New Haven Women Act On Behalf of the Sick and Wounded, 1861

From the New Haven Sanitary Commission. To the Patriotic Women of New Haven and Vicinity; an Appeal for the Sick and Wounded in the Army. 1861.

To the Patriotic Women of New Haven and Vicinity.

An Appeal for the Sick and Wounded in the Army.

"The United States Sanitary Commission," an unpaid association of gentlemen, acting under the authority of the Secretary of War, and strongly commended by Pres. Lincoln and Gen. Scott, have made an earnest appeal to the public to aid them in the important work which they have undertaken.

Their object is to promote the health and comfort of the soldiers engaged in the defence of the Union, and especially to relieve the sick and wounded.

At a public meeting held in New Haven, Oct. 10th, 1861, a local Committee was appointed to co-operate with the Commission. This local Committee have thought it advisable to bring the subject before every family in the county, and they offer to facilitate the efforts of those who may desire to take part in this benevolent and patriotic work.

In some towns of our country the appeal of the Commission has already met with a hearty response; let their example inspire the efforts of others.

Remembering that our ancestors, in this State, were distinguished for their sacrifices during the Revolution, and for their generosity in the relief of others, let us emulate their example, and strive that the cause of the Union be not lost through any neglect of ours.

Those who have nothing else to give, are reminded that money is necessary in carrying forward this work, and will be received and accounted for by the Committee. The Sanitary Commission look to Connecticut for $5,000 in money to aid them in their work.

The articles particularly wanted are:
Woolen Blankets, of any color, size or weight.
Bedquilts, not less than seven feet by four feet.
Woolen, or Canton Flannel Bedgowns, Wrappers and Drawers÷drawers
should be made full, without waistbands, hemmed, and gathered
on strong tape.
Cotton Night Shirts, very long, and left open in front.
Woolen Stockings and Socks.
Woolen Yarn, Cotton Cloth and Flannel.
Pillows, made of hair or feathers÷when not already made, they should be
made about 15 inches wide and 24 inches long÷when practicable,
each pillow should have with it two cases or slips.
Strength and durability in the articles sent, and not fine finish, are the
essential qualities.

Delicacies for the sick also are desired, such as Jellies, Farina, Corn
Starch, Cocoa, Condensed Milk, and nicely dried Fruit; likewise
Books and Magazines, as well as Chequer boards, and the like, for
the amusement of the convalescent.

Every thing should be of good quality. In a secure safe and economical packing, and proper order and acknowledgement of the articles given, it [illegible] that they should be put up and forwarded from [illegible.] The store of Messrs. A. Walker & Co., No. 4 [illegible] New Haven, is designated for that purpose. All packages, whether from the city or country towns, which may be sent to their care, should be accompanied with a list of the articles and the names of the donors. An acknowledgement of their receipt will be made through the newspapers.

Committee designated by the Sanitary Commission:

Prof. B. Silliman, Jr., James Brewster, Esq.,
W. Hooker, M.D., W.S. Charnley, Esq.

Local Executive Committee

A.C. Twining, Mrs. R. S. Baldwin.
Alfred Walker, Mrs. Wm. H. Russell.
M.C. White, M.D., Mrs. Levi Gilbert,
Charles Carlisle, Mrs. James Fairman,
S.D. Pardee, Mrs. Rev. E. Harwood,
Thos. R. Trowbridge, Mrs. James Hadley.