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12 Colored Orphan Asylum Of whose loyalty I had some doubt. Gen. Hurlbut, in command of the department of Mississippi, encouraged me by endorsing a subscription paper; and with Mr. Tomeny's introduction, I succeeded far better than I could have anticipated. From the liberal contributions of the citizens, and their expressed loyal sentiments, I was convinced that my former opinion was erroneous; and after some deliberation I determined to give the building to the exclusive use of the schools, enlarged my plans for the asylum, and continued the subscription, until I had received nearly two thousand dollars. From Gen. Hurlbut I received an addition of one thousand dollars, and the promise of a building as soon as I should be ready to commence operations. I found the work was growing upon my bands, and looked for some one to bear with me the responsibility. Gen. A.L Chetlain, assigned by order of the Secretary of War to the command of the Colored Troops in the State of Tennessee, had recently made this his head-quarters; and although a stranger to me, his position led me to infer that he would be interested to aid me in this work; and on my first interview I found I was not mistaken. Gen. Chetlain advised the organization of a Board of Trustees. It was done, and composed of the following persons:-Gen. Chetlain, Rev. I.J. Holie, J.M. Tomeny, Esq., J.B. Biugham, Esq., and Mrs. S.A. Martha Canfield, Medina, O. Gen. Chetlain was chosen President, and J.M Tomeny Secretary and Treasurer, of the Asylum Having accomplished this much, I went to Vicksburg to lay my plans before Col. John Eaton, Jr., General Superintendent of Freedmen in this Department, and ask his advice in regard to future operations. He heartily endorsed my efforts, and gave me assurance of his co-operation and assistance, which I have ever found unfailing and of great value. On my return in April, I concluded to go North and procure a matron and an Assistant, and make purchases necessary to the establishment of the Asylum. The arduous labors of several months had overtaxed me; and I found when I arrived in Cincinnati, that I was unable to proceed farther. During an illness of three weeks I was the guest of Dr. and Mrs. Mendenhall. Under the Dr.'s kind and skillful treatment I was so far restored os to be able to return to my home; but with health so impaired as to make it impossible at the time to continue my work. With renewed health and the return of autumn I made prepara- Colored Orphan Asylum 13 rations to resume my cherished plans. Nothing had been done in my absence; and a change in commanders presented obstacles in my was; but determined not to lose what I had already accomplished, returned to Memphis. On my arrival, the 21st of November, I met the members of the Board and Col Eaton, who fortunately had removed his headquarters to this city. Without Delay we had an interview with Gen. Washburn, then in command of this Department, and in less than a week a commodious building known as the Charleston Hotel, was selected, and orders given for its immediate possession with the furniture it contained. Not expecting such a prompt action, I had not perfected my arrangements in regard to a matron and assistants, and was thus obliged to attend to the preliminaries myself. Repairs were necessary; and nearly a month was consumed before the reception of the Orphans. As soon as practieable, I secured the services of a matron, an assistant and a teacher. A surgeon was assigned to duty here by the Freedmen's Department, and reports daily. Rations are allowed in the following manner:- to white employees, soldiers rations; colored servants, contraband rations; children, contraband half rations. this has not always been sufficient in quantity; and to provide for this deficiency, and to make more of a variety, I obtained of Gen. Veatch an order to purchase commissary stores, at cost of ration at this Post. The Government furnished coal; and wood is furnished by the Freedmen's Department. Morris Henderson, a colored man, who for many years has been pastor of a Baptist congregation in this city, officiates whenever his services are required. He has been of great assistance in ascertaining facts in regard to our children, and also in soliciting volunteer labor from the colored people. Many in destitution have been fed and clothed, and given a home temporarily as circumstances suggested. Such was not the design of the Asylum; but I could not refuse it; and only regret that at the time I did not make it some record. Whole number of Orphans admitted, - - - - - 100 Number provided with permanent homes, - - - - 18 Number in temporary homes, - - - - - - 4 Number who have been under medical treatment, - - - 63 Number of deaths, - - - - - - - - - 1
Transcription Notes:
I did not know whether to indent or not. I also could not figure out how to properly format the continuation of a word. for example. on line 4 on page 12 contributions is continued on to line 5.
