Indiana State sentinel. (Indianapolis, Ind.) 1861-1865, 1861-10-16
To the Patriotic women of Indiana.

When the President issued his first call to the
loyal States for help, the Government was I'M
provided with most, If not ALL the articles neces-
sary to the comfort and health of soldiers in the
camp and the field. The women of Indiana were
appealed to, and they supplied tho deficiency in
our State with a generous alacrity that entities
them to the gratitude of the nation. The ap-
proach of winter makes il necessary to appeal to
them again. Our volunteers, already suffering
from exposure, against which they are very in
adequately protected will soon be compelled to
endure the utmost severity of winter and multi
piled dangers of disease. The Government is
doing all that can be done for them, but when all
is done they must still lack many of the comforts
which men in ordinary pursuits enjoy, and which
soldiers need above all others. MANY articles of
clothing that, to men with houses over their
heads and warm fires always near, are hardly
more than a luxury, to men with no protection
but tent, no bed but the ground, and whose du-
ty must be performed under the unabated rigor
of winter, are absolute necessaries. They may
save many lives that will surely be lost without
them. These the patriotic women of Indiana, it
it is hoped, will supply.
An additional blanket to every man in our
army will preserve hundreds to the country and
to their families. Two or three pairs of good
strong socks will be invaluable to men who must
often march all day in the snow, and without
them must lie down with cold and benumbed feet
on the frozen ground. Good wooden gloves or
mittens will protect their hands in marching, and
in handling their arms, and, while adding greatly
to their comfort, will materially increase their
efficiency Wooden drawers and shirts. too, are
a necessity to men exposed to such vicissitudes
of weather as soldiers. All these articles the
Indiana volunteers ought TO have now, and must
before winter sets in, if would protect them
from exposure and disease that may be averted
by this timely preparation. Some of these ar
ticles the Government does not furnish, and 9th
ers not in sufficient quantities to supply the waste
produced by the exposures of a soldiers life
Blankets can not be purchased. The stock is
completely exhausted, and the Government is So
Letting contributions from citizens.
Will not the women of Indiana do their share
field? An hour of each day, for week, given
to the manufacture of the articles named will
provide an ample store. Are they not ready to
give that, and more if needed? | urge upon
them the duty of promptly beginning the work.
Let them at once forward, at the States expense
to the State Quartermaster, such blankets as they
can spare. They will be Immediately and care
fully sent to such regiments as the donors prefer,
if they have any preference. Let them singly or
by associations, set about the manufacture of
wooen shirts. drawers, socks, and gloves. The
sewing societies of our churches have here field
for exertion wider and grander than they will
ever find again. Will they not give their asso
Citations for a time to this benefcent object? The
numerous Female Benevolent Societies, by Civ
ing their energies and organizations to this work,
can speedily provide the necessary supply. Let
women through the country, who have no oppor-
tunity to join such associations, emulate each
other in their labors, and see who shall do most
for their country and their defenders in this hour
of trial.
The articles should be sent to the Quartermas-
ter with a card, stating the name and residence
of the donor, and their destination if she has ~
choice. The name will be recorded and preserr-
ed with the number and kind of articles sent TIE
women alone can meet this emergency, and to
look for sympathy and aid.
o. p MORTON,
Governor of Ind;..pa