Semi-weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1853-18??, 1863-05-01
For the Otanuai
FROM OLD RUTHERFORD.


Mr.. EDrToR:-I gave you short communi-
cation lately in which l endeavored to snow now
"a few of the few" are acting at time when our
homes are threatened by an unprlnclpled enemy,
and ourselves and families threatened with starya-
ton. The present may truly be said to DE the
times which try mems souls, and many indeed.are
unaole to stand the test and how many more will
"fall from grace" if the war continues, future
events alone can show. | 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 "Go-meet the invaders
and defeat them; our cribs and smoke-houses snail
be opened, and as long we have, you and your
families shall have also" Men volunteered readily.
Company after company was organized and for
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
his duty to his country-relying upon the promises
of his neighbors to protect and care for the dear
ones behind and trusting to God that all else mign
be well. But, poor soldier! he must meet many
forms Of disease and hardships of every conceivable
shape; yet with brave heart and mistaken
purpose he goes forward but 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
well known throughout the land But for those
who escape the above, more difficulties Still await
them. The enemy are encroaching upon our SOIL
We hear of murdered men and outraged women.
The poor soldier is anxious to meet them. They
are met; battles are fought and won. Many fall
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 Qr half rations,
and still sope say 'all is we'll" But the poor sol-'
dier 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
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 a n.yard, or are either magiS
trate militia officer, post master, doctor, or have
SOME Office which exempts them /; and 1t matters
not to them what the suiierings of those noble and
patriotic men are, so the enemy are kept back, and
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
whom there is none other, began to acknowledge
the power and beauty Of the new God, by asking
three or four prices for all articles they have for
SALE and fear will soon 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 high the devotees of the new God,
and gets many Of the bills as possible
Really, Mr.. Editor and readers, what is to be-
come of US? For, if the righteous scarcely he
saved, where will the ungodly sinner appear p
There are being many exertiOns used to stay this
mischievous 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, they did that Of the
Legislature, in making provision for their families
and it is very clear without said provisions, many
families Of soldiers mua 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 woud'be glad to do so now, as
there is a troop of cavalry feeding on him. This
man has no son in the army, nor ever will have
one of his sons has substitute. Many of the above
characters have SubStitutes-prices nothing tC
them; few bushels Of corn and few pounds o.
bacon will pay it.
Now, We have an armory at ASheve, and few
who consider the precious stuff too important &c
part with, put there sons there and what theil
labor fails or lacks in quitting expenses, they foo
up, rather than they will send their sons TO the
army. The above are all facts, and writer
with the best of motives, hoping that in future they
will act differently that they will for the future
denounce the new God; that they do not give ovel
their allegiance to him. but that they heed the ad
vice Of our President and Governor-make grair
and bacon; part with 1t at living prices, and al
may yet be well.
But, Mr. Editor, to those who have given owe
their allegiance to him, their God is dearer thar
President Governor or country; and doubt tn
propriety of allowing them TO use the term "our
when speaking of battles "Our side whips" GU
troops invincible," &C. let them have no shar
in the honors, as they bear none of the burthen
at home nor in the army-dscard them. So, read
: er, the next man you hear using the term "Our,
look at him--examine him-and see if he can prop
erly use it; if he worships at the altar Of lon
! prices" If there is an improvement from this, il
| future, you shall be advised Of it.
| Yours truly, PLAIN DEALER.