Semi-weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1853-18??, 1863-08-18
Letters from Soldiers, Wives.


We make the following extract from letter da-
ted Salem Church, Randolph County, North Caro-
lima:
Your paper, and yours alone speaks the true
sentiments of every woman in this community, and
as for the men, alas we have but few to speak. In
the name Of all that is dear what do our authori
ties mean? Our soldiers have been fighting
for liberty until we have lost liberty at home My
husband is in the army and was wounded at Get
tysburg-not mortally, l hope-but | would not
have had his face disfgured for all that was gained
by the invasion. Ny little children and have
worked hard this summer-far beyond our strength
and if we could be allowed to keep what we will
make, we could do with it But the Presidents
minions will be along soon, and then there goes
one tenth Of our hard labor. The prayer is going
up from every family of helpless women and chill
dren in this community for peace. Go on, Sir, in
your Heavenly mission. If our authorities are bent
on calling out all men to be exterminated, then
in that case it would be mercy on thousands of
women and children to detail to kill them for,
deprived of our natural protectors, we desire to live
no longer"
Our lady friend is overcome by her troubles, and
is, therefore, very despondent. Her case is a
hard one, but thousands are in similar, or
worse condition than hers. 1t will not do for
the Southern people to lay down their arms and cry
lOI PSdSSS Jul IllSJ dhu IoIh iOl PS"~O
at the same time. While the two governments are
engaged in the conflict let the people of the SOW
ereign States in both sections, who made the gov
ernments see if something cannot be done to estab-
lish peace on a just and proper basis The South
ern people and the Southern soldiers must preserve
their honor at all hazards. If they should act
to lose their honor and their selfrespect their
mics will trample them down and ruin theru forever
The following extract is from letter written by
q lady in Chatham County:
"Knowing you, Mr.. Editor, to be the soldiers
friend, ask you one simple question: Did not Gov
Vance say expressly that all soldiers wives should
have their support from the government? My
husband went to the war over twelve months ago
in conscrpts place, but he volunteered before en-
tering the service: We have to pay the highest
prices for all we consume. My wheat and oat crops
were entirely destroyed by hogs; and my little son
Uas trying to raise some corn, when suddenly
only horse died. Our farm, for want OF my hus-
bands care, is fast going to ruin. reluctantly ap
piled to the man who deals out provisions to the
poor soldiers wives, and he gave such snappish
answer that it chilled my blood He said he never
heard of such thing a substitutes wife drawing
any thing. | told him my husband was q volun.
teer, and was now in his place. he is not 45.
told him must starUe unless got help, and that
| would write to the Governor for. relief He said
the Governor had nothing to do with t; but at last
remarked If another one Of the committee would
say vas entitled to my support, should have it.
This was last month, and / have not heard from
him SINCE though he is my nearest neighbor.
suppress his name. request you (as you are the
only person that l know of liz the wide wide world
that eau appeal to, though l do not know you
personality to ask the Governor if am entitled to
my support as my strong arm is now far away,
fighting for this very man who is staying at home
to take care of soldiers wives and families. Please
give speedy answer by mail, or in the next num-
Der of your paper"
In reply, we take pleasure in saying to this SOL
ders wife, that she is entitled to her support as
her husband volunteered and is now filling his own
place in the army, and is not substitute. This is
the opinion of the Governor who takes deep in
tereSt in the families of the soldiers But we go
further and say, that the discrimination against the
families Of substitutes is ungenerous and unjust
No distinction should be made between the families
of our soldiers who are in need. They are all
engaged in the same cause, and they are all peril
ling their lives for the country. Their wages per
month will not more than suffice to halfsole their
shoes and buy them pair Of socks; and while they
are receiving almost nothing for their services,
it is the duty of those who are living in compare
tive ease at home, to that their families do not
suffer.