Weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1858-1865, 1863-05-06
For the Standard.
FROM OLD RuTHERFORD.a

EhOA OLD hOxAMksE V1sDs
Ma. EproR:-I gave you . short communi-
cation lately in which l endessorea 70 snow now
"a few of the few" are acting at time when our
homes are threatened by an unprincipled enemy,
and ourselves and families threatened with starva-
ton The present may truly be said to be the
times which try mems souls, and many indeed are
unaole to stand the test {; and how many more will
"fall from grace" II the war continues, future
events alone can show. I remember very well,
that, when the first volunteers were organizing In
our county, it seemed that all were alive to their
duty. Many were saying Comet the invaders
and defeat them; our cribs and smoke-houses shall
be opened. and as long as we have, you and your
families shall have, also" Men volunteered readily
Company after company was organized and tor
warded to the seat of war. Fathers, mothers, sis:
tiers, sons and wives received parting kiss, and
the poor soldier leaves home on the discharge OF
bis duty to his country-relying upon the promises
ones behind and trusting to God that all else might
be we'll. But poor soldier he must meet many
forms Of disease and hardships of every conceivable
shape; yet, with brave. heart and an mistaken
purpose he goes forward but soon the fatal diseases
incidental to camp life prey upon many of them,
and far from home, and without even bed or pillow,
perhaps, he breathes his last No tear, perhaps,
bedews his brow, and no tomb marks his FINAL rest
ing place. The above cases are numerous, as is
VIGIL hHOWu tuIUukuOut lilo Aoitus Dus tOA tuycS
who escape the above, more difficulties stiA await
them. The enemy are encroaching upon our soil
We hear of murdered men and outraged Momsn.
The poor soldier is anxious to meet them. They
are met battles are fought and won Many AN
cold in death, and others disabled for life-but all
is we'll With the poor soldier. So say some at home
He is put, perhaps upon quarter or half rations,
and still some say "ail is wen." But the poor SOL
der learns that the pledges of those at home. to
take of the dear there not being faith.
fully carried out indeed, they will not sell pro-
visions to their families for less than from four to
ten prices, when they had promised to share the
last morsel with them if they would 60. These
are truly destructives-they are at home, and in
tend to remain at home. By extortion they are
able to hire substitutes. They perhaps, own twen-
ty negroes have tan yard or are either magls-
trate, militia officer, post master, doctor, or have
some Office which exempts them; and it matters
not to them what the sufferings Of those noble and
patriotic men are so the enemy are kept back, apd
they can successfully worship the new God, "Shin.
plasters" At FIRST many among us demonstrated
against their wicked and ruinous course. The
preacher even from the pulpit condemned it but
the new God continued to form new alliances, and
receive fresh supplies of devoted followers. Some
who had long been known and acknowledged as
the most pious members of the churches Worship
ping the "old fashioned" the true God beside
"uOtu suSiC 10 uouC OIuSI, OcS0u " oShuO" iSo6S
the power and beauty of the new God, by asking
three or four prices for oil articles they have for
sale, and fear will take the oath of allegiance.
Even our preacher for some time has ceased to say
anything from the pulpit against the new God, and
sells bacon As high as the devotees Of the new God,
and gets as many of the bills as possible.
Really, Mr.. Editor and readers, what is to be-
come Of US For, if the righteous scarcely be
saved, where will the ungodly sinner appear p
There are being many exertions used to stay this
mschevous course Our noble Governor is acting
in way that will endear him to every soldier and
soldiers family; yet those Of the new faith and or
der will condemn his course as they did that Of the
Legislature in making provision for their families
and it is very clear, without SAID provisions, many
families of soldiers must have persisted in old Ruth
erford One gentleman, the largest slave owner
and also the largest corn holder of our county, will
not or would not contract his corn to the county
agent. but probably would be glad to do so now as
there is troop Of cavalry feeding on him, This
one Of bis sons has substitute Many Of the above
characters have substitutes are nothing to
them; few bushels Of corn and few pounds of
bacon will pay it.
Now, we have an armory at Asheville, and few
who consider the precious stuff too important to
part with, put there sons there; and what their
labor tails or lacks in quitting expenses, they foot
up, rather than they will send thei: sons to the
army. The above are all facts, and are written
with the best of motives, hoping that in future they
will act differently; that they will for the future
denopnce the new God; that they do not give over
theFallegiance to him, but that they heed the ad-
vice Of our President and Governor grain
and bacon; part with 1t at living prices, and all
may yet be we'll.
But Mr. Editor, to those who have given over
their allegiance to him, their God is dearer than
President, Governor or country; and doubt the
propriety Of allowing them to use the term "our !"
when speaking Of battles: "Our side whips" our
troops are invncible," &C. let them have no share
in the honors, they bear none of the bur'hens
at home nor in the army-discard them. So, read
er, the next nan you hear using the term "our, !"
look at him--examine him-and see if he can prop.
erly it, see if he worships at the altar of long
prices" If there is an improvement from this, in
future you shall be advised of it.
Yours trnly, PLAIN DEALER
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