From the National Archives, RG 109, Ch. 6, Vol. 707-709; “Letters Received and Sent, Chimborazo Hospital. 1861-64.” 3 Vols: Vol. 707. p. 206

Chimborazo Hospital
Richmond, Va
Nov. 12^th 1862

Dr. J. B. McCaw
Surg. in Chief

Dear Sir,

I beg leave herewith to submit to you, through Dr. E. M. Seabrook Surg. in Charge Div. No. 5, the folg deficiencies in our culinary department, viz:

Having enlarged our kitchen and dining room, so as to accommodate as large a number as possible, we are much in need of a small quantity of lumber, (say 1450 feet 1 inch per plank) to complete our improvements. Should you find leisure, personally to examine our recent alterations and improvements in Hospital No. 5, we feel confident of your approval, and permission to complete them in accordance with the views under which we have undertaken them. I am Sir, Very Respy Yrs &c

H. B. Gaines, Steward No. 5