The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1861-10-18
For the Richmond Dispatch.
The Disposition of the Cotton Crop.


MARION, Perry Co Ala. Oct II, 1851
Hon. T.. G. MEMlISdER, Sec'y Of Treasury:
Dear ST-trom a letter addressed by your
self TO the Hon. Q. NJ. DantZler in July last,
it appears that you have had under consid-
Grafton & plan which you propose submit
ting 10 Congress, providing relief for the cot
ton planters and subscribers to the Confede-
rate loan in the contingency of a continuance
OF the blockade. The intimation thrown out
in your letter was received with pleasure by
the planters in this section of the Confede-
racy, and had the happy effect of relieving TO
great extent, the oppressive anxiety which
had heguD to be felt among them in regard to
the disposition of the cotton crop in the event
of continuance of the blockade, and had
also the effect of increasing largely the sub
scriptions to the Confederate loan
But Congress having adjourned without
making any provisions against these contin-
gencies, and the bulk of the cotton crop being
now ready for market, and the time for the
pawn ent of taxes rapidly approachinp a
painful anxiety is beginning again to be felt
among the cotton planters III anticipation of
the utter impcssiblity of paying their taxes,
purchasing their ordinary supplies and of
rendering any pecuniary aid to the Govern
ment, without either the natural or an arti-
fetal market fer cotton. To 'us, cotton is
both food and raiment. Heretofore We have
been so nnwise as to depend upon it for every
thing. 1t Is our only pecuniary resource,
We must convert it into money before we can
live at ALL for to us it is both bread and meat
And unless the Government provides some
measures OF relief, either by buying or ad :
vancing upon the cotton, the veal thiest
planter will feel the oppression as heavily as
the poorest, and indeed more SO, for he who
has several hundred negroes to feed and
clothe, and the taxes 10 pay upon them, will
have no more means of doing than he who
has but five or ten. Unless we can convert
our cotton into money, or some represent ia
tive currency, every wheel of business will
De locked, the energies of the people paraiyzed,
and they rendered powerless to afford the
least pecuniary aid and support to the Gov
eminent.
The cotton States are in far worse condi-
tion at present than the grain growing and
meat -raising districts of the Confederacy;
for the Latter find in the Government will
ing and generous purchaser Of all the pro-
ductions of their labor, but the planter is de-
pendent upon foreign markets for the sale
OF his cotton, and without the iuterposition
of the Government i'll his behalf he will be-
OF all its Citizens, the heaviest sufferer in these
times OF calamity; and while he is willing to
yield II cheerful and loyal obedience TO the
law forbidding the expectation OF cotton
during the continuance of the blockade and
is ready to show his faith in the Government
by taking it's bonds and notes in payment for
the production of his labor, it is not only
right, but it is the daty of the Government to
render HIM every relief consistent with its
constitutional powers.
NoCfOyernment ever enjoyed the confdenee
OF It's citizens SO perfectly and universally as
the Confederate States of America, and never
was there a people so willing 10 Law their
property and their lives as a sacrificinl offer
ing upon the affairs Of their country They
are fully conscious of the fact that every hi ng
they hold sacred and dear-property, liberty,
life, honor--is involved in the despera To issue
Of this terrible war. If we sacceed, we shall
be the happiest, most independent, and pros
porous people in the world. Bat If we fan
1--WE are OF all men most miserable" And
with such spirit pervading the hearts of Its
citizens, the Government cannot be uncon-
scious OF the fact that whatever relief il NAV
provide far the cotton planter, by purchasin 2
his crop. or advancing upon it, will return
TO 1t IN the form of taxes and contributions
and donations for the support OF the army
BESIDES, purchase upon the part of the Gov
eminent would give TO it the absolute control
Of the cotton crop, thus aliordins 1t fair OPP
portnnity OF testing the power of COTTON to
dissipa.e blockades. open ports, clear the
channels OF commerce., secure honorable
treaties, and assert its dominion as King OF
the Seas.
The writer does not feel competent to indi
cate any specific plan OF action in providing
measures OF legislative relief, nor il 1t neces.
sary that he should do %, as the In terest OF
ths Treasury Department In confided to one in
whose sound judgment and financial states
manship the people have \ steadfast and un-
limited confidence; but he would press upon
your consideration tho aheolute necessity OF
maturing some plan providing for thu inexo-
rAeie wants Of the cotton planter 81 an early
az " no Appsoschtpg session Of Oongrsss