With such an army of them, of all ages and both sexes, as had congregated about Grand Junction, amounting to many thousands, it was impossible to advance.
There was no special authority for feeding them unless they were employed as teamsters, cooks and pioneers with the army; but only able-bodied young men were suitable for such work.

This labor would support but a very limited percentage of them.

The plantations were all deserted; the cotton and corn were ripe: men, women and children above ten years of age could be employed in saving these crops.

To do this work with contrabands, or to have it done, organization under a competent chief was necessary.

On inquiring for such a man Chaplain Eaton, now and for many years the very able United States Commissioner of Education, was suggested.