April 17, 1863, The Charleston Mercury
TO THE CITIZENS OF CHARLESTON AND THE PEOPLE OF SOUTH CAROLINA GENERALLY, AND TO THE FARMERS AND PLANTERS ESPECIALLY, FROM THE MOUNTAINS TO THE SEABOARD.
The Free Market of Charleston, one of the noblest and most useful charities extant, after more than a twelve month of successful operation, is in danger of suspension and even final stoppage. It is an institution, founded by private patriotism and benevolence, endorsed by the city authorities of Charleston, and recognized and encouraged by the Legislature of the State. Its great and highly useful purpose is to supply provisions, free of expense, to the needy families of soldiers and seamen, fighting the battles of their country, or dead in her service; and upwards of eight hundred families depend on its bounty for their daily bread. It has become a great public necessity, and it is the duty of every Christian and patriot, male and female, rich and poor, young and old, to contribute to its support, in proportion to means and ability – the rich man out of his wealth, the poor man out of his poverty, the widow with her mite – every large stream should pour, every little rill trickle its refreshing waters into this great reservoir of patriotic benevolence, to be dispensed in God-blessed bounty to the wives and children, the widows and orphans, the sisters and other female dependents, of our brave soldiery and seamen. The final stoppage, or even the suspension, of this charity would be one of the direst calamities that could befall our City and State – it would inflict distress, suffering and even starvation on numbers, now comfortably fed by its bounty; and perhaps lead to bread riots, in our conservative city, to her serious injury and deep disgrace. Come, then, fellow citizens, to the rescue, promptly, liberally, efficiently, and not only save the Free Market from destruction or suspension, but sustain it, in healthful vigor, as a God blessed and an- blessing institution. Let donations in money and in kind pour in lavishly from every quarter of the City and State; and the consequences will be happy indeed. Not only will bread, and meal, and meat be sustainingly furnished to soldiers’ and seamens’ families, but the heart of the warrior will be cheered and his arm nerved to do victorious battle against the Vandal and ruthless foe, by the comforting conviction that his wife and his little ones are patriotically and sufficiently cared for, by their fellow citizens, at home. Let our farmers and planters especially, in every section of the State, send liberal supplies of vegetables and provisions, from their gardens, their fields, their barns and their smoke houses; and swell to overflowing the great reservoir of Free Market charity.
Charity is twice blessed – it blesseth him that gives, as well as him that receives – and blesses the giver even more than the receiver.
Come up then, one and all, to the hallowed work, and not only earn the soldier’s and seaman’s undying gratitude, but lay up treasure in Heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, nor thieves break in and steal.
RICHARD YEADON, Chairman,
WM. B. YATES,
JOHN PHILLIPS, Committee.
N. B. – Country Exchanges are requested to copy the above Circular and Appeal, gratuitously.