1861 June 10 Culpeper Co H [Virginia]

To Gen: P. St. George Cocke
Sir
The Ladies of
Culpeper C.H. ^'& neighbourhood' respectfully represent to
you, as the head of the troops at this
place that it is their wish, as far as
possible, to be instrumental in promoting
the comfort & ministering to the sick
in the hospitals now here & in any
that may ^'hereafter' be established. It is the
office of women to watch by the
bedside of the sick & suffering
and it is our wish to be allowed
as all that we are able to do in
our ^'country's' great struggle for liberty, to
fulfil this part of our mission; &
it is for this purpose that we now
address you.

We propose 1st that
the care and ministering to the sick
soldiars, (under the advise and
direction of the physicians of the
hospitals) ^'be allowed us,' in such ways, and to such
extent, as our offices may be most
efficient. 2nd we propose, with

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a view to the better execution of this
purpose, to appoint our committees
who shall have the special charge
and responsibility of the hospitals,
established at this place. committee
no. 1 to have charge of Hospital no 1.
committee no. 2 to have charge of
Hospital no. 2, &c &c

3rd We propose, that one, or two, of
each committee shall hold in
trust & be responsible, for, the proper
use of such articles as may be
entrusted to them by the proper ^'officer'
for the use of the sick to be
prepared & used for their exclusive
benefit and as the surgeon in
charge shall direct.

4th We ^'propose, for' as the priviledge of
enginging in this good ^'work' with
no other reward than that highest
of all considerations, the luxury
of doing good to our patriotic

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though sick & suffering soldiers.

The full details of our plans for
usefulness are such, as ^'are' usual in
all such circumstances. Our only
wish is to be useful & to be employed
in such offices, as the necessities of
the sick & suffering may require &
as may meet with your pprobation.

very respectfully yours

Mrs Jno S. Pendleton
Mrs Ed: Hill
Mrs Jno Cole
Mrs Jane Conway
Mrs Susan Matthews
Mrs Ellen Turner

Committee

MSS 640