To a merchant in Richmond.
Charleston, Nov. 6, 1861
Dear Sir
--Enclosed please find this company's receipt for eleven cases and one bale containing sundry articles of clothing and necessaries for the Maryland volunteers in Virginia, who have so nobly left their homes, firesides, families, and wives, to do battle in the great cause of Southern liberty. Those articles have been collected and freely given by the daughters of South Caro lina and Georgia in response to the late call for help. The donors in so doing are full aware of the indignities that have been offered and executed upon the best blood and families of Maryland, and will ever pray that God in his providence may protect and shield the downtro den and oppressed. In reviewing the past and having the present before our eyes, we cannot forget the old Maryland Line — when, shoulder to shoulder, Marylanders and South Carolinians marched to the battle-field to drive the invader from her shores and proclaim their freedom. Their suffering then is no comparison to the treatment received by the sons of Maryland at present. Think of the sufferings of Howard, McKaig, Lowe, and a host of others; But we confidently look forward to the day of retribution, when Maryland shall be disenthralled — regenerated — free. In the distribution of these articles, it is our desire that the ‘"Maryland Guard"’ may be the first recipients, and after that, Marylanders generally. Although this offering is but small at first, we hope and shall endeavor to do more for our brethren and comrades in arms. All moneys now received are turned over to the Ladies' Clothing Association, for the purpose of purchasing and making up necessary clothing, which, when done, will be duly forwarded without delay. The editors of the Courier and Mr. Nickerson have been very energetic in lending a helping hand in this undertaking. One of the boxes, you will observe, is marked ‘"General Jackson,"’ who is in Northwestern Virginia, and is intended for the Marylanders provided the Georgians under him do not want them, or, rather, are not in need of them, all of which you will learn. Please acknowledge receipt, and oblige
Yours, truly,
W. T. J. O. Woodward.
W. T. J. O. Woodward.
