Jul
31
by John Beauchamp Jones
JULY 31ST. —Gen. Breckinridge has beaten the Yankees at Baton Rouge, but without result, as we have no co-operating fleet.
Jul
31
July 31, 1862, The New York Herald
Beriah Magoffin, the secession Governor of loyal Kentucky, has just issued his proclamation, calling the State Legislature to meet on the 14th day of August, in consequence of the ominous conditions of things in the Commonwealth, resulting from the late insolent forays of rebel guerillas.
The Governor says: “A civil conflict is impending over us:” that he […..] soldier or a dollar to protect the lives, property or liberties of the people, or to enforce the laws; that appeals are being made to him for protection against marauding bands, but that being left without power, he has no alternative than this appeal to the Legislature, to provide for the defence of the State and to consider the policy to be adopted in regard to the late action of Congress and the President touching slavery, “and to provide the safety of our institutions and the peace and tranquillity of the Commonwealth.” This is very good for Magoffin, and we have very reason to believe that the Legislature will very soon provide the ways and means for the expulsion from Kentucky of these gangs of rebel banditti which, so long as they exist within her borders are a burning shame and reproach to her chivalry and loyalty.
But Kentucky is not the only State suffering from these bands of rebel marauders. From the debris of Beauregard’s late grand rebel Army of the Southwest, Tennessee is extensively infected with these rebel freebooters. Along the southern border of that State they have destroyed or appropriated within the last three weeks millions of property belonging to the government and to loyal citizens, and they are still plundering and burning, and committing all sorts of atrocities upon loyal people, right and left. It also appears that the withdrawal of General Curtis from Arkansas has not only left that State and its Union inhabitants at the mercy of the rebel General Hindman and his local confederates, but that these desperate traitors have been emboldened to detail a marauding guerilla expedition or two for the invasion of Missouri, in co-operation with secession bushwhackers there that had been driven out of the State into their holes and corners by the army of Gen. Curtis.
Unquestionably all these predatory operations of rebel robber bands in Kentucky, Tennessee and Missouri are parts of the general programme of Jeff. Davis and his confederates at Richmond. Their Secretary of War has very lately promulgated this fact to the world in an official edict. The object is apparent. It is to divert twenty, thirty or fifty thousand regular Union troops to each of these aforesaid States to the work of suppressing these guerillas, and thus to weaken, to the extent of seventy-five or a hundred thousand men, the forces from which we might otherwise immediately reinforce our two all-important armies in Virginia.
We have no doubt, however, that Gen. Halleck thoroughly understands the game of the rebel leaders, and that he will not be diverted from the great work before him in Virginia by these guerilla tactics of the enemy in the West. The governor of Missouri, a trusty, loyal man, has gone the right way to work in calling out the militia of the State to put down these guerilla brigands there in. We are confident that this movement will speedily re-establish law and order in Missouri, and enable the governor to place twenty or thirty thousand soldiers, armed and equipped, at the service of the President, and for the relief of Arkansas.
The President’s Provisional governor of Tennessee, Andrew Johnson, should, we think, be authorized to call out the militia of that State, and to enforce the requisition by our regular army in that quarter. Thus Tennessee could soon be placed in the possession of a local army sufficient for her own protection against the rebel guerillas with which she is harassed; for we have no doubt that even at this day twenty or thirty thousand first rate Union soldiers may be raised in a month in Tennessee under a levy upon the militia.
With regard to Kentucky, we rely upon her loyal legislature and loyal people. Beriah Magoffin, her Governor, has no power, because the Legislature found him to be in league with secession traitors, and so all power to appropriate money or soldiers was taken away from him or rigidly denied him. In a word, President Lincoln, with General Halleck at his elbow, and in co-operation with the local authorities of Kentucky, Tennessee and Missouri, can amply provide, not only for the expulsion of the rebel guerillas of said States, without drawing upon our military forces in any other quarter, but can render those States of great service to the general cause, in their contributions of soldiers for active service in other States; and we hope that this plan of operations, or something like it, will, as fast as possible, be put into execution.
Jul
31
July 31, 1862, The New York Herald
Our Army Correspondence.
HARRISON’S LANDING, July 28, 1862.
Another instalment of our sick and wounded prisoners, taken in the late battles, arrived today from Richmond. Most were brought direct from Savage station, via Richmond, Petersburg and City Point, being conveyed here from the last named place on board the steamers Daniel Webster and Louisiana. Between five and six hundred arrived altogether. All of these, except about forty, were subsequently placed on the Daniel Webster, which this evening set sail down the river to convey those on board, some to Northern Hospitals and some to their homes. Foremost among those boarding the steamers on their arrival here were General McClellan and Dr. Letterman, medical director of the Army of the Potomac. The former, in looks and works, showed a deep sympathy for the brave heroes who have nobly and patriotically endangered heath and life in their country’s service. The brightened looks and hopeful and pleased expression of the men showed soldierly appreciation of the visit of their commanding general.
Our men released from the confederate capital have each their story to tell. It is saddening to listen to them. I have noticed a feature in nearly all theses recitals — a feature all the more beautiful in its manifestations from its rarity — total abnegation of self. Scarcely one speaks to you of his own sufferings; the privations and heroic endurance of his companions are uppermost in thought and utterance. Saddest of all are the stories told of those dying from their wounds; how each day saw them grow weaker; how, as their end approached, the brighter and shining qualities of mind and soul shone out in lustrous and unselfish beauty; how in the ebbing away of their young hearts blood, came welling up words of entreaty to all about them to stand by the Stars ands Stripes, how, came memories of absent friends and dying messages and mementos sent to loved friends at home. These mementos — a watch from one, blouse from another, portemennate here, sword there, pistols, flasks, canteens, belts, pocket knives — are mute messages of the man of war. How much of sorrow they will carry with them into many a household.
Among those with whom I had the longest conversation today is Dr. Churchill, surgeon, Fourteenth New York Volunteers. He states some new facts of interest. While remaining behind to aid in taking care of the wounded at Gaines’ Mills he was taken prisoner. From there he was removed to Savage’s station, where he was given the charge of about five hundred of our wounded. The sufferings of our men here from want of medicines, surgical instruments and proper food and shelter, and the privations and hardships undergone by the surgeons, have been too frequently described to render a repetition necessary. They paid from $14 to $16 a piece for lambs to make soup for the men and some died of actual starvation, notwithstanding all their care, including two surgeons. He remained at Savage’s station three days, when he was ordered to Richmond, having in his care nearly six hundred wounded. The men were put on platform cars, the rain pouring down in torrents, and most not yet having had their wounds dressed. A rebel major told him that ambulances and wagons would be in wait at the Richmond depot to convey them to hospitals. He saw some wagons whose service he succeeded in obtaining; but he saw no ambulances and no hospitals. The men were all removed into some sheds opposite where they had to remain, with the bare ground for their sleeping pace, no blankets, and nothing but a piece of soft bread for each man to eat for the space of twenty-four hours. He remained in care of these men two days, doing the best he could for them and spending all his own money and all he could get to buy food for them. A good deal of money went but a little way, as may be imagined from the scale of prices as heretofore published — tea, $16 a pound: butter, $1 a pound; milk, 50 cents a quart; eggs, a shilling a piece, and everything else in proportion. Some Irish women came with baskets filled with provisions, and were gratuitously distributing them among the men, when rebel officers, seeing it, put a stop to it. At the end of the two days, Dr. Churchill was invited to dinner by a rebel officer at his private residence with promise of a quiet place for a post-prandial nap. He accepted the invitation. The dinner proved to be mythical, the private residence the military prison where Colonel Corcoran and Congressman Ely were so long confined and the place for sleeping the eleventh portion of a small room alive with vermin and permeated by odors the vilest imaginable. His durance vile — for it was virtually vile — happily was of short duration. After three days’ imprisonment he was sent back to Savage’s station, where he remained until yesterday. Dr. Churchill did not see much of Richmond, as may be imagined from the above recital; but from conversations with rebel officers and soldiers he learned a good deal. After the Gaines’ Mills battle they were all very exultant, and said in less than three days they would have General McClellan bagged and all his army. Subsequent battles diminished their confidence, and he noticed that after the Malvern hill fight they had but little to say. The final result — for they confess themselves whipped in the long run — had disgusted large numbers and hosts were daily deserting. It was universally conceded that they could never gather such an army at Richmond again as was there before the fight at Mechanicsville. The Union call for three hundred thousand additional troops has had a greatly dampening effect upon rebel enthusiasm, and it is acknowledge on all hands that what fighting they intend to do must be done before this reinforcement can reach the Union army. He saw a good many of Stonewall Jackson’s men, who are now pushing after Gen. Pope army. They march nights and rest days, and they only carry a blanket with them, depending for subsistence on the country they rebel over.
There have been no deaths at the general hospital during the past forty-eight hours. It is clearly established, not only from this fact, but from the surgeons’ reports sent in daily to headquarters, that the health of the army is improving.
We are having another visitation of very hot weather, the thermometer reaching the upper nineties, which may possibly tell unfavorably; but it is believed that the supplies of fresh vegetables, now dealt daily to the soldiers, as noted in a previous letter, will have more than a counterbalancing effect. A good deal of the prevalent dibility and bowel derangements is attributed to the sameness and unhealthful nature at this season of the year on the food for some time past dealt out to the men. Absence from so many regiments of surgeons, through sickness and being taken prisoners in the recent fights, has had an unfavorable effect. It is true it has been attempted to fill their places through the employment of so-called doctors, but very many employed in this capacity have proved poor sticks. Some of these have been sent away, and many have run away. Each day calls loudly for some radical reformation in the medical management of the army. It is to be hoped that the daily arrival of released surgeons will afford some relief.
Digging wells is quite a feature of camp life now. One can hardly walk through a camp but he comes upon one or more parties delving the bowels of the sacred soil in quest of the aqueous fluid. It is a fruitless task, or promises to be so in many instances. I have seen wells dug forty and sixty feet, and no indications of the much desired water. Here and there have been found exhaustless springs of the precious liquid, and marvellous stories are told of the successful searchers for theses watery fountains. The crotched stick has been the talismanic wand of greatest potency. Following the direction indicated by the segment of witch hazel — the kind of wood said to possess the strongest indicative powers — they have come upon the earth concealed treasure; and as Moses brought with his rod water from the flinty rock, so, by delving with pick and spade, they have caused the water to gush forth in cool and plenteous streams.
The Louisiana is to return tomorrow to City Point of another load of our sick and wounded prisoners, expected to be sent from Richmond.
The army reviews are still in progress. They are now nearly finished.
Jul
31
July 31, 1862, The New York Herald
No military movements are reported in General McClellan army since our last. Our correspondence from the headquarters will put our readers in possession of everything interesting transpiring there. The wounded and sick continue to be sent down the river, and the personal attention to their wants on the part of the Commanding General is unremitting.
Two fugitives from the rebel camp, who arrived at Harrison’s Landing on Monday, stated that the rebels at the fight at Malvern Hill were panic stricken and retreated to Richmond. They could not be relied on. Hence the reasons for not following our troops. Had we had a few more men, they say that General McClellan might have marched into Richmond easily.
A report was prevalent in Washington yesterday, which originated with some contrabands, that the rebels were evacuating Richmond. Large bodies of troops, it is stated, are crossing the James river and moving southward. It is pretty evident, however, that the movement of these troops means something very different from an abandonment of Richmond.
General Pope reached his headquarters at Warrenton, Va., on Tuesday at noon and was received with enthusiasm. The secessionists appeared to be considerably exercised upon his arrival, but it is said are not disposed to take the oath of allegiance. A portion of Gen. Sigel’s advance drove out the rebel cavalry of Robertson from Madison Court House on Saturday without loss. The rebels are making no demonstration along the railroad, near Gordonsville, though from information received there appears to be little doubt that General Ewell has quite as large a force in that vicinity as we have before reported.
It was rumored in Norfolk that the rebel gunboat ‘New Merrimac’ and a ram, just finished in Richmond, intend to run through our fleet in the James river, and attack the Minnesota and other vessels at Norfolk, and make an attempt to take the city. This would be a bold effort; and, if there be any truth in the rumor, our naval authorities on the river should be on the look out.
A special despatch from Vicksburg, on the 23d recounts the gallant but unsuccessful attempt to capture the rebel ram Arkansas. It appears that, according to agreement between Commodores Davis and Farragut, the fleet from below was to engage the lower batteries, and the fleet above would engage the upper ones, while the gunboats Essex and Queen were in the meantime to attack the Arkansas and tow her out. In consequence of a misunderstanding, only a few shells were fired from the mortars below, and had no other effect than to divert the fire from the Essex, which attempted to run into the Arkansas and jam her against the levee, but the latter swung round and the Essex grazed her side. As she passed she gave the rebel craft three eleven-inch shot from her bow guns. Upon finding herself unsupported she dropped down the river. The Queen, coming to her aid, ran into the Arkansas, making her tremble from stem to stern. Recovering herself, the Queen ran on her again, but so forcibly as to strain her own works badly. Both boats then returned up the river.
It is to be regretted that after such a gallant affair a misconception of orders should have marred success.
The guerillas in the West are becoming bold and troublesome. We learn from Louisville that the Kentucky wandering bands, under Morgan, took possession of Russellville on Thursday, after a collision with the Home Guard, wounding a captain of Kentucky volunteers and killing two lieutenants. To counteract this disaster, it appears that on the following day a large party of guerillas from Boone county attacked Mount Sterling, and were repulsed by the Home Guard defending that place. During the retreat the guerillas were met by a party of the Eighth Kentucky Volunteers, under command of Major Bracht, who drove them back towards the town, where they were again attacked by the Home Guard. The result was a complete stampede of the guerillas, who lost all their horses, eight killed and forty-eight taken prisoners. The number wounded is not known. The loss on our side was three wounded. This class of marauders, which seems now to comprise the remaining portion of the rebel armies in the Southwest, have also shown themselves in Missouri, having crossed the river from Arkansas in large gangs, and are now encamped beyond the State line in the counties of Howell and Rexas. Our troops stationed at Houston, Texas county, however, are said to be numerous enough to repress any advance of the guerillas.
We learn by a despatch from Nashville, that a rebel mail from Chattanooga has been captured by our army. The letters contained valuable information. Beauregard has resigned, and gone to the springs in Alabama. Bragg is at Vicksburg, with twenty thousand men, but is scarce of horses. An artillery company from Georgia could not be supplied with either guns or horses. The rebel letters seized were from Tupello, Miss., fifty miles south of Corinth. The writers are anticipating the early reoccupation of Tennessee by rebel troops, and every rebel warlike indication favors the supposition. The rebels are reported to have evacuated Lebanon, with the intention to mass their troops at a given point for a sudden dash on Nashville.
The guerillas along the Mississippi banks are equally active. Despatches from Rolla, Mo., state that at Stillville, on Sunday night, at least fifteen hundred mounted and armed men had crossed the State road from Potosi to Jefferson, within ten miles of that place. About fifteen hundred have organized and put out from Salem and vicinity within the last three days. Within that time they have passed across the railroad in great numbers between Rolla and Merrimac. They take horses, clothing and ammunition, and supplies of every kind they require wherever they find it.
The steamer Platte Valley, to Cairo, brings the news of the capture of the despatch boat Sallie Wood by the rebels, one hundred and fifty miles above Vicksburg. The rebels had a masked battery, and succeeded in hitting her steam pipe, disabling her. They took quite a number of prisoners and destroyed the boat. The Queen of the West was also fired into on her way up. Two or three were killed and several wounded.
Thus at all points in the West wandering bands of rebels are annoying our troops and obstructing the river navigation.
Our news from the South today will well repay perusal. The admission of the rebel press of the savage vandalism of their soldiery is a fair set-off to the charges that they have been making against Yankees in this respect.
The Australasian, which arrived at this port yesterday, brings us three days later news from Europe. The American question had reached fever heat from the publication of a bogus telegram in the London Times (another Arrowsmith humbug) announcing the surrender, unconditionally, of General McClellan’s army to General Lee, and a good deal more of the same kind. The next day, however, dispelled the illusion, and matters wore a different aspect. An important discussion took place in Parliament on Mr. Lindsay’s motion to offer mediation and recognize the Southern confederacy. After a lengthened discussion, which we give in another column, Mr. Lindsay motion was withdrawn. Lord Palmerston made a remarkable speech on the occasion, appealing to the House to leave the matter in the hands of the government. The effect of the Times canard upon the cotton market was a fall of two cents per pound, but on the evening of the 19th, when the Australasian sailed, the market had recovered, when the news by the Arabia put an end to the hoax.
The Paris correspondent of the London Herald again asserts that the Emperor Napoleon is about to offer the mediation of France to America, and says that the drift of public opinion is in favor of such a course.
The Paris Pays says the departure of General Forcy for Mexico appears to be postponed.
The Patrie says the United States government has offered to purchase the province of Sonora for $6,000,000.
Jul
31
July 31, 1862, The Charleston Mercury
This is a matter which at the present time is of great importance to the people of the South, and it may be interesting to know something with reference to the preparations in progress for obtaining the fall supply. The principal salt works in the South, those of Southwestern Virginia, are now turning out about 3000 bushels per day, and the company owning the works are improving their facilities for increasing the amount. The States of Georgia and North Carolina are putting up works at the Virginia wells, in order to supply their people. Those of Georgia are nearly completed, and will soon commence operations. The salines are very rich, and are believed to be inexhaustible. About 200 sacks of salt, purchased by the City Council of Petersburg, Va. from the Washington Salt Works, arrived in that city Saturday, and has been distributed to the citizens at six cents per pound.
Jul
31
July 31, 1862, The Charleston Mercury
The inhabitants will well remember those ancient, rust-eaten, revolutionary relics which have for years adorned our street corners, and served as supports to that curious crowd of Sunday idlers whose weekly insanity is marked by an extraordinary love of fine clothes and a dogged determination to loiter around alley-ways, and lean against the posts with an aimless yet resolute constancy that no chance or change can overcome.
What will be the astonishment of our venerable friends, and what the dismay of these hebdomadal loungers, to find that the old, familiar landmarks have been ruthlessly torn up and removed from their long abiding places, to subserve the purposes of city defence, after a fashion that need not be mentioned.
Jul
31
July 31, 1862, The New York Herald
Our Army Correspondence.
HARRISON’S LANDING, July 29, 1862.
Quiet still reigns supreme, and not the slightest thing occurs to mar the monotony of camp life. At this particular place (the landing) the arrival and departure of boats vary the scene somewhat; but in the camps the regular and steady habits of the soldier are the only rule observed.
On Sunday the transports Daniel Webster and Elm City were sent up the river to Aiken’s Landing, under a flag of truce, to bring back a number of released wounded Union prisoners. These two vessels returned yesterday morning, having about 700 of these poor fellows aboard. The appearance of the unfortunate prisoners was anything but pleasant. Suffering from want of proper nourishment and medicaments, their frames are wasted to mere skeletons. A number of these poor fellows have not had a change of clothing since their capture, and it was an affecting sight to see the gratitude displayed towards the Sanitary commissioners when new and clean garments were provided for the sufferes. The majority of the returned prisoners were wounded in the last seven battles, and owing to want of accommodations in Richmond, were paroled and sent home. At about ten o’clock yesterday morning Major General McClellan proceeded to the vessels having the wounded prisoners on board. He was accompanied by several of his staff and the generous hearted and true philanthropist, Clement B. Barclay, Esq., whose charitable and self-sacrificing deeds are already known. Mr. Barclay informs me that the beloved Commander-in-Chief of this army walked about among the poor fellows suffering from their wounds, and not only spoke very kindly to them, but ministered to their wants. When they were informed that their visitor was General McClellan, some of them fairly cried, and regretted that their wounds compelled them to remain inactive for a time, but promised to return and fight under the able chieftain as soon as convalescent and absolved from parole. All the spectators of the scene above mentioned were greatly moved by the tenderness and intense feeling displayed by the stern Commander-in-Chief. Invincible on the battle field, his heart was susceptible of the finest feelings and tenderest emotions in behalf of his brave and hardy troops.
Such noble conduct towards his army made Napoleon Bonaparte the idol of his followers, and only adds more to General McClellan to his troops, who is all but worshipped by them already.
Mr. Barclay has had the finest steamboats attached to the Quartermaster’s Department placed at his disposal by Assistant Quartermaster [….. ] Sawtelle, the efficient officer of that department, under Colonel Ingalls.
Yesterday morning the Nantasket Captain Alfred L. Rouell, hauled alongside of the dock and discharged a large lot of lemons, oranges and other delicacies, designed to alleviate the sufferings of the sick and wounded soldiers. His freight will be distributed to the various hospitals, irrespective of State organization, which distinction Mr. Barclay has long since ignored and in his labor of love he knows no difference between Eastern and Western troops, Pennsylvania or other State troops.
A number of gentlemen arrive here, delegated by State authorities to take care of the men hailing from their particular States and, notwithstanding, his mission is praiseworthy, still it has a clannish appearance, while Mr. Barclay spends his own money, sacrifices his health and distributes his bounty to all sick and disabled, no matter what portion of the Union States they hail from.
The mystery of the burning of the schooner on Friday night last has not as yet been solved. The crew thereof are still confined in the guard house, while the captain is reported a prisoner among the rebels. The weather is extremely hot.
Jul
31
July 31, 1862, The Charleston Mercury
The presses of the United States still rely upon the superior physical power of the North to subject the Southern States. In their view, our conquest is a simple affair of arithmetic. As eighteen is greater than eight, therefore eighteen millions of people must subdue eight. They ignore all moral influences. They ignore God. Material, sensual and brutal, they regard a struggle for liberty and independence as an affair of mechanics, in which a longer lever or a stronger pulley will lift the load. So corrupted are they by the prosperity they wrung from the South, that they seem to have forgotten history — their own history, and the history of the people they are striving to subdue. FREDERICK, the Great, with but five millions of inhabitants in Prussia, in a seven years’ war, vanquished Austria, Russia and France combined — each of them being five times as great numerically as Prussia. In the revolution of 1776 we were but two millions and a half of people, against the most powerful nation, by land and sea, at that time in Europe. Since this war began we have vanquished the Northern armies in every pitched battle, although they have had their own time for their preparations. Yet they still argue that, because they are numerically greater than we are, they must subdue us.
BONAPARTE very truly observed that the morale of an army is three-fourths of its strength. An army is not the mere bones, flesh and blood which compose it. It consists of men — with all the passions, feelings, and motives which actuate men. Men may enter an army simply to obtain bread, which is the case with one-half of the present army of the United States; and when brought into battle they will fight, perhaps, under circumstances, very bravely. Men may enter an army on a speculation of robbery. They want the country they invade either as a source of future gain, or of present occupancy. A large portion of the United States army really believed, when they invaded the South, that they were only going down to select fat farms; another portion came to coerce us as their future tributaries. But there is one thing all robbers prefer to robbery, there is a reasonable limit to all adventures. But what are these motives for conquering us, compared with those which must actuate the people of the Confederate States in defending themselves? The land invaded is their land. The property to be appropriated is their property. The homes to be desecrated, or given to the flames, are their homes. The butchery and murder to be perpetrated is of them and their children. Country, property, home, all we love or live for, is put up at every battle as the price of victory. Is it at all surprising that, in such a contest, the Southern people should be invincible? Why should any men in the South survive one day the subjugation of the South to Yankee domination? Death is a thousand times preferable to the doom which awaits him and his. Our ruthless and bloody foes have left us in no doubt as to their designs. They have written them upon their Statute Books; they have proclaimed them to the world. The deeds of BUTLER and MITCHELL are but faint glimmering shadows of the horrible and unspeakable atrocities they meditate for our torture and humiliation, should they succeed in subjugating us. How can the motives of the robber or mercenary arm him with the same intrepidity and desperation in battle, which, under such circumstances, must nerve the arm of the Southern man?
But whilst ignoring all moral influences, our savage foes also ignore God. It is true, that we sometimes see proclamations from their authorities, setting apart certain days for thanksgiving and praise to God, for some successful murder of our people. There can be no more striking repudiation of the Deity that denial of His attributes. How can a God of justice and holiness accept the robbers and murders of an unoffending innocent people? But in their presses they make no reference to God whatever in their meditated slaughter of us. Victory is a simple affair — of so many more men against so many fewer men. God, with thee, does not reign; but Mammon and Moloch. Material, beastly, infidel and bloody as they are — we will scourge them from our land, and make them the hissing scorn and detestation of the world.
Jul
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July 31, 1862, The Charleston Mercury
HOME, July 27.
To the Editor of the Mercury: Will you not urge upon our Southern people the necessity of putting up fruits and vegetables, and drying herbs to send on to our hospitals bow, reserving some for winter use? Every one should now, and as long as the materials last, be making pickles, catsup, drying apples, peaches, figs and any other fruit they may have. Among the vegetables okra is easily dried, and lima beans will keep all winter, put away after they have fully dried on the vines, (a little sassafras will keep the insects away), and tomatos can be put up in bottles. Let each one think for a moment how acceptable all this will be to our soldiers, from whom vegetables are debarred by the prices asked for them, and none will hesitate.
Let no one think ‘It is but little I can do;’ but each one go to work in earnest, and much can be accomplished. I will give you an easy way of putting up tomatos: Wash and cut up the tomatos; when sufficiently cooked run them through a seive or cullender, add salt and a few pods of red pepper, cook until the consistency of syrup, then bottle and seal. I sent these to camp all winter, and in the ‘Boxes from Home’ nothing was more acceptable.
Now, Mr. Editor, do write a piece that will set our people to work. All they need is that they should be reminded of what is both a pleasure and duty — working for our soldiers!
ANNIE.
