The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1867-02-27
SUFFERING IN THE SOUTH.

The trials through which some parts OF the
South are passing appeal tenderly for our sym
pathy and help. A letter from the wife OF
an esteemed brother-a lady whose heart and
hand, and pen have been busy in doing good,
gives vivid idea of what Is witnessed In a
State considerably South Of Virginia. We
give extracts:
sour house is constantly thronged, and es-
peciaIy since the return of my husband from
Kentucky, where he had been to obtain sup
plies ofsfood, with applicants for relief; and
/ know your heart would be moved to deep
pity could you hear the appeal for bread from
the widow and orphan, the strong, and those
whose hoary heads are bowed with the weight
of trouble, as well as years. Take these as
specimens:
q have but a handful of meal, and cannot
borrow nor command dollar. Can you do
anything for me?
my husband was killed in the army; his
property is destroyed, and | have six children
to support.
''I am an aged man, lacking but eight years
Of an hundred. / fought through the war OF
1912, and have had many sore troubles. My
daughter was murdered my son killed In the
war. and my wife fell from her chair and died
from the dreadful shock. My span is almost
out, but l do not want 20 starve, give me few
bushels"
s'My salary as a minister of the Gospel Is
$3.50. l need fifty bushels of corn to supply
with economy my family, | have saved $50 :;
if you can assist me great burden will be
lifted from my heart.
''My churches have promised me four hun
dred dollars. have nine children, and a
weight of debt upon me. l sent my last turn
of corn to mill yesterday.
Such, Mr. Editor, is the daily, and almost
hourly appeals which hear, and every one [
know to be an episode in real life. Ever since
my husband left home this morning, and from
an early hour till the last moment of his stay,
he was receiving such applications L have
granted orders for three hundred bushels to
persons who walked twenty miles to obtain
them; one of them a noble and manly youth
of twenty, whose arms are paralyzed from the
effects of wounds while serving his country.
He is the eldest of six children, and his mother
a widow There is fearful restitution in our
land, and we are deeply grateful for any relief
which is sent to our needy. hope you will
excuse my prolixity; the theme is a deeply
interesting one to me, and have suffered my
pen, fear, to trespass upon your time.
By no means a trespasS: it will do good to
publish such facts, distressing as they may be.
1t will lead those who can do so to give of their
means to relieve this want, and viii inspire
those whose means are diminished, and who
are tempted to repine, with gratitude that
their lot is not so hard as others.
To descend to smaller things; the same
writer thus closes the letter: 1.-The Central
Presbyterian, welcome visitor for number of
years, we with regret must decline receiving
for awhile; our purse is depleted. So L must
beg you to stop it, though | know L shall miss
it sOrely. In more prosperous, and brighter
hour hope it will resume its visits.
To this we say no; the Central Presbyterian
must go on for year. If any person reading
this thinks it suitable to take the charge very
well. If not, the Editor will cheerfully aid his
brethren to the utmost of his ability.