They ought to know that he who brings the essentials of life to the door of the poor, at prices within their reach, putting it in their power to live within their scanty income, has done more for them, very much more, than has he who feeds and clothes them as a gratuity. He has satisfied their wants, and at the same time stimulated their better nature. He has done that which promotes their manhood, instead of inviting them to be mendicants.
It is with this end in view that we have established a cheap store for the colored people, where those who are utterly destitute, the refugees newly arrived, the sick, the infirm, and young children who are orphans, may receive freely from our stores, to the full extent of their need; but where those who have a little money in their purses may make it largely available, in answering the questions, what shall we eat, and wherewithal shall we be clothed?
The goods which have been sent us for donation by the various Freedmen's Societies, and by benevolent individuals at the North, have been here unpacked and sorted, and such as were consigned to me have been distributed by gift, or sale, according to the condition and needs of each individual applicant. This process requires at once judgment, penetration, firmness, and great kindness, on the part of those who engage in it.
This District has been fortunate in having at the head of this branch Mr. Horatio Leavitt, of Boston, a gentleman who combines these qualities in an eminent degree, and who, with his worthy associates, Mr. John B. Bonnell, and Mrs. Lucretia W. Johnson, has managed this business admirably.
The gratuitous distribution of clothing during the whole winter and spring, was made in person by Miss Eliza P. Perkins, of Norwich, Ct., a lady whose cheerful benevolence of heart led her to devote her energies, without compensation, and most untiringly, to this perplexing and difficult work.
The donations made from this office, during the colder months, were as follows:
| In January | 1864, | 4,120 | garments, valued at | $2,351.25 |
| In“ February | 1864,“ | 3,917 | garments,“ valued at“ | 1,986.45 |
| In“ March | 1864,“ | 2,514 | garments,“ valued at“ | 1,386.70 |
| In“ April | 1864,“ | 2,091 | garments,“ valued at“ | 1,853.10 |
