Weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1858-1865, 1863-04-22

distances are 30 great the condition Of theroads has
been SO bad during the i've months OF winter
weather through which we have loss passed and
the attempts of grevelling speculstors to foFestall
the market and make money out Of tho likelihood
of our defenders, have so much ipfueced the with
drawa from sale of the surplus in the hands Of the
producers that the government has been unable to
gather full supplies. The Secretary Of War has
prepared plan, &hich is appended to this address,
by tho aid Of which, or some similar means 10 be
adopted by yourselves you can assist the officers Of
the government in the purchase of the bacon the
pork and the beef, known to exist in large guam
titles in different parts of the country Even if the
surplus be less than is believed, is it not bitter
and hun,iliatng reflection that those who remain at
home secure from the hardship and protected from
and that their slaves also should have full supply
of food, while their sons, brothers, husbands and
fathers are stinted in the rations on which their
health and efficiency depend?
Entertaining no fear that you will either miscon-
strue the motives of this address, or fail to respond
to the call Of patriotism, have placed the facts
fully and frankly before you. Let US all unite in
the performance of our duty, each in his sphere;
and with concerted, persistent and welLdirected
effort there little reason to doubt that under
the blessings of Him to whom we look for guidance,
and who has been to US shield and strength, we
shall maintain the sovereignty and independence Of
these Confederate States, and transmit to our pos
terty the heritage bequeathed to US by our fathers
(Signed) JEFFERSON DAVIS.
ErecutiOs Office, Richmond, April 10, 49,.
PLAN SUGGESTED BY. THE SECRETARY OF WAR.
l. Let the people in each county, parish or ward,
select at public meeting, as early as couvenst z.
committee of three discreet citizens charged
with tie duties hereinafter mentioned:
H. Let it DO the duty of this committee to ascer-
tain from each citizen in the county or parish what
amount of surplus meat, whether bacon, pork or
beef he can spare for the use Of the army after re-
serving supply for his family and those dependent
on him for food.
Let this committee fix a price which is deemed
by them Just compensation for the articles tur-
nis,ed and inform the citizens what this price is,
so that each may know, before delivery, what price
is to be paid for the articles furnished.
Let this committee make arrangements for the
transportation Of the supplies to some convenient
depot after consultation with the officer who is to
receive them.
Let the committee make delivery of the supplies
on receiving payment of the price, and assume the
duty of paying to the citizens who have fur
nished the supplies.
HI. Where the duty of the committee is per.
formed in any town or city at which there may be
q Guartermaster or comnissary, TO further DUTY
need be required of them than to deliver to the
officer list Of names Of the citizens and OF the sup
plies which each is ready to furnish and the price
fixed; whereupon the officer will himself gather
The supplies and make payment
". Where the supplies are furnished in the
country the cost Of transportation to the depot will
be paid by the government, in addition to the price
fixed by the committee.
V. As this appeal is made to the people for the
bene, Of our brave defenders now in the army, the
Department relies with confidence the patriotism
OF the people, that no more than just compensation
would be fixed by the committees, nor accepted by
those whose chief motive will be to aid their coun
try and not to make undue gains out of the needs
OF our noble soldiers.
JAMES A. SEDDON,
Secretary Of War.