Two appeals for aid which brought in much money were the following, the first one being by the G. A. R. and Women's Relief Corps, Department of Texas:
"The appalling calamity that has befallen Galveston and the coast country has smitten hundreds of our comrades in the city, villages and on farms. In many instances, portions of whole families are lost; in a hundred others, houses are wrecked, live stock killed and crops destroyed.
"George B. McClellan Post of this city is doing what it can, but its efforts are all inadequate. Systematic organized assistance alone can avert distress, and we therefore appeal to the members of this department in behalf of these comrades. They had made their last stand and effort to secure for themselves and families homes on the coast country of Texas. Their all is involved. Far along in the evening of their life they cannot recuperate.
"If there was time to make another crop they have nothing with which to make it. Unless we help them they must abandon their homes, their all. If the principles of our order--fraternity, charity and loyalty--are of any avail, it is time to show it. Fraternity means organization--charity means everything and is the 'greatest of all.' Loyalty means standing by our comrades as well as the flag. They were our brothers in arms, they are our kindred in adversity.
"We confidently expect every post, every member of every corps to contribute something. Remittances and supplies from the G. A. R. should be made to Colonel E. G. Rust, assistant quartermaster general, and from the Women's Relief Corps to Mrs. Mina Metcalf, both of Houston, Texas.
"ANNETTE VAN HORN, "Department Commander."
The other was by President Michaux of the Travelers' Protective Association, addressed to the members of the organization throughout the United States:
"Whereas, A great calamity has befallen the city of Galveston, thousands of dead, dying and wounded to be cared for by our united and benevolent people; and
"Whereas, Numbers of traveling men are reported seriously wounded; therefore, to care for immediate wants, I deem it necessary to call on the traveling men to contribute as much as in their power to help, aid and assist our stricken companions.