w
remained. Then Mrs. Hosmer and her friend returned to their home.

The following summer that admirable and most useful institution, the
"Soldiers' Home," was established in Chicago, and Mrs. Hosmer was
appointed first vice-president.

This "Home" occupied much of her time for the following year. In
connection with this was the Soldiers' Rest, where hundreds, and
sometimes thousands of men, _in transitu_, were furnished with good warm
meals, and with lodging for the sick, to the extent of its
accommodations. This was entirely sustained and carried on by the ladies
of Chicago, and Mrs. Hosmer often passed entire days and nights there,
in these labors of love.

After the battle of Chickamauga she again felt it a duty and privilege
to proceed to the field, on a mission of mercy. Her friend, Mrs.
Tinkham, again accompanied her. As they neared Chattanooga, they were
unfortunately taken prisoners. They suffered much fatigue, and many
privations, but no other ill-treatment, though they were, a part of the
time, in great danger from the shells which were exploding all about
them. They were however soon recaptured, and proceeded on their way.

Having lost their supplies, however, they found they could be of little
service. Provisions were very scarce, as in fact were all necessaries,
both for the wounded and well. Therefore, being provided with an escort,
they slowly retraced their way, and, after a disastrous and fatiguing
journey, arrived in Chicago, completely worn and exhausted, and without
the cheering influence of the consciousness of having accomplished much
good by their efforts.

From this time, with the exception of occasional trips to Cairo, to look
after the sick and wounded there, Mrs. Hosmer remained in Chicago,
laboring for the soldiers at the "Home" and "Rest," until the close of
the year, 1864. The "Northwestern Sanitary and Soldiers' Home Fair," was
then in contemplation, and was to take place in June, 1865. Mrs. Hosmer
had been appointed one of the Executive Committee, and Corresponding
Secretary of the organization, which had the mammoth fair in charge.

In pursuance of the objects in view, she then went down the Mississippi
River, to solicit donations of money and articles for the fair. Thinking
she could materially aid the object, by visiting hospitals, and giving
her testimony that supplies were still needed, she paid particular
attention to this part of her duty, and visited nearly every hospital