Lucy Chase, November 11, 1863

Norfolk, Va., Nov. 11th, 1863.

Four hundred refugees, released by colored soldiers, have just come, empty-handed, into our lines. In the jail-yard, where they once found chains and a lash, all the refugees now find a temporary home. The men and large boys go at once to the Government farms to build huts, and in due season to take their families to the housewarming. Twenty-five refugees came ten days ago; and more will come, from time to time, all winter long. They must be clothed; so, of Northern charity let there be no end.

Many of the negroes upon the Government farms will this month receive wages, and should have the privilege of paying something for their clothing. The number of needy will, necessarily, continue to be large, and it seems necessary to continue the practice of gratuitous distribution; but Dr. Brown unites with me in thinking it very desirable that a store should be opened here for all who hold a purse. He says if you will send a store-keeper, he will furnish him with facilities; and he can furnish you with free transportation from New York.

I have not told you that we present all the refugees with A B C's, and they snatch them greedily, astonishing my sister and myself, long-experienced though we are, with their amazing progress.

L. c.

SOURCE: New-England Educational Commission for Freedmen, Extracts from Letters of Teachers and Superintendents of the New-England Educational Commission for Freedmen, Fourth Series, January 1, 1864, p. 12