Semi-weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1853-18??, 1865-03-07
TO THE PEoPLEoF NORTH CAROLINA

FellOW Citizens-Fhe necessities of orr coun-
try, as represented by our Confederate authori-
ties, lmpel me, again, to appeal to your generos-
ity.
You are aware, that in consequence of inter-
ruption to our railroad communications BY recent
movements of the enemy, the subsistence of
Gen. Lees army has become greatly jeoperdized.
For at least few months that army will have to
rely upon North Carolina aHd Virginia alone
I am informed by the Commissary Department,
that the usual methods of collecting supplies will
be insufficient for the purpose.
In reference to this point, I need only cite the
authority of General Lee himself who writes as
follows. IN regard to similar appeal to the peo-
pie of Virginia:
g cannot permit myself to doubt that the
people will respond to it, when they reject upon
the alternative presented to them. They have
| simply to choose whether they will contribute
such commlSsary and quartermaster stores as
they can possibly spare to support an army which
has already borne and done so much in their be-
half, or retainrng their stores, maintain the army
of the enemy engaged in their subiugatlon. I
am aware, that general obligation of this ma
tI:S, Eos-s3+5h on most Elen--each being dis
posed to leave to its discharges to his neighbor
but am confident that our citizens will ap-
pretciae their responsi iity in the case and will
no permit an army, which by Coils blessings
and their patriotic support, has hitherto resisted
the efforts OF the enemy, to suffer now through
their neglect"
1t seems, therefore, that our all depends upon
the voluntary action of the people of North Caro-
lima and Virginia; and trusting that whatever
you have to spare, will be promptly and patriot
| ically brought forward for the use of your coun-
| try, in its hour of trial-tne following plan is
| submitted, which is being acted upon in the
State of Virginia with the best results. 1t is
understood also, that provisions will be received
either as sales, loans or donations.
! LIST. Let every citizen who can, pledge HIM
self to furnish the ratIons of one soldier for six
months, without designating any particular SOL
der as the recipient of the contribution:
q Let those thus pledging themselves furn-
ish, say 80 pounds Of bacon and $50 pounds of
-four, or their equivalent in beef and meal, to
be delivered to the nearest commisSary agent.
3. Let the donor bind himself to deliver one
half of the amount above stated, viz: 40 pounds
of bacon and 80 pounds of -four Cor its equva-
LENT IMMEDIATELY, and the remainder at the
end of three months, unless he prefer the better
plan of advancing the whole amount at once
4. Let the pledge of each individual, subscrib-
ing and furnishing the rations eff one soldier for
six months, be made the basis of larger subscrip-
tons. Those whose generosity and whose means
will enable them to do so, may obligate them
selves to provide the rations of 5, 10, 90, or
any number of soldiers for months, while even
the poor, who could not afford to supply the rations
of one man, may, combining, authorizing one of
their number to make the designated subscription
of, at Last, ration for one man for six months
To effect this, / earnestly recommend that
county and neighborhoOd meetings be immedi-
ately held in every portion efthe State, at which
subscriptions may be taken up and that COM
mittee of responsible and reliable gentlemen be
appointed by such meetings, to wait on those
who do not attend, and ascertain what can be
raised at the earliest possible moment.
AND rest assured, that no patriot can better
serve his country, than in so doing. By this
means every possible ounce o. provisions which
can be 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 see
ing your own sous in the army suffer and be de-
feated in the field, for want of those supplies,
but you will have the mortif alton to behold them
seized and appropriated t the support of the
enemy who comes to desr.7 us. Advancing az
he does through the inty..Jr of the land, with
out either water or railroad communications in
his rear, he Is now subsisting by the plumber
"n1 tho luIu vi lHc peOpIS vi OOuOu SdIollua1
and must necessarily do so, when he enters our
State. Be assured therefore, that every pound
of bacon or beef, and every bushel of meal
which you withhold from your own army, IS =
certain contribution to the maintenance of that
of the enemy. You have, therefore, to choose
whether you will feed your sons, who are bleed
ing IN our defense, or our ruthless enemy who
, arms our Slaves and lays waste our country.
To show you, fellow citizens, the earnest i'm
preston have of the necessity of this action,
and that will call upon you to make no sacrifice.
which will not share with you, have tenderei
, to the Commissary Department one half of
entire years supply, and expect to put my.
family upon the limited rations allowed
r soldiers, regrettiug that have so littlg
E That which is Left me to subsist u be
doubly Sw6SSf, because it RI1E Be the bread Of
honor and iIdspppda1ee.-
, Confidently relying upon the generosity and
: patriotism of people to whom l have often ap
pealed aud never appeal in vain, am, fellow
citizens, Your obedient servant,
q. B. VANCE.
BY the GOVERNOR:
a. N: .Ti1oPHrErERs,