DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA.
This branch, which has about sixty trained nurses enrolled, has made an arrangement with the Nurses’ Central Registry to send to it every three months an accurate list of the nurses’ names and addresses. If a call is made for nurses the nurse in charge of the Registry will find out what nurses are immediately available for this active duty. The Registry will be compensated by the branch for any such service rendered.
The District Branch has provided a box of First Aid supplies for a mining camp in Edwardsburg, Idaho, a camp over one hundred miles from any physician. One of Major Lynch’s Red Cross First Aid Works was also sent. On May 14th Mrs. Edwards, whose husband is general manager of the Eagle Mining Company, to whom this box was sent, wrote that the snow was still deep and the mail was carried by dog trains. Her letter took twelve days to reach Washington.
The Branch is also planning to equip a First Aid Station in Rock Creek Park.
Edwardsburg, Idaho, May 28, 1909.
My Dear Miss Boardman—I received today three boxes, and the men who have called for their mail and been told of the Red Cross help have been so gratified.
I really don’t know how to thank you, for I don’t believe you could realize just how great the need is at times for just those things you have sent.
Last Thursday Mr. Edwards was leading our cayuse loaded with powder on a lonely rocky trail when the cayuse made a misstep and went headlong to the bottom of the mountain. Mr. Edwards was unhurt, but had he been injured or killed days might have passed and I ignorant of his need of me. He came home immediately and I think I shall never forget his white face as he came up to the door of our cabin. He and I alone and together have been so many times through the valley that I sometimes start at the sound of my boy’s voice as he plays outside with “Gingie,” his dog.
Will you please thank the District of Columbia Branch of the Red Cross for the men of the wilderness and for me? Indeed I do appreciate your thought of us. Faithfully,
(Signed) ANNIE NAPIER EDWARDS.