Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1865-03-24
APPEAL TO THE PEOPLE OF VIRGINIA.
Richmond Feb 22d. 1865.

FELLow- ClfTzENs :: Commissary General
st. John, at his recent entrancA upon the
duties of his bureau. invited several gentle
men Of this city, including number of
cfergymen, 20 conference as to the best
means Of increasing the supplies Of food
necessary for the subsistence Of the Army
Of NortherB Virginia. At this confidence
the undersigned were appointed as COM
mittee to prepare and issue an address to
I the loyal people of the State, for the pur-
)pose Of placing before them such facts and
Of making such suggestions as will, it is
confidently believed, ensure general and
hearty co operation in this great and neces-
sary work.
You are aware, fellnw, citizens, that the
movements of the enemy in South Carolina
aud Georgia have interrupted our commu-
nications with the Southern States, and
seriously embarrassed the operations Of the
Subsistence Department, SO that immediate
and energetic action on the part Of the
Government and the people is demanded for
the support of the army.
1t is ascertained that the supply Of food
in the accessible counties of North Carolina
| and Virginia is ample for the subsistence
both Of soldiers and citizens Of the four
modes of obtaining it for the use Of the
army, viz: by impressment, purchase, loan,
and voluntary contributions, it is believed
that when the exigency, now existing, is
clearly understood, the last mentioned
method will be the one most approved by
the people, and there the one which
| will command the most cheerful, immediate
and generous aid on their part.
The resources Of the people have already
been severely taxed. Vast quantities Of
food have elready been obtained by impress
ment. loanss and voluntary Contributions
But for these extraordinary Efforts our ar-
mics would have long since been disbandcd,
and withouta continuation Of these efforts
eur soldiers cannot accomplish the task yet
before them. Apart from ali those conside>
rations of honor and duty, which most con-
strain high-toned and patrtlkic men, these
liberal contribute ons on the part of citizens
are necessary to the preservation of their
own rights ofproperty and personal safety.
Interest itself demands any and every sacri.
Zee necessary to prevent subjngation.
On this point, one testimony will be sui.
tfcient. Virginiaps+ and patriots all over
the Confederacy will regard with implicit
belief and profoundest respect any state
ment on such subject cmanating from our
beloved Commander-insChief, Gen. ROBERT
e. LEE. In reference to the very appeal
we are now making, he writes II cannot
permit myself to doubt that our people will
respond TO it, when they reflect on the alter.
native presented to them. They hare sim
t ply to choose whetberith they will contribute
such commissary and qartermaster stores a,
they can possibly spare to support an army
| which has already borne and done so much
in their behalf, or. retaining their stores
maintain the army of the enemy engaged
in their subjugation. ! am aware that I
general obligation of this nature rests light
" on most men-each being disposed t
leave its discharge to his ncighbor-bu
am confident that our citizens will appreci
ate their responsibility in the case. ant
/ will not permit an army which, by God
blessings and their patriotic support. ha
hitherto resisted the efforts of the enemy
to suffer pow through their neglect"
Such being the emergency, and the cor
/ responding obligation it only remains no,
to consider tho best practicable means Q
attaining the end in view.
There is in every couusy accessible TO u
in the State an officer or agent Of th
Bureau of Subsistence, charged with th
duty Of collecting BY purchase Of otherwis
tarmy subsistence. and forwarding the sam
TO this city. It is also proposed to appoin
,tuoor more gentlemen Of iudueno, ensgg,