Arkansas true Democrat., 1861-09-19
CLOTHING FOR THE SOLDIERS.
To the People of Arkansas.

Heretofore, whenever 1 have had occasion to address you it has been as politician, discussing questions arising from differences of opinion upon the policy of our civil government-Iuestions of a character making such differences allowable, and admitting of delay in their settlement. But the times have changed: and 1--nay, all of us have changed with them. Our country is involved in l am politician longer--have not been since the war begun, and shall never be again; for should l survive the contest, which 1 do not expect, shall at least, be too old for the wearing tolls of political life, (of which 1 have long since had sufficient, if not satisfactory experienceJ- even if q the fiery ordeal r we will all have pass ed, shall not Gas 1 trust it wil) have purified my patriotism enough to forbid my giving up, again, to party, what belongs to our country.
 appear before you, now, in another character and for widely different purpose. 1 come as a soldier, and the representative of soldicrs-of that band of devoted volunteers-vour own sons, brothers, friends and relations, who have left all the comforts and eudearmcnts of home, to stand. IS they are now standing, on your northern line, to defend and protect your state from invasion by q cruel and implacable enemy, who, but for this defence, would, even ROW, be polluting your soil with the tread of mercenarv lcgions, and desc crating your hresidos, and domestic altars, with fire and slaughter. ] come to ask your co-opera. ton and assistance in the work of making good this, your own defence Not that you, yourselves,
 
 that you will contribute, what you can easily and without inconvenience, spare from your supplies, means and appliances, in the way ot clothing, tO protect and defend your own volunteers - not against the arms of the enemy, but against the indictment weather of autumn, already upon us, and the cold of winter, now rapidly approach ing-whch defence and protection against the clements, are indispensable to enable us to make good your defence against the enemy; for are made ot flesh, and blood, and nerves, like your selves Ca little rudcr and sterner it may be;) and while we shrink from no required exposure, and complain of necessary hardGhlps, we are so far human to need some seasonable clothing to shield Us from the winds and rains through the day, and something to cover us when we lie down upon the cold set ground 1t nj ght- if to preserve our health, and keep in condition to perform our duties with effect. Let 1t be remembered that these volunteers entered the service and left home, early i'll the summer ana with only summer cothes-in many instances with only single suit. This under the promise that the government would in due timc furnish an abundant supply of suitable and sea2onabIe clothing. This promise has failed. Not an article of clothing has been furnished by the government (either state or cOnlcderate,) and not q dollar of pay or communication has been given to the soldier, wherewith to furnish himself, while his duty to defend and protect you in the safety and comfort of your homes and tirCsideS-keepS him where nOtliln1 OI ttt klnU Is to be ulu. W C NO not complain of this, nor blame the government. Doubtless, the reasons for thIS failure good ones. and blame justly attaches to no Onc.~ But thc facts reman-thc so diers are without clothing, the means CT opportunity for obtaining it-they are in a climate several degrees farther north than they have been accustomed to--a large portion of them (nearly one-hall) have been prostratcd and are still feeble from the effects of eycr measles, and other facilitating diseases and will perish if exposed, without the protection of clothing and blankets, to the bad weather of fall and winter
 These are not questions for the politician, allow ing of differences of opinion, and admitting of delay in their settlement. They stern and solemn facts, which challenge the assent of all and demand immediate attention. They make up business which must be done at once, for every citizen who cherishes the sentiment of patriotism or humanity, or has due regard for his own inter est. Who will dsregard-who will neglect 1t!
 am here, by order of Gen. liARDEE, to aid, as far may be ill my power, in giving effect to the efforts which, know already on foot, and, l doubt not will be actively continued, for the ac- compshment of the object have set forth. The following is his letter of instructions, under which l am acting: