Richmond Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1862-1865, 1863-02-04
GoRDoNsvILLE, yIRsTSrA,
Iannarr % laG2-

To TIE Editor Of the W1ig:
think your recent articles upon impressments by the
Government are impolitic and unWie at the present
time. Why not oppose the Conscript Act! If the
Government has the right to press men, has il not the
right to press the food for themi You must be well
aware that our army men and animals have been for
months past and are now, bordering on (Or the truth
must be told state of starvation, and it win come,
unless speedy steps are taken to prevent 1t.
Out of what the Army Regulations direct to be issued
to the soldier he only gets aOur and beefsat &C.
casonally-and to troops stationed towns and vii
lagos bacon in place of beef the bacon ration has
Gently been reduced to oneourth of pound per day
to the men, and the commissary at this post says he
don't know where he will obtain meat to issue at the
next draw day. screw evidently loose somewhere.
1t may or may not be with the Commissary Depart
ment Can il be doubted that there is not sufficient
supply OF the staff Of life in the country think not
Then, sir, what has become of it? will tell you.
know Of q not far from here, where man, lately
engaged in ether business has turned his attention to
buying up bacon, -four liquor and other articles and
has accumulated large supplies in fact drained several
counties; and is holding them from the army, as
well as from the people He makesit his boast to say
as much for it, supplies as what the people pay Is not
the patriotism Of this wrapped up in the almighty
dolArg What does he care which side wins, 80 he
gets his extortionate prcesf We Of the army have no
pity for the e1toroner but only regret that when the
Government Seisss their goods that there is law by
which they cannot also press The HAsa into service
What would you say Mr. Editor, if you we're reduced
TO the same allowance the soldier gets, Would you
have any squeAmshness about the right Of the Govern
ment to take it from persons who seeking the very
hfebloOd Of the Confederacyy am Of the opinion you
would not. 1t therefore gives me pain to see such an
old and able journal yours advocating Though ind
recty) the cause of the eIoroner the meAnest Of all
pirAtes-the land pirate.
hope the Government will continue to press the
goods of all such without showing favor affection to
any and then press the into service aud by do
ing it will receive the unanimous amen of the whole
| army.
Nothing but the purest of patriotism has kept our
army together Our soldiers know full well they are
fighting for all that they hold dear to themor their
own as well as for their peoples independence; but
some will say Government is too poor-they can't
afford it, To all such would sAy-Te this to the ma
rines There is plenty in the country, and it needs but
little energy the part of our officials to obtain it.
Can't Government afford to raise the pay Of the
soldier 1t would only take little more of NemmingerS
time, and cost little for paper and printing
What is eleven dollars per month to man who has to
pay forty dollars purchase pair of boots and at
home family dependent on hmS
Let Congress turn its attention to the wants of the
Commissary and Quartermaster departments, and have
adt tha of,
departments Let them pass acts removing from Office
any officer who would dare to think, much less to
say Let them suffer-" When this is DONE the soldier
will begin to that there is power in this Govern
uent that intends to give him JUsrIcE.