Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1862-10-28
Clothing for the Army.

A contributor to the Richmond Whig makes
the following practical suggestions as to the way
in which our Army may be speedily supplied
with clothing;
s.Let the courts of each county, city and town
of the Commonwealth, at its first term, October
or Noyember) appoint committee mot too
arge) of its most intelligent, patriotic and ener-
getic citizens, to visit camps Immediately,
and ascertain and report promptly the condition
# the troops from their respective counties. cit
les AM towns, and what is fist and most needed
in the way of clothing; and, upon such reports,
let the courts, without delay, order, through
their agents, the procurement and delivery OF
whatever is needed. Indeed, the work may be
commenced before the reports are made We
all know there some articles needed by all
such shoes, socks and blankets The courts
c5uld not err in securing these things, for we
know they are needed, before we send to the
camps for information. The courts could, there
fore, at oncs', order the purchase of leather and
contract for the making of the shoes They
could, also, purchase wool, AMI have the socks
knit. The aides would knit them without charge.
If any charge was made, it could and ought to be
paid. Cloth could be purchased, and, in many
instances, could be manufactured on contract by
order of the court.
Such orders of courts would read awkwardly
alongside judgements and DEGREES, but they
would be amongst the proudest memorials of
patr otism a free people could have. The Coun-
( ty Court stem has proved itself to be invalua-
bic durin this war, as heretofore. do not
how we could have gotten along without it. 1t
lis imperium in imperio. 1t is the home govern
tment of th, people. Through il our soldiers
have, in great part, been clothed, armed and
equipped for service in the field, while their fam
Ties at home, through the same agency. have.
been and are, in a great measure, fed and other
wise provided for. The only salt obtained for
/ the people has been through these courts, and
under powers conferred upon them, they have
! also furnished the people with their local cur
rency. They have full powers to carry out the
Suggestions of this communication. See session
Acts 1861, ch. 8, pages 80 6. Ordinance ofCon-
! yention No. SO, page so appended to said Acts
Ordinance No. A, page SO.
K By ordinance No. so, they ssmay furnish uni
forms, equipments and any necessary relief to
volunteers &c.-s.may likewise make provision
for the maintenance OF the families of soldiers in
the actual service of the State or of the Confed-
crate States and for such other purposes as the
public exigeneles may require" ssAnd they
Shall have power to provide the means necessary
for these purposes in the manner set forth in
said Act'' fof the Assembly,
ssThe manner set FORTH is a levy of taxes, by
which the necessary money is to be raised.
The plan proposed has many advantages. it
is systematic. 1t has the authority and sanction
of law. 1t bears equitably upon all. no man
; is permitted to withhold his means. Those who
have not patriotism and liberality enough to
, contribute vo!untarily-the speculstor and ex-
tortioner-are required to do their duty.
There will be generous emulation amongst
u the several counties in this good work. Eacf
will strive TO excel the other in clothing It's owl
troops, and the consequence will be, that ou
) Virginia troops will soon all be comfortably clad
} 1t will be well done too. 1t will be furnished
by those, who have and feel an interest in TIT
It matter-by the fathers and mothers brothers ant
% sisters and friends of the soldier
20 AS auxiliary, voluntary associations might D
lr.. 81 cit
sr in the magisterial districts and wards to cotn
to such soldiers come from counties now IN III
" possession of the enemy and in which the com
it pelling system could not be carried out.
lie These two plans conjointy carried woui
to speedily clothe every Virginia soldier in service
Let the other States pursue a like Pollcy, ane
my word for 1t, the nakedness of our army WI
soon cease to be, as it is, public reproach.