“Treasury Department, Comptroller’s Office,
December 23, 1861.
Sir: Having understood you had decided to employ females in the dead letter office under a recent act of Congress authorizing you to employ an additional force, I present for your consideration the application of Miss Elizabeth Johnson of Cleveland, Ohio, who now and for some months past has been in this city.
She is a young lady, well educated, well behaved, and a member of the Presbyterian Church. Her father died some years since, leaving a widow and a large family of children.
Elizabeth D. was born in New Orleans, teaching school when the seceding States withdrew. Not disposing to remain there, she was protected by the colonel of a regiment from New Orleans to Richmond, who was acquainted with her. From Richmond she went to Norfolk, whence she came to Fortress Monroe with a trunk and flag of truce, from thence to Baltimore in the regular steamer, and from there here by railroad. A trunk containing her winter clothing was put in charge of a gentleman who came to this city and lost it between Richmond and Fortress Monroe.
The little money that she has is now exhausted, and she is in debt for a few weeks past. She is the person of whom an account was given at the time in the papers as having created a sensation on board of the boat by hurrahing when she first saw the stars and stripes on Fortress Monroe. Of her loyalty there can be no doubt, and for it I will be responsible.
It seems to me that you will not have a case that will appeal more strongly to your sense of justice nor to your sympathy or kindness. I was acquainted with her ancestors in Connecticut, and have seen her in Cleveland. Her application is before you and I hope it will prevail. I should have waited on you in person if I could leave the office without disappointing those creditors of the United States who are waiting for their money.
The Hon. Mr. Theaker is acquainted with Miss Johnson, and will wait on you in her behalf.
Elisha Whittlesey.
P. S.—Mr. Theaker has heard of the death of his wife in Bridgeport, Ohio, and has left for his home. Prof. Donald McLean, a clerk in this office, will wait on you with this letter, and he is also acquainted with Miss Johnson.