Clarkson Hall, No 65 Cherry St.
Philadelphia Sept 22 1863,

Mr. C B Wilder
            Fort Monroe Va
                        Deare Sir

                                    You will see by this, that I am in charge of an employment office for colored persons.  The demand is very good at this time and all the more since the New York riots.  I write to ask if you think the way can be opened so as to get a number of both women and girls to the City from Norfolk, and the Fortress.

            I can get them good homes, and I cannot think that their suffering will be less this winter than last, at the above places.  Please do me the favor, if it will not be to much trouble, to tell me whether or no, you think anything can be accomplished by coming to the Fortress.

            I thimk now I shall have to go to Washington before I can accomplish much from that source, and at the same time I might down to Norfolk.  Please let me know if you know anything.  Mr. Benjamin Bourman[?], who was at Newport News while I was there,

Yours Respectfully
(Signed) John Oliver