Memphis daily appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1847-1886, 1861-09-05
The Clothing Bureau of the COnFed.
crate Army.

army
The Richmond, Va, Eraminer, Of the 24th
uit., in the annexed article, furnishes interest
ing Information on a subject which is now at
tracing universal attention in the Confederate
States-we allude to The supply Of clothing to
the army:
In view Of timely anxieties, which have
heretofore been expressed in our columns as TO
the supplies OF winter clothing for our troops,
e have taken occasion to obtain Information
Of the conduct, management and operations of
he Clothing Bureau q this city. Our visit 10
tits bureau has given US some novel and inter
esting Impressions of the resources Of the gov
ernment in this, as well as in other branches
Of the public service.
The Clothing Bureau in Richmond is intend
ed to supply the entire Confederate army. A
scheme, however, is debated, we believe, in
some of these States, to manufacture and sup
ply clsthing for their own troops. This will
effect a valuable assistance to the central bu-
reau, which, however, by itself possesses facIl-
tiles of manufacturing clothing Of the vsstest
and most perfect description. Some obstacles
in tue way Of It's operation, which might be
removed, and should be removed, are referred
to hereafter.
The vast establishment on Pearl street, be-
tween Main and Cary, to supply clothing for
the Confederate troops, is under the efficient
direction of Major J. w. Ferguson, of this
city. 4 visit to it yesterday enabled US to tes-
tlfy to the admirable system which Major Fer
yusson has effected in this bureau. Every pUr-
tion Of the work has its appropriate Depart
ment. In the upper story OF the building Is
the cutting room, under the direction OF super
utendents, and lively with the noise Of shears.
Lower Gown is he trimming room Then the
de7artmeRt for letting out the making of the
clothes, the work being given out to the wives
aud relatives of soldiers, ami 10 poor and de-
serving needlewomen. Lastly comes the pack
ing department, where the clothing, blankets,
etc, are packed and forwarded to the camps.
The whole tsblishment is lively with busy
workmen, and the mere spectacle Of its aspects
Of industry is sufficient to repay the curiosity
Of the visitor.
TIE manufacturing facilities Of this bureau
much exec the expectations of the public
We are informed by Major FERGUSON that the
facilities are such that, with proper supplies
Of material from the cotton mtis, effected by
ausTtermasteT's agents, sent through the South
10 secure, as far as possible, the product Of the
mills, the bureau will be able TO supply frcm
75 OOO to 100, 900 complete winter suits for the
soldiers by the time of the approach of the Sc
yerities of winter. The North Carolina mills
have already promised their entire product to
The bureau in Richmond, as soon as they have
completed their contracts with the State.
One Of the most shameful and despcable
obstacles that has been put In the way Of this
important branch of be public service to sup
ply our troops with clothing, has been in the
infamous speculstions Of merchants, intent
only to make money, at the sacrifice OF all
patriotic considerations. 4 number Of these
merchants have made it an object to compete
with the government in obtaining supplies
from the cotton mills, and then to make enor-
nous advances on the price OF the cloth, be-
side5 immense profits on making them up,
thsir prices being about double what the
clothing bureau pays to it's employees. For