REPORT OF THE

PORTSMOUTH RELIEF ASSOCIATION

To The Contributors Of The Fund For The
RELIEF OF PORTSMOUTH, VIRGINIA,
During The Prevalence Of The Yellow Fever
In That Town In 1855;
The Exhibit Of The Treasurer Of The
Receipts And Disbursements Of The Fund,
And Statements Of Other Members Of The Association;
Together With A Sketch Of The Fever, Etc., Etc.

Richmond: H. K. Ellyson's Steam Power Presses
147 Main Street
1856.

Transcribed by Donna Bluemink

[Continuation.]

[292] Office of Howard Association,
Norfolk, Sept. 15, 1855.
The President of "Howard Association" of Portsmouth, Va.
Allow us, in the name of our Association, to introduce to your kind regard the bearer, Dr. Hunter, who visits your city on a mission of love and charity. I have no doubt of his ability and willingness to serve you. Respectfully,
W. MILO OLIX, Sec. pro. tem. How. Ass.

Petersburg, September 15, 1855.
Mr. Fiske, Mayor Portsmouth, Va.
Dear Sir,—At the request of Mr. A. D. Banks, I herewith hand you ten dollars, being a subscription from Mr. John Eubank, Halysburg P. O., Lunenburg county, Va. Have the kindness to acknowledge receipt of same to Mr. Eubank, as per directions.
Very respectfully, your obd't serv't,
E. B. BRANCH.

Fort Monroe, Va., September 15, 1855.
Holt Wilson, Esq., Tr'r Ref Fund, Portsmouth.
Dear Sir,—I enclose herewith a check for $51.25, (being balance collected here for the children of Portsmouth,) as requested in your letter.

I was glad to find you were still able to attend to the relief of your afflicted town. I sincerely trust you may escape, and that God in his mercy will soon relieve your suffering cities from this dreadful scourge. Truly your friend,
J. G. MARTIN.

Bank of Virginia, Lynchburg, September 15, 1855.
Dear Sir,—Enclosed be pleased to find my check, No. 1155, on Bank of Virginia, for $70, for the sufferers in Norfolk and Portsmouth, to be equally divided between the two places, contributed by the Baptist church of Lynchburg. I also enclose my check on Bank of Virginia, No. 1157, for $45, a further contribution from the 4th street Methodist Episcopal Church, South, Lynchburg, for the use of the sufferers of Portsmouth and Norfolk, to be equally divided between the two places. May the Lord slay the pestilence, and have mercy upon the poor orphan children, is my sincere prayer. Your friend,
JNO. M. OTEY, Cashier.
Holt Wilson, Esq., Treasurer, &c.

[293] St. Peters, Ind., September 15, 1855.
Rev. Francis Develin.
Sir,—Having read your appeal to the generous and charitable, I herein enclose, for the education and support of those helpless little orphans who lost their parents by the yellow fever, three dollars. Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
FRANCIS A. BAUER.

Bank of Virginia, Lynchburg, September 15, 1855.
Dear Sir,—Since writing my letter of this date and mailing it, one hundred dollars have been handed to me by the Rev. J. D. Mitchell, of the 2nd Presbyterian church of this city, for the use of the sufferers of Portsmouth. Enclosed find my check, No. 1160, for $100, to your order on Virginia Bank. Your friend,
JNO. M. OTEY, Cashier.
Holt Wilson, Esq., Treasurer, &c.
P. S.—Since writing the above, I have received $50 from 4th street Methodist Episcopal Church, South, for the sufferers of Portsmouth. Enclosed find my check to your order for $50, No. 1162, on Virginia Bank.

Howard Association of Charleston, Saturday Evening, Sept. 15, 1855.
H. Wilson, J. G. Holladay, S.T. Hartt, Committee, &c., Portsmouth.
Gentlemen,—Mr. Hutchinson, the Mayor of Charleston, placed in my hands this morning your communication by telegraph, dated 13th, and received to-day, requesting that two experienced druggists be sent you. The officers of our Association have promised the Mayor to perform this duty. An advertisement for the persons wanted was published in this afternoon's paper, and a sub-committee will comply with your request, with all possible dispatch. Can we serve you in anything else?
I am, very respectfully and truly, yours, &c,
DANIEL RAVENEL, Pres. How. Ass., Charleston.

Richmond, September 15, 1855.
Rev. Thomas Hume.
Dear Sir,—I shall send by the Augusta, on Monday, to your address, one box of lemons, one box 20 dozen oranges, also one demijohn 5 gals. London Dock brandy, and one demijohn 5 gals, old London particular port wine,[294] said to be the best article of the kind in the State, and three barrels of baker's bread. These articles you will please take charge of, and dispose of them in the best manner possible to alleviate the distress of your afflicted citizens. They are all directed to you personally, and we hope they may prove acceptable. Please let us know what articles you require from time to time.
Yours very truly,
THOS. DODAMEAD, Ch'm. Sub-Committee.

Salem, Mass., September 15, 1855.
To the Hon. Mayor of Portsmouth, Va.
Sir,—The people of Salem, in the State of Massachusetts, assembled in public meeting, have instructed us to express to you, and your municipal associates, their profound sense of the awful calamity with which an inscrutible Providence is afflicting your city. As fellow men, fellow Christians, and citizens of a common country, you command our deepest sympathy, and our most fervent prayers are offered in your behalf.

Our interest in the sufferings of your particular community is heightened by the circumstance, that the late Rector of St. John's Church in Portsmouth, the Rev. James Chisholm, was a native of Salem. The lovely traits of his childhood and youth were appreciated by us. You witnessed the pure and sanctified tenor of his mature life. The noble fidelity and sublime Christian courage with which he remained at his post and met death in the midst of the people of his charge, and in the service of his divine Master, have made his name dear and his memory precious in all our hearts. That name and that memory are the common, and will ever be the cherished possession of our two cities, a bond of special interest, affection and sympathy between them.

Distance forbids our extending to you offices of immediate aid, or meeting your wants in the forms of direct relief. But by contributions in the churches, and by general subscription, money has been raised and placed in our hands, and is still being raised, which, at the earliest practicable moment, we shall remit to A. Bell, Esq., of Baltimore, subject to the order of the Mayor or other chief municipal officer of your city. With sentiments of fraternal condolence, We are your friends and countrymen,
JOSEPH ANDREWS, Mayor, ANDREW WARD, D. A. WHITE, GEORGE CHOATE, CHARLES W. UPHAM, JOHN BALL, AZAHEL HUNTINGTON, JOSEPH CHISHOLM, THOS. HUNT, GEORGE LEEDS.

[295] Christiansburg, Montgomery Co., Va., Sept. 15, 1855.
Dear Sir,—Enclosed you will find a check for $34.61, being the second remittance sent by me, from the citizens of this place, for the distressed in your city and Norfolk. The first remittance ($90) was sent to the Howard Association for the two places. I now remit this to you, as I see from the papers some complaints as to the disposition of funds sent to Norfolk for your town. Hoping this small amount may relieve some little of the distress, and that you may soon be relieved of the dreadful scourge,
We are, sir, most respectfully, yours,
JNO. C. WADE, J. W. SHIELDS, E. G. GEEENLER: Committee.

Lynchburg, Va., September 15, 1855.
The Lynchburg Musical Association having resolved to give a concert, and to devote the proceeds in aid of the sufferers at Norfolk and Portsmouth, have directed us to remit the within certificate of deposit in Exchange Bank, Lynchburg, drawn in your favor, for the sum of fifty-six dollars, the amount of half proceeds of that concert. With the hope that the need for aid or relief may very soon cease, We remain yours, very respectfully,
D. A. LANGHORNE, C. D. JONES, J. WILLIAMS, Jr.: Committee.
Treasurer of the Relief Society, Portsmouth, Va.

Washington, D. C, Sept. 16, 1855.
H. Wilson, Esq.
Dear Sir,—Enclosed you will find a draft for $50, appropriated by an unanimous vote of the Anacostia Fire Company, for the sufferers of your town. Respectfully,
CHS. M. SANDERSON, Pres.

Ford's Depot, September 17, 1855.
Holt Wilson, Esq.
Dear Sir,—Having made a small contribution for the relief of the sufferers in Norfolk, I now enclose a small amount, five dollars, which I must beg you to appropriate to the aid of the afflicted in your town. Hoping that God, in his infinite mercy, has abated the pestilence in your midst, I am. very respectfully, yours,
"C."

[296] Lewisburg, September 17, 1855.
Holt Wilson, Esq., Treasurer.
Dear Sir,—Enclosed you will find check for $70, being a part of the collection from our sympathizing townsmen, made by R. B. Jarvis, for the relief of the sufferers in your town. Respectfully,
THOMAS MATTHEWS.

Littleton, N. C, September 17, 1855.
Dear Sir,—Enclosed you will find forty-dollars, which have been raised by subscription for the sufferers of your afflicted cities, Norfolk and Portsmouth.
F. MALLORY.

Charlotte, N. C, September 17, 1855.
Holt Wilson, Esq.
Dear Sir,—At a meeting of the citizens of this place, the undersigned were appointed a committee for the purpose of soliciting subscriptions in aid of the fever sufferers of Portsmouth and Norfolk. Enclosed you will find checks on Bank of the Metropolis, Washington City, to the amount of $654.89, and $409.93, being for the suffering of Portsmouth, and $244.96, intended for those of Norfolk, which you will please place in the hands of the President of the Howard Association, Norfolk. Yours respectfully,
H. M. PRITCHARD, JAS. HARTY, S. J. LOWRIE, D. ASBURY, S. W. DAVIS: Committee.

Wilmington, N. C, September 17, 1855.
To the Mayor of Portsmouth.
Dear Sir,—I enclose you another check for five hundred dollars, being a further remittance from our citizens for the suffering in your city. I have forwarded one hundred barrels of tar, and two casks of rice, for the use of your city. Yours respectfully,
JOHN McRAE.

[297] Farmers Bank of Virginia,
Norfolk, September 17, 1855.
W. H. Wilson, Esq., Cashier.
Dear Sir,—I have received from Jas. T. Soutter, Esq., of New York, $2000, with instructions to divide the same equally between the towns of Norfolk and Portsmouth—in pursuance of which, I have this day credited your account with $1000, which I beg you will hand over to the proper person, for the benefit of your sufferers by tbo pestilence prevailing. You will oblige me by acknowledging, or causing to be suitably acknowledged, same, to either Mr. Soutter or Cashier Loury of the Bank of the Republic, as coming from the citizens of New York; also, from J. A. Smith, Cashier of Farmers Bank of Virginia, Richmond, $50, with similar instructions, $25 of which I have also credited to your account. This please acknowledge,—it is from Dr. Mabane and L. Mastin, of the county of Amelia. Very respectfully yours,
R. H. CHAMBERLAINE, Cashier.

Boston, Sept. 17, 1855.
Holt Wilson, Esq., Treasurer.
Dear Sir,—Enclosed please find Granite Bank check for two hundred dollars, which we send to you for the sufferers at Portsmouth. This sum was contributed by the occupants of "Faneuil Hall Market," Boston, to whom please acknowledge receipt, to our care.
Yours truly,
ALPHEUS HARDY & CO.

Lynchburg, September 17, 1855.
My Dear Sir,—By the last mail, I wrote you to say that I had forwarded a collection in my church to R. W. Bowden, Esq., of Norfolk, for the relief of that city and Portsmouth, one half of which was to be appropriated to your place. Since then, several more dollars have been handed me for the same purpose. Inasmuch as Portsmouth seems to have received less than her due share of the gifts of the benevolent in this time of need, I send you all I have received since the collection. It is not much, to be sure, but it will serve to show that your afflicted community is not forgotten in this sad visitation of Divine Providence. I thank God to see that the disease is abating. I am, dear sir, Very truly yours,
W H. KINCKLE.
Holt Wilson, Portsmouth, Va.

[298] Mayor's Office, Louisville, Ky., Sept. 17, 1855.
The Mayor of Portsmouth.
Dear Sir,—I have this day remitted to the Hon. Samuel Hinks, Mayor of Baltimore, the sum of twenty-eight hundred and fifty dollars, in obedience to the request of the citizens of Louisville, it being the amount contributed by them for the relief of the suffering neople of your place and Norfolk, to be divided between the two places in proportion to their respective wants. Hoping it may prevent some suffering, and bring joy to stricken hearts, and praying God may give strength to the afflicted and hope to the sorrowing, and may soon, in His mercy, remove the scourge from your midst, I remain yours, respectfully,
JOHN BARBEE, Mayor.

Mayor's Office, City of Salem, Sept. 17, 1855.
Dear Sir,—The committee chosen to forward the contributions of the citizens of Salem, intended for the relief of the citizens of Norfolk and Portsmouth, being desirous to place at your disposal, at the earliest opportunity, the funds in their hands, have decided, since the accompanying letter was written, to follow the course taken by the Boston Relief Committee in forwarding their last remittances to your city. This course we have adopted in accordance with what we understand to have been Mr. Alexander Bell's advice to that committee.

I shall, therefore, as chairman of the committee, remit to the Treasurer of the Sanitary Committee of your city, by to-morrow's mail, a check on Baltimore for five hundred dollars; and in a few days, I shall have the pleasure of forwarding a further sum, which is now being collected. I have the honor to be, dear sir, Very respectfully, your obd't serv't,
JOSEPH ANDREWS, Mayor.
To the Hon. Mayor of Portsmouth, Va.

Montgomery, Ala., September 17, 1855.
Holt Wilson, Esq., Treasurer, Portsmouth, Va.
Dear Sir,—I have this instant received your letter, and if you will not let me come, I enclose you twenty dollars, my subscription for the distressed of our poor town. I assisted, also, in raising a fund to start a delegation from Montgomery, ere this arrived in your place. With deepest sympathy, Yours, most truly,
S. TOOMER.

[299] Forest Depot, Bedford County, Va.,
September 17, 1855.
My Dear Sir,—Above you have check for $100, to be divided between Norfolk and Portsmouth. It is a collection which was taken up in St. Stephen's Church, Bedford county, yesterday. If the sincerest sympathy on the part of all our people could stay or alleviate the sufferings of your citizens, you would be spared the heavy affliction under which you are now suffering. May you still be spared, and may God, of his goodness, afford to your fellow citizens the succor they need, prays your sincere friend,
RICH. H. WILMER.
To the Mayor of Portsmouth.

Howard Association of Charleston.
Monday evening, Sept. 17, 1855.
To Holt Wilson, J. O. Holladay and S. T. Hartt, Committee, &c, Portsmouth, Va.
Gentlemen,—This letter will introduce to you Mr. W. M. Russell, a native of Charleston, who purposes leaving home for Portsmouth by the cars of to-morrow morning, under an engagement to enter upon the duties you may assign him as apothecary. He has been occupied about two years in a druggist's store—is a respectable young man, and our sub-committee believe you will find him fully disposed to perform faithfully what he has undertaken. I am, very respectfully and truly, yours, &c.
DANIEL RAVENEL, President Howard Association.

Hillsboro, N. C, September 17th, 1855.
Dear Sir,—Mr. Thos. B. Hill has handed me your letter, in which you ask for information as to the disposition of the proceeds of a collection of the Presbyterian congregation, and I presume it would meet the views of the donors that it should be equally divided between Norfolk and Portsmouth, though those who are present can tell better than we what is best. If the people of Portsmouth are more needy, let them have it.

I send enclosed a mite, ($1,) which was handed me by a poor woman in the country. I am, with respect, yours, &c.
R. BURWELL. Holt Wilson, Esq.

[300] Farmers Bank of Virginia, Office at Lewisburg, September 17, 1855.
Isaac W. R. Handy, Sec'y, &c.
Dear Sir,—Your favor of the 4th has been received. Enclosed, as stated below, find, for the use of the sufferers of your place, office check, No. 957, on Farmers Bank of Virginia, for $70. This is part of contributions taken up from our sympathizing citizens, by our townsman, Richard B. James, and just handed me for remittance. The balance goes to Norfolk by this mail. Yours, with sympathetic regard,
THOMAS MATHEWS, Cashier.

Lancaster, September 17th, 1855.
Holt Wilson, Esq., Portsmouth, Va.
Dear Sir,—Your favor of the 13th inst. was duly received. Not having received a reply to mine of the 11th inst., from Norfolk, I herewith enclose two drafts, one for four hundred dollars, to be applied to the sufferers of Portsmouth, and one of six hundred dollars, to the sutferers of Norfolk. This distribution was made according (in our views) to the population of each of the cities.

We may be able to raise an additional fund equivalent to the one remitted, by which, should the remittance not be proportionably distributed in this, according to the wants, in your acknowledgment of the receipt of this, the balance can be made to equalize the same. Yours truly,
J. ALBRIGHT, Mayor.

Raleigh, September 17th, 1855.
My Dear Sir,—I am in receipt of your favor of the 14th inst. The flour should have reached Portsmouth on the 4th inst. I have written to Capt. Biggs, agent of the R. & G. R. Road, at Weldon, calling his attention to the delay, and trust he will be enabled to send it forward soon. No one sympathizes more deeply than I do, with the people of Portsmouth and Norfolk in their affliction. I have many friends in both places, and have to mourn the nearest and dearest; among the number, is Dr. Collins, with whom I have been on the most intimate terms for upwards of twenty years.

I am rejoiced to perceive, by the papers, that the fever is abating, and has assumed a more mitigated form. May you meet with the reward to which you are so richly entitled, is the earnest prayer of yours, Very truly,
WALTER GWYNN.
Holt Wilson, Esq., Portsmouth, Va.

[301] Howard Association of Charleston,
Monday evening, Sept. 17, 1855.
To Holt Wilson, J. G. Holladay and S. T. Hartt, Esq'rs, Committee, &c., Portsmouth, Va.
Gentlemen,—I wrote you on the 15th, acknowledging your telegraphic dispatch of the 13th, which our Mayor, had placed in my hands, and promising compliance with it as soon as possible. We have found it more difficult than we supposed it would be, to obtain suitable persons. We have to-day engaged two young men, who are to leave Charleston to-morrow morning, for Portsmouth, and to whom I have given an open letter of introduction to you. They have both been occupied in druggist stores about two years, and are well spoken of by their employers. We have not been able to procure persons of more experience.

Permit me to say, that the contributions of our citizens have enabled us to offer you the services of these young men, free of expense to your city, and they go under a contract made with us. I will write, accordingly, to Dr. Wellman, the chairman of the medical delegation from this place, at Norfolk. In the earnest hope that your city and Norfolk will soon be relieved, through the mercy of Providence, from the afflicting visitation through which you are passing, I am, very respectfully and truly, your friend,
DANIEL RAVENEL, Pres't.

City Hall, Washington, Sept. 18, 1855.
D. D. Fiske, Esq., Mayor of Portsmouth.
Dear Sir,—To former remittances, I have now the pleasure of adding a check on the Bank of Virginia for five hundred dollars, on account of contributions from the citizens of Washington, for the relief of the sick of Portsmouth, and am Very respectfully,
JOHN P. INGLE, Treas'r.

Petersburg, September 18, 1855.
Holt Wilson, Esq.
Dear Sir,—I have been requested by the Rev. Henry C. Lay, Rector of the Church of the Nativity of Huntsville, Alabama, to transmit a small amount, contributed by his congregation, for the sufferers of Portsmouth and Norfolk. I enclose you my check for $25, (one half,) and I send, at the same time, to Mr. Bowden, of Norfolk, the other half.

I am, very truly, and with much sympathy for your afflicted community, Yours, &c.
DAVID MAY.

[302] Richmond, Sept 18th. 1855.
President of the Howard Association, Portsmouth, Va.
Dear Sir,—Learning that you were mostly in need of good brandy and good bread, as hospital stores, I send by Mr. Henry Myers, 5 gallons of fine old brandy, and one barrel of good bread, for that purpose. I intend sending the same quantity, if necessary, by each trip of the Curtis Peck, of which please advise me. Very respectfully, yours,
JOHN DOVE, M. D.
P. S.—I am writing as the agent of Friendship Lodge, No. 66, of Masons, at Fincastle. J. D.

Baltimore, September 18, 1855.
Holt Wilson, Esq.
Dear Sir,—Your orders on us are very light. Pray do not hesitate to let us know your wants. If you have enough provisions, let me know. If you prefer money, we have a good deal to your credit. Let me hear from you, and I will attend to it. Respectfully,
M. N. FALLS.

Bank of Virginia, Lynchburg, Sept. 18th, 1855.
Dear Sir,—Enclosed find my check on Bank of Virginia, No. 1173, for seven dollars, for the sufferers of Portsmouth, contributed by the following:
Hiram Cheatwood, of Bedford county, $5.00, Fourth Street Methodist Episcopal Church, Lynchburg, 1.00, Episcopal Church, Lynchburg, 1.00, Check No. 1173, on Virginia Bank, $7.00. Be pleased to acknowledge same. Yours, respectfully,
JOHN M. OTEY, Cashier.
Holt Wilson, Esq., Treas'r, &c.

Petersburg, September 18, 1855.
Holt Wilson, Esq., Treasurer, Portsmouth.
Dear Sir,—On the 12th inst. I sent via Petersburg and Seaboard roads, addressed to Mayor of Portsmouth, 2 barrels rice, 22 bbls. soda crackers, 1,605 loaves bread, in barrels and cases, and 1 box, 48 pieces, of Virginia cured bacon, which I hope got duly to their destination, and proved to be [303] acceptable. I now send you the balance of money in my hands, in a check on the Farmers Bank, Norfolk, for $339.17, which please acknowledge receipt of. Yours, very respectfully,
D'ARCY PAUL.

Churchland, Norfolk Co., Va., September 18, 1855.
Arthur Emmerson, Esq.
Dear Sir,—Enclosed we send you one hundred and thirty dollars, the amount collected at this place for Norfolk and Portsmouth. We know o no better way to dispose of it than to send it to you, and beg that you will equally divide it between Norfolk and Portsmouth. Your attention to this matter will greatly oblige. Yours, respectfully,
J. S. WISE & CO.

Petersburg, Va., September 18, 1855.
D. D. Fiske, Esq., Mayor of Portsmouth, Va.
Dear Sir,—We enclose herein our check for $200.37, which we remit you by request of Thomas A. Montgomery, Esq., Mayor, Warrenton, N. C, for relief of sufferers in your city. Please acknowledge receipt of above.

We are rejoiced to hear that the epidemic is abating in your city and Norfolk, and that your health has improved. Yours truly,
DON NANS & JOHNSTON.

New York, Sept. 18, 1855.
Mayor of Portsmouth.
Dear Sir,—Please present to your Relief Association five dollars, and oblige,
Yours, respectfully,
THOMAS PITTIS, Engraver, 296 Pearl street, N. York.

Office Va. and Tennessee E. Road Co.,
Lynchburg, Sept. 18, 1855.
Holt Wilson, Esq., Treasurer Relief Committee, Portsmouth.
Dear Sir,—Please find enclosed certificate of deposit of Exchange Bank, for $45, contributed by the machinists and other employees of the company, to aid you in your laudible efforts. The laboring man is generally the first[304] to feel for the wants of his fellow man, and his sympathies are not to be measured by his means. Of his hard earnings he gives freely, and regrets he cannot give more. Your friend,
JOHN ROBIN McDANIEL, Prs't.

Washington City, Sept. 18th, 1855.
Holt Wilson, Esq.
Dear Sir,—A few days ago I forwarded, by Adams' Express, to the address of "D. D. Fiske, Mayor," a box of clothing, being the contributions of the ladies of Washington, which I trust reached safely. With my sympathies for the afflicted of your town.
I remain, most respectfully, your ob't serv't,
GEO. H. JONES.

Weldon, September 18, 1855.
Dear Sir,—The flour mentioned in yours of to-day was promptly received and forwarded, and I hope has been received. If it has not, it was detained on the Portsmouth road, between this place and its destination. Very respectfully, &c,
D. G. BRIGGS.
Mayor of Portsmouth, Va.

Mayor's Office, Harrisoriburg, Va., Sept. 18th, 1855.
To the Mayor of Portsmouth.
Dear Sir,—The citizens of Harrisonburg have contributed the sum of $465.50 for the relief of the sufferers of Norfolk and Portsmouth. Enclosed you will find a check for one half that amount, ($232.75.) The other half I have forwarded to Norfolk. You will please acknowledge the receipt of the same through the columns of the Baltimore Sun, or by letter to me. Your friend, very respectfully,
O. C. STERLING, Mayor.
P. S.—$100 of the above amount was appropriated by the Masonic Lodge of this place.
O. C. S.

Richmond Hill, Yadkin County, N. C,
September 18, 1855.
To the Mayor of Portsmouth.
Dear Sir,—Please find enclosed $5, which you will add to the fund for the relief of the Norfolk and Portsmouth sufferers, and much oblige, Yours respectfully,
TWO STUDENTS.

[305] Mayor's Office, City of Salem, Sept. 18, 1855.
To the Treas'r Sanitary Committee of Portsmouth.
Dear Sir,—I enclose George E. Hersey's (Cashier) check on Bank of Baltimore for five hundred dollars, endorsed to your order, the same being a portion of the funds contributed by the citizens of Salem, Mass., for relief of your citizens. I have sent this day a check for same amount to the Howard Association of Norfolk. As I wrote your Mayor, yesterday, I shall have the pleasure, as chairman of our committee, to forward an additional amount for the same purpose in a few days.
I have the honor to be, very respectfully, Your obedient servant,
JOSEPH ANDREWS, Mayor.

Harrrisburg, Pa., Sept. 18, 1855.
To the W. M.'s of the Lodges at Norfolk and Portsmouth.
Dear Sirs and Bro's,—Perseverance Lodge, No. 21, has unanimously instructed us to remit to you the enclosed draft for fifty dollars, to be appropriated to the suffering in our brotherhood, or otherwise, as you shall deem proper. Regard it as some evidence, however slight, of our recognition of the claims of duty. We grieve that there is occasion for our offering, and we would that our Lodge's pecuniary ability was commensurate with its earnest desires to do you service. May He in whose presence all Masons have bowed the knee, and whom we all acknowledge as our God, speedily remove the fearful pestilence which has visited you with so many calamities. Truly and fraternally yours,
R. A. LAMBERTON.
JNO. WORLLOWER, Jr., W. M.
WM. T. BISHOP, S. W.
B. N. WAUGH, Chaplain.

Philadelphia, September 18, 1855.
Holt Wilson, Esq., Treasurer, Portsmouth, Va.
Dear Sir,—Since my last respects to your town, I have your esteemed favors of 14th inst. Returned volunteer, Captain Nathan Thompson, purchased a good many delicacies and condiments for the sick and convalescent, and set out with them on Saturday, with instructions to give 40 per cent, of all his purchases to your town, and to communicate with your committee. I have some idea of keeping him occupied in travelling to and from, and executing your orders. We have funds on hand, and only wait for your [306] instructions to know whether to remit in cash, as heretofore, or to make purchases for you. I am sending you ice cream to-day.

We shall ask you, after a while, for a return of the days of service and degree of merit of the doctors, nurses and druggists, who responded to our call for volunteers, in order that this community, through our committee, may have the proper data to base their testimonial of the regard in which they are held. It is the writer's present idea that an interment here of the remains of the martyrs in one of our cemeteries, and a neat monument over them, will be voted; and gold medals, with proper inscriptions, to those who shall pass through their service with credit to themselves and usefulness to you.

I am glad to see the pestilence is abating, and trust the news of to-day may show a yet more favorable condition of things. Yours truly,
THOMAS WEBSTER, Jr., Chairman of Committee of Relief.

Baltimore, September 18, 1855.
Dear Sir,—After to-morrrow, we will reduce our line to three times a week, leaving here every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. The Princess Anne will meet our boat at Craney Island, and take off all provisions for Norfolk and Portsmouth. Your orders are very light; pray do not hesitate to let us know your wants. If you have enough of provisions, let me know; if you would prefer money, we have a good deal to your credit here. Pray let me hear from you, and I will attend to it.

The North Carolina will leave here to-morrow afternoon, on her regular tri-weekly course.
Yours respectfully,
M. N. FALLS.
Mr. Holt Wilson.

Baltimore, September 18, 1855.
Mr. Holt Wilson, Portsmouth, Va.
Dear Sir,—Your favor of 17th inst. came to hand this morning. We will endeavor to get the bitters in time for to-day's boat: but should we not succeed in doing so, it will go by the next boat, say Friday. Don't hesitate to order what you may want. Yours truly.
F. A. LEVERING, Chairman.

[307] Mayor's Office, City Hall,
Boston, Sept. 19, 1855.
Tr'r San'y Com. of Portsmouth, Va.
Sir,—We have the honor of placing at your disposal, to meet the necessities of the afflicted in Portsmouth, the sum of $500. This in addition to a previous remittance for the same benevolent object, you will have the kindness to acknowledge at your convenience, since it is a benefaction from the sympathising merchants of Boston. Very respectfully, we have the honor to remain. Your obedient serv'ts,'
L. V. C. SMITH, JAS. M. BEEBE, GEO. R. SAMPSON: Committee.

Charleston, S. C, Sept. 19, 1855.
To Holt Wilson, J. G. Holladay and S. T. Hartt, Committee, &c, Portsmouth, Va.
Gentlemen,—In my letter of the 17th, I advised you that Messrs. S. M. Berry and W. M. Russell, whom we had engaged for your service in the apothecaries department, were to proceed next morning by the cars. We regret exceedingly that Mr. Berry disappointed our expectation. We hoped he would have gone to day. But he has not; and we have striven, without success, to obtain another. We re-insert our advertisement in the papers of to-morrow morning, and will make every effort to engage a proper person. Mr. Russell, who has probably arrived at Portsmouth this afternoon, will, we trust, be found an efficient aid.
I am, very respectfully and truly, Your obedient servant,
DANIEL RAVENEL, Pres. How. Ass.

Bremo, Fluvanna, Co., Va., Sept. 19th, 1855.
To Holt Wilson, Esq., President of the Relief Fund of Portsmouth.
Dear Sir,—Above I send you my check, payable to your order, on the Bank of Virginia, Richmond, for fifty dollars, which I wish to go to the relief of the late sufferers by the yellow fever in Portsmouth. I wish that instance did not forbid my doing something in the way of aiding further, by the contribution of meats, and vegetables or other products of the farm, that might be acceptable to your community at the present time. With sentiments of the highest regard and esteem. I am, dear sir, very truly yours,
CARY C. COCKE.

[308] Richmond, September 19, 1855.
My Dear Sir,—I have the pleasure of forwarding to you, for the relief of your suffering fellow-citizens, the following sums, sent me by the persons named below.
Collection at Lasley's Church, Louisa county, Va., by Rev. J. A. Doll, $20.00.
From Macon Trabue, Esq., Chesterfield county, Va., 2.50. [Total] $22.50.

I have heretofore sent donations to the Howard Association of Norfolk, to be equally divided with you. Any future amounts that may come into my hands, for your Relief Fund, will be sent directly to you. Respectfully,
LEROY M. LEE.

Bank of Virginia, Lynchburg, September 19, 1855.
Dear Sir,—Enclosed find my check, No. 1176, on Bank of Virginia, to your order, for forty-six dollars fifty cents, for the sufferers of Portsmouth, contributed as follows:
By the citizens of Amherst county, $31.50.
Elizabeth Burton, of Campbell county, 5.00.
M. L. Harris, of Lynchburg, 5.00.
St. G. Amble, of Amherst county, 5.00.
My check, No. 1176, for same amount, $46.50.

Be pleased to acknowledge the same to me. Yours respectfully,
JOHN M. OTEY, Cashier.
Mr. Holt Wilson, Portsmouth.

Raleigh, September 19, 1855.
My Dear Sir,—Enclosed you will find a note, just received from the agents of the Raleigh & Gaston Road, at Weldon. The flour ought to have reached Portsmouth on the 4th inst. I trust this cool day brings relief to poor Portsmouth and Norfolk. Yours very truly,
WALTER GWYNN.
Holt Wilson, Esq., Portsmmdh, Va.

[309] Philadelphia, Sept. 19, 1855.
J. O. Holladay, Esq., Sanitary Committee, Portsmouth.
Dear Sir,—Captain Nathan Thompson, our steward and travelling agent, has returned. I presume you got your chickens, butter, sage, claret, &c. Captain Thompson will duplicate his invoice and return by Saturday's boat, and will personally see you and bring back and execute any order or requisition you may give him. The applications of doctors, nurses, and druggists declined, are near one hundred, and I verily believe among them are some of the very best in the whole country. While it is gratifying to have such abundant aid offered, it is yet more agreeable to know the necessity for it is abating. Waiting your favors, I am, yours truly,
THOMAS WEBSTER, Jr., Chairman of Committee.

Richmond, Va., September 19, 1855.
My Dear Sir,— I have time only to acknowledge receipt of your favor of Monday, and to enclose you $100 more, from funds in my hands, principally from St. James's Church, the residue (I know not how much) from sundry members of St. Paul's and the Monumental, who have worshipped with us while their own churches were closed.

So many of the citizens of Richmond are yet absent, that the amount raised here for Portsmouth and Norfolk has been comparatively small. I believe, however, that the absentees have, from time to time, joined in the contributions made at the springs and other summer resorts.

I thank you for the information in relation to Mr. Chisholm. His church and friends have met with a great loss, but his example will not be lost upon others. I know nothing of his pecuniary resources, but presume that they were very limited; and if there be the slightest need, I shall be more than willing to take charge of his little boy, and bring him up as my own. As I am not well acquainted with the family of the late Mrs. Chisholm, or with their circumstances, I have dropped Bishop Meade a line upon the subject. I mention the matter to you, as some of Mr. C.'s parishoners may be solicitous about the child; if, indeed, they can think of individual cares amid the general grief. May God in mercy overrule it all for good.

You have, my dear sir, my sympathy and my prayers. If in any other mode in my power, I can be useful to you, please command me. I am, faithfully, your friend and servant,
J. PETERKIN.
Holt Wilson, Esq., Treasurer, Portsmouth.

[310] Richmond, September 20, 1855.
Holt Wilson, Esq., Treas'r, &c.
My Dear Sir,—Enclosed, check for $58.50. You will learn the source and object of this contribution by reference to the paragraph appended to this note. I am greatly indebted to you for your kindness in writing me a note or two; and I was astonished that you found time, amidst your excessive labors, to write as much; for, from all accounts, you are nearly the only pillar left standing for your afflicted people to lean and rely upon.

The dear little orphans, that you were so kind as to send us, are doing as well as possible. Mrs. Nicholson's eldest son has been very ill of fever, (a case of relapse,) and is still very ill; but may recover. One of the sisters, whose name is Richards, is very ill, and we fear will die. Another has been very sick but is better. Little George Gray, a bright little boy about two years old, has had the fever, but is convalescent. We hope no more of them will be sick. They are now as cheerful as larks, and their complexions are improving.

Our hearts still bleed at the sad recital of your continued afflictions. We pray for their speedy termination. May God spare you, sir, for the noble work you are doing.
With highest regard, your friend and servant,
J. A. COWARDIN.

Philadelphia, September 20th, 1855.
J. G. Holladay, Acting Mayor Portsmouth.
Dear Sir,—This introduces to you Dr. F. Motte, formerly a resident physician of New Orleans. He has had the fever and treated it, and deems himself thoroughly acclimated; and, therefore, forming an exception to the rule we have now adopted, of sending none but acclimated professional men. Doctor M. volunteers his services, and will, I trust, be able to relieve your over-tasked medical corps. Yours truly,
THOMAS WEBSTER, Jr., Chairman.

Weldon, N. C, September 20th, 1855.
Holt Wilson, Esq.
Dear Sir,—Be pleased to receive herewith the donation of W. W. Brickell, Esq., of this county, to your relief fund. Moat respectfully,
JNO. CAMPBELL

[311] Richmond, Va., September 21, 1855.
Hdt Wilson, Esq.
Dear Sir,—Enclosed please find forty-seven dollars 92 cents, the contribution of Mount Olivet Baptist Church, Hanover county, for the relief of Norfolk and Portsmouth sufferers. It was handed to me to forward to the distressed, and I take pleasure in placing it in your hands. God grant tha you may soon be freed from the visitations of the fell destroyer. Yours truly,
B. MANLY, Jr.

Philadelphia, September 21, 1855
Mr. J. G. Holladay, Acting Mayor Portsmouth.
Dear Sir,—Owing to an error in my Baltimore correspondent's advice, I shall not be able to get off all of Captain Nathan Thompson's purchases today. Capt. T. will leave with remainder on Monday, and be with you Tuesday. I enclose list of goods sent to-day. The children of our public schools are sending me funds and clothing of their own make for the orphan children and the destitute children of your town. I desire to keep their contributions separate from all others, and to let the children of this city do all they can for the children of your places. Any suggestions you may have to make upon this subject, will be gratefully received. Yours truly,
THOMAS WEBSTER, Jr., Chairman, &c.

Richmond, September 21, 1855.
Holt Wilson, Esq.
Dear Sir,—I sent by steamer Augusta, on Wednesday, 3 barrels baker's bread, directed to Rev. Thomas Hume, which I hope you received, as well as the articles sent on Monday. I also sent by Curtis Peck, Thursday, 3 barrels of bread directed to you. To-day I send you three barrels of bread and two casks of London Porter, eight dozen each, also 15 chickens, being one half of the thirty sent to me from Robert Martin, Esq., Walnut Grove, Prince Edward county, to be divided between Norfolk and Portsmouth. Please inform me, at any time, what articles you stand most in need of, so that they may be sent. Bread, I presume, is always welcome, as I learn you have no bakers left among you.
Very truly and sincerely yours,
THOS. DODAMEAD. Chairman, &c.

[312] Howard Association, Charleston, Sept. 21, 1855.
Messrs. H. Wilson, J. G. Holladay, S. T. Hartt, Committee, &c, Portsmouth, Va.
Gentlemen,—We have engaged a young man of this city, Mr. Theodore S. Miller, to serve you as an assistant in the apothecaries department. He is to go on to-morrow, and takes with him a letter of introduction to you. We have failed in all our efforts to obtain an experienced apothecary, and concluded it best to send one who may be useful in a subordinate capacity. He has been in the office of a medical practitioner, but we do not know what his qualifications precisely are. I am, very respectfully, your obd't serv't,
DANIEL RAVENEL, Pres.

Salem, Mass., Sept. 21, 1855.
To the Hon. D. D. Fiske, Mayor of Portsmouth.
Dear Sir,—As one of the committee for receiving subscriptions and donations, for the sufferers at your place and Norfolk, I forward by this conveyance packages of clothing, shirts, &c, &c, for your suffering people, all which I trust will be acceptable. The articles are from kind hearted ladies. Please acknowledge the receipt of the same to Dr. George Choate, the secretary of the committee. Praying that our heavenly Father will soon stay the power of the destroying angel, I subscribe myself, Yours very respectfully,
JOHN BALL.

Stony Creek, Va., Sept. 21, 1855.
Dear Sir,—Our sheriff, Mr. William Harrison, requested me to say to you, that if you would write to him, addressed to Sussex C. H., what articles you need most as food, he would try to get such and to forward you. Say lambs, chickens, butter, eggs, or bacon, or any other articles he can get in the country. Very respectfully,
ALEXANDER ALDRIDGE.
Mayor of Portsmouth.

Richmond, Sept. 21, 1855.
Holt Wilson, Esq., Treasurer, &c.
Dear Sir and Brother,—Yours of yesterday is at hand. It gives me heartfelt gratification to find some one, and he a brother, with whom to advise as to the most judicious expenditure of the thrice blessed charity which has been placed at my disposal. I wish to make it as efficient as possible [313] by any services on my part; therefore, will you do the donors and myself the favor to indicate what you most need, looking also to Norfolk. Good hospital stores, I know, are always wanted, therefore sent you the best fine old brandy, and bread made of extra superfine flour. Of the last you have enough, having, as I since learn, a baker; but Norfolk needs that aid. Suggest how I can best serve you. Miss Richards, (Sister of Charity,) who came up with your orphans, died last night, and Mrs. Dr. Nicholson's fine little boy will die to-day. May God, in his infinite mercy and kindness, soon relieve you from the afflicting scourge. Yours fraternally,
JOHN DOVE.

Burlington, N. Jersey,
September 21, 1855.
Dear Sir,—Above you have my check for fifty dollars, on the Bank of North America, Philadelphia, payable to your order, which, when received, do me the favor to distribute in the manner directed on the face of my check, to the relief of the suffering poor, under the present afflicting dispensation of divine providence.
I am, very respectfully, your ob't serv't,
J. B. PARKER.
Hon. Jas. G. Holladay, Acting Mayor of Portsmouth, Va.

Richmond, September 21, 1855.
To the Howard Association of Portsmouth, Va.
Gentlemen,—Enclosed I hand W. P. Strother's, Cashier, check on Exchange Bank, Norfolk, for $35, being half of the amount contributed by the operatives, and those in the neighborhood of the Wythe Union Lead Mines, Wythe county, to aid the sufferers by yellow fever in Norfolk and Portsmouth. Please acknowledge receipt to me, care of Crenshaw & Co., here. Your most ob't serv't,
A. P. GREGORY, Agent Wythe Union Lead Mines Co.

Charleston, Kanawha County, Va.,
September 21, 1855.
Holt Wilson, Esq., Tr'r How. Association.
Dear Sir,—Enclosed please find check on Bank of Virginia, for eighty dollars, contributed by our citizens, for the relief of the suffering people of Portsmouth.

Be pleased to give to this small amount the proper direction, and with my [314] regrets that it is not larger, receive my sincere wishes for your individual safety and happiness, and condolence in your severe affliction.

Hoping that this dreadful scourge may speedily pass from you,
I am, Yours, very respectfully,
J. M. DODDRIDGE.

New Brunswick, New Jersey,
September 21, 1855.
James G. Holladay, Esq., Acting Mayor of Portsmouth.
Dear Sir,—Enclosed herewith I forward the draft of E. M. Lewis, Cashier, No. 256, on the Bank of Virginia, for $402, being forty per cent, of the amount of contributions by the inhabitants of this city, for the relief of the sufferering and afflicted in Norfolk and Portsmouth. The enclosed amount is entrusted to you for the use of the distressed in Portsmouth, (including Gosport.) You will please acknowledge its receipt, and oblige.
Yours respectfully,
JOHN B. HILL, Treasurer of New Brunswick Relief Fund.

Office of the Bank of Virginia,
September 21, 1855.
Holt Wilson.
Dear Sir,—Mr. N. P. Young, Clerk of Isle of Wight Court, desires me to forward to Portsmouth Howard Association the enclosed draft on Josiah Lee & Co., Baltimore, for $25. Respectfully,
JOHN EMMERSON.

Baltimore, September 21, 1855.
Mr. Holt Wilson, Portsmouth, Ya.
Dear Sir,—Your favor of 19th came to hand this morning. We have sent, addressed to you individually, one cask porter, in pints, by this day's boat. We have sent, also, by order of Dr. Schoolfield, marked "Mayor of Portsmouth," various supplies, including three casks porter and two casks of ale. Yours truly,
F. A. LEVERING, Ch. Com.

U. S. Ship Cyane, Off Staten Island,
September 22, 1855.
D. D. Fiske, Esq.
Dear Sir,—Enclosed I send $6, as my mite towards lending a helping [315] hand to the sufferers by the fever. God knows I wish it was more, but accept it as an earnest of my sympathy for you in your affliction. The hardships of a sailor's life have not obliterated from my heart the love I feel for the people of your beautiful town. The living have my regards, and for the dead I have a tear. Yours truly,
FRED. A. CUNNINGHAM, Seaman.

New Bedford, Mass., September 22, 1855.
Holt Wilson, Esq., Treasurer of the Relief Committee of Portsmouth, Va.
Dear Sir,—By the request of the subscribers of this city to contributions raised for the relief of the sufferers by the scourge that is visiting your place, I enclose you James B. Congdon's check on the Mechanics Bank, New York, for $520. Please acknowledge the receipt of this. Respectfully, yours,
OLIVER CROCKER.

Williamsburg, September 22, 1855.
Holt Wilson, Esq.
Dear Sir,—The ladies of this place have requested me to send to your care, a box, containing some clothing for the orphans of Portsmouth, which they hope you will see properly applied. Very respectfully,
SAMUEL T. BRIGHT.

Farmers Bank of Virginia,
Richmond, September 22, 1855.
Holt Wilson, Esq., Treas'r of the fund for the relief of Portsmouth.
Dear Sir,—I have the pleasure to enclose my check on our office at Norfolk, for $42.83, which was forwarded to me by Dr. Austen Brockenbrough, is a contribution from himself and others, citizens of the county of Essex. Do me the favor to acknowledge its receipt to Doctor B., at Tappahannock. Very respectfully, your ob't serv't,
J. A. SMITH, Cash'r.

Howard Association of Charleston,
Saturday evening, Sept. 22, 1855.
J. N. SCHOOLFIELD, ESQ., Ch'm. of Sanitary Committee, Portsmouth, Va.
Dear Sir,—This letter will be presented to you by Mr. James Flynn, who,[316] together with Mr. C. Damp and Jacob Motte, a free colored man, are to proceed to Portsmouth by the cars to-morrow, as nurses to the sick of your community. They have been engaged by our Association, and are instructed to report themselves to your committee on arrival. I will write you also by mail. I am, very respectfully, your ob't serv't,
DANIEL RAVENEL, Pres't.

Bank of Virginia, Lynchburg, September 22, 1855.
Holt Wilson, Esq., Treasurer, &c.
Dear Sir,—Please find enclosed my check on Bank of Virginia, No. 1188, for $65.60, contributed for the sufferers of your city and Norfolk, as follows:
By C. Ford, jr., of Lynchburg, $5.00
Master Branch Watkins, .50
By Wm. T. Booker, 5.00
By George Percival, jr., 5.00
For Portsmouth alone, $15.50
By Methodist Protestant Church, Lynchburg, for Norfolk and Portsmouth, half each, 50.00
[Total] $65 50
Yours respectfully,
JOHN M. OTEY, Cash'r.

Bank of Virginia, Lynchburg, September 22, 1855.
Dear Sir,—Enclosed find my check, No. 1190, on Bank of Virginia, for $25, to your order, for the sufferers of Portsmouth, contributed by
Micajah Davis, of Liberty, Bedford county, $20.00
Mary Slaughter, wife of the Rev. D. J. Slaughter, of Va. Conference, 5.00
[Total] $25.00.
Please acknowledge the same. Yours respectfully,
JOHN M. OTEY, Cash'r.
To Holt Wilson, Esq.

Raleigh, N. C, Sept. 22, 1855.
To the Mayor of Portsmouth.
Dear Sir,—Enclosed you wili please find $110, which use for the benefit [317] of the poor and sick of your city. It is the amount of a collection raised amongst the students of the University of North Carolina. Yours, with much sympathy,
STUART WHITE, Com.

Richmond, Sept. 22, 1855.
Dear Sir,—At the request of Mr. Ch. H. Henderson, of Charlotte county, we enclose five dollars, for the benefit of the sick in Portsmouth. Wishing it may reach you safely, and that the awful calamity which has so long afflicted your city may soon abate, and the blessing of health return to your citizens, we are, dear sir, Very respectfully, yours,
BARKSDALE & READ.
To the Mayor of Portsmouth.

Clarksville, Sept. 22, 1855.
The Mayor of Portsmouth, Va.
Dear Sir,—Enclosed be pleased to find check on Exchange Bank, Norfolk, for sixteen dollars, being balance contributed here for the relief of your suffering citizens.
Very respectfully, your ob't serv'ts,
S. H. HARRIS, R. C. NELSON, J. E. HASKINS, WM. H. LEE, Committee.

Exchange Bank, Norfolk,
Sept. 22, 1855.
Holt Wilson, Esq., Treas'r.
Dear Sir,—Yours of 25th is received, with enclosure. I return, as you request, a certificate of deposit in this Bank, for $3750, payable to your order. Very respectfully,
G. W. CAMP.

Natchitoches, La., September 22, 1855.
Holt Wilson, Esq., Treas'r Relief Fund, Portsmouth, Va.
My Dear Sir,—On behalf of the citizens of Natchitoches, I enclose a draft, payable to your order, on W. Hoge & Co., of New York, for the sum of $117.50, which we beg you to accept and appropriate to the relief of the suffering in Norfolk and Portsmouth, as you may deem judicious. Compar- [318] atively small as is the amount, it is given in a spirit of pure philanthropy, and if it contributes towards soothing one aching heart, or alleviating one pang of human suffering, the desire of the donors will be fully consummated. We condole most sincerely with you, in the terrible affliction which is resting upon your unfortunate cities, and we earnestly hope that the clouds and darkness which now envelop them may be soon dispelled by returning health, and that God, in his wisdom, will stay the desolating hand of destruction which now oppresses them. Very respectfully, your ob't serv't,
WM. M. LEVY, For self and other contributors.

Chubb Brothers, Bankers, Washington,
September 22, 1855.
Howard Association, Portsmouth, Va.
Please find herein our check, No. 2346, on John D. Gordon, for $145.14, which please appropriate to the use of the sufferers in your city. Respectfully, yours,
CHUBB BROTHERS.

U. S. Arsenal, Summerville, Augusta, Geo.,
September 22, 1855.
Dear Holt,—You perceive, my dear sir, that we are not insensible to the awful affliction with which your people have been visited this season, and herewith enclose $50, a contribution of the children of this village, for the benefit of the orphan children occasioned by the existing epidemic—half of which sum, ($25) is designed for Norfolk. Oblige us by giving the portion intended for Norfolk, its proper destination. You have had our constant prayers, that God, in his mercy, would abate the pestilence. Very truly, yours,
JNO. M. GALT.
Holt Wilson, Esq., Treasurer, Portsmouth, Va,

Howard Association or Charleston,
Saturday evening, Sept. 22, 1855.
J. N. SCHOOLFIELD, Esq.,
Chairman of the Sanitary Committee, Portsmouth, Va.
Dear Sir,—We feel great regret that the contribution made by our city, in nurses, appears to have been insufficient for the necessities of Norfolk and Portsmouth, and that in the demand for this branch of service, your town has not had its proportion of aid. Under the apprehension that the need con- [319] tinues, we concluded last evening to send you ten nurses as soon as possible. Most of them are, I believe, engaged. Three have promised to proceed tomorrow morning, viz; Messrs. James Flynn and D. Camp, and Jacob Motte, a free colored man. They are furnished with an open letter to you, and are directed to report themselves to your committee on arrival. They go under contract with us, and are to be paid by us on their return to Charleston. The remainder, or most of them, we hope, will go on Monday next. I am, very respectfully, your ob't ser't,
DANIEL RAVENEL, President Howard Association.

Howard Association of Charleston, Sunday evening, September 23, 1855.
To J. N. SCHOOLFIELD, ESQ., Chairman Sanitary Committee, Portsmouth, Va.
Dear Sir,—This letter will be presented to you by Mr. Robert Bullock, who, together with six others, will proceed by the cars to-morrow morning, for Portsmouth, to serve as nurses, under the direction of your committee. The names of the others are, Miss W. Caroline Todd, Mrs. Meyers, Mrs. Maples, Miss Mary Riley, Miss Joanna Downs, and Snow Brown, a colored man, slave of Mr. John Lord, who goes with his master's written permission.

They have been engaged by our Association, and are instructed to report themselves to you on arrival. I write also by mail. I am, very respectfully, your ob't serv't,
DANIEL RAVENEL, Pres't.

Richmond, September 23, 1855.
To Holt Wilson, Esq.
Dear Sir,—During the past week we have been sending you three barrels of baker's bread daily, in addition to other articles, of which you are apprised. I send by the Augusta, in the morning, (Monday,) three barrels of bread and two barrels of flour. The flour is half of four barrels contributed by A. R. Simmons, Jeremiah Star and Henry S. Obenchain, of Botetourt county, Va., for Norfolk and Portsmouth. We hope you will let us know promptly what articles you stand most in need of, so that we may furnish them as early as possible. Drop us a line from time to time, informing us whether the articles sent are received. One of the Sisters of Charity, who accompanied the orphans here, is no more. Also, the son of Mr. Nicholson. The Sister was buried on Friday last, and the little boy on Saturday. We have three cases still on hand, one of the Sisters and two of the children, but the physicians think they will all recover. Give my kind regards to Mr.[320] Hume, and tell him we shall expect to see him here in a few days with more of the children.
Yours, very truly,
THOS. DODAMEAD.

Philadelphia, September 24, 1855.
J. N. Schoolfield, Chair'n San. Com., Portsmouth.
Dear Sir,—Your esteemed favor of 20th inst. was received Friday evening, and on Saturday, all that you ordered, except champagne cider, (which I could not get of good quality,) sent to you via Baltimore, under charge of Captain Nathan Thompson, besides chickens, butter, coffee, claret, hams, lard, barley, bread, farina, &c. Waiting your further requisitions, I am, Yours truly,
THOMAS WEBSTER, Jr., Chairman of Relief Com.

North West, Norfolk County, Sept. 24, 1855.
To the Mayor of Portsmouth.
Dear Sir,—Accompanying this you will receive a donation made by the Baptist Church and congregation of this place, for the aid of the sufferers by the yellow fever in the town of Portsmouth and city of Norfolk. Our mite is small, but of such as we have we freely give. For the afflicted we deeply feel, and for them we have humbled ourselves before God, and earnestly prayed that the pestilence should cease.

Please make an equal distribution of our little gift, ($ 8.66) to the communities of the two places, and believe us, Your sympathizing fellow citizens,
J. H. WOMBWELL, Pastor.

Mayor's Office, City of Salem,
September 24, 1855,
Dear Sir,—Annexed please find Wm. H. Foster, Cashier's, check on Exchange Bank, Norfolk, for $620.60, the same being the balance of funds contributed by our citizens for the relief of your afflicted citizens.

I have this day transmitted to the Howard Association of Norfolk, a similar amount, in accordance with a vote of our committee, authorising an equal distribution of the funds in their hands to the cities of Portsmouth and Norfolk.

As the organ of the committee, it gives me great pleasure to state, that all classes of our fellow citizens have manifested the warmest sympathy for your community in the great calamity which is desolating them. Many of them [321] have come forward, unsolicited, asking the privilege of contributing, and all have been eager to do what they could to alleviate the sufferings of your citizens. Trusting that the aid we have been enabled to forward, through their recognition of the claims of humanity, will do something towards relieving the poor of your city, in this their hour of affliction, and indulging the hope of the speedy restoration of your citizens to their usual health.
I remain, Very truly, your ob't serv't,
JOSEPH ANDREWS, Mayor, And Chairman of Relief Committee.
To the Treas'r of the Sanitary Committee, Portsmouth, Va.
P. S.—Please acknowledge the receipt of this and former remittance of $500.

Lancaster, Pa., Sept. 24, 1855.
Holt Wilson, Esq., Treasurer of Portsmouth Relief Fund.
Dear Sir,—I herewith transmit to you two checks, payable at the Farmers and Planters Bank of Baltimore, of six and of four hundred dollars, to be applied to the relief of the sufferers of Norfolk and Portsmouth, as therein contained. Please acknowledge the receipt of the same. Yours truly,
J. ALBRIGHT, Mayor.

Wilmington, N. C, September 24, 1855.
Holt Wilson, Esq., Treas'r.
Dear Sir,—I have sent by the express train to-day six boxes of clothing, from the ladies of this place, which they hope will prove acceptable. They are directed to yourself, at the suggestion of our Mayor. Hoping they will arrive safely, I remain yours,
JAMES G. SWANN.

Tarboro, September 24, 1855.
Bro. Fiske.
Dear Sir,—Enclosed you will find check for $111.44, given by the members of Concord Lodge No. 58, of A. Y. Masons, to be equally divided between the widows and orphans of Masons of Portsmouth and Norfolk. Please acknowledge receipt, and oblige.
Yours fraternally,
JAMES MEHEGAN.

Plymouth, N. C, Sept, 24, 1855.
Sir,—We send you by to-night's boat, 25 bags meal, 1 bag corn, 2 bags [322] flour, 1 bag bacon, 1 box (12 doz.) eggs, for and marked to the Howard Association, Portsmouth, Va.

Last week we sent you 15 bags and Norfolk 25 bags meal. If desirable, please inform me, and we will send the amount of balance due your place in meal, which cost $1.75 per bag, or the remainder in money. We have raised a little over $500 for both places, to be divided as is 3 to 5. Please let me hear from you as early as you can. Hoping for better times soon, I am, respectfully, your ob't serv't,
J. S. RAMSEY.
To Holt Wilson, Esq., Treas'r, &c.

Philadelphia, Sept. 24, 1855.
Holt Wilson, Esq.
Dear Sir,—Your esteemed favor of 19th was received Friday. I have not made you any further remittances in cash, as previous to the receipt of your favor, the matter having been left by the committee to my direction, I had concluded, judging from the published statements, that provisions, medicines, restoratives, tonics and dietetics, would be more acceptable, as, after all, the money is paid for them. I had an idea, that I could, in company with Captain Thompson, make a better disposition of the funds in purchasing here, than you could by remitting to Baltimore and ordering from that city. However, I am only a trustee for your community, and in whatever way you may elect to have the fund, it will be my pleasure, as well as duty, to carry it out. Dr. Schoolfield's requisition for stores, &c, has been executed, and Captain Thompson will be with you on Sunday morning, with a rare assortment of wines, vinegars, hams, chickens, butter, lard, &c. I wish the "Howard Association" of Norfolk would give us the same pleasure. I have had no order or requisition from them yet, and really it is more grateful to know that what is being sent forward is just what is wanted, than to be left merely to conjecture and general newspaper reports of the degree and nature of the want.

With regard to our doctors and nurses, I trust the convalescent are able to resume duties, and that they are of assistance to you. In mid-winter we shall bring on the bodies of our Philadelphians, and inter them under a suitable monument in one of our cemeteries. Yours truly,
THOS. WEBSTER, Jr., Chairman.

Farmers Bank of Virginia, Richmond, September 25, 1855.
Holt Wilson, Esq., Treasurer, &c.
Dear Sir,—I have the pleasure to enclose you my check on our Branch [323] at Norfolk, for fifty dollars, contributed by the citizens of the town of Union, Monroe county, for the relief of the sufferers in Portsmouth. This amount was sent to me by Henry Alexander, Esq., of Union, Monroe county, to whom please advise its receipt.
Very respectfully, your ob't serv't,
J. A. SMITH, Cash'r.

Abingdon, Va., Sept. 25, 1855.
Dear Sir,—Enclosed I send you a check on the Exchange Bank, in Richmond, for $87, contributed by the citizens of this place and county in aid of your afflicted city.
Yours respectfully,
W. Z. C. WHITE.
To the Mayor of Portsmouth.

Berryville, Clarke County, Va., Sept. 25, 1855.
D. D. Fiske, Esq., Mayor of Portsmouth, Va.
Dear Sir,—Enclosed you will find a certificate of deposit in the Bank of the Valley, Winchester, for $177.30, for the benefit of the sufferers of your much afflicted city of Portsmouth. This money is contributed by citizens of Berryville and Clarke County.
Very respectfully, yours,
TREADWELL SMITH.

Concord, Mass., Sept. 25, 1855.
Dear Sir,—By the advice of Alpheus Hardy, Esq., of Boston, I send the enclosed check for $187.25, to you, to be appropriated for the benefit of the sufferers at Portsmouth. Please acknowledge the receipt of the same to me at Concord, Massachusetts. Yours truly,
ALBERT STACY.
To Holt Wilson, Esq., Treas'r of the fund for Relief of Portsmouth,

Weldon, Sept. 25, 1855.
Holt Wilson, Esq., Treas'r, &c.
Dear Sir,—I have just delivered to the agent of the Seaboard road, who promises to forward by express train to-day, six boxes clothing, sent by the ladies of Wilmington, for the sufferers of Portsmouth. Particulars will, doubtless, be communicated to you by their organ, James G. Swarm, Esq. Most respectfully,
JOHN CAMPBELL.

[ 324] Office Howard Association,
Norfolk, Sept. 25, 1855.
Holt Wilson, Esq., Treas'r, Portsmouth.
Dear Sir,—Enclosed please find statement of amounts due your Association up to the 20th inclusive, amounting to three thousand two hundred and forty eight dollars and 71 cents, with my check on the Bank of Virginia for the amount, say $3248.71, for which please send me a receipt for same. I also enclose letter from Cashier Otey, for you, received on 20th, which got mixed up with my many papers, and escaped my memory. Your letters of 19th and 21st inst. are to hand. Yours, in great haste,
R. W. BOWDEN, Treas'r.

Howard Association, Charleston, Sept. 25, 1855.
J. N. SCHOOLFIELD, ESQ., Chair'n of the Sanitary Committee, Portsmouth, Va.
Dear Sir,—This letter will be presented to you by Mr. Osgood A. Chreitzberg, who has been engaged to proceed to Portsmouth as a nurse. We had completed the number deemed necessary, at least until further advice, but as Mr. Chreitzberg is desirous of going on this service, and has had, we understand, considerable experience, we have engaged him. He expects to proceed by the cars to-morrow morning.
I am, very respectfully, your ob't serv't,
DANIEL RAVENEL, Pres.

Howard Association, Charleston, Sept. 25, 1855.
J. N. SCHOOLFIELD, ESQ., Chairman Sanitary Committee, Portsmouth, Va,
Dear Sir,—In addition to the ten nurses we have sent you, we expect two more to proceed by the cars to-morrow morning, viz: Mr. Osgood A. Chreitzberg and Mrs. Mary Myers, each of whom will hand you an open letter. Our sub-committee, believing them to be experienced, concluded to engage them. They are, like the others, to be paid by us, on their return. I am, very respectfully, your ob't serv't,
DANIEL RAVENEL, Pres't.

Pittsborough, N. C, Sept. 25, 1855.
To the Mayor of Portsmouth, Va.
Sir,—The people of the county of Chatham, deeply sympathising with their fellow citizens of Norfolk and Portsmouth under their painful and protracted sufferings, took up a collection for their relief at their superior court, held last week in their county town of Pittsborough, when there was [325] contributed the sum of three hundred and fifty-four dollars. Of this sum, I have been directed to transmit to you the enclosed check of one hundred and forty-one dollars, for the relief of the suffering and destitute in the town of Portsmouth.

Perhaps I ought to mention, as characteristic of the sex, and highly honorable to their hearts, that sixty-one dollars of the above sum was contributed by the ladies of Pittsborough and its immediate vicinity.

You will permit me further to say that the sufferings of your afflicted town have deeply and painfully affected our people, and that their contributions, though small, have been given with a full heart and an earnest prayer that they might be blest to the relief of some suffering and destitute fellow-creature. Very faithfully, your obd't serv't,
A. RENCHER.

City Hall, Washington, September 25, 1855.
Holt Wilson, Esq., Treas'r, &c.
Dear Sir,—By direction of the Committee for the relief of the sick at Norfolk and Portsmouth, I have again the pleasure of enclosing to you five hundred dollars, being amount of my endorsed check on the Patriotic Bank of Washington, which we presume will be as acceptable to you as a draft on Richmond. We most sincerely regret to learn that the fever with you has not abated, as we had hoped it would have done before this time.
With great respect, your obd't serv't,
JOHN P. INGLE, Tr'r.

Warm Springs, Bath Co., Va., Sept. 25, 1855.
D. D. Fiske, Esq , Mayor of Portsmouth, Va.
Dear Sir,—Please find enclosed an additional $5, for the relief of the sick and suffering of Portsmouth and Norfolk. That God in his infinite mercy and goodness may be pleased to stay the pestilence, that has already so terribly scourged these places, is my fervent prayer. I shall be pleased to contribute aid, as far as my means enable me, should the pestilence continue to rage. Please let me know the state of it, in your acknowledgment of
this, and much oblige, Very truly yours,
FRANCIS E. LUCKETT.

Richmond, September 26, 1855.
To Holt Wilson, Esq.,
Dear Sir,—I enclose you a draft on the Exchange Bank of Virginia, in Norfolk, for one hundred and eighty-six dollars eighty-one cents, being one third of $560.43, contributed by the residents of Henrico county, for the[326] relief of the suffering citizens of Norfolk and Portsmouth, which is the proportion I was directed by the meeting to send to Portsmouth. I regret that the amount is not larger, but a great many of the residents of our county contributed in the city of Richmond before our meeting was held, which lessened the sum (that would have been otherwise contributed) considerably. Please to accept my sincere wish that jour city may ere long be restored to its former health, and believe me, Yours truly,
JAMES ELLETT. Treasurer Henrico Fund.

Crawford House, Sept. 26, 1855.
Gentlemen of Sanitary Committee of Portsmouth.
It is with regret that I feel it incumbent upon me to ask of you permission to return to the scene of my home duties. When I left Philadelphia, I made arrangements for an absence of one month. That period of time elapses with the present week. This, perhaps, would not be of so great importance, but that by letters received from the gentlemen who are attending to my business, I learn that a great many of my people are sick, and anxiously desirous of my return. I think that you will agree with me that the sanitary condition of Portsmouth at present is so much improved that there is no pressing call for my longer continuance here, especially as several physicians have so recently arrived. I doubt much if there be two hundred cases of fever in Portsmouth, and the season is too far advanced to expect any great increase of the disease. If you think otherwise, I beg you to feel assured that I will continue to sacrifice my private affairs for the good of Portsmouth, and remain here until you feel justified in giving me an honorable discharge. But if it suits your views, gentlemen, I wish to return home to-morrow, and in the meantime, pending your reply to this, I would most respectfully state, I shall ever regard my visit to Portsmouth, and the reception you have given me, as one of the proudest passages of my life.

Hoping that it may be many a long age before a similar scourge shall be inflicted upon any portion of our people, I remain, truly and most respectfully, Your obedient servant,
JOHN D. BRYANT, M. D.

Mayor's Office, Alexandria, Sept. 26, 1855.
D. D. Fiske, Esq., Mayor of Portsmouth, Va.
My Dear Sir,—Since my note of yesterday, I have to advise that in addition to the shipment of articles for the use of Norfolk and Portsmouth, [327] therein mentioned, you will receive one quarter cask of brandy and 2000 cigars, half of which you will please accept for your people. Hoping that this may find your city improving in health, I remain, with great respect, Your obd't serv't,
GEORGE P. WISE, Mayor.

Clarksville, Sept. 26, 1855.
Acting Mayor Portsmouth, Va.
Dear Sir,—I hsve been instructed, by a vote of Clopton Division, No. 116, Sons of Temperance, of Clarksville, to forward you fifty dollars. Although the amount is small, we hope that it may serve, as far as it may go, to aid in relieving, to some extent, the suffering in your town, from the great calamity with which you are visited. Please accept it as a token of our sympathy for the destitute and afflicted. Yours very respectfully.
WM. H. GEE, Tr'r.

Bank of Virginia, Lynchburg, September 26, 1855.
Holt Wilson, Esq., Treasurer, Portsmouth.
Enclosed please find my check, No. 1204, on the Bank of Virginia, to your order, for $110.55. One-half for Norfolk, the other for Portsmouth, contributed for the sufferers of those cities—
By Abner Clopton Division, Sons of Temperance, No. 96, of Lynchburg, - $50.00.
By Mount Zion Church, Bedford county, - 60.55.
$110.55. Yours respectfully,
JOHN M. OTEY, Cashier.

Portland, Sept. 26, 1855.
To the Acting Mayor of Portsmouth, Va.
Bear Sir,—With this, please find Casco Bank check on Phoenix Bank, New York, for $700, being a contribution from the several religious societies of our city, on the last Sabbath, in aid of the suffering of your city from the scourge of the yellow fever, this collection being in response to a call of the committee appointed at a meeting of our citizens, held on the 18th inst. Hoping that this token of Portland's sympathy in your distress and suffering will arrive in good time, and that your city may be spared further affliction.
I remain yours truly,
N. O. CRAM, Tr'r of Committee.

[328] New Orleans, Sept. 27, 1855.
D. D. Fiske, Esq., Mayor of Portsmouth.
Dear Sir,—I enclose Brown, Johnston & Co.'s check on Duncan, Sherman & Co., New York, for twenty-five dollars, amount received from Mr. G. W. Humphreys, of Mississippi, for the relief of the sufferers by the epidemic in your town. Trusting that the reign of this fearful scourge has reached its termination ere this, I am, your obd't servant,
R. A. BOURK.

Richmond, Va., September 27, 1855.
Holt Wilson, Esq., Portsmouth, Va.
Dear Sir,—The committee appointed by the citizens of Richmond, for the relief of the suffering communities of Norfolk and Portsmouth, have received continual contributions from our own citizens and from other parts of the State for the benefit of the distressed. We have been daily engaged in furnishing such supplies to each place as we deemed most essential; but we would greatly prefer that you should designate the articles which you consider of most use, whether they be delicacies for the sick or necessaries for the needy. We hope earnestly that you will not hesitate to make requisitions upon us for whatever you want. We will take pleasure in endeavoring to procure what you require, and promptly forward it to whomsoever you may direct. It is not a time for hesitancy. We will comply with your wishes with the utmost pleasure and alacrity.
Very truly your friend, &c,
GEORGE W. MUNFORD, Tr'r Re'f Com. Richmond.

Bank of Virginia, Lynchburg, September 27, 1855.
Holt Wilson, Esq., Treasurer, &c.
Dear Sir,—Enclosed find my check, No. 1206, on Bank of Virginia, for $20, contributed by Wilson P. Bryant, of Lynchburg, for the sufferers of Portsmouth. Yours respectfully,
JOHN MOTEY, Cash'r.

Christiansburg, Montgomery Co., Va., Sept. 28, 1855.
Mr. Holt Wilson.
Dear Sir,—We hand you enclosed Charles B. Gardner's (cashier) check on Exchange Bank, Richmond, No. 906, for $52.55; one half to be applied [329] applied to the sufferers of Norfolk and the other to those of your afflicted town. $47 65 are the proceeds of a concert given in our village last Monday evening, by the Yellow Sulphur Springs Band, composed of Messrs. Lacy, Louer, Smith, Lyman and Harris, who generously handed it to us to be applied to the relief of the sufferers in Norfolk and Portsmouth. We tender that amount in their names. The balance was contributed by other persons of the county. The cool weather we now have in our mountains, we hope will reach your towns, and aid in banishing at once the pestilence that is ravaging and carrying off your citizens. With sentiments of kindest regard, we are, Very respectfully and truly yours,
JAMES W. SHIELDS, E. G. GEEENLEE, JOHN C. WADE: Committee

Berlin, Southampton, Va., September 28th, 1855.
Howard Association, Portsmouth, Va.
Gentlemen.—I have sent per railroad, to the proper receiving authorities of Portsmouth, for and on account of Millfield church, in said county, 125 chickens and 41 bushels meal, to be distributed among the suffering people of Portsmouth, which please accept as coming from Millfield church. We truly sympathise with you for the distressed situation of your town, and gladly hope the disease is abating, and that soon you will be entirely rid of the terrible disease.
M. J. DAVIS.

Martinsbturg, Berkeley Co., Va., September 28, 1855.
Holt Wilson, Esq., Treas'r.
Dear Sir,—I enclose $50, a hasty contribution in this village for the destitute, sick and dying in Portsmouth. I am almost ashamed to send such a sum, but some hundreds have been sent through Baltimore from this place besides. As I shall have no access to the draft as a voucher, please send me an acknowledgment. I congratulate Mayor Fiske on his recovery. I bless God that he has, to the last accounts, preserved Mr. Wilson; and my morning and evening prayers to Almighty God are that for Christ's sake he would remove from your devoted community the heavy affliction that rests upon you, and that we may all learn true wisdom from the inscrutable dealings of Him who is fearful in praises.
Yours very truly,
D. H. CONRAD.

[330] Boston, September 28, 1855.
Messrs. H. Wilson, J. O. Holladay, S. T. Hartt, Committee, &c., Portsmouth, Va.
Gentlemen,—We have been directed by St. Andrews Lodge, an ancient Lodge of Masons, established in the city of Boston, to transmit to you one hundred dollars, to be appropriated towards the relief of the sufferers by sickness and poverty in your city. Deeply sympathising with the people of Portsmouth in the calamity which has befallen them, and praying for a speedy stay of the pestilence, we remain, gentlemen, Very respectfully, your obd't servt's,
SAMUEL P. RIVER, Master St. Andrews Lodge.
THOMAS W. PHILLIPS, Tr'r St. Andrews Lodge.

P. S.—We enclose a check on the Merchant's Exchange Bank, New York, for one hundred dollars.

Boston, Sept. 28, 1855.
J. G. Holladay, Esq., Sanitary Committee, Portsmouth.
Dear Sir,—I enclose a draft for one hundred and fifty dollars, the amount of a collection made in Grace church, in this city, on Sunday last, for the relief of the sufferers by fever in Portsmouth and Norfolk. The weather was quite unfavorable to a full attendance of the congregation. Perhaps other contributions may be sent to me by some who were absent from church, and if so they will be forwarded. It is desired that the amount should be distributed in the two cities in equal proportions, and you will oblige me by giving that direction to it, and by sending a single line to inform me that it has been received. With the warmest sympathy for your afflicted communities, and earnest prayer that God in His infinite mercy will soon avert the awful calamity which has fallen upon them, I remain, dear sir, very truly yours,
CHARLES MASON, Rector Grace Church.

Storkley, Nansemmd Co., Sept. 29, 1855.
To the Mayor of Portsmouth.
Dear Sir,—I send five lambs to your care by this day's train of cars, which, after having slaughtered, I beg the favour of you to have distributed among the needy of Portsmouth, And oblige,
D. H. HATTON.

[331] Bank of Virginia, Lynchburg, Sept. 29, 1855
Dear Sir,—Enclosed find my check on Bank of Virginia, No. 1214, to your order, for $203.63, contributed by the citizens of Bedford County, to be equally divided between Norfolk and Portsmouth. Yours, respectfully,
JOHN M. OTEY, Cash'r.
To Holt Wilson, Esq.. Treas'r, &c, Portsmouth, Va.

Baltimore, Sept. 29,1855.
Holt Wilson, Esq., Portsmouth, Va.
Dear Sir,—Your favor of 26th came to hand this morning. Your order for 1 dozen port wine will be attended to by the boat on Tuesday. On account of some delay to-day, it will not get on board in time. We have sent 2 dozen same, per order of Dr. Schoolfield, directed "Mayor of Portsmouth." Should you greatly need some, you can supply yourself from these 2 dozen. Yours truly,
F. A. LEVERING, Chairman.

Lynchburg, September 29, 1855.
My Dear Sir,—The enclosed $5 note was handed me yesterday, or rather the day before, by a gentleman of my congregation, with the request that I would add it to the collection at my Church for Norfolk and Portsmouth. Will you please add it to the Portsmouth share of our contribution, and credit it to St. Paul's Church, of this place? May God ever bless and preserve you. Very truly, yours,
W. H. KINCKLE. Mayor of Portsmouth.

Petersburg, September 29, 1855.
Dear Sir,—I again send you money for the suffering in your community, in a check on the Farmers Bank, Norfolk, for $ 574 65, made payable to your order. Of this $ 200 came to me from North Carolina, and about the same amount from the neighboring counties in Virginia; the remainde'r from citizens of Petersburg, and I hope yet to bo the medium of sending you additional sums. Hoping that the pestilence will soon disappear from the sister towns, I remain, dear sir, Very truly, yours,
D'ARCY PAUL.
Mr. Holt Wilson, Portsmouth, Va.

[332] Charleston, Sept. 30, 1855.
Holt Wilson, Esq., Treasurer How. Association, Portsmouth, Va.
Dear Sir,—I now enclose for the relief of your suffering citizens, the further sum of $65—fifty dollars of which was handed me as the contribution, of Taylor Division Sons of Temperance of this place. The contributions are made for the joint relief of Norfolk and Portsmouth, with the understanding that I should remit about one-third as the proportion of Portsmouth. I send, however, the whole of the contribution of the Sons of Temperance to you, as by this day's mail I send Norfolk $125, the whole of the contributions of the citizens of Maldon Kanawha Salines.

On the 21st instant I had the pleasure of sending to your address the sum of $80, which I hope was duly received. At the same time was sent to Norfolk $150, which, together with this remittance, will make the whole amount sent $275 to Norfolk, and to Portsmouth $145—in all $420.

Hoping that your serious afflictions may soon disappear, accept my best wishes for yourself. In haste, yours, &c.
J. M. DODDRIDGE.

Forestville, Wake County, N. C. Sept. 31, 1855.
To Relief Committee of Portsmouth.
Gentlemen,—Enclosed please find one hundred and three dollars, made up by the citizens of our village and vicinity, for the relief of your afflicted town. We hope it will arrrive safe, and be like the widow's mite. Please acknowledge its receipt, that we may know that our liberality is appreciated, &c. In behalf of our community, I am truly,
WM. M. CRENSHAW.

Washington, Oct. 1, 1855.
Dear Sir,—Your letter of the 17th ult. was received, and I thank you for the kind expression therein conveyed towards my good intentions. As persons who appreciate are deserving of good will, I will therefore endeavor to save your life, and the lives of your relatives, acquaintances and fellow citizens. After very severe study, cruising very extensively over the ocean of chemistry, natural philosophy and medicine, in search of a preventative for yellow fever, I have now found one, which is based on reason and on principle, stated as concisely as practicable, as follows: Some of the most eminent chemists of Europe, viz: Casnard, Latour, Ure, Schwann and Helmholtz, hold opinions similar to the following from Annual of Scientific Discovery for 1855, page 249: "This led Schwann to think that the spontaneous de- [333] composition called fermentation, or putrefaction, was nothing but the results of the vital manifestations of some cryptogamic or microscopical animalcules, produced by the spores and germs contained in the atmosphere, and becoming developed when they found themselves in a favorable medium. The miasmata and contagions which Liebig considers as connected with the cause to which he attributes fermentation, would, therefore, only proceed from these microscopical germs, introduced into the blood by the respiration, and becoming propagated there at the expense of this nourishing liquid." M. Becquerel, Schraeder and Dasch held the same views, and proved them by experiments. Mitscherlich, Doppning and Struve repeated Helmholtz's experiments, and were "led to a similar conclusion." For experiments of the three last, see "recent improvements in the Chemical Arts," by Booth & Morfit, p. 180.

The above authorities are adduced to show that "miasmata" is "the spores and germs contained in the atmosphere" of "cryptogamic or micra-scopical animalcules."

I will now, as concise as practicable, produce medical evidence to prove that miasmata is the cause of yellow fever. Bancroft, on Yellow Fever, published in 1811, treats yellow fever as caused by miasmata, and cites many instances of that disease occurring from it; and states at page 359, "In proceeding northward, our next object will be Norfolk, in Virginia, which, being a considerable port, and abounding in the sources of marsh miasmata, has, on several occasions, been severely attacked with yellow fever." Bancroft, in 1817, publishes another work on yellow fever, in the introduction of which he states, "In the year 1811, I published an essay on the yellow fever, and by facts not to be invalidated, while truth continues to be invariable, proved it to be no other than an aggravated form of that multifarious disease, which is well known to result from the action of those exhalations commonly denominated marsh miasmata, though often extricated from soils and situations which are not marshy." And he states very many additional facts proving miasma its cause. O'Halloran on yellow fever, (1821,) states, "there is something in the very mode in which fevers prevail, which goes to prove as far as the thing is capable of proof, that they are produced by atmospheric influence." In a work entitled "History of the Yellow Fever at New Orleans, La., in 1853," by E. D. Fenner, M. D., at page 79, he extracts from the report of the general board of health of England on quarantine in yellow fever, presented to both Houses of Parliament, in April, 1852, on which Dr. Fenner states, "I must say that my humble observations fully confirm the remarks and conclusions of this learned and able commission." "After considering a great deal of testimony relative to the localizing conditions which favor the origin and spread of yellow fever," the report says, page 80, "The real causes being, compared to poison clouds which pass from city to city,[334] and from country to country, bearing and scattering poison germs, the seeds of pestilence, for the development of which the localizing conditions that have been described," (viz: "a bad sanitary condition,") "afford the fitting, and perhaps necessary nidus." Bartlett on fever states, "It is entirely philosophical to consider it as a peculiar poison," and at page 480, in regard to yellow fever, under head of "Essential Poison," states "It is probable that it is introduced into the system through the lungs."

Thus it is established, by these numerous and very eminent authorities, and from long practical observation by them, that yellow fever is caused by a poison in the atmosphere, inhaled in the system through the lungs. As we take in at each breath about a pint of air, in twenty-four hours we inhale 3000 gallons—equal to 100 barrels of poisonous air per day.

The operation of this poisonous air on the system is stated by Bartlett on fever, p. 503, as follows: "A most important element in the pathology of yellow fever is to be found in the alteration of the blood which has already been described. This etiological poison of the disease received into the system works a morbid change of some sort in this fluid, the immediate effects of which are manifested in the first stage of the disease; in mild and moderate cases, these effects are carried no further; but in grave and fatal cases there are superadded to the contamination of the blood, certain consecutive local lesions, especially of the liver and the mucous membrane of the stomach."

In addition to the experiments and results of the ten most profound chemists in the world, above-mentioned, Dr. Drake, in his voluminous work entitled "Diseases of the Interior Valley of North America," also attributes this disease to cryptogamic animalcules, and also refers to a work published since his was written, entitled "Cryptogamous origin of Malarious and Epidemic Diseases," by Professor Mitchell. Dr. Drake, at page 38, states, "The POWER OF REPRODUCTION, possessed by these microscopic creatures, is still MORE WONDERFUL than their minuteness. It exceeds INDEFINITELY all examples presented by the visible organic kingdom."

I believe that the operation of yellow fever is as follows: A poison in the atmosphere is inhaled, filled with the germs of the "cryptogamic or microscopic animalcules," above-mentioned—that the act of passing, with the breath warmed as it enters the lungs, brings them into life by millions and by duodecillions—that through the lungs they enter the blood where its warmth multiplies them still farther, and the irritation of the heart by their presence causes an increased circulation or fever, to throw them off through the pores, but as they increase with such VAST rapidity, and in such INFINITE numbers, (so to speak,) the capillaries and pores are choked by them, and the perspiration thereby stopped by them—having no outlet through the pores, as intended by the wise prevision of nature in the vio- [335] lent and rapid thrusts of the blood to the surface, they are then thrown by the circulation upon the liver, which, finally, they clog and paralize. They there produce a great excess of acrid, vitiated and poisonous bile, a portion of which is thrown to the surface, producing the yellow skin, and the remainder of the excess of poisonous bile discharged into the stomach, which rejects it by the black vomit. Dr. Rhees, of Philadelphia, states, "When the matters, fresh thrown from the stomach, were examined, the animalculœ were alive and in constant motion."

The power of chloride of lime, by its emitting chlorine gas to disinfect or to arrest the deleterious effects on the human system, of the deteriorated air arising from the decomposition of vegetable or animal matter, is well established. The microscopical germs of vegetable or animal life" cannot exist in it undecomposed—their power of INFINITE REPRODUCTION, mentioned above by Dr. Drake, is therefore arrested.

Bartlett on Fevers, at page 480, speaking of the poisonous atmosphere which causes yellow fever, says "A very short exposure to its influence is sufficient to produce the disease; it is very probable that A SINGLE INHALATION is enough." Thus A SINGLE BREATH is sufficient. My preventative for the healthy and the diseased from either stage, therefore, is, that with EVERY breath an inhalation of the vapor of chloride of lime be combined, and thus the poisonous germs of "cryptogamic, or miscroscopic animalcules" in that breath will be destroyed; or even if the poison be only a gas, IT WILL BE NEUTRALIZED, and thus disease from this is UTTERLY IMPOSSIBLE. To effect this, I suspend a small bag of leather by a string around the neck, containing dry chloride of lime, of the best quality, (not that from which the chlorine gas has all escaped,) about the size of a walnut, or a small vial containing a solution of chloride of lime. If the person's lungs are weak, the solution may be diluted to such a degree that the vapor arising will not cause him to cough severely. But it will be preferable to bear it patiently in its strength, as it will not only be more certain in its preventive powers, but beneficial to weak lungs. It may make a well person cough at first, but he will soon become accustomed to it, so that it will not affect him. This I combine with the following mode of procedure, extracted from the "Monthly American Journal of Geology and Natural Science," Philadelphia, for January, 1832, page 334, viz: "Chloride of Lime a preservative against Small Pox and Measles. M. Remy, a physician at Catillon, has made some successful experiments on chloride of lime, as a preservative against the small pox. In a village where the small pox raged, he caused the only twelve individuals in the place, who yet remained subject to the infection, to be washed thrice a week with a solution of chloride of lime, and gave them at the same time two drops of the solution in a glass of water sweetened with sugar. Two of them had a slight eruption similar [336] to a vaccine which had not taken well; the other ten, who were not separated from those suffering from the small pox, had no symptoms of illness. In another village afflicted with the small pox, of fifteen individuals still subject to it, ten were treated in the same manner, and escaped, whilst two of the remaining five caught the malady. M. Chevalier stated to the Royal Academy of Sciences at Paris, that he was the first to suggest chloride of lime as a preservative against the small pox, and observed, that it might be used also as a protection against the measles, by keeping in the chamber of the child whom it was desired to protect from infection, a saucer of dry chloride of lime, renewed from time to time, and dipping its shirts in a solution of an ounce of concentrated liquid chloride in twelve quarts of water.—Abstract from Jour. Roy. Inst." To prevent yellow fever I would adopt this course every day. To prove that the taking the "two drops of the solution of chloride of lime" is founded on correct principles, I quote from "Medical Chemistry, by D. P. Gardner, M. D., Professor of Chemistry in the Philadelphia College, New York, 1848, page 192," at which he states "The best remedies for yellow fever, contain chlorine, which, as we have seen, neutralizes the poisonous properties of malaria."

This letter is long, but no longer than absolutely necessary to state the grounds on which the efficiency of the preventative is based. Please publish and extend this information far and wide—it is as free as the air. I am, very respectfully, yours truly.
ISAAC N. COFFIN.
Holt Wilson, Esq., member of the Council, Portsmouth, Va.

PORTLAND, Oct. 1, 1855.
To the Acting Mayor of Portsmouth.
Dear Sir,—Enclosed I send Casco Bank check on Phoenix Bank, New York, for $33, being the balance of collections made by the committee, in aid of the suffering of your city. Our last advice from your city and Norfolk encourage the hope of a speedy stop to the fever's ravages.

With assurances of sympathy in your sad afflictions, I remain, Yours, truly,
N. O. CRAM, Treasurer.

Petersburg, Oct. 1, 1855.
Mr. J. N. Schoolfield.
Dear Sir,—Your favor of the 28th Sept., is before us. We have paid the amount of Mr. W. J. Hill's remittance over to Mr. D'Arcy Paul, to be transmitted to your town. Mr. Paul acknowledged it in his printed report in this morning's Express. We received by to-night's mail another remittance [337] from Mr. Hill, from same neighborhood, for same purpose, which we will dispose of as the former. We are, truly, your ob't serv'ts,
PEEBLES & WHITE.

Hillsboro, N. C, Oct. 1, 1855.
Holt Wilson, Esq.
Dear Sir,—Enclosed I send, as one of a committee in Orange County, N. C, $100, to be applied, one-half to the relief of the sufferers at Portsmouth, and the other half to Norfolk. Of the above sum $22.50 were given by Marshill Church, (Missionary Baptist,)—$ 25.10 by the Methodist Episcopal Church of this town; both of which gifts, considering the circumstances of the churches, are quite liberal. The residue is from different citizens of the county. We shall be pleased to hear of the conditions of your cities, we care not how minutely. Very respectfully, your ob't serv't.
RO. HOOKER.

Richmond, Oct. 1, 1855.
Holt Wilson, Esq., Secretary of Sanitary Committee, Portsmouth, Va.
Dear Sir and Bro.,—I send by the Curtis Peck 32 bottles genuine prime port, all I could procure. I send also 5 gallons of very good wine—the first, however, you may rely on. Poultry is scarce, and not to be had. Dodamead told me, however, he sent you some by the Augusta. I am much gratified to learn from the papers that the epidemic is subsiding. God, in his infinite mercy, grant it may soon entirely disappear, never more to return.

Was Doctor Nicholson, whose widow and orphans we have, a Mason? The orphans are now all well but one young child. Write for what you need. Yours fraternally,
JOHN DOVE.

Richmond, Oct. 1, 1855.
Holt Wilson, Esq.
Dear Sir,—Below you have a list of articles sent from the committee, directed to you, for the suffering poor of your city, by the Augusta, to-day: viz: 10 barrels flour, 1 tierce rice, 5 barrels beef, 20 boxes soap, 10 boxes candles, 2 barrels crushed sugar, 1 hhd. brown sugar, 8 kegs lard, 1 hhd. and 1 box bacon. Yours, very truly,
THOS. DODAMEAD, Chairman Sub-Committee.

P. S.—I will send by next boat butter and meal.

[338] Culpeper C. H., Oct. 1, 1855.
To the Mayor of Portsmouth, Va.
Dear Sir,—The ladies of this place, in common with the wide-spread population of our country and the community in which they live, have watched, with anxious interest and heartfelt sympathy the ravages in Norfolk and Portsmouth, of "the pestilence that walketh in darkness, and the destruction that wasteth at noonday," and whilst they have sought, in prayer, for the blessing of God upon your afflicted cities, they have, at the same time, tried to do some little towards mitigating the sufferings of the destitute and afflicted. It affords me very sincere pleasure to be the channel of communication between them and the afflicted around you, and to forward, as a small token of their interest in and true sympathy for the destitute in your city, a box, marked "To the Mayor of Portsmouth, Va. from the ladies of Culpeper C. H., Va." The box contains 75 garments, of various sizes, which you are requested to have distributed in your community to such persons as you may think to be in need.

With my sincere prayers for the blessings of God upon your afflicted cities, and their speedy restoration to health and prosperity,
I remain, with very great respect, Your ob't serv't,
JOHN COLES, Rector of St. Stephen's Church, Culpeper C. H.

Baltimore, Oct. 2, 1855.
Holt Wilson, Esq., Portsmouth.
Dear Sir,—We have sent you by to-day's boat one box containing one dozen port wine. Yours truly,
F. A. LEVERING, Chairman Commitee.

Harrtsburg, Pa., Oct. 2, 1855.
Holt Wilson, Esq., Treasurer.
Dear Sir,—I enclose herewith draft on Farmers and Planters Bank, Baltimore, for $25, from State Capitol Lodge I. O. O. F. of this place. The contributions made here being stipulated to be equally divided between both places, I will trouble you to hand, at your convenience, one half of the above to R. W. Bowden, Esq., Treasurer, Norfolk.

We are glad to hear of the abatement of the disease, and trust you will soon be able to rejoice in its entire cessation. The scenes of distress you have witnessed—the toils you have endured—the perils you have run—we [339] can only conjecture. The heroic band who stood to their posts through all that distress, and toil, and peril, will be cherished in the affections of a nation, whose eyes have been, through those sad days and weeks, turned to you. Yours,
J. W. WEIR.

Exchange Bank, Norfolk, Oct. 2, 1855.
Holt Wilson, Esq., Treas'r of the fund for the relief of the citizens of Portsmouth.
My Dear Sir,—I enclose to you herewith two certificates of deposit, amounting to $3,500. The form will show who are the generous donors. I am requested to say that $800 of this sum was subscribed by the, Board Trade of Albany, New York. Very respectfully,
G. W. CAMP.

Ston& Cheek Warehouse, Sussex Co., Va., Oct. 2, 1855.
D. D. Fiske, Esq.
Dear Sir,—Enclosed you will find $34, forwarded by the citizens of Sussex County, for the sufferers of Portsmouth. Please acknowledge the receipt of it. I sent you one and a half barrels corn last week, and will send some flour this week, if I can get it ground. Please acknowledge the receipt of it when it comes to hand. Yours, very respectfully,
ALEXANDER ALDRIDGE.
Mayor of Portsmouth, Va.

Portsmouth, N. H., Oct. 2, 1855.
To the Treasurer of the fund for the sufferers at Portsmouth, Va.
Dear Sir,—I take pleasure, in behalf of the parishonersof St. John'sChurch, Portsmouth, N. H., and for them to forward to you the sum of $50, for relief of the sufferers in Portsmouth, Va. With great distress have we read the account of your trials, and tender to you our deepest sympathies. We lament with you the loss of so many of your fellow-citizens, and among them that true and faithful minister and servant of Christ Jesus, who has fallen martyr to Christian benevolence and Christian principles. May God sustain, comfort and bless you all. Be pleased to inform me at your convenience, whether this letter and remittance shall reach you, and ever be as- [340] sured of the deepest sympathy and sincere regards of myself and of my parishoners. I am, dear sir, your ob't serv't,
CHARLES BURROUGHS, Hector of St. John's Church, Portsmouth, N. H.

Philadelphia, Oct. 2, 1855.
J. N. Schoolfield, M. D., Chairman Sanitary Committee, Portsmouth, Va.
Dear Sir,—I have yours of 28th. I now send you two-fifths 257 lbs. fresh butter, two-fifths 212 pairs chickens, 12 boxes candies, 10 gallons brandy, 2 doz. port, 2 baskets oil, 2 baskets mineral water, 2 doz. guava jelly, oranges, lemons, quinine, currant jelly—were all anticipated and sent on Saturday last, without orders from you, except quinine, which was ordered. I have concluded your present order is made in forgetfulness that you had ordered 20 ounces—If I am mistaken let me know and I will send you whatever your requisition calls for. Yours truly,
THOMAS WEBSTER, Jr., Chair'n.

Columbia, S. C., Oct. 3,1855.
Holt Wilson, Esq.
Dear Sir,—Enclosed please find a check on Baltimore for $44.50, being one half the proceeds of an exhibition of the Columbia Historical Club, for the benefit of the Norfolk and Portsmouth sufferers. Truly yours, &c,
JOHN USHER, Jr., Sec'y and Treas'r of Columbia Historical Club.

Exchange Bank,
Norfolk, Oct. 3, 1855.
Holt Wilson, Esq., Treasurer, &c.
Dear Sir,—I enclose to you herewith two certificates of deposit, amounting to six hundred dollars. Very respectfully,
G. W. CAMP, Cash'r.

Georgetown, Oct. 3, 1855.
Dr. Jos. N. Schoolfield.
Dear Sir,—I enclose you a draft on Richmond for $172.20, subscribed mostly by our Sunday School children, for the orphan children of your city, which you will please acknowledge the receipt of, and oblige. Yours, respectfully,
WM. H. EDES.

[341] Richmond, October 3, 1855.
Holt Wilson, Esq.
My Dear Sir,—It is with a sincere satisfaction that I remit you the following sums from the several donors, for the benefit of the afflicted of your city.
A friend, Patrick county, Va., - $2.50
J. M. Nash, Kanawha Salines, - 5.00
Students and officers of Emory and Henry College, Washington county, Va., - 54.25
Unknown. No name, nor date to the letter, - 5.00
S. O. Moon, Albemarle county, Va., - 5.00
P. Snell, Kanawha Division Sons of Temperance, for widows and orphans of Norfolk, - 25.00 (This is according to directions. You well know best what to do with it.)
Rev. W. L. Murphy, - 2.50
Rev. J. Sillett, North Carolina, - 2.50
[Total] $101.75
Please acknowledge receipt and oblige yours, Respectfully,
LEROY M. LEE.

New Orleans, October 4, 1855.
D. D. Fiske, Esq., Mayor of Portsmouth.
Dear Sir,—I had the pleasure, a few days ago, of enclosing a check for twenty-five dollars, by request of Mr. G. W. Humphreys, for the relief of the distressed inhabitants of your town, and have now to hand check on Duncan, Shermand & Co., New York, for $25, contributed to same object by Mr. D. G. Humphreys, of Mississippi; receipt of which please acknowledge at your convenience. Your obedient servant,
R. A. BOURK.

Bank State N. C, (Windsor Branch), October 4, 1855.
To Holt Wilson, Esq.
Dear Sir,—I enclose, at the request of some of our people, my check for $82, to be divided between Portsmouth and Norfolk. I am glad to hear that the fever is no longer epidemic. Very respectfully,
L. S. WEBB, Cashier.

[342] Philadelphia, October 4, 1855.
J. G. Holladay, Esq.
Dear Sir,—I hope this will find you again in good health. We have lately sent you stores, provisions, &c, only, under the impression that if we did send cash, so long as there were no stores open in Portsmouth, you would have to remit it to Baltimore or Richmond to be expended. I shall call our committee together to meet early next week, and in the meantime would like to have any information you may wish to furnish me with regarding the present condition of your place, extent of want, &c. Part of our fund is for the special benefit, permanent benefit, ot the orphans. Any requisition or order will be gladly put up and dispatched at once to you. Yours truly,
THOMAS WEBSTER, Jr., Chairman of relief Com.

Newsom's Depot, Va., Oct. 5, 1855.
Mr. D. D. Fiske, Mayor of Portsmouth.
Sir,—At a meeting of the citizens of Southampton county, for the purpose of raising means to relieve the sufferers of Norfolk and Portsmouth, Mr. Joshua Pretlow and myself were appointed Treasurers to receive and send down equally to the two above named places what we received, and as it is not convenient for me to see Mr. Pretlow, I herewith enclose to you $30, which, together with the 15 bushels of meal I sent you some days back, makes half of what I have received. I hope it will help to relieve some of the sufferings of your place, although it is a small amount. Mr. Pretlow will send his down also, which comes from this county, and I suppose he has more than I have. Very respectfully,
JAMES J. DARDEN.

Exchange Bawk, Norfolk, October 5, 1855.
Holt Wilson, Esq., Treasurer, Portsmouth, Va.
Dear Sir,—I enclose, certificate of deposit in this Bank for $2000, payable to your order.
Very respectfully,
G. W. CAMP, Cashier.

[343] Gloucester County, Oct. 6, 1855.
The Mayor of Portsmouth, Va.
Dear Sir,—Acting under a resolution adopted by a meeting of a portion of the people of Gloucester county, held at the courthouse thereof, on the 1st inst., at which meeting I was appointed Treasurer, to receive and remit all monies contributed, and to forward the same, together with such other sums as may be handed me hereafter, to the Howard Association of the city of Norfolk and the Mayor of Portsmouth, in the proportion of one-third to Portsmouth and two-thirds to Norfolk. Hereto annexed I hand you by mail my check of this date, on the Farmers Bank of Virginia at Fredericksburg, for $64.83, payable to your order, being one-third of $194.50, the amount contributed up to this time; and for your government in the disposition to be made of this money, I copy the following resolution, adopted by the meeting.

"Resolved, That we leave it to the direction of the Howard Association and authorities of Norfolk and Portsmouth, to expend the amount to be forwarded by us, believing that they are better able than ourselves to judge of the best mode of disposing thereof; but it would be gratifying to us to know that our contributions had assisted the destitute children of the two towns, who have been made orphans by the pestilence."

Most deeply do I sympathise with our fellow citizens in the towns above mentioned under their servere affliction, and it gives me great pleasure to be the medium of intercourse selected to carry out the wishes of my county men in the manner above indicated. Do me the favor to acknowledge receipt of the check mentioned by letter to my address, Gloucester C. H., And oblige your obd't serv't,
WILLTAM P. SMITH.

Mount Jay, Pesh., Oct. 6, 1855.
Mr. Holt Wilson, Portsmouth, Va.
Please find enclosed two drafts—one for one hundred and four dollars, which you will apply to the use of Norfolk, and the ninety dollars to Portsmouth. Yours respectfully,
H. SHAFFNER, JOSEPH McCORKEL.

Baltimore, October 6, 1855
Dr J. N. Schoolfield.
Dear Sirr,—Yours of the 8d inst. I did not receive till the boat left, beiug absent in Washington. We will continue to send supplies as you order [344] them, as we have been doing. You done perfectly right in giving those gentlemen a pass over our line, and I will direct that your order be recognized, if not already done. I also enclose you a pass for yourself to and from Baltimore, whenever you wish to use it. Can you form any opinion as to when we can with safety commence running to Portsmouth and Norfolk. We are, of course, very anxious to commence our regular trips once more, but we must forbear till we know it is perfectly safe for your inhabitants to return, for the profit would never compensate us for the lives that may be sacrificed by any imprudence on our part.
Very truly yours,
M. N. FALLS.

Philadelphia, October 9th, 1855.
J. G. Holladay, Esq.
Dear Sir,—Please call on Mayor Fiske and assist him in a matter I have requested information about. The remainder of our fund, after paying our doctors and nurses, and bringing on the bodies of the dead, will be distributed to Norfolk and Portsmouth widows and orphans, I think; still if it is wanted for general purposes advise us. We have concluded your wants are not so urgent as they have been, and that distress of a certain character, viz: among those families whose support has been taken away,—will be felt all the fall and winter; and that there being now no epidemic or panic, we can all, that is your committee and ours too, digest the best plan possible to wind up the whole business. Yours truly,
THOMAS WEBSTER, Jr., Chairman of Committee.

Matthews County, October 9, 1855.
Bro. Hume.
Dear Sir,—In view of the affliction which has come upon the cities of Norfolk and Portsmouth; in consequence of the yellow fever, the Church of Disciples, meeting at Ephesus meeting-house, in this county, has contributed the sum of seventy dollars, for the relief of the orphan children of the above-named cities, which amount I herewith send to you, with the request that you will pay over to the proper person in Norfolk, for the benefit of the orphans of that city, one-half of the aforesaid amount, and the remaining half you are requested to use for the benefit of the orphans of Portsmouth. By so doing you will greatly oblige the Church of Christ, as above named. With much esteem for you, I subscribe myself, Your brother in the hope of the Gospel,
EBENEZER BOHANNON.

[345] Richmond, Oct. 10, 1855.
Dear Sir,—The relief committee of this city having made an order directing a cargo of coal to be forwarded to the city of Norfolk, and being anxious to transmit an equal amount to the town of Portsmouth, to enable the authorities of that town to procure wood, coal or ony other article they may deem most advisable, I take pleasure in enclosing herein the sum of five hundred dollars the receipt of which please acknowledge.
Very respectfully, &c.
GEORGE W. MUNFORD, Treasurer of the Relief Committee of Richmond.
Holt Wilson, Esq., Portsmouth, Va.

Newsom's Depot, Va., Oct. 10, 1855.
Mr. D. D. Fiske.
Sir,—I this morning received your letter enclosing me a ten dollar bill, saying it was a counterfeit. I do not know who gave it to me, but it was paid me by some one, and I have no doubt but the man who paid it in thought it good. I therefore enclose another one of the same amount. Respectfully,
JAMES J. DARDEN.

Philadelphia, Oct. 10, 1855.
Holt Wilson, Esq.
Dear Sir,—Your esteemed favor of the 8th inst., with draft for $150 enclosed, came duly to hand. Please to accept my thanks for the same. If, on this occasion, it were permitted to allude to the motives which impelled me to go to Portsmouth, I would say, that the hope of pecuniary reward did not for an instant enter into them. I was influenced by nobler and higher aims. But since it seems to be the wish of others, I will not affect to depreciate the value of such a testimonial, and I hereby renew my thanks for your liberality, and many other acts of kindness to me. With the best wishes for your happiness and length of years,
I remain, truly and most respectfully, yours,
JOHN D. BRYANT, 52 North 16th st.

Philadelphia, Oct. 11th, 1855.
J. N. SCHOOLFIELD, Esq., Chairman of Sanitary Committee, Portsmouth.
Dear Sir,—Your interesting favor of the 8th, informing us of the decline of the pestilence and resumption of business at the yard, was received on [346] the evening of the 9th inst. With regard to coal, I published so much of the letter as related to that, and trust the proper response will be elicited; but at the same time I cannot regard it so certain as I should like. "There is a tide," &c, in charity, I find, as well as in everything else; and the appeal coming to one class of men only, who have already given their due proportion, in common with others, at the close of the excitement, is, I fear, not so likely to be responded to as if it had been thought of earlier. I shall write to the mining region, and go to the Reading Railroad to get the freight free; and finally, if not successful in getting it given, will purchase it.

My respects of 9th to D. D. Fiske and Mr. Holladay, my early correspondents, and to whom I gave letters to doctors and nurses, enclosed a ruled list of persons sent to your relief, with request to have blanks filled up and same returned to me. Please assist them in it, and see that it is sent on immediately. Our committee resolved to remunerate the corps of doctors, &c, and left the matter to myself and secretary. We have also concluded to assist the needy families of those who died in the discharge of their duty, and finally, to bring on their remains and inter them all in one vault in one of our cemeteries. I am anxious to have the lists returned at once, to know how much of our fund should be set apart for those purposes, and to remit you your proportion of the remainder.

Our correspondence with your town has been a pleasant one, and has been characterized with promptness—I shall even say on both sides; and I feel I shall not be misconstrued when I frankly suggest, that most probably our future remittances will be for special objects—viz: for the permanent relief of the orphans (and widows, probably,) of your town. We think here that there is a strong probability of your being able, by special contributions from here and elsewhere, to handsomely endow an asylum, and have a revenue sufficient to maintain it as a fixture. At the same time, we want your views on the whole subject of the wants of your people.

Now that the pestilence has abated—become extinct—and industry once more resounds in your streets, yards and shops—the distress, we trust, is disappearing before the energy of the working classes of your "mechanical town"—(an expression of your Mayor's)—widows and orphans must be cared for; and if we can give you a fund equal to one hundred and sixty dollars per annum, we hope from others you will get enough to have a revenue of at least one thousand dollars per annum.

A permanent institution is our idea, but of course we only make the suggestion to elicit your views, and not to enforce ours. Yours truly,
THOS. WEBSTER, Jr., Ch'n.

P. M.—I am writing at home, P. M. of 10th. Last evening Drs. Web- [347] ster and Thompson, and Dr. Campbell, of this city, and Capt. Thompson, spent with me. Rizer was too ill to be of the party. I send you a box containing fifty garments made by girls of a public school at Norristown, Pa., and a paper of yesterday, containing an extract from a Petersburg paper, showing the names and dates of arrival of the volunteer physicians to Norfolk. Can you not get up and send me a similar list of volunteers to your town?

Berryville, Clarke County, Va., Oct. 11, 1855.
D. D. Fiske, Esq., Mayor of Portsmouth, Va.
Dear Sir,—Enclosed I send the further sum of ninety-three dollars and fifty-three cents, contributed by citizens of Clarke county for the relief of the sufferers of Portsmouth.
Very respectfully, your ob't serv't,
TREADWELL SMITH.

Wilmington, Del., Oct. 12th, 1855.
To Hdt Wilson, Esq., Treas'r, &c.
My Dear Sir,—Enclosed you will receive a draft from the Bank of Delaware on the Bank of North America, Philadelphia, for four hundred dollars, being a second contribution on the part of the citizens of Wilmington for the relief of the suffering at Portsmouth, Va. We desire again to express our deep sympathy for you in the sad affliction you have endured, and are at last cheered by the hope that the hand of the destroyer has been arrested. With great respect and kindness, yours faithfully and truly,
H. F. ASKEW, M. D., Treasurer of Relief Fund.

Office or Howard Association,
Norfolk, Oct. 13, 1855.
Dear Sir,—We are in receipt of three checks from you on the Portsmouth Bank of Virginia, amounting in the aggregate to $168.76, for which please accept our thanks. Yours truly,
SOL. CHERRY, Corresponding Secretary.
Holt Wilson, Esq., Portsmouth.

Baltimore, Oct. 13, 1855.
Dr. J. N. Schoolfield, Portsmouth.
Dear Sir,—Your favor is to hand, with order. We have sent you by today's boat,, 1 cask shoulders, 1 tierce hams, 1 cask rice, 25 bags meal, 3 bags[348] coffee, 3 barrels brown sugar, 1 barrel crushed sugar, 10 boxes cheese, 2 barrels pork, 2 barrels beef, 5 bbls. flour, 10 boxes candles, 5 bpxes soap, and l bbl. lard. Yours truly,
F. A. LEVERING, Chairman of Committee.

WILLIAMSTON, Oct. 13, 1855.
To the Mayor of Portsmouth, Va.
Dear Sir,—From the enclosed please receive the sum of $45.50, as a small contribution from our village for the use of Portsmouth, in the relief of the distressed poor from the effects of the late awful and calamitous fever. We have sent Norfolk $90. We regret that the sum is so small, being well aware, after the fever has subsided, there will be much want and suffering among the poor and destitute for a long time to come, but may Heaven soon grant your town a return to health and prosperity. Please let me hear if you receive this. Respectfully, your ob't serv't,
D. W. BAGLEY, For the Committee.

Weldon, Oct. 15, 1855.
To the Mayor of Portsmouth.
Sir,—The enclosed bank note of twenty dollars please have added to the relief fund contributed to aid the suffering people of Portsmouth. It would have been sent earlier, but I have been absent from home. Yours, very respectfully,
A. JOYNER.

Office or the Howard Association,
Norfolk, Oct. 15, 1855.
Dear Sir,—I herewith enclose Mr. Pettigrew's draft on Williams, Butler & Co., for $79.34, and John Myers' check on Farmers Bank at Norfolk, for $28.45. These amounts were sent to me by Mr. Jos. Ramsey, of Plymouth, N. C, as contributions from the citizens of that place for Portsmouth. Please acknowledge their receipt to me, as well as to him.
Yours truly,
SOL. CHERRY, Corresponding Secretary.
Holt Wilson, Esq., Portsmouth, Va.

[349] Salem, Mass., Oct. 16, 1855.
To Hon. D. D. Fiske, Mayor of Portsmouth, Va.
My Dear Sir,—I know not when my feelings have been touched more acutely than when, a day or two since, a "poor widow" presented herself at my office, (apparently in great distress,) and enquired if it was too late to cast in her mite for the relief of our distressed fellow creatures in Portsmouth. She is evidently one of those who "lets not her left hand know what her right hand doeth," for no entreaties could induce her to give her name. Will you, therefore, receive $1 in addition to our subscription already forwarded? The good woman was at a distance when our subscription was taken.

I am aware that the trouble of re-opening the account is greater than the worth of the subscription, but we are told in Scripture, that the mite of the "poor widow" is greater than all. That this mite may be equally blessed to the relief of suffering humanity, is the sincere wish of Your humble serv't,
GEO. CHOATE,
Treasurer of the Salem Relief Com.

P. S.—You will perceive, my dear sir, by the date of the above note, that I have hesitated for a whole month about the propriety of troubling you with this little matter, but, under the circumstances, (it being impossible to return it to the donor,) I have felt it to be my duty to send it. If, therefore, your account is closed, may I ask the favor that you will bestow it up on some kindred object. G. C.

Harrisonburg, Va., Oct. 16, 1855.
Mayor of Portsmouth.
Dear Sir,—Enclosed you will find check on the Bank of Virginia for $26.75, the balance of the subscription made by the citizens of Harrisonburg and the county of Rockingham, which you will please appropriate to the relief of the sufferers of Portsmouth. Acknowledge receipt of the same, and oblige, Yours, very respectfully,
O. C. STERLING, Mayor of Harrisonburg, Va.

Stony Greek Warehouse, Va.,
October 16, 1855.
Dear Sir,—Enclosed you will find $5, forwarded by the citizens of Sussex county, for the sufferers of Portsmouth. Please acknowledge the re- [350] ceipt of it. It is the balance in hand, and I do not know whether I shall receive any more to forward. Respectfully,
A. ALDRIDGE.
D. D. Fiske, Esq., Mayor of Portsmouth, Va.

Sumpterville, S. C, Oct. 17,1855.
Dear Sir,—Enclosed please find $5, handed to me by a friend, to be appropriated to the relief of the orphans of Portsmouth. With the hope that it may contribute to shield some helpless little one from the pittiless storm of life, and from the severities of the approaching winter, I am, Most respectfully, your ob't serv't,
A. A. GILBERT,
Editor Sumpter Watchman, Sumpterville, S. C.

Richmond, Oct. 17, 1855.
Holt Wilson, Esq.
Dear Sir,—I enclose you a draft for the additional sum of $38.63, contributed by the residents of Henrico county, for the relief of your suffering citizens.
Yours, very respectfully,
JAMES ELLETT, Treasurer of Henrico Fund.

Columbia, S. C, Oct. 18,1855.
Holt Wilson, Esq.
Dear Sir,—Enclosed you will find a draft on New York, for $17.50, being one half the amount contributed by our citizens for the relief of your city and Norfolk since my last remittance. Please acknowledge receipt, and believe me to be, Very truly, yours,
E. J. ARTHUR, Mayor of Columbia.

Philadelphia, Oct. 18,1855.
Holt Wilson, Esq., Treas'r, &c., Portsmouth.
Dear Sir,—Doctor Schoolfield, your Chairman, called on me on Monday, and handed me a list of doctors and nurses—filled up as requested. Personally, and, indeed, I think I may say officially—I have to regret that you paid any thing to doctors, druggists or nurses, (except to those whose lack of education and habits of life rendered them solicitous of pecuniary recom-[351] pense.) They were all introduced as volunteers, excepting two, whose wages were agreed upon, as stated in the introductory letters. Our Committee would have preferred awarding them a suitable honorium. However, possibly they are as well pleased, and certainly the liberality of your Committee is appreciated and highly commended by every one to whom it is known.

Doctor S. informed me that you had so well husbanded your resources, that you had then, i. e., when he left, on 12th inst., a surplus of $30,000, after paying all your liabilities, and he remarked, that you intended to erect and endow an Orphan Asylum therewith. He also recommended me not to remit you any more money at present, but to hold whatever we might have for the orphans—that you had plenty of stores, and were in every way able to relieve present distress.

I have been trying to get you coal, but, as I feared, it is too late in the day to get it as a gift. Dr. S. instructed me to purchase and draw on you at sight, but as I have no written order, nor do I know how much you want, I have to request your reply, and tell me how much I shall purchase, and whether you want red or white ash, and what size lumps, &c.

Can the bodies of our deceased Philadelphians be identified? We propose bringing them home in mid-winter. How many Portsmouth orphans are there? Yours truly,
THOMAS WEBSTER, Jr., Chairman.

Clarksville, Va., Oct. 22, 1855.
Mayor of Portsmouth.
Dear Sir,—Enclosed please find check for $12, which was paid me by our citizens for the benefit of the afflicted and needy of your city. We hope the flour sent some time ago has been heard from. Very respectfully,
J. E. HASKINS,
And others, Committee.

Baltimore, Oct. 23, 1855.
Holt Wilson, Esq., Portsmouth.
Dear Sir,—Your favor of 19th inst., came to hand yesterday only, it having been mis-sent—so marked by the post master. We have sent you by to-day's boat the goods ordered, viz: 2 barrels pork, 2 barrels beef, 1 cask shoulders, 5 boxes candles, 1 bbl. lard, 10 bags meal. Yours truly,
F. A. LEVERING,
Chairman Com.

[352] Boston, Oct. 27, 1855.
Holt Wilson, Esq., Treas'r cf Relief Fund,&c.
Dear Sir,—Your letter of the 25th is received, referring, no doubt, to my remark in writing to Mr. E. A. Hatton, that no acknowledgment had been received of the $150 contributed by Grace Church. On the next Sabbath after I wrote, the Rev. Mr. Mason stated to the congregation that he had received a letter from the President of the Council of Portsmouth, acknowledging the receipt, and expressing ths thanks of your authorities for the same. I will take measures to make known your acknowledgment to St. Andrew's Lodge. Very respectfully,
JOHN B. CHISHOLM.

Albany, N. Y., Ort. 29, 1855.
Howard Association, Portsmouth, Va.
The citizens of Albany have subscribed $2,357.82, for the relief of the sufferers from yellow fever at Norfolk and Portsmouth, and have directed one-third of the sum to be remitted to Portsmouth, and two-thirds to Norfolk. As treasurer of the fund I have remitted as follows:
Sept. 25—To Exchange Bank of Virginia - $1,500.00
Oct. 11—To cash, President N. H. A. - 600.00
Oct. 29—To Exchange Bank, to hand to Norfolk How. Asso. - 257.82
Total, $2,357.82

I am advised by Mr. Camp, Cashier Exchange Bank, that he handed $500 of the first remittance to H. Wilson, Treasurer, Portsmouth, and your Association will therefore be entitled to $286.94 from the Howard Association, Norfolk. Will you oblige me by an acknowledgment of receipt.
Very truly, yours, &c.
C. P. WILLIAMS, Treas'r.

Philadelphia, Oct. 80, 1855.
Holt Wilson, Esq.
Dear Sir,—Your esteemed favor of 22d was duly received. Our Committee have instructed me to close up my account, and we will remit remainder of fund for use of the orphans. Give me the names of the Trustees of your institution, that I may purchase stock and have it transferred to them in tmst for those made "orphans by the pestilence," and also the number you have.

I have read your letter with great interest, and recognize in your view of the surplus fund you have the proper view which should be taken. So far [353] as regards our contributions, we do not expect you to return any thing. What we have sent was to a committee in whom our community and yours have deservedly great confidence, and their disposition of any surplus will be guided by the same philanthropic motives which led to the contributions in all parts of the Union. Our remaining fund, as I have said, will be specially remitted.

I am engrossing the account for publication, and should like to add thereto a concise narrative of the fever, and would like you to furnish me with your history of it. Can you not write it out for me, taking care that the data of first case, progress, mortality, population, position and comparative ratio of mortality—medical force resident at the time—loss of life in its number of visitant or non-resident physicians—mortality among them, &c. &c, be authentic?

We shall print 5,000 copies of account and report. Yours truly,
THOMAS WEBSTER, Jr., Chairman.

Petersburg, Nov. 2, 1855.
Holt Wiluon, Esq., Portsmouth, Va.
Dear Sir,—I send you herewith an additional amount in check of Farmers Bank here, on same Bank in Norfolk, for $183.25, which has been handed to me from various sources, for the relief of the sufferers from yellow fever in Portsmouth. The various sums, and from whence they came, will be detailed in the Petersburg Express of to-morrow. Please acknowledge receipt to, Yours, very truly,
D'ARCY PAUL.

BANK OF VIRGINIA,
Lynchburg, Nov. 5, 1855.
Dear Sir,—Enclosed find my check on Bank of Virginia, No. 1,396, to your order, for $15, for the sufferers of your city, (Portsmouth,) ten dollars of which was contributed by the hands in one of our tobacco factories, and five by Benjamin Wigginton, of Bedford county. Yours, most respectfully,
JOHN M. OTEY, Cash'r.
Holt Wilson, Esq., Treas'r, &c.

[354] City Hall, Washington, November 7, 1855.
Holt Wilson, Esq., Treas'r of the fund for Relief of Portsmouth.
Dear Sir,—Again I have the pleasure of enclosing to your order a check on the Patriotic Bank of Washington. It is for $246.59, being a moiety of the balance of money in the hands of the committee appointed to obtain relief for the suffering sick in Norfolk and Portsmouth. We are happy to understand that you have no new cases of fever with you.
I am, very respectfully, your ob't serv't,
JOHN P. INGLE, Treas'r.

Stony Cheek Warehouse, Sussex County, Va., Nov. 10, 1855.
D. D. Fiske, Esq.
Dear Sir,—Enclosed you will find $7, forwarded by the citizens of Sussex county, for the sufferers of Portsmouth. Please acknowledge the receipt of it. Very respectfully,
A. ALDRIDGE.

P. S.—I forwarded to you on the 15th of October, per railroad, four bags flour, which you will please acknowledge, if received. It was marked to you from Sussex county. A. A.

Albany, Nov. 10, 1855.
Holt Wilson, Esq, Treasurer.
Dear Sir,—Your favor of 7th is this morning received. I enclose draft on Howard Association, Norfolk, for $285.94, if not already received by you, as very likely it may be before the receipt of this, as I had previously written Norfolk Association, requesting that sum to be handed you out of the remittance to them. When received, will you do me the favor to acknowledge the two sums received by you, stating the amounts and date of receipt, so I can publish with my report to our citizens, and thus much oblige
Yours, very truly,
C. P. WILLIAMS.

P. S.—I forgot to say to you that it is the desire of the contributors that any sum beyond what is needed for relief of actual suffering arising from sickness, be appropriated toward education and support of children orphaned by the fever. C. P. W.

Philadelphia, Nov. 10,1855.
J. N. Schoolfield, M. D., Portsmouth, Va.
Dear Sir,—I am without reply to my respects of __ date, asking cer- [355] tain information regarding the late epidemic. If you are unable to give me all the data requested, please try and send me on the date of the first cases in the town of Portsmouth—its progress for the first few days—when declared and admitted to be epidemic—and whole mortality.

In submitting our account current to our contributors, the committee desire to make some allusions to the march of the disease, and the facts I ask for are indispensable.

I am busily engaged posting up the account to be submitted, and to ask for final directions about transmitting the balance to your orphans. How many orphans has the pestilence made in your community? I shall have to pay for the ice cream cans and tubs, and empty mineral water bottles, should they not be returned. Please send back by the Philadelphia steamer all you can find, as the value of them will go directly to your orphans.
Yours, truly,
THOMAS WEBSTER, Jr., Chairman.

Portsmouth, Va., Nov. 13, 1854 [1855].
Mrs. Harriet Goodrich, of Fourth Pres. Church, Washington City.
I am not sure that any acknowledgment of the box of clothing prepared by yourself and certain friends in Washington, has ever been made. It was forwarded, I am informed, to my address, and was intended to be distributed under my direction, with the assistance of the ladies of the First Presbyterian Church. The box arrived safely at the wharf in Portsmouth some time about the last of September, but as I had then just left the place, in consequence of great debility, occasioned by a severe attack of the fever, I knew nothing of the matter until my return.

I have made enquiries about the box, and find that the best disposition was made of it that the circumstances would allow. I am authorized to assure you, that the articles were gratefully accepted by those who seemed, at the time, to be greatly in need of them. With much respect, I am, truly yours,
ISAAC W. K. HANDY.

Berryville, Nov. 16, 1855.
Holt Wilson, Esq., Portsmouth, Va.
Dear Sir,—Enclosed I send Bank of the Valley's certificate of deposit to your credit, for twenty-seven dollars, contributed by citizens of Clarke county, Va., for the relief of the sufferers in your city. Very respectfully,
TREADWELL SMITH.

[356] Berryville, Va., Nov. 20, 1855.
Holt Wilson, Esq.
Dear Sir,—I have in my hands a small sum of money collected in my congregation in this place, for the orphans of Norfolk and Portsmouth. As I do know to whom to send that for your city, I take the liberty of enclosing it ($25) to you, feeling assured it will afford you pleasure to see it properly appropriated. Respectfully, yours,
FRANCIS M. WHITTLE.

Portsmouth, Va., Nov. 26, 1855.
Holt Wilson, Esq.
Dear Sir,—Enclosed are $32.60 which were put into my hands by the Presbyterian Church, Middletown, Delaware, for the benefit of the Portsmouth sufferers.
Very respectfully,
ISAAC W. K. HANDY.

Bank of Virginia, Lynchburg, Nov. 30, 1855.
Dear Sir,—Enclosed find my check on Bank of Virginia, Norfolk, No. 1,600, for $75, one half for the orphans of Portsmouth, and the other half for the orphans of Norfolk, contributed by the citizens living near Tye-River Warehouse, Nelson county. Received by myself through the hands of Wm. M. Cabell, Esq. Yours most truly,
JOHN M. OTEY, Cash'r.
Holt Wilson, Esq., Portsmouth, Va.

Chamber of Commerce, Cincinnati, Dec. 13, 1855.
The Hon. the Mayor of Portsmouth, Va.
Dear Sir,—During the prsvalence of the yellow fever at your place and Norfolk, the Chamber appointed a committee to receive contributions to aid the Portsmouth and Norfolk sufferers. Some $2,700 was raised and forwarded to the Mayor of Baltimore, as you are no doubt advised. Yours, very truly,
C. W. WEST, Chairman of Committee.

[357] Petersburg, Dec. 26, 1855.
Dr. J. N. Schoolfield, Portsmouth, Va.
Dear Sir,—I had duly your esteemed favor of 13th imt., and have been hindered heretofore from replying by a mass of pressing engagements. The various sums remitted by me, and paid by me for provisions, were as follows, all for Portsmouth, viz:
Aug. 14—Check on Farmers Bank, Norfolk, sent to Mayor or President of Council, $2,000.00
Aug. 24—Check on Farmers Bank, Norfolk, 912.10
Sept. 5—Check to Rev. V. Eskridge, 282.00
Sept 18—Check to Holt Wilson,Esq., 339.17
Same day advised Holt Wilson I had sent, via the Petersburg and Seaboard railroads, 2 barrels of rice, 22 barrels soda crackers, 1,605 loaves of bread, in barrels and cases, and 48 pieces Virginia cured bacon—whole cost, 342.61
Sept. 29—Check on Farmers Bank, Norfolk, to H. Wilson, 574.65
Nov. 2—Check on Farmers Bank, Norfolk, to H. Wilson, 183.25
Total, $4,633.68
I remain, very truly, yours,
D'ARCY PAUL.

Baltimore, Dec. 31,1855.
Dr. J. N. Schoolfield, Portsmouth, Va.
Dear Sir,—Annexed we hand you list and quantities of articles sent to you during the yellow fever, with the estimated cost of $13,357.00, viz:—18 casks bacon, 61 bbls. brown sugar, 24 bbls. white sugar, 58 kegs butter, 9 barrels lard, 205 bags meal, 100 lbs. each, 53 boxes soap, 6 casks rice, 26 bbls. toasted coffee, 77 barrels flour, 6-1/8 casks brandy, 7 dozen port wine, 4,100 loaves bread, 9 boxes lemons, 7 quarters fresh beef, 13 barrels molasses, 86 boxes candles, 1 basket oil, 23 barrels beef, 105 boxes herrings, 30 reams paper, 15 chests black tea, 26 dozen chickens, 80 boxes cheese, 14 barrels pork, 20 bales hay, 3 tierces hams, 50 barrels crackers, 1 keg arrow root, 8 boxes broma, 3 boxes eocoa, 8 boxes chocolate, 3 boxes jelly, 20 sheep, 3 dozen bay rum, 6 boxes mustard, and a quantity of drugs, &c. Yours truly,
P. A. LEVERING, Chairman Relief Cbmmittee.

[358] New York, Jan. 22, 1856.
Dear Sir,—Last fall the young gentlemen of our city, feeling a deep interest for the unfortunates, made orphans by the fatal disease which filled your dwellings and hospitals with the sick and dying, and the grave yards with the dead, called a public meeting, for the purpose of raising a fund to aid them in their sore calamity. Having closed their appeals to the public, they are now making arrangements to dispose of the fund, in accordance with the wishes of the donors.

Can you give me the number in your city of boys and girls dependent and in want, and if convenient, the age and condition, and the provision made for their relief?

Have you any organized body to whom we could commit the trust, and have it disposed of in accordance to the terms upon which it was raised?

The fund in our hands amounts to $10,000. It was contributed by the old, middle-aged and the young—from the Sabbath, Public and Industrial Schools—Churches, without reference to doctrinal tenets—Military, Fire, Masonic and other Associations. The appeal was made to the masses, and they have, in the most noble manner, responded, and we wish to dispose of their liberality on the same broad principle upon which it was given.

Your early reply will oblige yours, &c.
WILSON G. HUNT.
Holt Wilson, Esq., Portsmouth, Va.

Baltimore, Feb. 18, 1856.
Holt Wilson, Esq., Treasurer of the Relief Association, Portsmouth, Va.
Dear Sir,—I addressed his honor, D. D. Fiske, Mayor of your city, a communication on the 19th ult., in regard to the balance of funds subscribed by the citizens of Baltimore last summer, for the benefit of the sufferers by yellow fever in Norfolk, Portsmouth and Gosport.

On the 5th inst., being without an answer, I again addressed Mr. Fiske, sending him a copy of my letter of the 19th January. On 14th inst., I received a note from him, dated the 11th, stating, "Upon the subject of your (my) communication of the 19th Jauuary, I (he) handed it over to Holt Wilson, Esq., Treasurer of the Relief Association of Portsmouth, (he being in possession of all the facts in relation to the funds on hand,) who replied to it by return mail."

My object in addressing you to-day, is to advise you, that your reply, alluded to by Mr. Fiske, has never come to hand, nor does it remain in our post [359] office, where I have caused it to be enquired for. Be good enough to send me a copy of your letter, at your earliest convenience. I am, dear sir, your most ob't serv't,
WM. H. BEIRNE, Treas'r of the Norfolk, Portsmouth and Gosport fund.

Portsmouth, Va., Feb. 19, 1856.
Dear Sir,—I wrote Mr. Baldwin, of the Senate, some time since, in relation to the Portsmouth Orphan Asylum bill, and requested him to confer with yourself, as Chairman of the Committee, to whom was referred the bill, and by whom it was reported to the House in the form and shape desired by the Portsmouth Relief Association. My object was solely and wholly to procure the passage of that measure at as early a period as practicable, because I had received a communication from a gentleman in New York, apprising me that there was a fund in that city, which had accumulated to a considerable amount, designed for the benefit of the Portsmouth orphans. Delay in the passage of the bill, I conceived, might possibly hazard that fund, and hence my anxiety and desire to secure it to these helpless ones for whom it was designed.

Since my communication to Mr. Baldwin, I have received the enclosed brief and expressive note from the indefatigable Chairman of the Relief Committee of Philadelphia, who was ever our fast friend during the dismal period through which we have passed, and in whose native city intense interest has been manifested in the welfare of the orphans of Portsmouth. To this letter I take leave to solicit your favorable and energetic attention. In view of this letter, and of the fact, that funds are acually waiting the action of our Legislature—in view of the delay thus caused to the publication of the proceedings of the Portsmouth Relief Association—their exhibits of receipts and disbursements of the charity fund, which ought long since to have been spread before the public—in view of the interests of helpless children, without father or mother—without maternal protection—which are involved—may I not call upon you, as the Chairman of the Committee, the friend of the measure, and of the Portsmouth orphans, to move in this matter, so as at once to secure the objects designed by the benevolent contributors and friends of our needy orphans, and so to move, as not to cease till the proper disposition of this humane measure is ultimately and forever effected?

I trust you will pardon the tone of familiarity and importunity which I manifest, and attribute my earnestness to a sincere sentiment in behalf of our destitute orphans.

I am, very truly, your friend and serv't,
HOLT WILSON.
John H. Lee, Esq., Chairman, H. of D.

[360] Richmond, Feb. 20, 1856.
To the Mayor of Portsmouth.
Sir,—We enclose check for $1,197, being one-half of balance remaining in our hands, of contributions made for the relief of Norfolk and Portsmouth, during their late severe afflictions, which we wish to be appropriated to the benefit of your orphans. The remaining half will bo remitted to Norfolk for a similar purpose. Please acknowledge receipt. Very respectfully, your ob't serv'ts,
R. ARCHER, J. A. COWARDIN, H. K. ELLYSON, Committee.

Portsmouth, Va., Feb. 26,1856.
Gentlemen.—His Honor, Mayor Fiske, has handed me your valued favor of the 20th inst., conveying a check for $1,197, for the benefit of the Portsmouth orphans. Whenever I look back upon the gloomy scenes through which we have so recently passed, and call to mind the zealous benevolence, the noble emulation of men, everywhere, in the struggle to be foremost in our behalf—Richmond, her people, her active committees, her maternal care of our orphans, call up our chastest gratitude, and elicit our most guileless thanks. These, let me assure you, though uttered in feeblest accents, are, nevertheless, distinct, heartfelt and undented. I am, very truly, your friend.and serv't,
HOLT WILSON.
Messrs. Archer, Cowardin and Ellyson, Committee, Richmond.

JAMES G. HOLLADAY'S STATEMENT.
Pages 361, 362 and 363.

[364] AN ACT TO INCORPORATE THE PORTSMOUTH ORPHAN ASYLUM.
[Passed March 15, 1856.]

Be it enacted by the General Assembly, That D. D. Fiske, James G. Holladay, George W. Peete, J. N. Schoolfield, Holt Wilson, W. Watts, Joseph A. Bilisoly, Samuel T. Hartt, Jos. Burke, John K. Cooke, John L. Porter, and Moss W. Armistead, their successors and associates, be and they are hereby made a body politic and corporate by the name of the Portsmouth Orphan Asylum, subject to the provisions of chapters fifty-six and fifty-seven of the Code of Virginia, so far as they may be applicable to and not inconsistent with this act.

The said Portsmouth Orphan Asylum shall be under the control and management of the said trustees, their associates and successors, seven of whom shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business, except the transfer of real estate, in which case it shall require the presence and concurrence of a majority of the whole board. Any vacancy or vacancies in the said board of trustees, occasioned by death, resignation, or otherwise, may be supplied by appointment by the surviving trustees: provided, always, that the number of said trustees shall not be less than twelve; and they may remove any member of their body, two-thirds of the whole number being present and concurring.

The said society shall have power to hold real estate in the town of Portsmouth or county of Norfolk, not exceeding in all twenty-five acres, for the purpose of erecting thereon suitable and necessary buildings for an orphan asylum for orphan children, and for connecting therewith, if it should be found expedient and proper, an asylum for widows and single women of good character; and shall also have power to take donations, bequests and devises, and apply them for the proper uses of the society.

The said trustees shall have power, conformably to their regulations, to bind out such poor orphan children as they may have taken under their care; and also that they may bind such children as may be committed to them by their parents; the indentures of apprenticeship to be executed by the board of trustees, or either one of them, on behalf of the said corporation: provided, that the county court of Norfolk shall have the same superintendence over the conduct of the persons to whom such children shall be bound, and over said apprentices, as is given by law in other cases of apprentices.

The said society shall have power to make rules and regulations for the management of the said asylum, and the admission, control and government of the inmates thereof, consistent with the constitution and laws of this State or of the United States.

This act shall be in force from its passage.

State of Virginia, City of Richmond, to wit:

I hereby certify that the foregoing is a true copy of an act passed by the General Assembly, the day and year first above written. Given under my hand this 5th April, 1856.
S. G. TUCKER, C. H. D., And Keeper of tht Rolls of Virginia.

THE END.