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[704] war for State aid to soldiers' families, and repaid by the Commonwealth, was as follows: In 1861, $7,038.26; in 1862, $30,000,00; in 1863, $39,414.37; in 1864, $50,000.00; in 1865, $37,500.00. Total amount, $163,952.63. The ladies of Worcester were not behind any in the Commonwealth in Christian and patriotic efforts in behalf of the soldiers. Besides the work performed by a society called the Soldiers' Relief, the members of which were of different religious denominations, much good work was done by ladies attached to some of the religious societies. It appears by a report made at the close of the war that the Ladies' Relief Committee had received during its existence fourteen thousand and thirty-three dollars. This, however, was but a moiety of what was contributed. It would be a low estimate to place the value of the articles which were furnished by them, and which were not purchased by money contributed for the purpose, at fifteen thousand dollars, thus making an aggregate value of contributions of nearly thirty thousand dollars. As an evidence of what was done during the war, we quote from the annual report made in 1862: Quilts, 362; blankets, 155; sheets, 893; pillow cases, 961; shirts, 1,333; flannel and cotton drawers, 728; dressing gowns, 163; pairs socks, 1,406; pairs mittens, 1,032; towels, 1,244; handkerchiefs, 1,026; red flannel aprons, 168; pillows, 319; calico pillow covers, 67; pairs slippers, 312; sleeping caps, 68; bed sacks, 50; eye shades, 56; tea kettles, 88; sick feeders, 12; gas heaters, 14; together with a large amount of garments, partly worn, such as coats, pants, vests, etc. Great quantities of tea, coffee, chocolate, sugar, lemons, jellies, wines, bandages, lint, books, magazines, newspapers, sponges, splints, etc., were contributed. Through the efforts of the ladies of Worcester connected with the Relief Committee, the “Soldiers' rest” was established in 1862, for the accommodation of sick and wounded soldiers passing through the city on their way home, and who were obliged to wait for the trains. There they were provided with refreshments and made comfortable during their stay. Mr. Charles W. Freeland gave the use of the rooms without pay. The “Rest” was under the general
1871. E. P. DUtton and Co. Boston,.
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