A Gunrat for City defence.
We call attention to the following public spirited and patriotic proposition from Col. Blanton Duncan, of this city, formerly of Kentucky. Col. Duncan was the first man from abroad to tender his services as a leader, with a number of gallant followers, to Virginia and the South. He marched his Kentucky regiment to Harper's Ferry early in the war; he was aid to Gen. Johnson at Manassas, and, one way or another, has been serving the cause since the beginning of the revolution. Certainly our men of wealth will second the proposition of Col. Duncan. At a time like this none should hesitate. The idea suggested is, that we should have a gunboat to carry ten heavy guns. It will cost $700,000. We are authorized to say that $200,000 have been subscribed, If the other $500,000 can be raised. What say our citizens? Richmond, March 17, 1862.
Editors Dispatch: The ladies of South Carolina and Georgia are patriotically endeavoring to raise sufficient money to build a steel clad gunboat and present it to the Government.
It is time that the men should follow their example.
There are hundreds of rich men in our community who can afford to give from $500 to $5,000 each, and not miss it. I propose, therefore, that a subscription shall at once be set on foot, a proper committee appointed, and the fund thus collected be spent in constructing a vessel, under the supervision of such officers as may be designated by the Navy Department.
The vessel to be named ‘"Richmond."’ I will give 82,000 towards.
Who seconds the motion?
We are struggling for everything that is dear to man: our lives, liberties, families, property — all dependent upon the issue.
The young men are baring their bosoms to the foe. Let the old men, and those whose purses are plethoric, pour, out the life-blood of their riches as freshly as our brave soldiers do their's upon the battle-field.
By carrying my proposition into effect, we shall not only benefit the republic at large, but will secure an additional defence to the city of Richmond. 