Richmond Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1862-1865, 1862-08-18
TRADING WITH THE ENEMY.

Some thirty odd citizens of st. Tammany Parish
Louisiana, peoned Gen Ruggle' for liberty TO trade
with New Orleans, principally in bricks, wood aud
lumber pleading the necessities they are under for pro
visions and supplies. Gen Ruggles replies:
These orders have been called for by the stern neces
sites of the times, and it is believed have met the al
most universal approval OF the loyal citizens OF the
country. Nor is there anything novel in the regula
tons they prescribe, or the penalties they announce
They but declare, and cothe with penal sanctions doc
trines long established and universally recognized.
Even in your communication, while asking to be eX-
empt from their provisions, you recognize their justice
for you say: 1--WE aware that in time OF war there
should be no trade between begerents." But you
urge that yours is exceptional case, and that to
force this rule would submit you TO great hardships.
For now more than twelve months your country has
been engaged in gigantic struggle for existence. Her
noble people have poured out their treasures WATER
aud like the ancient Patriarch, have not even withheld
their children from the sacrifice, but have cheeriuly
them forth to encounter the tolls Of the march,
the disease. OF the camp and the perils of the battle
field Hundreds of them have fallen by the waySide-
thousands have fingered and died in the hospitals, many
of them for want OF medicines which could not be oh
tanned and thousands have persisted on the field
Of battle. But their thin and wasted ranks have been
filed by Others, eagerly pressing forward to take the
PAGES OF the fallen; and to-day your flag is proudly
borne the face and behind the foe by half clothed
half fed, and who, for months, have not known even
the rude comforts Of soldiers tent. Nor has the
my been alone in this respect; every class Of society
mas, 10 EItdl'I cANcut
ships and privaons, which, their lasting honor, be il
said have been firmly and cheerfully borne. And
it, gentlemen, the time has come, when you called
upon 10 take your portion of this wide spread suffering
the General commanding hopes and believes that you
will not be found wanting in courage and fortude TO
bear il like and patriots.
You say that il you are not permitted to dispose Of
your bricks, lumber, etc. they will be mere rubbish
on your hands" You cannot be ignorant, gentlemen
that in this you but share the fate of your fell
low citizens More than two hundred millions of dol
lars worth of produce is held by the patriotic
planters of the Confederate States, and so far from
seeking to sell or barter this, they stand ready de-
sroy and have in many instances voluntarily applied
the torch. and with a sef-sacrfcing devotion worthy
Of who aspire 10 be free, calmly seen il reduced
10 ashes rather than sell the most exorbitant
rates, to the enemies Of their country. And if YOU
will but turn your eyes 10 4 neighboring parish, YOU
may there the very materials which you fear will
become rubbish" on your hands-though but recently
formed ia comfortable DWELLING, and sheltering help.
less women and chdren-reduced to heaps Of rub
bsh" and ahes while their inmates have been driven
10 the woods and deprived Of all of subsistence
And this has been done BY the very men with whom
ayarcc you would minister and whose wants you would
supply.
The General commanding, directs me in conclusion
TO ay that regarding these prohibitions of traffic with
The enemy as essential 10 the successful defence of the
country, he - determined rgidy TO enforce them; ami
that any one who may be detected in attempting TO
eyade or violate them, will be promptly brought 10
condign punishment