Arkansas true Democrat., 1861-09-05
Clothing for the Soldiers-Circular Letter from the Military Board.
OFFICE MILITARY BOARD, IiftIa RncE Anlnncf 0Q lSHl


 4 LARGE number of our fellow -citi- "A zens having gone forth to the field of battle for the defense of their country, and being cest- tute of those articles of clothing made ndispens. ble by the rig0rs of the approaching winter, 1t is necessary that some effort should be made to sup ply these articles and to provide for their comfort. The enemy trusts to the depression of trade and the blockade of our ports to prevent sufficient sup plies from reaching our army, and the Military Board deems it their duty to appeal to the patri otism of the country to aid them in their winter 1renerations None will be forgetful of the wants of their friends and kindred in the army. For the purpose of systematizing this appeal to the country, the Military Board has appointed the county judge, the county clerk, the sheriff, or in his absence the deputy sheriff of each county, central committee for the purpose of collecting such clothing may be procured in the county. This committee again (two being quorum) shall invite the ladies of each township in the county to form soldiers aid sOcites and shall assist in their organization. The animating patriotism of the ladies is especially in voked in furtherence of this effort to supply the volunteers with clothing. The ladies of this State have already done much, and their efforts are held ill the highest appreciation. Similar appeals to the one we make have been made to the patriotism and devotion of the ladies in other States, and they have been nobly responded to. We feel as sured that the ladies of Arkansas are not deficient in patriotism that they will not lag behind their sisters in other States, but will act in concert with the State authorities in providing for our citizens soldiers who have gone forth to defend them.
 We have no misgivings or doubts as to the re- suit of this appeal. The patriotism of the people is equal to any emergency or any occasion, and 1t is only necessary thatit be systematzed and direc ted in such channels as to render it available and useful. For this purpose the central committee already indicated will establish clothing dep0ts at such point in their respective counties they may deem the most advisable. At this place they will receipt for everything in the clothing line sui table for the army that may be placed there, which they will place in the of safe and reliable per sons. And the Military Board will pay in Arkan sas or Confederate Bonds, for all goods of the de- scrpton herein indicated that patriotism of the country may place at their disposal. That price will be paid which IS reasonable in the county where the articles are purchased. As fast as the garments accumulate the central committee will report them to the Military Board 80 that the i'm mediate and pressing wants of the soldiers may be relieved at as early period as practicable.
 Blankets are greatly needed and are indispensa ble to the comfort of our soldiers. In many in- stances domestic blankets may be manufactured In others they may be supplied by division of the articles of that kind which families have provided for themselves. There is scarcely house in the State in which there is not an excess Of bed-coth- ing. It is not making too great call on the pa trotism of the county, at time like this, to ask that the soldiers be supplied from this surplus and abundance. w nere DIanKetS cannot De suppleu comforts may be substituted; but brankets much preferred All the other articles of soldiers cloth ing such as woolen uniforms, flannel shirts drawers, socks, etc, are equally needed. Whenever shoes can be supplied they will also be received and paid for in the manner and in the currency already ndi cated.
 The cental committee will keep book in which they will register the names of those who furnish cIOthing-the number and character of the goods and the price to be paid for them. In order to facilitate and systematze this, blank forms will be sent with this circular letter to the various central committees
 The individuals comprising the central commit tee have already been selected by the people for responsible positions; this selection will be suff cen that their exertion will be active and that they will place the goods at the different de- pots for clothing in the of gentlemen respon- sbe in character and in property. Thus the peo- ple will entertain no doubt that the goods deliver ed will reach the destination for which they were intended.
 The rapid approach ofwnter renders it necessa- " that our efforts should be prompt and energetic, and our inability to procure clothing in the usual market leaves us other course but appeal to the patriotism and domestic resources of the country. Our soldiers are already in need of clothing. They will need them still more as the winter approaches. Is it right that they should be permitted to suffer while fighting our battles for us! We feel conf- dent that the people will not permit this.
 II. M. RECTOR,
 BENJ. c. TOTTEN,
 Ang. 9. 1861. 4w Military Board.