The Abingdon Virginian. [volume] (Abingdon [Va.]) 1849-1883, 1862-10-17

South, and they are his holy oracles in this
day of trial and tribulation.
1t is not necessary to consel violent mea-
sures; but it is not expected that any person
will be permitted to accumulate leather and
cloth for purposes of speculation. The ne
cessities of the army rise up like a mountain,
and cannot, and will not, be overlooked. 1t
was hoped, at one time, that we might obtain
winter supplies in Maryland. This hope was
born after the army left Richmond, and has
now miserably persisted. The Government
is unable to furnish the supplies; for they
are not to be had in the country. II 1t had
eeercised, a lstJe foresight last spring and sum-
naer, auhen uessels aeere running The blockade,
triM caryoes Of calico, linen, and other articles
Of like Importance, a partial supply, at least
of hats, blankets, shoes, aud uollep goods,
might hace been obtained from England: But
foresight is quality of the mind that is sell
dom put in practice in these days.
But whatever may be done by the people,
should be done Immediately Not one mo-
ment can be lost that will not be marked, as
by the second hand of watch, with the
pangs of sufferer. Already the hills and
valleys in this high latitude have been visited
by frost and the nights are uncomfortably
cool to the men who slee upon the ground.
Come up, then. men and women of the South,
to this sacred duty. Let nothing stand be-
tween you and the performance of it. Mel
ther pride nor pleasure, nor personal ease and
comfort, should withhold your hands from
thesholy work. The supply of leather and
wool, we all know, is limited; but do what
you can, and all you can, and as soon as you
can. IF you cannot send wooden socks, send
half wooden or cotton socks; and SO with UNI
der clothing, coats and pants. And if blank
cts are not to be had, then substitute comforts
made of dyed osnaburgs, stuffed with cotton.
Anything that will keep of the cold will be
acceptable. Even the speculator aud extor-
toner might forego their gains for season,
and unite in this religious duty. If they
neither cluthe the naked, nor'feed the hungry,
who are fighting for their freedom, and for
their homes and property, what right have
they to expect anything but eternal damna-
ton, both from God and man
If the army of Virginia could march
through the South just as it is-ragged and
almost barefootcd and hatless-man of the
men limping along, and not quite well of
their wounds or sickness, yet cheerful and
not willing to abandon their places in the
rar1ks-their clothes riddled with balls and
their banners covered with the smoke of bat
scribed with Nv iiliamsburg," Seven Pines y
"Gaines' MILL" "Garnet's Farm" "Front
Royal" Mcdowell" ''Ccdar Rum and 9TH
er victorious 6elds-if this army of veterans,
thus clad and shod, with tattered uniforms
and banners, could march from Richmond to
the Mississippi, it would produces sensation
that has no parallel in history since Peter the
Hermit led his swelling hosts across Europe
to the rescue Of the Holy Sepulchre.
] do not write to create alarm, or to pro-
duce sensation, but to arouse the people to
a sense of the true condition Of the army.
have yet to learn that anything is to be gain
ed by suppressing the truth, and leooiag the
army to suffer. If must withhold the truth
when the necessities OF the service require it
to be spoken, / am quite ready toreturn home.
There is nothing new from the front. 1t is
reported that jackson crossed the river at
Williamsport few days ago to repair aroad,
which he might have occasion to use, and
then returned see nothing. however, to
change the opinion heretofore expressed, viz !:
that the heavy work of the campaign is over,
unless Mcclellan should seek us on the south
side of the river. This, some believe, public
opinion at the North will compel him to do.
Il may be SO; thought doubt it.
P. w. A.