NEWS OF 150 YEARS AGO
January and February 1863
From The Missouri Democrat, Thursday, February 5, 1863.
RELIEF FOR THE CONTRABANDS.
An Appeal to our Charitable Citizens.
Numerous representations having been made of the destitution and suffering existing among the “Contrabands,” both here in our city and elsewhere, a number of ladies have united in an effort to afford them some assistance. For this purpose they have organized a society known as the “Contraband Relief Society.” The following ladies have been elected to serve as officers and managers:
President – Mrs. Washington King.
Vice President – Mrs. S. Rich.
Secretary – W. S. Hazard.
Treasurer – Mrs. H. Kennedy.
MANAGERS:
| Mrs. L. J. Eaton, | Mrs. Dr. McMurray, |
| Mrs. Jno. S. Thompson, | Mrs. J. C. Havens, |
| Mrs. O. H. Platt, | Mrs. C. C. Baily, |
| Mrs. M. Chapman, | Mrs. John Campbell, |
| Mrs. Robt. Anderson, | Mrs. N. D. Noyes, |
| Mrs. G. Partridge, 2d, | Miss A. L. Forbes. |
The following gentlemen have consented to act as “advisory committee,” to whom the ladies can look for advice and assistance in the management of the society: Rev. H. A. Nelson, Rev. Henry Cox, Mr. L. J. Eaton, Mr. Henry Hitchcock.
In coming before the public in behalf of this unfortunate class of our fellow beings, we cannot forbear mentioning the fact that this is the first time an appeal of this kind has been made to this community. Our money has been freely given in the cause of suffering humanity the world over. Famine-stricken Ireland, the persecuted Christians of Turkey, and the Indians on our border, have all shared our sympathy and benefited by our liberality; but for the helpless class whom we now seek to relieve, hitherto no voice has been lifted in supplication, no hand stretched forth to save. Even now, from among themselves, we hear no call for assistance, no murmur of complaint, only by the mute appeals of their destitution and wretchedness do they move our sympathies. Placed by the vicissitudes of war, and the decrees of Providence in a state which we trust is to them the beginning of a nobler civilization, it is not surprising that for the time being they should require assistance and encouragement from those who have been more highly favored.
Said a gentleman who has been laboring among them for some time: “If they are not succored soon their struggle for liberty will terminate in a death struggle.” The Government, at an enormous expense, furnishes them with food, but of clothing they are almost entirely destitute, numbers dying daily from cold and exposure. Yet, he says, “no suffering will for a moment extort from them a wish to return to a state of bondage.”
Citizens! Christians! will you help in this matter? Christ, in the persons of his despised and suffering poor, appeals to us. Shall we disregard the call, and by so doing bring upon ourselves the dreadful censure, “Inasmuch as you did not unto the least of these, ye did it not unto me?”
Clothing of every description will be gladly received, especially that made from coarse and strong fabrics. Contributions in money and clothing may, for the present, be sent to the residence of Mrs. Washington King, northwest corner of Fifteenth and Morgan streets; also, to the rooms of the Ladies’ Union Aid Society, marked “Contraband Relief Fund.”
R. N. HAZARD, Secretary.