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on, it would indeed be a page in her history, of which Massachusetts would for ever be proud.
As it is, she need never blush at the mere statistics of values and quantities, remembering, as she must, what untold treasures of patriotism and humanity they but partially indicate.
The whole number of garments and articles of bedding sent to the soldiers by this association, throughout the three years and seven months of its existence, was 1,010,869.
Of these, the all-important and most costly articles form a large part, as follows: flannel shirts, 75,314; flannel drawers (pair), 52,585; cotton flannel drawers (pair), 15,725; stockings (pair), 125,536; blankets, 9,663; comforters, 14,540.
Of stimulants and food a great variety was sent, which it is not necessary here to mention in detail.
The one item of ‘wines and spirits,’ 22,275 bottles, may serve to indicate that the quantity was great.
More than 500 barrels of crackers were sent; and tea, coffee, chocolate, jellies, preserves, pickles, condensed milk, beef-stock, dried and canned fruit, vegetables, farina, lemons, oranges, cologne water, bay water, medicines, and articles of use in hospitals, with a large amount of reading matter, writing materials, and games.
The association received in money $314,874.07. Of this amount, $145,950.85 was obtained by a great and successful fair in Music Hall.
The principal part of the remainder was in outright gifts from individuals and societies.
About $133,000 was expended in materials for clothing, $22,000 in purchase of blankets, $52,000 for hospital stores, $1,600 in refitting the floating hospital ‘Daniel Webster’ for her return to White House, after she had brought a ship-load of disabled soldiers to Boston.
Ready-made clothing, to a small extent, was purchased, and shoes, slippers, surgical instruments and appliances; but it is not needful here to enumerate these.
The annual reports of the association give full details of its expenditures.
We may mention, however, with pride and satisfaction, that no salary was paid during the work, with the exception of $600 appropriated to send an agent to another State, to do work which otherwise would not have been done, and which
1868. E. P. DUtton and Co. Boston,.
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