ch
followed the advance of the Confederate troops when they invaded
Maryland, or, who perhaps, living unfortunately in the very track of the
conflicting armies, found themselves driven from their burning
homesteads, and devastated fields, victims of a wanton soldiery.
Destitute, ragged and shelterless, their condition appealed with
peculiar force to the friends of the Union. State aid was by no means
sufficient, and unorganized charity unavailable to any great extent.

Mrs. Streeter was one of the first to see the need of systematic
assistance for this class. On the 16th of November, 1863, the result of
her interest was seen in the organization of the "Ladies' Aid Society,
for the Relief of Soldiers' Families," which included in its efforts the
relief of all destitute female refugees. A house was taken more
particularly to accommodate these last, and the Association, which
consisted of twenty-five ladies, proceeded to visit the families of
soldiers and refugees in person, inquiring into their needs, and
dispensing money, food, clothing, shoes, fuel, etc., as required. Over
twelve hundred families were thus visited and relieved, in addition to
the inmates of the Home. For this purpose they received from the city
and various associations about seven thousand dollars, and a large
amount from private contributions. In this and kindred work, Mrs.
Streeter was engaged till the close of the war.

The second report of the Maryland Committee of the Christian Commission
thus speaks of the services of the devoted women who proceeded to the
field after the battle of Antietam, and there ministered to the wants of
the suffering and wounded soldiers.

"Attendance in the hospitals upon the wounded at Antietam, was required
for several months after the battle. Services and supplies were
furnished by the Committee, principally through the agency of the ladies
of the Relief Associations, to whom the Committee acknowledge its
indebtedness for important and necessary labors, which none but
themselves could so well perform. The hospitals were located near the
battle-field, and the adjacent towns, and in Baltimore and Frederick
cities. Connected with each of them there was a band of faithful and
devoted women, who waited about the beds of the suffering objects of
their concern, and ministered to their relief and comfort during the
hours of their affliction. Through the months of September, October, and
November, these messengers of mercy l