June 5, 1863, American Citizen (Canton, Mississippi)
There are at this time several hundred patients in the different hospitals in this place. The men are from almost every part of the Confederate States, far away from their families and friends, and deprived of the comforts to which they have been accustomed at home. Many of them are sick, and a large number are suffering from wounds received in the late battles in this State. Those that are very sick need delicacies, and the wounded are suffering for the want of clean clothes and all need the sympathy and attention of our people both in our town and county.
Coarse corn bread, and beef that would disgust a well man, badly cooked and not half seasoned, is the diet these sick and wounded soldiers have to subsist on. It is a crying shame against the country that this is so. If our brave soldiers were not men fighting for principle, they would inevitably become demoralized and dispirited by such bad treatment. Cannot something be done to improve their condition? If the Government is unable to do it the people can, if they have the willing hearts to do so. It is idle to talk of our inability, while we enjoy such comparative abundance at home. We should be willing to share what we have with these afflicted patriot soldiers, although it might put us to some inconvenience or cause us to practice some self-denial. Thus, by “bearing each others burdens,” we would “fulfill the law of Christ,” and minister great relief to those now languishing in our hospitals. We hope the people of the town and country will arouse themselves to this, the cause of humanity and the country, and will aid, according to “their several ability,” in alleviating the distress of these soldiers. Our experience leads us to expect but little from the rich and affluent. We appeal to those in the more moderate and humble circumstances of life, to do what they can.
“In such sharp extremities of fortune
The blessings which the weak and poor can scatter
have their own seasons”–
We know the demands upon the people are heavy at this time, but we submit that the demands of our hospitals present the first and strongest claim to our sympathies, and we repeat that much can be done for them. It is only necessary to awaken a becoming public sentiment and feeling on this subject and all will be right.
We are authorized to say that a considerable sum of money, the proceeds of the Ladies Tableaux Exhibition in this place, is ready to be expended in the purchase of butter, eggs, lamb, chickens, &c., and that the people of the country are solicited as a favor to send in such articles as they can spare, for which they will receive a fair compensation. Messrs. Speed & Donoho have offered that such things may be received at their store, where also they will be paid for. Those who wish to contribute without pay can do so, and we hope that no very high prices may be demanded. Those who wish to contribute money can do so, and all may rest assured that whatever they give or sell will be faithfully applied to the use of the hospital. The disposition of articles thus obtained, will be under the supervision of some of our oldest and worthiest citizens who have kindly volunteered to take the matter in hand.
We will add that the hospitals are greatly in need of bed clothing, pillow cases, &c. many of the soldiers are also without a change of under clothing, having lost their supply in the retreats from Jackson and other points. Therefore, old shirts, drawers, pants, though badly worn, will be very acceptable.