From The Greensborough Patriot

March 6, 1862 – Pg. 1

For the Patriot.

Camp Fisher, Newbern, N. C.

February 23, 1862.

Mr. Editor:--After the late disastrous news from the west was received by our men in this camp, their faces seems to wear a serious calm. A spirit—a determination—to conquer of die infuses the bosom of every man. The only solicitude felt is that those dearer to us than life may want for our cares during our absence, which we must all hope will not be the case. I regret that one of the men in my charge, and a better soldier is not in the service than he, has to day appealed to me to do something to prevent his children from being bound by the Court. His family are not now residents of Guilford, but were at the time of his enlistment. I know that if the Ladies of Guilford, (and many thanks to them fro the liberal contributions which they have made us too numerous to notice here) had it in their power, no soldier’s wife or children, however humble they might be would suffer for the necessaries of life.

In looking over the news which I occasionally learn from home, I am sorry to see that the same spirit of speculation among a certain class is alive, when they were at first the men who most strongly advocated secession and war; but now would throw the last morsel of bread from the plate of a soldier’s child for a half dime. How long will this state of affairs be submitted to?—How long will the true men of the country, and the friends of their country’s soldiers families tamely stand by and see them striped of all the comforts of life, while their natural protectors, viz: their fathers and husbands are braving all the dangers of an army life, and that nor for pay, but for the mere pittance of a soldiers wages say $11 or 12.00 per month which any laboring man can obtain from his neighbor or the farmer.

Mr. Editor, there is but one of two conclusions to come to from this conflict. And that is we must conquer or we of the South are a ruined, yes, an irretrievably ruined people. And for me, before I will submit to subjugation, may I and all that is dear to me sink beneath the sods of my mother earth.

A. SOLDIER.