"It was at first proposed to take the St. Mary’s School with buildings, but on consultation with friends this idea was abandoned; and it was pointed out that the Peace Institute, then in an incompleted condition, could be had-and would be more suitable and cause less dissatisfaction. I visited the place and found a large brick framework,-the roof on,-but no floors and
windows,-, General Holmes’ orders were to hurry up matters and, if necessary, to impress every able-bodied man in Raleigh and put .him to work-and get the building ready. Major Pierce called in the contractor, Mr. Briggs, and he promised to put hands enough to work to get the Hospital ready in a month. . . . In the meantime . . . the floors were put down and frames made for the windows – no glass could be found – so the frames were covered with white domestic and painted to keep out the cold. . . . As well as I can recollect . . . the first patients were received on the 6th of June, 1862."