Sidney Brooks letter to an unknown recipient, 1864 July 25
Description:
Sidney Brooks letter to an unknown recipient written while working as a delegate of the United States Christian Commission in the American Civil War. He writes regarding his attempts to see President Abraham Lincoln as Lincoln goes out to his country residence every night and takes the same route by which Sidney goes to his hospital. He describes the Lincoln cavalcade and tells of particular times when he saw it, including once when some girls shouted "Uncle Abe," a time when he saw both the President and his wife (Mary Todd Lincoln), and a time when he visited the White House. He goes on to describe the White House, his visit to it, and what happened when the President was leaving it, recounting a story of a black man he calls "a negro" who presented a matter to Lincoln as the President was seated in his carriage. At the beginning of this letter, Sidney explains that he closed his letter, but concluded to add another sheet. It is unknown to which letter this addendum corresponds.
