The patriotism of the ladies of Marblehead at this time and throughout
the entire period of the war cannot be overestimated. With loving hearts
and willing hands, they contributed their time, their labor, and their
money for the benefit of those who had gone forth to battle. The work of
some was of a public nature, and the deeds of these are recorded; but
the only record of hundreds who worked quietly in their own homes was
written on the grateful hearts of the soldiers for whom they labored.
On the 22d of April a meeting of the ladies was held at the town hall,
and a Soldiers' Aid Society was organized. The object was to perform
such work as was necessary for the comfort of the soldiers, and to
furnish articles of clothing, medicines, and delicacies for use in the
hospitals. Mrs. Maria L. Williams was elected president. That lady
subsequently resigned, and Mrs. Margaret Newhall became president, and
Mrs. Mary M. Oliver, secretary.
On the following day, eighteen ladies met at the Sewall Grammar
School-house, on Spring Street, and organized a committee to solicit
money for the benefit of the soldiers.
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