ABSTRACT
The Central Association for Soldiers’ Wives, which has been in operation since March, 1854, is about to be discontinued, many of the regiments having returned home, and others been despatched to foreign stations. The good the association has done is incalculable, thousands of women and children having been kept out of the work-houses and from extreme poverty from the funds so liberally subscribed by the public. In how many instances has the soldier proved himself the braver, knowing that his wife and little ones were thus cared for. It is expected that some substantial reward will be conferred upon its originator, Major Powys, and that his unceasing exertions will not be overlooked. There is another gentleman connected with the fund, Mr. Partridge, whose labours have been equally arduous, as upon him devolves the delicate and onerous duty of visiting many hundreds of women in London and the suburbs, and assisting them as their necessities require. So fully has his kindness been appreciated by the poor women, that by small sums raised amongst themselves they have presented him with an elegant Bible, and recently, on the return of their husbands from the Crimea, they further testified their gratitude by giving him (Mr. Partridge) a silver cup, each bearing a suitable inscription. It must be gratifying to this gentleman to know that during his connection with the association his conduct and manner of affording relief to the soldiers' families have never been called in question.
