Lucius R. Paige, History of Cambridge, Massachusetts, 1630-1877, with a genealogical register

1 Cambridge not only furnished a full share of soldiers, but was active in relieving the distress occasioned by the war. A subscription was commenced in July, 1862, which amounted to more than $30,000, for the benefit of soldiers and their families. When the ‘Massachusetts Soldiers' Relief Association’ was formed at Washington, Aug. 11, 1862, its first President, George W. McLellan, and its Corresponding Secretary, George F. Mc-Lellan, were Cambridge men. One of its Directors was Zenas W. Bliss, then a clerk in the Department of the Interior, but previously and for many years since a proof-reader at Riverside. Before that Association was formed, however, Mr. Bliss was appointed by the Senators and Representatives of Massachusetts in Congress to visit and relieve the sick and wounded soldiers. As their agent, and afterwards on behalf of the Association, until his appointment as Commissioner of Enrollment, he visited the hospitals and battle-fields near Washington, on his errand of mercy, and at one time was for ten days within the rebel lines, ministering to the wants of the soldiers who were wounded at the second Bull Run Battle.