The "Haleysburg ladies' Aid Society."
Williesburg, Charlotte co., Va., November 27, 1861.
Editors Dispatch:--Through your paper, as a medium, I beg permission to state, that I was in attendance, a few days since, at a regular meeting of the ‘"Haleysburg Ladies Aid Society,"’ and can say, without fear of contradiction, that the kind mothers and fair damsels of ‘"Old Lunenburg"’ are not wanting in patriotism; but, knowing their duty, go cheerfully and bravely on its performance.
How rapidly did memory bear me to the page of our country's history, where on are recorded, in fadeless light, the noble bearing of the fair ones in other days, as I sat a silent, though considerate, spectator of the proceedings.
One voice and one sentiment animates the society.
The uppermost aim and desire being to confer the greatest good upon the greatest number, regardless of the expenditure of their own labor.
Tender hands, unused heretofore to toil, now ply the needle with almost unequal constancy and dispatch.
Mother and daughter seem alike imbued with the momentous worth of the cause in which they are engaged.
I heard a young lady, member of the Society, say, ‘"that on the morning of the meeting she arose very early, and went to work before breakfast on soldiers' garments — what she had never done before in life."’ I heard one say also, ‘"that she would never, no, never, tie herself to a man who would not fight for his country."’ Such is the nature and spirit of the ladies of Lunenburg and Charlotte, particularly the members of the ‘"Haleysburg Society."’ So take heed, all you young men slender of form and weak of heart.
Too much praise cannot be heaped upon the untiring and energetic members, viz: Mistresses L, W., and G.; the persevering, amiable, and beautiful Misses Lon McC., Ann L., Mary E., Anna E., Nannie W., Roberta W., and Jennie L. Long will their liberal bestowal of labor, as well as means, be gratefully remembered by a suffering soldiery and a bleeding country.
It may be truthfully said that nowhere in the South has the characteristic loyalty and self-sacrificing spirit of the fair sex been more gallantly sustained than by the ladies of the Haleysburg Aid Society.
With such hearty co-operation, our brave soldiers will be doubly nerved to march on to victory, or fill a patriot's grave. A. Jay E.
