The South needed patriotic and heroic farmers to cultivate the land despite Yankee plunder and destruction. Refugees crowded into Richmond ought to move back to the country. Even as more and more cities were evacuated to the Union armies, the Confederacy would survive as long as the Army was not overthrown.
From the Richmond Daily Dispatch March 23, 1865:
Thursday morning…March 23, 1865.
We need scarcely impress upon the farmers the importance of cultivating, with the most energetic industry, every inch of the soil. There is no questioning the food-producing capacity of such a territory as ours to supply our armies and our people, if those at home will devote their whole energies to the task. A vast portion of our land, once employed in the production of cotton, tobacco and other exports, is now devoted almost exclusively to the raising of breads. stuffs, and, notwithstanding the devastation of raids, there will be more than enough, if the cultivators of the soil are diligent and Heaven blesses their labors, to feed themselves and half a dozen such armies as that of General Lee. No man should be detained from cultivation by the possibility of raids any more than by the possibility of rust and chinch bugs. It is the duty of the farmer, in the one case as in the other, to sow his seed and trust to God to give the increase. Let those who are exempt from the peril and privation of battle struggle to support those who are exposed to both. Whilst the soldiers are fighting against the bayonets of the enemy, let the farmers fight against the starvation tactics, which are the main dependence of the Federal Government for our subjugation.
The practice of refugees abandoning the country and crowding into the large cities is one which would be more honored in the breach than in the observance. It would be wiser for many who are now in the city to look about for homes in the rural districts. Living is cheaper in the country, and not a few of them may become producers instead of consumers. If they can get even an humble cabin, and a small garden, and produce a little, if it is only for their own use, it is better than to remain here, where their presence can only add to their own sufferings and those of others. We warn refugees to keep away from Richmond, and advise those who are here, and can find homes in the country, to select some spot where they can avoid the enormous expense of the necessaries of life. Our charitable citizens and relief committees have their liberality exerted to the utmost to provide for many who, if in the rural districts, might not only be more comfortable themselves, but greatly aid the farmers in the cultivation of the soil.
The soldiers of the Confederacy have won the admiration of the world, not less by their splendid valor than their heroic endurance. The world has no such army as that of the Confederate States. It is not composed of mercenaries, who fight for their monthly pay, and have no interest in the cause which they support. It is made up of the valor, the pith, the intellect and the soul of the country. It is fighting for home, for wife and children, for freedom, for honor, for religion, for all that is dear in memory and precious in hope. The young men who compose that army need not be told that their mothers, their sisters, their aged fathers, are looking to them for deliverance from slavery; nor that there is no future for themselves but exile or bondage, if they fail. We are not surprised to hear that there is no such word as fail in their hearts or their thoughts. We wish that some of the croakers at home could have heard the cheers of a certain division, lately, as it confronted the enemy. It was heard for miles; and no band of music that ever played sent forth such blasts of defiance and inspiration.
Well may the enemy concede at last that it is not the capture of this or that city which will achieve the triumph of their cause, but the overthrow of the Army. It is the Army that is the sheet anchor of the great ship in this mighty tempest. And nobly is it performing its duty. It has learned how to suffer and endure as well as to do and dare. –It indulges no vain threats, but it has calmly and firmly resolved to choose death rather than degradation. There is not a high-souled patriot in its ranks who would not rather sleep in a hero’s grave than live to be a slave. All honor to these heroes — these hopeful, these glorious men! Who can doubt that, with the aid of God, they will yet achieve their country’s independence and walk the earth as freemen? And what a reward will be theirs! History and Poetry will embalm their names; their ransomed country will clasp them to her breast as her deliverers; mothers will point them out to their children; old men will rise up to do them honor; women will look at no one else; their example will blaze up like a beacon fire to encourage the oppressed and suffering of every clime. No patent of nobility will convey such a distinction as the record:–“This man was a soldier of the Confederacy. …”
A letter written 150 years ago today echoed some of the themes in the Dispatch editorial. People might want to move back to the country because Richmond would probably soon be abandoned. Walter Taylor, Lee’s Adjutant, admitted in a letter [1] to his girlfriend that he believed General Lee’s army would soon have to retreat from the Richmond – Petersburg line and allow the Yankees to occupy those cities. Bettie and many of Colonel Taylor’s other loved ones would be under Union control. Yet he will still bravely fight the North and sees a happier time in the future.
Edge Hill
23 Mch ’65
[Bettie’s brother is going to get married soon, but Colonel Taylor will be unable to attend.] Let me whisper to you a little while. I think the dread contingency we have been recently been discussing is approaching. … I cannot say what the next week will bring forth though the calamity may be deferred for a month. … I shall make one great effort to get to Richmond again. Indeed, Bettie, these are trying times, and now is the hour when we must show of what we are made. [He has come to grips with leaving his family abandoned but hopes that he and Bettie can eventually be kept on the same side of the lines] … Nothing shall abate my determination to resist Yankee tyranny to the last extremity. Separation from you will be the most severe test to which I can be subjected, but with every principle of honor to support me, with pride & patriotism as my incentives I shall endeavor to live and if need be to die a good soldier and citizen. You shall never blush on my account. Even to one of my sanguine temperament, it is difficult to discern anything bright in our immediate future; but sooner or later the end with success must come. Then, my precious Bettie, we shall be repaid for all these trials. We shall have a home, Bettie, and be spared the pain of cruel separation. I desire to look beyond the clouds that now envelope us, to that bright haven. What happiness it will be to have you with me always. So with submissive hearts but ever hopeful, we will each pursue the path of duty, confident of God’s blessing in the end. It is my constant prayer to Him that He will guard and keep you. Your own
W.
- [1]Tower, R. Lockwood with John S. Belmont, eds.Lee’s Adjutant: The Wartime Letters of Colonel Walter Herron Taylor, 1862-1865. Columbia: University of South Carolina Press, 1995. Print. page 236-237.↩
