The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1865-03-14
TO THE PEOPLE OF NORTH CARO-
LIMA

Fettoto CtiSens:--The necessities of our coun-
try, as represented by Confederate authorities,
impel me, again, 10 oappeal to your generosity
You are aware, that in consequence of interrup-
ton to our railroad communications by recent
movements of the enemy, the subsistence Of Gen..
Lees army has become greatly jeopardized. For
at least few months that army will have 10 RELY
for subsistence upon North Carolina and Virginia
alone. sm informed by the Commissary Depart
ment, that the usual methods of collecting supplies
will be insufficient for the purpose
In reference to this point, need only cite tho
authority of General Lee himself, who writes as
follows in regard to similar appeal to the people
of Virginia:
~ cannot permit myself to doubt that the pee,
pie will respond to it, when they reflect upon tho
alternative presented to them. They have simply
to choose whether they will contribute such COM
mssary and quartermaster stores as they can poss-
IDLY spare to support an army which has already
borne and done SO much in their behalf or retain
ing their stores, maintain the army Of the enemy
engaged in their subjugation. | am aware, that
general obligation OF this nature, rests lightly on
most men-cach being disposed to leave its dis
charge to his ncighbor-but l an confident that
citizens will appreciate their responsibility in
the case, and will not permit an army, which by
Gods blessing and their patriotic support, has
hitherto resisted the efforts Of tho enemy, to suffer
now through their neglect"
1t seems, therefore, that our all depends upon
the voluntary action of the people of North Carroll
ma and Virginia; aud trusting that whatever you
have to spare, will be promptly and patriotically
brought forward for the use your country in its
hour of trial-the following plan is submitted,
which is being acted upon 10 the State of Virginit
with tho best results. II is understood also, that
provisions will be received either as sales loans or
donations.
1st. Let every citizen who can, pledge himself
to furnish tho rations of soldier for six months
without designating any particular soldier as the
recipient OF the contribution
2. Let those thus pcdging themselves furnish,
say SO pounds of bacon aud $50 pounds of -four,
or their equivalent in beef or mca to be delivered
to the nearest commissary agent
3. Let the donor bind himself TO deliver
half OF the amount above stated, viz: 40 pounds
of bacon and 90 pounds of -four Cor It's cquivalcn)
IMMEDIATELY, and the remainder at the ond Of
three months, unless he prefers to adopt the better
plan of advancing the whole amount pledged, at
once.
i. Let the pledge of each individual, subscrib-
ing and furnishing the ratons of obe soldier for
six mouths, be made the basis of larger subscrip-
tions. Those whose generosity and whose means
will enable them to do so may obligate themselves
to provide the rations Of 5, 10, 90 or any number
of soldiers for six months; while even the poor,
who could not afford to supply the rations of one
man, may, combining, authorize one OF their num-
Der to make the designated subscription of at least,
one ration for one man for six mouths
TO effect this, earnestly recommend that coun-
ty and neighborhood meetings be Immediately held
in every portion Of the State, at which subscrip-
tions may be taken up; and, that committee of
responsible and reliable gentlemon be appointed
by such meetings, to wait on those who do not at
tend, and ascertain Yhat be raised at the earli
est possible moment.
Apl Al Lntt
serve his country than in so doing. BY this neaps
every possible ounce OF provisions . hich can bO
spared for the support of our army, may be made
available.
Should you not, Fellow Citizens, respond to this
call, you may calculate not only upon seeing your
own sons in the army suffer and defeated m tho
faid fer want Of those supplies, but you will have
the modification to behold them seized and appro-
priated to the support Of the enemy who comes to
destroy us. Advancing as he does, through the
interior of the land without either wator or rail-
road communications in bis rear, he is now sub.
sstiug by the plumber and ruin of the people Of
South Carolina, aud must necessarily do so, when
he enters our State. he assured, therefore, that
every pound of bacon or beef, aod every bushel Of
meal which you withhold from your own army is
a certain contribution 10 the maintunance Of that
of the enemy. You have, therefore, to choose
whether you will feed your sons, who are bleeding
in our defence, or our ruthless enemy who arms
our slaves and lays waste our country.
To show you, fellow citizens, the earnest impress
sion l have Of the necessity of this notion, and
that will call upon yon to make sacrifice which
I will not share with sou, have rendered to tho
Commissary Department one half Of my entire
years supply, and expect to put my own. family
upon the limited rations allowed to our soldiers,
regretting that have SO little to offer That which
is left to subsist upon will be doubly sweet, be-
cause it will be the bread Of honor and indopen.
dence.
Confidently relying upon the generosity and pa.
triotsm of people to whom have often appeal
ed and never appealed in vain, ] am, fellow citi-
zens,
Your obedient servant,
VANCE