While we were lying at White House in the Wilson Small, one day, Mr. Olmsted came to G. with the statement that “young Mr. Mitchell of New York, who had come down to help in the Commission’s Quarter-master’s department, was ill on the supply boat Elizabeth.” G. went across the plank to him at once, and found a most attractive six or seven feet of future brother-in-law cramped into an uncomfortable little hole of a cabin. This was E. M.’s first introduction to the family; he was looked after a little, and sent home in a returning hospital ship to recruit. Mr. Olmsted had his father’s private instructions to keep him out of the army.
Abby Howland Woolsey a little later, writes:
Mr. Mitchell called yesterday afternoon to say good-bye and to offer to take anything to Georgy. Dr. Agnew had sent for him in a great hurry to go back as quartermaster on the Elm City. He had promised to go back on three or four days’ notice, and had hoped to spend those at the seaside, where his physician had told him he ought to go. We had nothing for Georgy, the Elm City lying at Jersey City, it would not have been convenient anyhow–but Carry took to his house in 9th street a letter to Georgy and a large bundle of candy for himself.–(C’s first present to her future husband).