“Yes; I want to know the truth. If you see anything that can be improved just say so frankly; but you must remember we are under the enemy’s guns, and can’t have the conveniences and luxuries that they have in the big cities.”
“I will not suggest anything that cannot be accomplished here within a week, and yet it would be a great change for the men. I would begin with the kitchen. I would build a kitchen with a chimney; there are plenty of rocks here.”
“Yes, that is so.”
“Then, I would have a floor in it, and two of the largest ranges the market affords.”
“That is impossible; the government would not supply ranges.”
“I will supply the ranges. The Christian Commission is ready at an hour’s notice to honor any order that I am likely to give.”
“The men couldn’t manage them.”
“No, perhaps not; but I would put in two first-class women to do the managing, and the men you have could do the work.”
After very much more talk, he suggested that I might make the attempt.
I wrote immediately to George H. Stuart of Philadelphia, President of the Christian Commission, stating the condition of affairs at the Point of Rocks Hospital, requesting lumber for kitchen, lime for chimney, two first-class ranges, a thousand tin cups and platters, and all the necessary supplies to start a kitchen.