Austin State Gazette, August 10, 1861
Before leaving our post for a short time, we must impress upon our people the necessity of providing clothing for our troops in the battle field. It is true that the Confederate Government has this duty to discharge to a portion of our sons. But we must not depend entirely upon this source. If good and warm clothing is needed this winter by any Texans, either in State or Confederate service, they must have it at any and all sacrifices.
As to the ways and means, we do not approve of the voluntary subscription. Many thus do not contribute who have the most means. We think it the duty of each county court to appropriate a liberal sum for this purpose, and let it be done at once. If this body will only buy the material, our noble women and daughters will make it up as a work of the highest devotion to their country, and it may be the beneficent means of saving many a gallant man from a premature grave. Our sons, whether in Missouri or Virginia, will have to pass severer winters than they have been accustomed to at home.
In this way, the money will be raised by a tax upon all, according to their wealth. It is the true policy, and we hope our contemporaries will aid us in making the appeal to every county in the State.