My dear Mrs. Lyons [Grace Nathan, wife of JJ Lyons, the congregation’s Hazan],

The cold and stormy weather of the last few days having caused a large increase in the number of sick of my regiment, in consequence of exposure. I could not refrain from being reminded that many who are now suffering, have left their homes where they had enjoyed every comfort of life and had come forth at a great sacrifice [p. 2] to help maintain our flag against a wicked and fratricidal attempt to rend it and break up the unity and happiness of a great nation.

The increasingly cold weather should remind our patriotic lady friends who made “Havelocks” [a type of hat with a long flap over the back of the neck. see last image below for examples] to protect us from the sun, that “comforters” are a greater necessity to keep our sick warm and I am induced to ask you to call together the ladies of the congregation and others who will join them and meet in a sewing society and make us some “quilts” [p.3] of calico, thickly wadded with cotton–the expense will be but trifling and which I have no doubt will be heartily given. We now have about 125 sick in the Regiment and when it is recollected that a soldier is allowed but one blanket, you will readily appreciate how welcome will be “a comforter”, which will be an indication that tender hearts at home feel for and sympathize with a soldier’s hardships.

with my sincere regards to your husband.

I am very truly

I. Moses. Lt. Col. 3 Reg.