u, of
historical interest. During this long struggle her evenings were spent
in writing letters to the North, framing bills, petitions, and appeals
to amend the laws of the District. As she was interested in all the
reforms of the day, she was frequently called upon for active service
in conventions and political gatherings.

Of the public men whom she consulted, two at least, I know, made
everybody and everything yield when she appeared; these were Secretary
Stanton and Chas. Sumner--so interested were they in the objects of
her devotion, and so sure that Mrs. Griffing would not take their time
without sufficient reason. Benj. F. Wade and Henry Wilson would not
yield the palm in their respect to her, and Senator Howard, of
Michigan, was also one of her most friendly helpers. Stevens, Julian,
Dawes, Ashley--all the friends in Congress--could tell of her great
achievements, and their unbounded confidence in her, as the following
letters show:

WASHINGTON, D. C., _March 11, 1865._

_To the Commissioner of the Freedman's Bureau_:

SIR:--I take pleasure in giving my influence to this application
for a place at the head of freedmen's affairs in the District of
Columbia for Mrs. Josephine S. Griffing, believing her to be
eminently qualified to develop the resources of the freed people
in this District, most of whom are women and children--secure the
national interest, and give satisfaction to the country. Mrs.
Griffing has given successful public and private efforts in
behalf of the colored race for many years, and has devoted the
entire time of the last year to an investigation of the condition
and best method of giving relief to the multitudes of freed
people in and around the National Capital. Finding many thousands
of women with families without employment or the means of
self-support, she has conferred with the President and Governors
of the Northwestern States upon the practicability of encouraging
their emigration. To meet the destitution of these people in this
city during the past winter, Mrs. Griffing has disbursed from the
Government about $25,000 in wood and blankets and rations, and
$5,000 in clothing and money from the public charity. I believe
the appointment of Mrs. J. S. Griffing to a chief clerkship or
general agency for the District in this Bureau will be creditab