“kindling the fires”

“The African Church, Richmond, Va.” (Library of Congress)

After so much blood and treasure has been invested, it’s worth a few bucks to keep fanning the flames of Southern independence.

From the Richmond Daily Dispatch March 16, 1865:

Patriotic publication Association.

–The first public meeting of an association recently organized in this city for the gratuitous distribution of patriotic tracts, among the soldiers in the army, and the people throughout the Confederate States, was held at the African Church on Tuesday night. The Church was well crowded by an intelligent and appreciative audience. Rev. Dr. Burrows, President of the Association, presided on the occasion. Judge More, of Ky., and Rev’d Mr. Edwards of this city, delivered eloquent and patriotic addresses in advocacy of the Association, and illustrative of the great benefits to result from this mode of kindling the fires of an ardent and triumphant patriotism, all over the Confederate States. Twenty thousand dollars were promptly contributed, before the meeting adjourned, towards the expenses of publication. The Finance Committee will wait on the citizens generally, for their contributions in aid of the fundable objects of the Association.

It is to be hoped, that no one who appreciates the crisis, or has at heart the inestimable boon for which we have so long contended, for which so much treasure has been expended, and for which so much precious blood has been shed, will fail to give liberally when called upon.

The officers of the Association are Dr. Burrows, President, J. Randolph Tucker and Rev. James M. Duncan, Vice Presidents, Messrs. Wm. Bell, Samuel P. Harrison and Wm. G. Paine, Finance Committee, Messrs. John P. Ballard, John O. Steger and Thomas Johnston, Committee of Distribution.

The Confederate Primer

well-read rebel