Daily Ohio statesman. [volume] (Columbus, Ohio) 1855-1870, 1862-05-16
CAPIToL, G. s. A., RICHMoND,l
April 18th, 1860,

OhfITOI, Ss NJ hlCHmONDH
April 18th, 1869.
Sir: II can no longer be denied that tho pros.
poets OF success for the Southern Confederacy
are gloomy and forboding. On every hand,
whether through lack OF skill or the open treach-
cry OF officers of our army and navy, 1t matters
not, We meet with disasters and defeat With
the continuance of such results, ere three months
shall pass away our boasted COnfederacy will
exist only in history The past shows that we
need larger displays of patriotism, military
skill, personal bravery and firm spirit of de-
votion to the just cause in which we have been
enlisted. Unless these regulates develop them
selves sooD, to fitting extent, we fghtin vain.
Unless We have more clear indications that the
great heart Of the people Ia with us, our efforts
will be futile.
The Government lie impatient to retrieve the
disasters that have befalen US and that yet stare
US In the face on every hand, unless tho people
rally to its assistance. Mcclellan is already
moving on the Potomac, and Hslleck's opera
lions In the West are al every step successful
against Us. The Federal army and navy are
already menscing the metropolis Of tho South
west and key to our graneries. Florida is over
run by Northern invaders, while wherever we
look we gaze on an advancing army.
In this trying emergency the Government
appeals to the people, to the brave hearts and
sturdy wills OF the South 1t cries awake
Your hands have been put to the plow; will you
now look back and repent your past acts p
You have struck out nobly for independence,
pledgiDg your lives and fortunes to its procure.
ment. Will you submit quietly to invasion and
desolation of your homes; the destruction and
con6scation of your property; the abandonment
OF your cherished institutions Arise and
convince the world that the boasted chvaIry OF
the South is more than traditionary myth.
This appeal is made to the country, not open
ly, for obvious reasons. We make tho appeal to
the people through Governors of States COM
prising the Confederacy, and the officers in COM
mand Of our armies. To these mediums the
circular ia sent, with the urgent request that it's
special intent, If not its letter, be conveyed
to every citizen of our struggling Republic.
First of all, We ask for material aid in money
or such equivalent therefor as will enable us TO
maintain our army. Clothing and provisions
will be acceptable aS q substitute for money
when the latter cannot be obtained.
Second, We need men, The ranks of our
army in the field are constantly being thlnned
by casualties of battle, the sickness incident to
camp lie, and expiratloDs of enlistments We
cannot close our eyes TO the fact that the places
are not filled 80 promptly as they should be-
cause by their willingness to fight its battles,
and if need be pour ont their blood in its sup-
port.
Third, We need the encouragement of the
peop.e by a moro liberal display OF patriotism
than has yet been made The tame submission
yielded to the invader wherever he appears, is |
in striking contrast to the boast that we have |
hitherto heard OF the readiness that prevailed |
on every hand to welcome the hirelings with |
bonfires, composed of the dwellings and proper
ty of tho people
II our land is to be overrun and our people |
subjugated, let us leave our conquerors smould-
eriDg waste to reward them for their toll and |
pains Burn every hamlet, village and city
give the torch freely to your cotton and houses;
let the product of your lives be laid waste; fly |
yourselves before the invaders, where success
shall no longer avail them; display determine
tiop and spirit in the cause for which we are all
enlisted, that will give us encouragement to
continue the struggle. Wherever the enemy
achieves victory, let it be bootless, and such |
that their bands now led on by hope of plunder,
will be disappointed, discouraged and we shall
be cheered by the manifestations Of determine
tion and patriotism.
Once more, we expect you to awake! Shake |
off the lethargy that hangs over you! Strike
for the freedom Of yourselves, your families,
your homes! Strike promptly and boldly, and
our Confederacy may yet be firmly established
This is our last and only resource.
Thosc who receive this circular will also be
commissioned as agents of the Government to
advance the purposes indicated. Full letters of |
will be provided them.
(Signed) JEFFERSON DAVIS,
President G. s. A.