we the people of this Plantation have sen much thank to you Dear madam for the closing (clothing) what you have send for ous the very children sen there thanks to you for the shoes an closing that you have sent for them an we the people pray Day and night that the god of heaven will keep you an gard you an when this short life is pass heaven will be your home nothing more to say at present. Signed by one member of the committee, a woman.
As an instance of the desire of many of the committees in charge of the distribution of clothing, to be honest and fair, I copy another letter:
DEAR MADAM: Mrs. Diana Williams president of Sewing Society No. 1 Say she coming over for Clothing on Monday I dont think eny clothing need not right away I would like to see on my Section how many needy person are not serve in Clothing yet and plese dont send over no clothing before for it will take me some time. when clothing are need to go over I will let you now (know) for further information I can explain it something I like to say to you before eny more clothing go over.
I have thus far mentioned the more pleasant features of this work, but no one will be surprised if I touch lightly upon some of its trials. Life was not always "one long, bright, sunny day" in the Sea Islands, any more than it is in the more favored sections of our land. This great work of relief had its reverse side; the usual trials, disappointments and discouragements attending most lines of philanthropic work were not lacking here. Not all were entirely content with the necessary restrictions and methods; not all were wholly satisfied with such things as could be found for them just at that time; not all committees worked in absolute peace and harmony, and the common faults of humanity in general were not wholly absent.
I well remember one instance which will illustrate these conditions. Two rival committees presented themselves before our president, both anxious to establish their rights and claims, and with great earnestness and vehemence related their grievances. With her usual wisdom and patience, sitting in their midst like a judge in his court, she pronounced the sentence which was that no more clothing should be issued to _either_ side for the present. This will explain the following letter: