Raynors HCA 2018-10
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/20/2018
Rare war-date Union soldiers' relief society letter written (secretarially) by Rebecca Rouse who, in April 1861, founded one of the north's first Ladies' aid societies. Rouse laid down the foundation for the Soldiers' Aid Society just five days after the firing on Fort Sumter by organizing a blanket drive for incoming troops at Camp Taylor in Cleveland, Ohio. The Cleveland branch of the Soldier's Aid Society, with Rouse as its president, served as a model for other soldier aid societies throughout the north. Hers was the first permanently organized unit of the U. S. Sanitary Commission. Rare early 1862, 1 1/2pp. 4to., written on "Rooms Soldiers' Aid Society" stationery, 5 Bank Street, Cleveland, Ohio, Jan. 6, 1862 addressed to Mrs. James Shaw, in part: "We rec'd…the box of Hospital goods of which we were notified…please accept our grateful acknowledgement of this renewed proof of your interest in a work which now engages so deeply out time & our thoughts. The urgent need now is for warm bedding, wadded comfortables & blankets-also for canton flannel undershirts & drawers, that the sick may have a change from their field clothing. The sickness in Kentucky is greatly increasing & the crowded hospitals lack every comfort. It seems impossible to supply the need existing. We are glad to know that you have been furnishing mittens to the troops. It is not necessary…to knit these with a forefinger…common mittens are equally good for guard duty…mo more lint & bandage are…needed…but dried fruit is very acceptable...Mrs. B. Rouse (per sec)." VG
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