Rebellion Record: a Diary of American Events: Poetry and Incidents., Volume 1.
Frank Moore, Ed.

Prepare for hard Times.--We are, in all probability, upon the verge of a general and protracted war between the North and the South, in which the utmost strength of both sections will be tested. In a war, business will be utterly prostrated, money will be scarce, and times will be hard. We feel it to be our duty to warn the Southern people of this highly probable state of things in time. There should be universal preparation for it. No money should be uselessly spent. There will be no difficulty in the South on the score of courage and fighting men. But our army must be provided with subsistence; the families of the soldiers must be maintained in their absence, if they be poor; and the people who stay at home must live. Under such circumstances, any extravagance, or unnecessary expenditure of money, would be criminal. Every family should be put upon a war-footing, in the financial as well as military sense. And it is not too late, even now, to plant corn. Every additional acre of corn that can now be “put in,” will be an additional bulwark for the support of Southern patriotism, Southern homes, and Southern honor. Now is the time for patriotic self-denial on the part of those who have hitherto enjoyed ease and the luxuries of life. Now is the time for the patriotism of our Southern war men to manifest itself. We cannot all fight, but we can all be economical, and husband the resources of the country. While our brave boys are enduring the hardships of the camp, and are cheerfully undergoing labors to which they are not accustomed, and periling life in the trenches and in the field, and all for the defence of the homes at which we are remaining, who will complain of the necessary self-denial? Southern ladies, wear your last year's bonnets and dresses. You will thus look much more beautiful and charming in the eyes of your patriotic husbands, fathers, brothers, and lovers. You are beautiful enough without costly outward adorning. Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: save money, and plant corn and potatoes, and husband every thing that will make food. Let us sacrifice our selfishness, and pride, and vanity, and consecrate all to the cause of the Church and the country — to God and Liberty.--Natchez (Miss.) Courier, May 29.