Julia A. Wilbur ALS to [Anna M. C.] Barnes, November 25, [18]62

There is an emaciated sick woman in the brick
house, with a cotton skirt & a small cape on her
neck. She is generally rolled up in a blanket on the
floor, but yesterday morning she was sitting by the
fire place. I cd'nt see any fire, & another woman
too with but little clothing. - While I was there a load of
wood came & was distributed. 2 or 3 sticks for each room.
I have nothing for this woman, so I went begging.
Called on two rich secesh ladies & stated the case.
They asked immediately if she was cold. & a con
traband. "They had nothing for contrabands, they
ought to have staid at their comfortable homes
where they were well taken care of, & those that
brought them here might take care of them
now." I did not prosecute my begging any further.
Mr. G. received a box from Phila. Saturday, & I hoped
there was some clothing in it. But it was filled
with books & shoes. What an absurdity
to send books now to these people, shivering &
half naked. There is another large box in W.
for Mr. G. wh. he will probably get to morrow.
I do hope there is something in it we can use
at once. Mr. G. has a quantity of sheets but he
does not give many of them out. I dont