was no alternative. The Sisters of Charity, though uncomplaining, found their energies severely taxed and quite unequal to the task an all-unconscious citizenry imposed upon them. Full credit must be given Dr. J. Harry Thompson for the publicity and agitation which eventuated in the creation, through subscription donations, of a fund with which to open and operate a gynecological and lying-in hospital. This institution, in the words of its founders, was to be non-sectarian in character and open to all, without reference to color. As the movement progressed, Dr. C. H. Hall and the Reverend A. D. Gillette each contributed to the success of the undertaking. of one mother who gave birth to her offspri g on the steps of the State, War, and Navy Building are particularly gripping and are fully chronicled in his writings. Early in 1866 it was decided to open the hospital and, accordingly, arrangements were made to occupy the old Hill mansion at the corner of Fourteenth Street and Massachusetts Avenue, northwest. It was found, however, that the funds in hand did not permit of the purchase of the necessary beds. Thereupon Dr. Hall visited Secretary of War Stanton and acquainted him with their problem. Despite the unkind references historians have made to Secretary Stanton he was not with-