Marked Goods

MARKED GOODS some of the marks which abe fastened on the blankets, shirts, etc., sent to the Sanitary Commission for the soldiers, show the thought and feeling at home. Thus — on a home-spun blanket, worn but washed as clean as snow, was pinned a bit of paper which said: "This blanket was carried by Milly Aldrich (who is ninety-three years old) down hill and up hill one and a half miles, to be given to some soldier." On a bed-quilt was pinned a card, saying: "My son is in the army. Whoever is made warm by this quilt, which I have worked on for six days and most all of six nights, let him remember his own mother's love." On another blanket was this: "This blanket was used by a soldier in the war of 1812 — may it keep some soldier warm in this war against traitors." On a pillow was written: "This pillow belonged to my little boy, who died resting on it; it is a precious treasure to me, but I give it for the soldiers." On a pair of woolen socks was written: "These stockings were knit by a little girl five years old, and she is going to knit some more, for mother says it will help some poor soldier." On a box of beautiful lint was this mark: "Made in a sick-room, where the sunlight has not entered for nine years, but where God has entered, and where two sons have bid their mother good-bye as they have gone out to the war." On a bundle containing bandages was written: "This is a poor gift, but it is all I had; I have given my husband and my boy, and only wish I had more to give, but I haven't." On some eye-shades was marked: "Made by one who is blind. Oh! how I long to see the dear Old Flag that you are all fighting under!" 64 ...