A. S. Barry to Unknown

With John R. Woods letters 5/6/65; 5/12/65

With printed circular "Claim Dept. of the Ill. State San. Commission for the benefit of Widows and Orphans, Mothers and Fathers

I. O. OF O. F.

Office of the M. W. Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Illinois,

Alton, Illinois. Match 27, 1865.

Office and Members of Lodge No.

Brothers:

The Illinois State Sanitary Commission, called into existence by the present Rebellion, have established at Springfield, a Claim Department, for the collection of claims due to Soldiers or their families : trusting by low charges, to add to the many benefits which they have already bestowed upon our Brethren in the field. Our Order, which has contributed so many worthy members in answer to the call of their Country, will no doubt have need of such services as they can bestow, in protecting the interests of the Widows and Orphans left in their charge. I therefore most cordially recommend their undertaking to your favorable attention, particularly as Bro. P. G. John B. Woods so long favorably known to the Order, is identified with the movement - a sufficient guarrantee that its foundation is secure, its intentions honorable, and the rights of the Widow and the Orphan protected.

Truly and Fraternally Yours,

A. S. Barry,

Grand Master

Samuel Willard,

Grand Secretary.

Office of the Secretary of the Illinois Grand Council of the Union League of America,

Springfield, April 13, 1865.

To the Members of the Union League of America, in Illinois:

Brothers:

The Illinois State Sanitary Commission have established at Springfield, a Claim Department for the purpose of collecting all claims due to Soldiers, their Widows or families, at a charge sufficient only to cover expense incurred.

The managers of this movement are gentlemen well known in our State, and to the Soldiers who have been benefitted by the Sanitary Commission. The interests of the Widow and Orphan will be faithfully considered and protected; and I would call upon all of the brotherhood to aid the Sanitary Commission in this worthy effort as much as they can consistently with other duties.

Fraternally Yours,

Geo. H. Harlow, Grand Secretary.