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MISS WILBURS REPORT CONCERNING THE CONTRABANDS.
MR. DOUGLASS—
Thinking some of your readers might be interested in hearing from the contrabands in Alexandria, I have made some extract from letters from Miss Wilbur who is there among them trying to do them good, which show something of their condition, and something, but only a little of what those who are at work for them have to contend with.
Yours &c,
A. M. C. BARNES.
ALEXANDRIA VA. Feb. 12th.
When we first came here none of these people had any money. Some of them have worked 5 or 6 months and have just received a part of their wages. Some women have worked in hospitals and have got nothing yet, and others have just been paid something. I think they will all be paid in time.
Those who have money are willing to pay for clothes. Some of those have rations, and some wood, and pay no rent and can afford to pay for clothes, if they get their wages. At first I could not bear the idea of taking money from them but I have come to the conclusion that is best for those to pay something who can, and get them in the way of supporting who can, and get them in the way of supporting themselves as soon as possible. Some of them have ration but pay rent and buy their wood at $10,00 a cord. Some women do this who have several children, and some women support themselves entirely and children besides. A great number of women have no husbands the master sent the men farther south before they could get away so a great many women have no help.
We have to inquire into all the circumstances to know who are needy and deserve help.—Some feel proud that they have had no help from Government. There are girls who are getting wages now who want sundry dresses, shawls, and bonnets—They like good substantial articles. In the last Wheetland barral were 7 new delain dresses—22 sold for $2,50 which I thought was half price and the others I shall sell for $2,00. I could sell 20 now at this rate if I had them.
Feb. 14th, 1863.
Perhaps our English Friends think that society is as well established here that the rights of everybody are respected and that Rosetta Douglass would be appreciated, and respected I will only say that I think she had not better come quite yet. The time may come when she can come here and teach, but now even her father would not be safe from insult and abuse. Mrs. Jacobs has nothing to do outside of our room, except visiting some of the people. Last, Sunday she went to Washington to see some friends. The boats do not allow colored persons in the ladies cabin. The street cars in Washington do not allow them to ride inside to she has to walk to and from the steamboat landing, unless she hires a carriage. She intended to come back Monday P.M., but they would give her no pass unless she took the oath of allegiance, and before she could do that she must get some person to identify her. It made her a great deal of trouble.—Will justice ever be done to this people? I advise colored people to go north, but I advise none of them to come here: they are not safe here yet. But very few are willing to go north. Of the servants in the kitchen here 5 are contrabands and 2 emancipated. Each one has a history—if I had time I would tell you a little of each but they should be seen to be appreciated."
"We are somewhat apprehensive that there are to be changes here. Perhaps they will not allow me to stay here. You need not be surprised at anything that should happen."