The Memphis Daily Appeal
Memphis, Tennessee
June 15, 1861
We call attention to an important defect in the existing plan of providing for the wives and children of volunteers. As it exists, the wife of a volunteer may draw from the county a certain sum monthly, for herself and children, but let a battle be fought—let her husband die nobly fighting for the cause for which he has given his blood—let his wife be a widow and his children fatherless because of his devotion to his country, and the provision they enjoyed during his life is cut off. When he has given the last proof of his patriotism he has beggared his dear one. Is this generous, is it right?