{"value"=>"<p>Letters and telegrams addressed mainly to J. B. Abbott and his staff from soldiers, soldiers’ family members, army officers and surgeons, and USSC employees regarding applications for aid in collecting back pay, bounty, clothing, rations, or reduced transportation fares; inquiries as to a soldier’s condition and whereabouts; and the receipt of money or documents. Letters often enclosed forms, certificates, and other documentation necessary to complete the claims process, such as certificates of a soldier’s muster into the Army, descriptive lists, certificates of admission to a hospital, and discharges. Enclosures were often referred elsewhere for further action. Many early inquiries from civilians and soldiers were initially directed to other USSC offices and referred by them to the Special Relief Department for attention.</p> <p>Many letters are noted as being referred to particular individuals within the Special Relief Department, and various USSC departments such as the Hospital Directory and claim agencies. Such instances are indicated by a paper place marker with the same endorsement as the original letter, which may be found elsewhere in the collection as indicated. Letters received, 1862 Jan-1864 Jul and undated, are arranged in chronological order by month and alphabetically thereunder by the first initial of the surname found on the endorsement or the soldier referred to in the letter. Endorsements typically include the name of the sender, dates the letter was received and answered, and sometimes a brief abstract of its contents. Also present is an index for letters received in 1863, but this index does not provide adequate access to the letters and is not complete. Letters received, 1864 Jul-1866 Feb, were individually numbered 1-18616 and listed in Registers of numbered letters received. These registers, in chronological order by date of receipt, include the document number, name of writer, where written, date sent and received, a brief summary of the contents, and any actions taken with the letter. Actions provide insight into where a letter was referred within the USSC organization. Any numbered items not present are listed within these two volumes.</p>"}