Bradford reporter. [volume] (Towanda, Pa.) 1844-1884, 1861-05-02
From The Press.
Appeal to American Women.
BY ONE oE THEMSELVES.

Yes, it is an appeal that we make-an ap.
peal that rises from the deepest recesses of our
heart, and struggles to 6ud vent in words
which are weak aud impotent to express what
We feel. We Of the present day have been
laughed at and Stigmatized as weak and fool
ish slaves TO fashion, and better and higher
aims forgotten, utterly ignored, until America
can no longer boast of Women like those who
lived in the time Of the Revolution.
This is not So In this hour, when our Ma
tion is stirred and shaken from border to bor-
der with the dread contest Of opposing will,
the spirit of patriotism is stirring and throb-
bing in WOmans heart, aud when the proper
hour comes, We feel that she will rise up firm
and strong, with power of nerve and will of
which she has as yet been deemed incapable
Is not this so, my sisters ? Come out 10 the
world and show it Of what mettle you are
composed. Show tha. lips accustomed alone
to soft and gentle words of love, and, per-
haps, light and senseless prattle. can utter the
strong bold words which shall nerve and
strengthen the arm and heart of father,
brother, husband son, or friend. and that,
though tears may start when the last kiss is
impaired ard sobs may swell up from the
founts of affection at the last pressure of low
ing hands you gre still capable of smiling
through those tears and choking back sobs
with words of comfort and cheer
This is the time, if ever, in which to prove
your real worth. You can feel how deep will
be the struggle which twill wiring the hearts
Of those who are about TO tear the enSeTves
from home and friends TO face the priyation.
toll, and dangers of the battle field viii
YOU add TO the bitterness Of that struggle with
one word OF regret? Rather, let yonr busy
fingers do ali they may for their comfort, and
your lips, after having breathcd to God the
prayers that are in your hearts, may grow Ell.
oqueut with cheerful encouragement. Bid them
90, strong 10 heart and limb, and fight for the
Union
There is work for Us to do. While hsg are
facing the blaze and roar OF artillery in
defence OF our country, zee can DO our part at
home II is Just Rtrc that we are needed. and
the work before us is plain. There are hun.
dreds of strong men devoted to our country's
cause, whose care asd protection will be taken
from their families and it rests with Ms to
watch over and help those who may be left
destitute Hundreds of you have been rear
ed in ease and Injury, with nothing to DO but
to minister to the caprices of your Own fascy;
but now you have other work before vou.
which, as true daughters of America, you
should prefer beyond all others Curtail, If
necessary all your super1Uous expenses, aad
bring back the roses to your pale CHEEKS, and
the glad light OF happiness to your eyes, from
a conscious knowledge of good, by seeking out
and caring for those who are left in poverty
while their sturdy husbands and brothers are
away
The right spirit has already shown itself in
various ways. Lsdies are working upon gar.
ments for the soldiers, and getting up sub
scriptions for the benefit of those who are
poor, but strong aud willing. Young girls
have aroused from listless inaction, and. put.
ting on the badge Of Freedom and the Union.
have set actively at work 10 do all they can.
We know that our women of ths present DAY
will not prove unworthy of their ancestors il
this emergency.
Follow the patriot citizen soldier with pra7-
ers, but do not sit down and weep impoteutly
when their forms are lost to sight, though
with some it may be forever Prepare your
selves even for the worst, and leave no hour
idle 10 which to pine. Remember What there is
TO do. No weakness now. Yon know what
you should do-go forward and perform it. aud
God protect the right. B. z. NJ.