thanks for the price slashing
From the Richmond Richmond Daily Dispatch February 3, 1864:
A Model company.
–How many corporations will seek and endeavor to get letters like that given below? Such an autograph from Gen. Johnston would be a valuable addition to any dividend fund.
Dolton, Jan.18th, 1864
John J. Gresham, Esq. President Macon Manufacturing Company:
Dear sir
–I learn from the reports of the Chief Commissary, that twice in the past thirty days, he has been furnished by your company with 25,000 pounds of bacon for the army at $1 per pound, the price established by the commissioner being $220.
In these times of speculation it is so gra[tif?]ying to witness such a course, that I cannot refrain from expressing to you my appreciation of the patriotism exhibited by yourself and the gentlemen comprising the company you control, I can assure you too, of the high sense [of y?]our liberality entertained by this army.
Most respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
J. E. Johnston, General
In the same issue Southerners were encouraged to plant collards to help make scarce meat go further, especially in keeping slaves up and running:
Raise vegetables.
–We commend the advice of the Columbus (Ga.,) Times to our own people that paper says:
We again urge upon our planting friends the policy and duty of preparing for a bountiful crop of vegetables for their negroes. There is not, by a large amount, meat enough in the Confederacy to allow full rations to the army and people; negroes included. The army must be fed, we all know, and the smoke house of the planter must furnish the subsistence. The meat rations of the negro must be reduced to at least two pounds per week. With a plenty of vegetables, this is sufficient, or will do very well. Without that addition, the negroes will shutter. Let every planter, then, put in at least a half acre in collards to every ten hands. If he will manure the ground highly, that half acre will be worth to him a thousand dollars or more.–Now is the time to plant them.–Don’t mind cold weather. It won’t hurt them. In three months from to-day we will receive the thanks of every man who adopts this advice.
