Arkansas true Democrat., 1861-08-22
Clothing for the Soldiers-Circular Letter from the Military Board.
OFFICE MILITARY BOARD, } Little Rock, Auqast 20, 1861 <

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 desti- tute of those articles of clothing made indispensi ble by the rigors of the approaching winter, it is necessary that some effort should be made to SUD- 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 patr- otism of the country to aid them in their winter preparations 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 as 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 socties and shall assist in their organization. The anmating 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 in 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 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 misgivngs or doubts as to the suit of this appeal The patriotism of the people is equal te any emergency or any occasion, and it is only necessary that 1t be systematzed and direc ted i'll such channels to render it available and useful. For this purpose the central committee already indicated will establish clothing depots at such point in their respective counties as they may fhn adytSo is r1a fho will receipt for everything in the clothing line sui table for the army that may be placed there, which they will place in the care of sate 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 the 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 so that the inn mediate and pressing wants of the soldiers may be relieved at as early period as practicable.
 Blankets greatly needed and are indspensa- 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 Tn which there is not an excess of bedcoth- ing. It is not making too great call on the pa triotlsm of the county, at time like this, to ask that the soldiers be supplied from this surplus and abundance. Where blankets cannot be supplied comforts may be substituted; but brankets are much preferred All the other articles of soldiers cloth ing such 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 ind- cated.
 The cental committee will keep book in which they will register the names of those who furnish clothing-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 a sutfi- that they will place the goods at the different de- pots for clothing in the of gentlemen respon- sible in character and in property. Thus the peo- pie will entertain no doubt that the goods deliver ed will reach the destination for which they were intended
 The rapid approach of winter renders it necessa- " that our efforts should be prompt and energetic, and our inability to procure clothing in the usual market leaves other course but appeal to the patriotism and domestic resources of the country Our soldiers already in need of clothing. They will need them still more the winter approaches. Is it right that they should be permitted to suffer while fighting our battles for us? We feel cont- dent that the people will not permit this.
 H. M. RECTOR,
 BENJ. c. TOTTEN,
 Ang. 22, 1861. 4w Military Board.