008 - Appendix A An Olmsted Memorandum

During the tumult of the American Civil War, the United States Sanitary Commission emerged as a vital lifeline, akin to a forerunner of the Red Cross. Staffed by dedicated volunteers, it played a crucial role in augmenting the medical care provided by the armed forces. This memoir offers a poignant glimpse into the hardships, triumphs, and heart-wrenching realities faced by doctors, nurses, and volunteers as they fought to save lives and provide comfort to grieving families. Through vivid storytelling, it captures the essence of a campaign marked by both despair and hope. Note The term “contraband” refers to black slaves, particularly those who were fugitive or captured. Summary by David Wales and Oxford English Dictionary.