Richmond Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1862-1865, 1864-06-23
]. II. CARRINarnN.
Provost Marshal and Comd't PosI


That paper also contains the following letter ad .
dressed by De- R W. Gibbes, of Columbia s. O. than
whom more patriotic and benevolent gentleman does
not breathe within the limits OF the O0nederacy to
the Secretary OF War, and which we have no doubt
caused the revocation of order thai. though not In
tended, operated az cruel edct upon many a noble
ma ron, wife and daughter, ia our afflicted land Our
to this distinguished gentleman, the writer
of the following letter, this noble defence of their
rights and privileges and we know they will never for
get him. All honor to him for his humane and spirited
enterprise and demand Provost Mlrshals every
will, have no doubt govern themselves with sound
discretion in future in this matter:
COLUNBIA S. c., Nay 20, 1864.
Hon. j. d. Seldom, Secretary of War:
Ny Dear SRA despatch from Richmond, few
days since, informed me OF nephew MORALLY wounded
asking for his mother to TO see him. as lie nigh.
live for a few days Another con, in previous igbi,
was killed. bearing bis cOlors within the enemys lines.
The provost marshal having refused Der passport l
telegraphed Major General Sam Jones, in command OF
this department. and received in reply that he ives
prevented by peremptory orders from granting such
papers," While exceptions are made in business and
other Matters these cases are specially interdcied.
In the lame of our noble women, respectfully pro-
against this cruel edct of of your subordinate
departments. hey have done their high and sac ed
duty the Southern with the pures patriotism
tue sncerest faith the most devoted heroism and The
hottest enthusiasm.
Pardon for reminding you, that they have fed and
clothed the soldiers when the Government was without
the means to do so properly. They established as
can testify, the fret hospitals and homes for furIoughed
men in the Confederscy When the first medical and
surgical department OF the war was about to bA-cr-
ganzed in South Carolina and its officer was awaiting
appropriations by the State the ladies of Charleston
came forward and contributed the means which pro
cured the first surgical instruments with which the regi
ments then on duty were supplied. Their promptnees
caused the Surgeon Generals Department to be the first
subordinate department organized, and i. was mainly
iurnisbedby them.
When Fort Sumter was attacked, their homes, means
and services placed at his disposal aud every pre-.
paration made for painful duty which the providence
of God saved them.
need not my dear sir recall how this was continued
with one impulse throughout the whole South-their
spirit rising with the demands of the occasion--has
ever responded to every call on NON feelings, their
means and personal services in the cause of our brave
soldiers. History viii accordthem the highest position
In encouraging, prosecuting and defending the glorious
struggle 10 which we engaged. Ii is needless to
say more than that the Government can never repay
them for such services
Aud now sir after three years freely yielding their
sons brothers and husbands in this ruthless war the
tenderest and dearest right of WomaEfis taken from
them, that of minisering at the deah bed OF their
loved opes-feelng the last Pickering pnsaon of manly
hearts, giving their expiring throb to their oounrys
independence Surely you will not refuse the Spartan
mother to see her only son his shield or the be
reayed wife the life long satisfaction of Witnessing the
last smile OF her gallant husband yielding his life in
defence of bis home-and Leaving her with confidence
to the protection of his Government
Since the war commenced, the mournful privilege has
never been refused ustil now pray YOU in the eau
Of justice and humanity, If not of feeling and noble
duty, TO direct modification Of the stringent crder
Let there DO no charge, with reason, ofmiary depo.