Newbern weekly progress. [volume] (Newbern, N.C.) 1858-1863, 1861-10-01
Interesting Letter.

We most cheerfully comply with the request
Of the gentleman to whom the following pa
triotlc letter was addressed and lay it before
our readers. We do hope it may be the means
of stirring ~, many of our citizens who have
as yet done nothing:
NEwBERN, n. c. Sept 9th 1851.
Col SINGLErARY: SiF:-l had the pleas
urc, through the kindness of the officers Of
the posts to visit the Batteries down the riv-
cr, on Yesterday, aud was much pleased to
learn, by personal inspection, that so much
good work had been done in so short a time.
Surely, thought it needs now but little eff
fort on the part of the able-bodied and able
pHrScd citizens of our town and vicinity, to
finish the works and render the defences of
our town mpregnable that our citizens may
feel secure, and instead of preparing as many
are doing TO remove their chattelS and fami-
lies, may remain to enjoy the pleasures of So
cal life at home, without fear of molcstatiou
on the part of the vandals who have wickedly
invaded our borders.
1t strikes me there is yet too much apathy
on the part of my fellow-townsmen and hope
do not do them injustice by saying that there
arc many, too many, who do not seem to re
alizc their danger. While they are expending
much time and much money in preparations
to remove their goods &c. they seem to forget
that the way to keep the enemy from taking
-,
to keep them, the Yankees, away from the
town If they would furnish the means, a. c.
the hands, money &c. to carry out the plans
of our able military officers, il would not only
be coed speculation but we might go to our
beds at night, and sleep quietly and expect to
find Ncwhern in its place when we awoke in
the morning
If VIC can accomplish what is designed in
short time have no doubt could laugh to
ScOrn the puny attempts of our cowardly foes
to advance any nearer than they are. And
then the keeping Of them at Hatteras would
be great advantage to us in many ways, as
YOU can readily see. They could not even
hold that place long without large force, and
this would be shifting the boot on the other
foot, which was designed to pinch us so terri
bly,. Instead of drawing men and means from
the advance to Washington, at which they
evidently quake in their stockings, their men
and dmeans would find sinkingifund at Hatteras
So, that, Providence, who has evidently been
OF our side heretofore would overule our appa-
rent disaster on the coast to our real benefit
and permanent good, while they would keep
up an efiectual blockade at the same time.
Excuse this seeming impertinenceo on my part
and you think it is such, and too much so for
your patience, then as my dear friend was ac-
customcd to say, "skip over all that goes be-
fore, and, by faith, begin to read here"
You are aware that l have the honor to be
the Pastor of one of the churches in this place
May | trouble you to turn to the Sd Chapt. of
Nehemiah, which think is applicable to our
present condition, YOU will find in the 22d
verse, the justification of my present writing
We are somewhat in similar circumstances,
! and it behooves all classes to aid in defending
thier homes, their affairs and the graves of their
sires therefore, sir, most respectfully offer
| to you my feeble services in carrying out the
plans which are designed to defend our old
and much loved town, and shall report to you
with my spade in one hand and my gun in the
other for any duty you may assign, with tho
earnest hope, that, others, as able as am may
90 the same and We will help to "build the
| walls,' even in the troubous times"
cited you, just now, a verse in the Holy
Book for the justification of my sincere offer !;
may trouble You to turn to the next Chapt
4th Nehemiah Is, II, 18th verses for my idea
of the spirit and manner, with which humby
suggest, all of us should go to work at once.
| hope, sir, you will accept my services for
five days in each week. / shall need Satur-
day to prepare for the services of the Sanctua-
ry on the Sabbath. And I shall propose to
the proper officers Of the church, who NAV
not be engaged in the same duty, to take my
place, in the mean time, at the Hospitals and
at the side of our sick members &C. during my
| absence.
remain, Yours, very respectfully
A. ID. COHEN.