The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1862-11-20
FROM THE N. C. PRESBYTERIAN.
A Patriotic Woman VS.. the Extor-
TONERS.

In the county of Mecklenburg a region
where examples of lofty, self sacrificing pat
riOtism ought not to be wanting-resides an
aged widow who, early in her married life
was left with two children, to struggle
against poverty. By the labor of her own
hands, chiefly at the loom, she reared and
educated her children, asking aid of no one,
and never utteriDg SO far as her most in
innate friends ever heard, word of com.
plant at her hard lot. Her children have
requited her exertions on their behalf, by
assuming the task, a grateful one to them,
of providing for her comfort in her advanced
life. For years her loom had been laid
aside, in fact taken down and removed, that
the force of habit might not tempt her to
resume her place at it. But when the war
came upon US. and it was found difficult to
provide clothing for our soldiers, she insist
ed that her loom should be reconstructed,
and she be allowed to do her part in meet
ing the exigency. Her son, with whom she
resides, opposed it on the ground that her
age and failing strength unified her for the
labor. But neither argument nor persuasion
could prevail against the intense desire which
possessed her heart to do something for her
country and her cOuntrys defenders. Avail
ing herself of his absence from home, she
had the loom restored to its place and for
twelve months and more, has been plying
the shuttle, weaving blankets, cloth for
coats, and whatever else the soldier needs.
True, her strength does not endure the toll
as in former years, Yet when it is utterly
exhausted she retires to her bed until it is,
in measure, recruited, when she again re-
pairs to her patriotic task. Though it be
not more than one half Of her time she is
able to give to her country, that moiety
is given with unsparing devotion, and an
ardor that warns and quickens every heart
possessing aught of kindred spirit, that
comes within the circle of its genial infu-
ence.
Nor, mark it, Mr.. Editor will she charge
or receive cent for any weaving she does
for the soldier, and this Notwithstanding
she is still poor Tor is it because she is poor2)
and Notwithstanding such cloth as she makes
is eagerly sought for and bought at prices
ranging from five to ten dollars per yard.
Here is this woman, having reached her
three score and ten years, infrm in health,
and poor withal, with children and grand
children for whom she might clay up" her
gains as well as othersfor theirs; yetexhaust-
ing her small remnant of days and strength
for her country her country alone, unre-
munerated and unsustained by public ap-
plause. Here she stands in contrast land
how striking the contrast?) with hundreds
around her, among whom are many Of the
wealthiest in the land, who openly boast
that they never reaped such harvest of
gains az this war has afforded them. She
has given literally her all to her country
! freg her only son, on whcsc daily labor she
has depended for her subsistence, and then
whateyer of strength old age and failing
heelth have left her, hoping for nothing in
return but that her country may be defend
ed and its liberties secured. They who have
their tens and hundreds of thousands at
stake, give neither their sons if they can
svoid it land some in a way that common
people do not understand, do continue to
avoid it) nor their labor, nor their money,
but reserve the whole ns the means of swell
ing their already overgrown wealth. and
enhancing their already exorbitant profits.
Let the weary soldier go to this woman and
ask for cloth to make him coat, and if she
is able to rise from her bed, and can pro-
cure the materials, she will weave it for
him, telling him when it is finished, and he
inquiries the price, to go and serve his coun-
try, for that is all the, pay she wants. Let
him go to one of the wealthy merchants in
our towns, whose counter is loaded with
goods for the use Of the army or to one
ofthe large factOres whose proprietor boasts
that he is making money as fast as he wants
TO- and he is told he can be supplied with
the material for the single garment, at a
price which will consume his wages for two
months in the camps.
What contrast, repeat it BUTT has
bright side az we'll as dark one.
j