April 1, 1863, Austin State Gazette
Mr. Editor–Permit me to inquire of you why it is that the editor of the Houston Telegraph is so tardy in acknowledging the receipt of money forwarded by the ladies of Austin for the benefit of the soldiers? Why is it that when he does condescend to do so, he can find room for the notice only in some out of the way corner of his sheet? He has found space for undeserved sneers against us. He allows, so far as he is concerned, the public to remain ignorant of the fact that the ladies of Austin were among the first, if not the very first, to give tableaux, concerts, etc., to aid our cause.
The ladies of Austin feel conscious of having done their full duty to their country; and that their patriotism will not suffer by contrast with others, whether they are women in petticoats or pants, whether they ply the needle or wield the pen, and studiously keep out of danger in these times of strife and peril.
A Lady of Austin.
Austin, March 27th, 1863.