Year: 1863

- Be Kind to the Soldier.


The Editor OF the Biblical Recorder, in his &C
count of his recent journey to the Western part of
the State to attend the Baptist Convention relates
the following incident:


"a few miles from Morganton an incident oc.
Cured which moved US deeply. We overlook
soldier on foot; the fever flush was on his cheek,
and he moved slowly and in evident pain. We In
quired where he was going. and why he was walk
ing when he was clearly. unfit for itf He hao no
money, and was trying to make his way home, be-
yond AsheVille, to see his wife and children, who
were sick. The Captain knew him for as gallant
and faithful soldier our army contains, and he
had received furlough in view of his excellent
character and arduous services. We asked if no
one would assist him? mo one has helped me
since my money gGue out" was the reply. Had it
taken our last dollar, we could not have withheld
1t from him. Our companions were like minded
and we soon made up a sufficient sum to defray his
expenses gave it to him. and left him to take the
stage when it came along. How he has Jared since
we have not learned, but we hope he reached home
safely, and found his loved ones, for whom he was
attempting and suffering so much, restored to
health The thought of this man toiling along, un-
aided and unfriended, though weary, sick and in
need, in region where all ought to have been his
friends, saddened US, and spoiled our enjoyment
for the day. and We could not help asking ourselves
whether people who thus treat their defenders
are worthy OF freedom"


No one has helped me-" said the soldier, /" since
my money gave out" His money was q mere pit
lance, and was soon gone. 1t is a shame that with
SO many millions of property, and so many precious
lives to defend, the pay Of the soldier is not more
than eleven dollars per month. 1t ought to be at
least thirty. 1t would have been, but for q cold
and unfeeling Senate. The House of Representa-
A.. II.
the Senate rejected it.


We beg our people every where to be kind to
the soldiers especially those of them who are sick
or wounded. "Greater love hath no man than
this, that he lay down his life for another" The
soldiers laying down their lives for those of US
who are at home. They are fighting for our'liVes
and our property. They are fighting for our negro
property, and it is therefore, the especial duty Of
shareholders to be kind, to be generous to soldiers
and their fsuIiliOo- The winter is near at hand,
when the wives and children or many of our brave
defenders will suffer, and suffer greatly, unless they
are aided by persons of means in their neghbor-
hoods The strong arm which once provided food,
and clothing and fuel for the wife and little ones,
is either lifted the battle field to defend those at
home, or is bent by rheumatism contracted in SER
vice, or palsied by wounds, or cold in death. Do
not neglect that wife and those little ones. 10 not
neglect that widow and her fatherless Children
Aid them, not in grudgng. patronizing way, but
with kindly spirit Some Of you urged the iather
to volunteer and assured him when he left that his
family should not suffer. Redeem the pledge. If
you are man of honor you will do it; if you fear
God, who heard you make the pledge, you will do
it; but if you bad cold-hearted faithless sell
fish man, you will not 10 it What elation of step
and bearing would characterize all soldiers and
with what additional determination would their
arms be nerVed in battle, if they could only kHOp
that during the coming winter their families would
be kindly provided and cared for! If they could
know and feel this desertion would at once cease,
and the last man of them would stand and die if
needs be, by the common flag.


We have received copy Of petition from
the women of North Carolina" addressed to Gov.
Vance, signed by 522 soldiers widows, mothers,
wives sisters, daughters, and friends, in GuilfOrd
County, calling on the Governor for relief Among
other things they say:


"The wives and children of soldiers now in actual
service are looking forward to winter of the great
est want and privation. Even it is often almost
impossible for them to obtain bread, though they
walk miles with money in their hands, from mill to
MILL crayIngit Men who promised our husbands,
sons, and brothers when they volunteered, to do
much to supply their places, turn deaf ear to
their entrealieS, and leave US prey to the merci-
less spectators and extortioners, who have monop
olized so much of the produce of the country. The
State has heretofore made some provision for US,
which we have received with thanks to his Excel
leRcy the Governor for his generous exertions
hphaf. hnt necessities imna To ask
for relief and protection"


We can confidently assure the women of Gull
ford and of the State generally, that Gov Vance is
most anxious to relieve the distress which prevails,
and that he will omit no efforts during the coming
winter to provide for the families of soldiers
But the people of the various Counties, by organ
zing relief associations greatly aid the Govern
or in this noble work. The people of Johnston
County, for example, held meeting . few days
since, at which some $4,000 were subscribed, and
the sum is expected to reach $4,000, to beused in
purchasing provisions for the families of soldiers
and others. We learn that William H. AYera, DR..
J. 7. Leach, Nathan Williams, and Dr. John Beck
with subscribed as much as $500 each, and others
freely subscribed in proportion to their MEANS
Why may not Gulford County, and indeed all the
Counties follow their example2 No true patriot
will seek to grow rich, or to add to his wealth du
ring this war.


Remember, the greatest kindness which you can
show the soldier is to provide for his family while
he is absent in the service of the country.


Nash CoUNTY-A friend writing us from Peach
Tree Grove, Nash County, says: "Al are for Tur-
ner in this section of the County. He will carry
Nash by large majority. We want men in Con-
gress who will try obtain peace by negotiations
as we'll as by fighting The people are with you,