale at $11,000. Two of the big houses near
8th Av. also for sale. The row is not increasing
in respectability, only so far as the
respectability of the people at No's 18,
19 & 26 increases. We may include the
Rofaisom. Met master Charles Rackeman
& his ma a few days since in
Broadway. The young gentleman was
perfectly self possessed. I suppose
you have heard half a dozen times
that Mr Mai Muller is a pa and
Mrs a ma, both to Clara.
This is the extent of my knowledge
of men & things & women.
[Affectionately]
J.S.G.
