Not enough work and/or supplies for all the refugees
On June 25th the Richmond Dispatch editors alluded to the city’s increased population. The following appeal is more evidence of overcrowding. Since there were destitute refugees from all over the Confederacy living in Richmond, the YMCA is asking for help from throughout the Confederacy. From the Richmond Daily Dispatch June 27, 1864:
An appeal to the people of the Confederate States
–The Directors of the Young Men’s Christian Association of Richmond respectfully, but earnestly, submit to the benevolent and the patriotic throughout the Confederate States an appeal in behalf of the soldiers’ families in this city. Since the commencement of the war Richmond has been a refuge for those who have been driven from their homes by our ruthless enemies. Thousands of helpless woman and children, not from the devastated counties of Virginia alone, but from nearly every State of the Confederacy, have sought an asylum in our midst. Our citizens have been appealed to in numberless instances to relieve the sick and wounded soldiers, to finish [furnish?] shoes and clothing for soldiers in the field and hospital, and to afford food and shelter for their suffering families, and nobly have they, in the great majority of instances, responded to every appeal.
The supplies of provisions in the city at this time are so reduced, and the difficulties of obtaining others by ordinary means so numerous and great, that the funds contributed for the relief of the poor can accomplish but little in purchasing the necessaries of life.
In a written report from the Clothing Bureau it appears that there are more than three thousand females in this city who are seeking employment from the Government in vain, and that those who obtain work are not fully employed. The wages received for their work will not enable these poor women to procure a sufficiency of the plainest food for themselves and children. Without assistance, then, from the city and country generally, many instances of actual starvation must have occurred. Our City Council has made most liberal appropriations for the purchase of supplies, both for gratuitous distribution and for sale at cost; but the agents employed for the purpose have not been able to procure the quantity of provisions required.
Under these circumstances we feel that it is our duty to appeal to our fellow-citizens throughout the Confederate States to forward, without delay, contributions of money and supplies to the Army Committee of this association. Since the commencement of the war this Committee has labored zealously and faithfully for the temporal and spiritual welfare of our soldiers and their families, and for the success of our glorious cause. Let those soldiers not be discouraged now, upon the eve of our severest, and, as we trust, our last and most glorious campaign, for want of the generous sympathy and support of their friends at home.
Shipments made to Roger Martin, Superintendent, or Wm P Munford, Chairman of the Army Committee, will be promptly attended to. And in accordance with a special agreement made with the Superintendent of the Southern Express Company, all express charges will be paid by them at Richmond.
Contributions of money should also be sent to these gentlemen.
Wm Willis, Jr, Pres.
J D K Straight, Secretary.
