June 1, 1861.
Dear Eliza: We had a funny communication from Theodore Winthrop this morning written at Fortress Monroe, where he is acting as Military Secretary to Major General Butler, in the very middle of the middle of things– “Headquarters Department of Virginia.” He tells about the negroes who are flocking to them, and begs that on the sly we will manage a patriotic job for them–get some sort of kepi, turban or headgear, which shall make them more respectable to look at and more formidable to the enemy. Of course, General Butler is to know nothing of it officially, but since the poor ragged fellows must be clothed they will be glad to have a sort of coarse uniform for them–shirt, trousers and cap–if the ladies will do it privately, and forward to Fortress Monroe.
Last night and night before G. and I each made three havelocks, and Georgy is going to take them down to the Battery Encampment and distribute the six to the six men who fled the hospital. They, at least, must be supplied, as they had had inflamed eyes already from wearing the hot caps. If the Fishkill ladies want work say there is a demand for 3,000 havelocks, 3,000 grey flannel shirts and 3,000 grey or red drawers, and more will be needed. Those are needed today.
Yesterday Charley went about a good deal trying to find a room as a depot for receiving and distributing books and magazines for the troops. He had seen one or two notices on the subject in the papers, but last night’s Post showed us that some gentlemen of the Evangelical Alliance are already in the field.