The United States Sanitary Commission was authorized by the Secretary of War on June 9, 1861, and approved by President Lincoln on June 13th of that year. It was a committee of inquiry, advice and aid dealing with the health and general comfort of the Union troops. Many Sanitary Fairs were held to raise funds for the Commission, and eight of them issued stamps. These stamps were not valid for U.S. postage, they were prepared for, sold and used at the fair post offices. First Major Sanitary Fair On October 27, 1863, the first major Sanitary Fair was held to raise money during the Civil War. With the outbreak of fighting in the Civil War, women left at home wanted to contribute. Perhaps one of the earliest meetings of women to discuss their contribution was held on April 25, 1861, in New York City. This led to the creation of the Women’s Central Association of Relief. The organization developed several possible plans, but none seemed to be the right solution. Then, pastor Henry W. Bellows suggested that they see what the government could and would do, and they would attempt to do what the government couldn’t. Bellows and several others went to Washington to explore what was being done, but found little enthusiasm for their suggested aid. Eventually, they convinced the surgeon general to recommend “a commission of inquiry and advice in respect to the sanitary interests of the United States forces” that would work with the medical bureau.