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Clothing for the Soldiers.
August 23, 1861, Richmond Enquirer
Gov. Letcher had issued a timely and eloquent call upon the people of Virginia to provide winter clothing for the
soldiers of the Commonwealth. Our brave brethren now in the field will have their hearts warmed by this; and
the people of Virginia will gladly respond to this call for universal effort and cooperation. No State is prouder of
her gallant boys than the Old Dominion; for proudly have they borne her banner and nobly have they sustained
her fame in every battle-field. She has added to her shining roll, the names of heroes and martyrs worthy of her
pristine glory. In many a comfortable mansion and in many a lowly cottage, the breast of father and of mother
this day swells with just pride as they think of their brave boy who is fighting the battles of his country; and the
gentle maiden trembles with a joy she may not tell as she listens to the story of the heroism of her lover. Wife,
brother, neighbor, friend, all find some object of special interest in our gallant army, besides that common pride
which all feel for all.
Our Governor very properly calls upon us to show our sympathy and affection by our works. Winter is coming.
Our soldiers will need Winter clothing and Winter comforts.—Clothes wear out rapidly under the roughnesses of
camp life. There can be nothing kinder or more appropriate for the soldier in the camp. Not merely for son or
for brother, but for those who have, perhaps, no father or brother. Not merely for those who have wealthy
friends, but for those of humble connections, or, who it may be, are without connections. Remember—we are all
brothers now—and nobody must suffer, save when all must needs suffer.
Ascending, then, from families up to neighborhoods, and to counties, and to the whole Commonwealth—let all
take care of all within their several spheres. Let no soldier be forgotten or overlooked. Many things will be
needed which the Government cannot buy, but which families can furnish. A blanket for the camp may be
replaced by a comfort at home. Let our ladies call into exertion that ingenuity which never fails them when
generous deeds attract them. Let the spinning wheel and the handloom and the knitting needle supply the
deficiencies of our factories, and provide our soldiers for the rigors of coming Winter.
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