Eliza Woolsey Howland and Georgeanna… were planning to join the hospital service again, and keep near [Eliza’s husband] Joe, under the Sanitary Commission auspices.
Frederick Law Olmsted to Eliza Woolsey Howland
U. S. Sanitary Commission,
New York Agency, 40 Broadway.
New York, 25th July, 1862.
Dear Mrs. Howland: I have just received your note of the 22d.
It is expected that the “Euterpe” will leave here on Saturday for Old Point, there to “await orders.” Dr. Jenkins writes me that Dr. Cuyler changed his mind and his orders about the use of the hospital vessels two or three times a day, and he could form no plans. . . .
I hope some decided and tangible line of work may be determined on. At present everything remains as when we left James River. . . .
The Commission would, of course, be glad to have you and your sister take passage upon the returning hospital ship if you wish; and you can do so without placing yourself under any obligation to remain upon her. You could, upon arrival at Fortress Monroe, determine, by consultation with Dr. Jenkins, whether you could find duty at Berkely. Most respectfully yours.
Early in August Joseph Howland broke down once more with malarial fever and was sent home by the army surgeons, this time not to return to the regiment, and our going to the front was given up.