When troops were approaching the city of Philadelphia, the great “Liberty Bell” rang out a welcome to coming regiments. Hundreds of kindly women, laden with good things, hastened to this large building, which was a cooper’s shop, quickly set up rough tables, and spread their generous supplies ready for the hungry men. During the war thousands of men and many regiments halted here for “a good square meal,” while passing through the city to the front. When the hungry Boys were rested and satisfied, they fell into line and marched away to the music of the jolly fife and drum, cheering and shouting their thanks, only exceeded in sound by the deafening applause of the patriotic people waiting to see them off. This “shop,” by the generosity of its owners, and the unflagging patriotism of the women, became historical. Many full regiments remembered the good things freely given by those who had not always an abundant living for themselves.
The following is a verbatim copy of a letter written by one of the “Twins” from the Union Volunteer Refreshment Saloon and Hospital, generally known as the Cooper Rest Hall, referred to above:
“Philadelphia, June 22d, 1864.
Miss Adelaide Smith:
Dear Madam:—
I have just received your kind and welcome letter and now hasten to reply. I am glad to hear of your safe arrival in New York, and regret that friend Mudge cannot exercise sufficient control over himself to prevent so much useless trouble to his friends but I anticipated as much. I hope the air of the Astor House will be congenial to him. Berry has been seeking the paper you refer to but has not yet gotten it. He will go out to-day and get it, if he can, and send it to you.
Shortly after Berry went out with you, the day you left, Mrs. Lincoln visited the Saloon and had a little talk with me (Smith) and a $20.00 bill was slipped into my hand. I believe there is $20.00 expected for Berry from the same source.
With regard to pecuniary matters Philadelphia is looking up. In addition to the above donation I have received $25.00, and Berry about $20.00. Berry is out occasionally, hence the difference between us, but Berry will stay in the Saloon alongside of me and no doubt we will both share alike.
Berry was walking along Chestnut Street on Monday when a man standing at a doorway stopped him, questioned him, did he know Miss Furness? Yes. Well Miss Furness has been everywhere trying to find us, wishing very much to see us. Miss Furness was then in the house. Berry was invited in to see her. She commenced the old story about the artificial arms and legs. We expect she will go to the fair and peddle out the rest of her old jewelry which will, she expects, enable her to give us some fifteen or twenty thousand dollars each. In fact our expectations are raised to such a pitch and we are so sanguine of Miss Furness that we shall probably have a surplus of a few thousand, dear Madam for you, as a ‘slight testimonial of our esteem and mark of our gratitude’; etc., etc. She has also a box full of artificial arms and legs.