The Burlington weekly hawk-eye. [volume] (Burlington [Iowa]) 1860-1876, 1863-05-23
The Ladies' Meeting,

DEAR ftAWk-tIE: In accordance with
the appointment, the Ladies of the differ
ent Aid Societies assembled at the Congre-
gational Church. Mrs. Wittenmeyer first
contrasted our meeting with one recently
held in Richmond, where women, forget
full of every womanly instinct of their ma
lures, armed with deadly weapons, clam
0red for bread. Then, with patriotic
meeting of two thousand Ladies in st.
Louis, where the enthusiasm was so great
that at each expression of devotion to our
country, two thousand handkerchief were
waved, and two thousand parasols tapped
their "Amens' on the floor. By way OF
encouragement, she mentioned the heroic
labors of many ofthe Societies of our State.
The Ladies ofCouncil Bluffs had sent forty
barrels of potatoes and onions, and though
the journey was long and dan gerous, they
reached their destination.
She spoke with pride of the Ladies of
Muscatine. farmer generously offered
them thirty acres of land. To his surprise
the Society accepted it, and decided to plant
1t in potatoes. Accordingly a huge picnic
was arranged, and all the gentlemen of
Muscatine were invited to assist in plough
ing and planting this princely potato patch.
For several days the ladies have been en-
gagged in cutting and preparing the pota-
toes for planting. We felt as we heard this,
to say-Bravo! Sisters of Muscatine! Bles-
sings on you and your loyal potato patch
BY the way, we nope to prove to our
friends at home, and in the army, that we
are not a whit behind our Muscatine
friends in devotion to the interests of the
army. Mrs. Wittenmyer stated farther,
that during the last three months, she has
received from the different Societies of the
State one thousand one hundred and fftu
three boxes and barrels, and over four
hundred dollars in money that all were
sent with freight-bills, and if one boz was
lost, the boat on which it was sent had to
pay for 1t. Lately one sack of onions was
lost; the boat on which they were sent had
topay for the loss. Every box and pack
age was given into the hands of the Com
missary Sergents, and by them distribute
cd to the soldiers. The officers had moth
ing to do with it. The wine she consider
ed too precious to trust to any one, and
with her own hands gave it to the sick SOL
dlers in the Hospitals.
She noticed some of the objections to Civ
ing aid in this way, to the army, and after
answering them referred to the contribu-
lions made some years since for sending
Missionaries to the Sandwich Islands,
While many Withheld their support for fear
money would be improperly expended,
others gave largely and nobly. The mis-
sion proved successful, and short time
since our Government received 400 boxes
OF rich tropical fruits for our army. No one
now regrets having aided that holy cause,
nor would any one at the close of the war
deplore any efforts he or she may have
made. She spoke eloquently of the hearts
across the ocean that throb in sympathy
with ours, and of the 50 packages of lint, as
large as -hogsheads, from the "Castled
hhine"-the land made sacred by poetry
ana song. Every remark was earnest
ana thrilling, and carried conviction to all
our hearts.
When she had finished, an elderly lady
Tod her of the rumors concerning her that
mad been in circulation for some time
4 Afs. w. calmly took up the subject and
made so clear and candid vindication
mat, whatever may have been the feelings
" those present, on coming, their suspi-
Gons were swept away before they left the
mouse. The following resolution was read
ny Mrs. Darwin.
ResOtUed, That the Ladies of Burlington
heartily sympathiZe with Mrs. Wittenmy-
eF IN her laborious efforts for our soldiers.
anu VIII sustain her in every way possible,
| not only by labors as societies, but in de-
| lending her character from the attacks of
'he sianderer.
Mss shelton moved, and Mrs. Salter Sc
vohded, the adoption OF the motion, which
was unanimously carried. Mrs. Darwin
niaae most stirring appeal TO all present
~ oehaif OF the cause III which we are all
So aeeply interested, and spoke of her per-
,vos confidence in Mrs. Wittenmyer. We
t Tenl to our homes feeling to glory more
! yuan ever in our righteous cause.
EARNESTyNE