FUND FOR RELIEF OF EAST TENNESSEE AT BOSTON, PORTLAND AND NEW YORK--MR. TAYLOR AND FAMILY IN GREAT TROUBLE--THEIR TIMELY RELIEF--KNOXVILLE EAST TENNESSEE RELIEF SOCIETY--PENNSYLVANIA COMMITTEE--EFFECTIVE WORK IN RELIEVING DESTITUTION--SUMMARY OF RESULTS. The quality of mercy is not strained; It droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven Upon the place beneath; it is twice blessed; It blesseth him that gives and him that takes. MERCHANT OF VENICE. The only measure of relief for East Tennessee contemplated by the resolutions adopted at Faneuil Hall, was an appropriation by the State Legislature, and no arrangement was made for obtaining individual subscriptions. Col. Taylor had, however, touched a chord which drew a sympathetic response from the community. On the day after the public meeting, a contribution of three dollars was received by the President of the Association from a “Teacher in a Public School,” which within a week was followed by other gifts amounting to more than a thousand dollars. Means were then organized to receive and announce donations. Legislative aid was prevented by constitutional difficulties, and the executive committee of the relief society published an address to the people of Massachusetts, in order to enlarge the field of contributions. From that time the fund increased with remarkable rapidity. Soon it amounted to more than $90,000. Public opinion had assigned $100,000 as the sum to be raised by private subscription, and it was completed June, 4 by a gift of $1,000 from a children’s fair. Boston and its suburbs were chief sources of these donations, but many of them were made from other places and States. The enthusiasm to help in the work was ardent and prevailed among all the people. Mr. Everett kept the public constantly informed of the contributions as they were received and his patriotic presence inspired others to assist.[58]