Daily Chronicle & Sentinel [Augusta, Ga], July 20, 1861
The question of supplying our troops with winter clothing is beginning to attract considerable attention. — It is now evident that the South must depend mainly on herself for clothing material during this war. Her magnificent crops will supply a large surplus of breadstuffs and food, above the demand for consumption at home. But the blockade of our ports may continue up to the season when our volunteers in the field will require heavy woolen goods to protect them against the inclemency of winter.
Every loom in the Confederate States ought to be busy, to supply this necessary demand. We should not suffer the shame and disgrace of seeing these brave men subjected to suffering, from want of foresight, energy and patriotism, on the part of those who remain at home. We can work for our country as well at the plow handle and the loom as in the tented field. Our woolen factories are too few to depend upon them for the fabrics that will be necessary to supply the demands that are now near at hand.
Every private loom and every fair hand that can direct should not ply with unceasing care until we are satisfied that there is not a soldier unclad among our gallant men. It is an act of patriotism, which may be done, in main part, by our fair countrywomen, that we are sure they will not neglect, when their attention is properly directed to it. The efficiency, nay, the safety of our army may depend upon it. The lady who furnishes the largest quantity of jeans and linseys for service, this year, is entitled to a gold medal, commemorating her patriotism. We would suggest that such a testimonial be offered, by the merchants of our city, to the lady who brings to the market the largest quantity of serviceable goods for winter clothing. On no account ought this matter to be neglected by those who have the material and the machinery. — Nashville Union.