The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1862-10-21
TO THE PEOPLE OF NORTH CARO-
LIMA
RALEIGH, October Is, 1862.


After the most strenuous exertions on the part
of its officers, the State finds it impossible to
clothe and shoe our soldiers with at again appeal
ing to that overlooking fountain II generous char
ity-the private contributions of our people The
rgors of winter are approaching, our soldiers are
already suffering aud must suffer more if our
sympathies are not practical and active The
Quarter Masters Department is laboring faithfully
to provide for them but, owing to speculation and
extortion, will fall short The deficiency must
be supplied by the people We shall have an
active winter campaign, and how our troops,
if ragged, cold and barefoot, contend with the
splendidly equipped columns of he enemy?
The articles most needed, and which the State
finds it most difficult to supply, are shoes, socks
and blankets, though drawers, shirts and pants
would be gladly received. If every farmer who
has hides tanning would agree to spare one pair of
shoes, and if every mother in North Carolina
would knit one strong pair of either thick cotton
or WOODEN socks for the army, they would be
abundantly supplied. great lot OF blankets also
might yet be spared from private use, and thou
sands could be made from the carpets upon our
parlor floors. With coed warm houses and cotton
bed clothing, We can certainly get through the
winter much better than the soldiers eau with all
the blankets we can give them.
The Coscnels of the Militia Regim through
out the State are hereby appointed agents for the
purchase and collection of all such articles can
| be spared by our people, who, through their re-
spective Captains, ordered immediately to can
vass every county and visit every citizen IN their
beats for this purpose. a liberal price will be
paid for everything where the owner feels that he
or she is not able to donate it and active agents
will Immediately forward them to our suffering
regiments. Expenses will be allowed the officers
engaged in this duty, and transportation furnish
! ed the Coionels their agents to bring the ar
tcles to Raleigh
And now my countrymen and women, if you
! have any thing to spare for the soldier, in his
name l appeal to you for it. Do not let the spec
ulator have it though be offer you enormous
prices; spurn him from your door and say to him,
shall have it without passing through his greedy
! fingers. Do not place yourselves among the ex-
tortioners-they are the vilest and most cowardly
of all our country's enemies, aud when this is
ended and people come to view the matter in Its
proper light you will find that the most detcated
tories are more respected than they. When they
tempt you with higher prices than the State offers
| just think for moment of the soldier and what
he is doing for you. Remember when you sit
down by the bright and glowing fire, that the SOL
der is sitting upon the cold earth; that in the
wind which is whstling so fearfuly over your
roof, only making you feel the more comfortable
because it harms you not, he is shiyering in dark
ness on the dangerous outpost, shudderng
through the dreary hours of his watch. Remem-
Der that when you .omc forth in the morning we'll
fed and warmly clad. leading your families toward
| the spot where the blessed music of the Sabbath
bells tells you of the peaceful worship of the God
of Peace, the soldier is going forth at the same
moment, perhaps, half fed, after night Of shiv-
ering and suffering to where the roar of artillery
and shout of battle announce that be is to die,
that your peace and safety may be preserved. Oh
remember these things generous and patriotic
people Of North Carolina and give freely of your
perishable goods to those who are giving all that
mortal can give for your safety and your rights.
T. B. VANCE