The Daily Dispatch: August 21, 1861., [Electronic resource]

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[for the Richmond Dispatch.]
to the ladies of Richmond.

Having seen in this morning's Dispatch an editorial notice headed ‘"Nurses Wanted"’ telling of the sufferings of the invalid soldiers to our hospitals who are in need of nurses. the sufferers are pictured to my mind, and the question naturally arises, who are they ? They are the brave men who but a few weeks ago went forth in the pride and strength of manhood to do battle for the right — animated, perchance, by the gloving words of patriotism which fell over your lips, with the banners wrought by your hands waving proudly above them — determined never to let your gifts trail in the dust, but to follow whither so ever they fed, to ‘"death or victory"’

And they have returned, some with the noble handwork of their creator yet under fared; some alas, maimed and shattered, but all, thank God, whether home on the triumphant or the coach of pain, perchance of death have returned victorious; and while you twine the floral wreaths, forget not those conquerors who with mind and body weakened by the sufferings they have endured, are at your very desire crying for the crumbs which fall from your tables-- yes, for the very crumbs-- that least costly and unostentatious of his charities — kind words.

Many of the soldiers at our hospitals are far from their homes and loved ones, whose pleasure and privilege it would be to minister to their watts. Some are there youths, who have always been accustomed to the comforts of home and a monthers, watchful care, and who caused to privations, have found themselves unable to ordure the heirships of a soldier's life. To such an one, stretched on a bed of suffering, heart sick and home sick, with no shame to his manhood, be it said, your presence would be that of a ministering angel-- They are not your sons, neither are they your Brothers, but some mother or sister would bless you with to is of thankfulness for every kindness shown to their loved and suffering ones. It must, indeed, cause them a pang to know that to the dis act city, where those so are lying ill, there are nurses wanted.

There are difficulties to be announced but it might be so arranged that every lady could perform few hours daily in the hospitals.-- Let each have her daily circuit of sick rooms to visits. Be not content with sending them comforts and luxuries; go to them, not as casual visitor, but to whom be accustomed to your presence and sympathy, lay aside your costly dressed and wear the plainest you have, go prepared to smooth the pillow to bathe the burning brow and hold to the parched lip the can of cold water.

The writer of this, until recently a resident of Richmond is debarred the privilege of siding in this work by her presence; but let it not be said that the defenders of our fair land, those who have saved our beautiful city, sacred to so many memories of the patriot deed, from the description of the invader's presence, needed nurses. You have responded nobly to the cause made upon you in behalf of these sufferers, but do not withhold from them that which they would prize more highly than all else in your power to bestow — the cheering influence of your presence. Go to them, one and all. In this the time of their utmost used; and should there (which were scarce possible) be those who from false views question. Its property, let your reply be, as you pursue the path of duty so plainly to be seen.‘"Roni soil qui mal pense."’

Ametia, Aug. 13, 1861. S. J. M.