April 8, 1863, Daily Mississippian (Jackson, Mississippi)
There is no country in the civilized world where quite the same devotion is paid to woman as in our own sunny domain. There is no land where woman, occupying in society her own appropriate place, deserves and receives a more unqualified homage, or exerts a more general and potent influence. Our present struggle for civil liberty and the heroism of Southern women were not necessary to our high appreciation of the sex. We were taught to love and to honor glorious womanhood as one of the attributes, and one of the evidences of true nobility in man. But never did woman furnish such illustrious proofs of worth, goodness and greatness, to demonstrate how much she merited our devotion, as in this glorious struggle for home and country the women of the South have shown!
As if to inspire us with a new creation of virtue–as if to exhibit new phases of loveliness–to enthrone the sex in the holy laces of our affections–to impress the public mind with a new sense of their worth–to exhibit to the world the highest attributes of character–to cheer the brave–to soothe the sick–to minister to the wounded–to endure labor–to incur danger–to despise ease and luxury–to make unwonted sacrifices–to surrender, at the altar of liberty, those dearer than life–still to utter the words sacred to patriotism, “let us defend the country, or perish!”–to ply all human agencies, and to call on God for help–to astonish our enemies, and interest the gazing world with a devotion as holy, a courage as sublime, as ever marked the great characters of history, the women of the South have gone forth to cheer, to save, to comfort, and to bless!
It is not affirming more than simple truth to say, without their aid, our struggle could not have been maintained! Their influence and their ministrations have saved the country! By their efforts, in large part, the troops have been clothed and warmed. They have blessed the sick, and restored the sinking in the hospitals. They have nerved the arm and inspired the courage of the soldier in the shock of battle. For them, we feel, we are enacting the deeds of glorious manhood. To them the dust-stained, toil-worn veteran looks for the laurel wreath when the battle is won. To the sanctity of home, and the purity of the domestic circle, the patriot looks for the safety, glory and strength of his country. With the help of God, they must save the country, if it is saved; they must purify it, if it is pure; they must elevate the standard of virtue; they must frown vice into the hidden recesses of its own shame; they must banish the extortioner, or mark him for infamy; they must, and they will improve and bless the world. They are heaven’s messengers. Ever true, kind, merciful, pitying, sympathizing women! Last to leave the victim on the cross; first at the tomb of the risen God-man; last to give over the offices of compassion and mercy; first to crown triumphant virtue, and to hail the conquering heroes who dre4w the sword for truth. Next to our worship and our supreme reverence for God, is our worship and our devotion for noble, self-sacrificing woman!
With the aid of such a power, and God’s approval, we shall triumph gloriously, and our country shall yet be free as the eagle that cleaves the sky. These reflections have been suggested by reading the proceedings of a convention of some of the matrons of Mississippi, held at Meridian on the 4th of March, 1863, to organize a “Confederate soldiers’ Aid Society,” for the better accomplishment of the objects suggested by the style of the association. They army will bless these ladies, and all those associated with them; and the country will record their names, and preserve their memory, as among the treasurers of its inheritance.