Semi-weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1853-18??, 1861-07-20
Mnnnnera.

PORTSMOUTH, Va, July 5, 1861.
Editor Of the Standard:
SIR:-We DESIRE through the columns of your
esteemed journal, to make clear and full statement
of our wants, which we feel assured need only to
be made public in order to meet with favorable re-
Spouse, and to call upon all those who are charita
bly, and periodically disposed to aid US to the best
of their ability, either pecuniarily or by the dona
ton such articles Of food most convenient
ly be supplied
The SISTERS OF MERCY" of this city, as will
be seen by the foregoing circular, organized two
months since, hospital for the reception of the
sick, then lying in the various camps in the neigh
borhood, exposed in addition to all the discomfors
of camp-life to climate to which they totally
unaccustomed. For this purpose large unoccupied
hotel obtained, and furnished by the contribu-
tons of few ladies' with such articles as were alb
soutely necessary. The plan on which the hospital
was to be conducted was simple, yet of nature to
insure the most thorough care and attention to the
patients. Four ladies, detailed from the Board of
Managers, meet at the hospital on each day of the
week, and remain throughout the day, nursing the
sick, attending to the wants of the convalescent,
and in every way administering to their necessities
A regular surgeon of the Confederate Army is at
ached to the hospital and gives it his exclusive at
tention. Food and proper nourishment are fur
nished by voluntary contributions on the part of
our citizens everything being cooked and prepared
before sent to the hospital each family taking its
turn in this labor of love- And although our people
have cheeruly and generously responded to the call
thus made upon them, still, the drain upon their
charities by large and INDECENT population renders
it in many cases serious inconvenience.
This simple endeavor, under Gods blessing, has
been SO productive of good and comfort to those
who have experienced its benefits that the hospital
has become exceedingly popular, and when soldier
is taken IL his first desire is to be carried to it.
Thus, an enterprise originally undertaken by
few and depending solely on the liberality of our
townspeople bids fair to become of far greater mag
nitude than was at first contemplated Already
ninety patients have been received and discharged
from the hospital, and at present it contains thirty
patients, making total of one hundred and twenty,
which would have been much greater had the means
of the society been commensurate with the applica
tons for admittance.
In furtherance of this object we appeal to you,
and through you to your thousands of readers in
the length and breadth of the old North State, to
forward and assist US in this most holy under
taking, at once our privilege and our pleasure.
We ask your assistance in showing, though faint
ly, gratitude to those who are suffering in the
defence of all that is most dear to US; to alleviate
pain, to cheer the weary and to surround the SOL
diers sick bed with the comforts and ministrations
of his distant home.
Mothers aohO hare sons sisters for the sake Of your
brothers, oires in beha0f husbands respond for the
sake Of your dear ones, and assist IN cork
Of mercy!