Abby Hopper Gibbons letter to Dr. James Walker, 1863-09-04

4 pages. Thanks him for offering to shelter her family after the destruction of her house in the draft riots in New York. Details the destruction and looting of her house. Mentions that her father Isaac T. Hopper's personal papers were burned. Her daughters with the help of John Choate were able to save some valuable items by carrying them over the rooftops to safety. They have since been staying in her brother's home, but hope to move into a new house by the autumn. Says "because this calamity has overtaken us is no reason why we should sit with folded hands." Will be returning with her daughter Sally and five new women to work as nurses at the army hospital in Point Lookout, Maryland. Says "I still hold the control of that Hospital and shall continue my interest supplying it with stores and with nurses. Being identified with its rise and progress, and having been steadily in it for six months past I cannot easily give it up without loss."

Subjects: Gibbons, Abby Hopper, 1801-1893; United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865; Women nurses; Nursing; War work; War--Relief of sick and wounded; Draft Riot (New York, New York : 1863); Hammond General Hospital (Point Lookout, Md.)

Relevant locations: New York (N.Y.)