April 22, 1863, Memphis Daily Appeal (Jackson, Mississippi)
Among the many efforts of the ladies of the South to contribute to the comfort of their brave defenders in the field, few, perhaps, have been more successful in accomplishing their original purpose than the enterprise of establishing a lunch house for the passing soldier at Jackson. The association has quietly pursued its generous work, until after contributing to the comfort of thousands from every State in the Confederacy, it has become an institution favorably known in every corps that has had individual members detained in our city. Modestly pursuing the purpose of their organization, the leading spirits in the good work have gone on with great energy and perseverance, until they have placed at the disposal of the soldier a home. True, it is plain and simple, still it is a retreat that has proven a benefit to thousands who would otherwise have suffered.
In this praiseworthy movement we are pleased to learn a number of ladies from all parts of the State have participated, and all of these can rest assured that every day their enterprise is filling its mission of relieving the distressed and toilworn soldiers, whose blessings upon the kindness and thoughtfulness of women are constantly ascending. The monthly report recently published shows that the hearts of the noble women of the State are enlisted in the work they have undertaken. The institution, to the honor of its supporters be it said, is not a local one, any more than are the benefits it confers confined to the soldier from any particular locality. And as far as the latter is concerned we know a soldier of the Confederacy is always welcome.
We commend to the ladies at other important points in the State, the example furnished by the ladies engaged in this work. There are other places where a few vigilant workers can accomplish the same beneficial results we have witnessed here. At Meridian, Grenada, Vicksburg, and elsewhere, we have seen our soldiers suffer, when they might, by similar efforts, have been relieved. Let the women reflect and act–the men will aid and assist. The burden will not fall upon the weaker sex alone.
We refer to the lunch house at Jackson, fully appreciating the good that has been accomplished by its establishment. And, because we believe it is accomplishing so much, we bespeak for the ladies connected with it every assistance that the charitable can possibly afford them. Of course its continued success depends upon the liberality of the public, and to this we would appeal. No matter how small the contribution, or what its nature, if of any value whatever, prudent managers will turn it to account. Nothing can come amiss. We hope the public will continue to respond to the call of the ladies, as heretofore, in order that there may be no intermission in their good works.