{"value"=>"<p>Within the USSC, the term “Supply Department” referred as much to the function as to a particular office or department location. The USSC’s supply depot in Washington, D.C., consisting of a network of storehouses, was a major center for the receipt and distribution of supplies for all types of relief in the east. One of the USSC’s main operational goals was to establish and maintain an efficient system for the collection and distribution of supplies, including hospital supplies, clothing, and food. These supplies, donated by aid societies across the north, were usually shipped to USSC branches, who repacked materials according to type for delivery to USSC supply depots, either nearby or farther afield. Some aid societies shipped directly to depots. When necessary, USSC offices purchased supplies from merchants to fill any urgent or special needs. From such depots, the USSC distributed supplies to nearby army hospitals, regiments, and camps, and to USSC departments and relief stations, by land transport or by ship. Storehouses and relief agents played an important role in distributing supplies at the local level, particularly in the field; this sometimes included assistance to other relief organizations’ workers, and to individuals in need. Storehouses often assisted USSC and military personnel with baggage storage and shipping services, as did many lodges and relief stations.</p> <p>The two largest storehouses in Washington were the Receiving Storehouse and the Local Storehouse. On a daily basis, the Central Office sent to the Receiving Storehouse shipping invoices received from branches, aid societies and others, listing supplies they had sent to Washington. When shipments arrived, storehouse staff opened boxes and checked contents against the invoices, sorted supplies according to type, repacked the supplies if necessary, and assigned numbers to the boxes. The storekeeper and his staff were also responsible for delivering supplies once a requisition order approved by a USSC secretary or chief clerk was received. Supplies were generally issued to the Local Storehouse or forwarded to USSC and Army locations. The Local Storehouse maintained a full stock of supplies by making requests upon the Receiving Storehouse. It filled requisitions from army hospitals and regiments, hospital steamers, and USSC locations in the Washington, D.C. area, upon receipt of requisitions approved by a USSC secretary or chief clerk. The storehouses and Central Office staff worked closely together, using several types of record books to maintain control of supplies. Volumes were shared as needed for updating.</p>"}