The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1863-03-17
AN ACT
For the Relief Of the Wives and Families Of
Soldiers an the Army.

For the Relief Of the Wives and Families Of
Soldiers an the Arny
Section l. Be it enected by the General Assem-
by of the State of North Carolina, and it is here
by enacted by the authority Of the same, That the
sum of one million dollars be, and the same is
hereby appropriated to the use and benefit of the
wives and families of INDECENT soldiers, who now
are or may hereafter be in the service of the State
or Confederate States, and all Of the wives and
families of all INDECENT soldiers who have been or
NAV hereafter be killed, or die in the army or
service of the country.
Sec. 2 Be it further enacted, That at the
earliest practicable time it shall be the duty OF
the Chairman of each Court to notify the Justices
of the County to meet in the Court House, for
the purpose Of electing some person to be styled
County Commissioner. a majority of the Magis-
trates being present.
Sec 3. Be it further enacted, That the sum of
one million dollars, as aforesaid, be equally divided
amongst the several counties Of the State, accord
ing to the VIII tie population, to be ascertained by
the census of 1860.
Sec f. Be it further enacted, That as soon as
the Commissioner aforesaid shall be elected and
enter into bond with approved security by the
Court it shall and may be lawful for the Treasurer
of the State to pay to said Commissioner the
amount due his county, out Of any money in the
Treasury not otherwise appropriated, aud that
settlement of his accounts.
Sec S. Be it further enacted, That at the Court,
and at the time of the appointment Of the County
Commissioner, it shall be the duty of the Court to
direct and establish such rules aid regulations in
the division and distribution of the money appro-
prated to the use and benefit Of the wives and
families of the INDECENT soldiers, to afford the
greatest relief and comfort to them, whether the
same shall be paid them, in whole in part, in
cash or provisions, with power to purchase or
seive produce or provisions Of any kind from the
State, in lieu of money, such amount as the
Court shall, from time to time prescribe.
Sec. 6. Be it further enacted, That all counties
that are may be in possession of the enemy shall
receive the amount that they may be entitled to
under the provisions of this act, in North Carolina
Treasury notes. and that the said counties shall re-
ceive the money direct from the Treasurer of the
State without being subjected to the provisions of
this bill 10 regard to the action of the Justices;
the said amount of money to be paid to the
County Trustee of said counties, aud to be by
them distributed according to the provisions of
this bill; the said Trustees giving bond to the
State in double the amount received by them to
be distributed.
Sec 7: Be it further enacted, That this act
shall be in force from anG after its passage.
Read three times and ratified in General AS
sembly, this 10th day of February, A. D. 1863
CONFEDERATE CoNGREsS.-In the Senate on
the 10th, bill was passed requiring the prepay
ment on all letters sent to soldiers. The impress
ment bill was considered in secret session. Mr.
Wigfas substitute for the House bill was finally
adopted by vote of Is to 2. After which the
doors were opened and Smiths bill to grant to the
principal officers in each executive department
seats upon the floor was taken up and discussed
until adjournment.
TI h. -,
relative to the production of provisions, with an
amendment requesting the President to give pro-
ducers the assurance that when it becomes neces-
saSy to impress provisions forage, just compen-
sation will be made according to fair market price
Mr. Barksdae introduced joint resolutions, declar-
ing the firm conviction that the people Of the Con-
federate States, in justice to their and conf
dence in final triumph in the eud, will continue
to make whatever sacrifice may be required, and
would accord respectful considerations to any pro-
position looking to the accommodation of differen
ces, but preserving seperate and distinctive
natural character and whenever any State border
ing on the Mississippi shall desst from their
unprovoked war will secure them the free naviga
tion of that River. Referred to the Committee on
Foreign Affairs.
Mr: Smith, of North Carolina introduced reso- !
luton on the same subject. Referred.
CAUSE OF sickness IN THE ARMf.-1t
has been ascertained by the inspection Of medical
officers, that the chief of disease among the
soldiers of the Yankee Army is the improper
preparation Of their ratons Dr.. Vollum has |.
recently made proposition, which will be strongly ,
recommended by the Surgeon General that
system Of cooking shall be organized in the Army |
BY which this evil may. be remcdied. 1t Is ,
proposed that corps of cooks shall be appointed
or enlisted. or that already enlisted familiar
With cooking shall be specially and permanently !
detailed from each company for that purpose,
With the view as far as possible to utilize the
.ations of the soldiers and make digestible food
It is believed that the introduction of such an
organization viii tend very greatly to improve the
nealth of the troops, and prevent the practice OF
which is found so difficult to correct
10 most cases the struggling is begun in search
or food, aud if the food were properly prepared
oy regular cooks for each company or regiment,
he soldiers would be more eager to get to camp
or a good meal than to fall behind to seek 1t