Cotton and Wool Cards and Carding:
Articles from Civil War Newspapers
[FAYETTEVILLE,
ARK.] THE ARKANSIAN, January 6, 1860, p. 4, c. 6
Steam
Wool-Carding Machine;
Fayetteville—Arkansas.
We cheerfully announce to the people of North-west Arkansas and South-west Missouri, that we are better prepared than ever, to accommodate them with carding. Having attached another sett of Cards, and
A Steam Engine!
for propelling the entire machinery, we feel satisfied that no other Mill in the country can turn out work wit so little delay; thereby obviating weeks or months of anxious [illegible].
The Machinery is all New;
in
good condition, and is attended exclusively by us. From our long experience in business, we feel assured that we
can render ample satisfaction to all who patronize us.
Terms: Six and a fourth cents per
pound cash, or the fifth pound of wool.
May 14, 1859.
A. & J. D. Crouch.
COLUMBUS [GA]
ENQUIRER, April 10, 1860, p.
3, c. 8
Notice!
I desire to call the attention of
Southern Cotton and Woolen
Manufacturers!
To my establishment in Baltimore, Maryland, for the Manufacturing of
Cotton and Wool Cards,
being the only establishment South of Mason & Dixon's Line.
I also manufacture "Leather Bands" with Patent Machinery of my own
invention.
Also, Leather Hose, of superior quality, all made of the best oak tanned
leather, and warranted equal to any made north.
On hand a general assortment of articles used by Manufacturers, Machine Shops,
Railroad Locomotive Builders, &c, &c.
John H. Haskell,
33 South Eutaw Street, Baltimore, Md.
April 3, 1860
LITTLE
ROCK] WEEKLY ARKANSAS GAZETTE, July 7, 1860, p. 1, c. 4
Manufacturers' Articles.
J. & C. Reakirt,
52 Second Street, Cincinnati, O.
Keeps
a Full Supply of
Manufacturers' Articles,
Carding Machines,
Warp on Beam, assorted colors,
Machine Cards,
Wire Heddles and Frames,
Shuttles,
Steel Reeds and Pickers,
Lacing and Picker Leather,
Hand Cards, Tenter Hooks,
Comb Plate, &c., &c.
Also a full assortment of
Dye-Stuffs,
Cochineal,
Cudbear,
Indigo,
Madder, Cutch,
Log Wood,
Sumac,
Cam Wood, &c., &c.
October 1, 1859
13—1y.
LITTLE
ROCK] ARKANSAS TRUE DEMOCRAT, July 25, 1861, p. 2, c, 3
An Appeal to the Women of Arkansas.
It has been wisely suggested by a contemporary that the patriotic women
of the country should knit socks for the volunteers.
In addition to this we beg leave to call the attention of the true
hearted women of the country to some other points. . . .
We beg our brethren of the press to call the attention of their readers
to this. Let us go back to the good old times when the hard and horny
hand was the only badge or sign of true nobility; when we wore clothes of our
own manufacture and were a happier people.
Set your carding machines, the spinning wheels and looms at work.
No matter if the piano is closed and dancing lessons neglected.
There is brave music in the hum of the spinning wheel and the clicking of
the loom. And the exercise in
performing these labors brings roses to the cheeks and light to the eyes of our
maidens.
[LITTLE
ROCK] ARKANSAS TRUE DEMOCRAT, September 26, 1861, p. 2, c. 3
The following is from the Van Buren Press:
"We understand that there is a large quantity of wool in the
country, and the cotton spinning factory, in this city, is now engaged to its
fullest capacity, in turning out a superior article of cotton yarn.
In view of these facts then, there need be no want of good material for
clothing, if the people will only set about manufacturing it. Let it be done. 'It
were well done, it were done quickly.'"
What is the capacity of the factory, Mr. Dunham?
Can it be altered so as to card wool?
Are there any looms connected with it?
There is, if we mistake not, another cotton factory in the north west.
The Press, being near that point, we are sure would confer a favor on its
readers by informing them what the other factory is doing.
The development of our resources is an important object just now, and we
are anxious to show our sister states that Arkansas is not as far behind them
and they may have been led to suppose. A
word in our ear Mr. Dunham? The
quotation in your paragraph above is not from Shakspeare [sic].
If Kennard, of the Batesville Balance, sees it, he will illustrate the
action that takes place when a duck sees a June bug.
[LITTLE ROCK] ARKANSAS TRUE DEMOCRAT, October 17, 1861, p. 2, c. 3
The following is an extract received from a friend in Montgomery county.
*
*
*
"Here among the hills, in the far western portion of the State, our
women are emulating the spirit of their mothers in the revolutionary war.
Seeing the many calls in your paper for clothing for our volunteers, the
ladies went to work carding, spinning, weaving and knitting, and about the
middle of September, sent a lot of clothing, socks, etc., to the Montgomery
Hunters, commanded by Capt. Simpson and attached to Col. McNair's regiment.
This lot of clothing was principally of home manufacture, and valued here
at from eight hundred to a thousand dollars.
Another lot is now ready to be forwarded.
E. W. Amerson."
Well done for Montgomery. If
other counties would do as well in proportion to population and wealth, the
clothes furnished would exceed a million of dollars in value.
[LITTLE
ROCK] ARKANSAS TRUE DEMOCRAT, October 17, 1861, p. 2. c. 4
Van Buren Steam Cotton Mill.—The Van Buren Press gives us the following
information, for which we take off our hat to Mr. Durham and make him a low bow:
"In answer to the queries of the Little Rock True Democrat, with the
assistance of Mr. Morris we can give the desired information.
The Van Buren Mill is now in full operation, and is composed as follows:
Two sets of wool cards—which can card 300 lbs. . . .
They run an engine of 160 horse power.
From which power a saw mill is run, when they have nothing else to do. .
. .
Planters having cotton to spin and wool to card, will find this Mill just
the place to have it worked up in the best manner. . . .
[LITTLE
ROCK] DAILY STATE JOURNAL, December 12, 1861, p. 2, c. 4
Wool Carding Machine,
For Sale!
We have in store a Wool Carding Machine, which might be made very useful
to this part of the country. It
will either be sold, or other arrangement might be made with some responsible
party to put it into service.
Burgevin & Field.
[LITTLE
ROCK] ARKANSAS TRUE DEMOCRAT, December 26, 1861, p. 1, c. 4
C. E. Tobey, of Norristown, Pope county, Ark., writes to a friend in this
city, that he is putting up a spinning factory, and by the first of March will
have 288 spindles running. Success
to him. The Van Buren factory has
1,808 spindles running, and can turn out 500 pounds of cotton yarn a day.
It has, also, two sets of wool cards in operation.
The cotton mill in Washington county, we are told, is idle at present. There is a large factory in Pike county, but we are not
advised what it is doing now.
[LITTLE
ROCK] ARKANSAS TRUE DEMOCRAT, January 2, 1862, p. 2, c. 2
Manufactures in Arkansas.
There is a tobacco factory at Bentonville in Benton county which is said to be a paying institution. The tobacco crop is getting to be an important one in the northwest. There is a large cotton factory in Washington county. The cotton factory at Van Buren is a large affair and in addition to spindles, has cards for wool. Mr. Tobey, of Norristown, Pope county, has, or will soon have, his cotton factory in operation. There is, also, a cotton factory in Pike county. . .
[LITTLE
ROCK] ARKANSAS TRUE DEMOCRAT, January 16, 1862, p. 2, c. 4
The Gold Medals.—Sometime last summer, Gen. Wm. E. Ashley, of this
city, and President of the State Agricultural Society, offered a gold medal as a
premium to the lady who would weave the greatest number of yards of woolen cloth
up to a certain time. . . .
The following is the letter:--
Ouachita County, Ark.
Gen. Ashley:--My daughter, Nancy R. Anderson, a girl of nineteen years,
commenced on the 17th of
September, to compete for the medal you offered for the greatest number of yards
of woolen cloth. She wove
eighty-one yards of jeans, and twenty-four yards of checked linsey.
She carded and spun a part of the filling after she had commenced the
weaving. I have doubts about her
getting the medal, yet she desires me to write to you and ascertain who wove the
greatest number of yards and won the prize.
Respectfully yours,
E. B. Anderson.
[LITTLE
ROCK] ARKANSAS TRUE DEMOCRAT, January 16, 1862, p. 3, c. 2
A great complaint is made of the scarcity of cotton cards.
The usual price was sixty cents and now two dollars is offered.
They are easily made, if the wire can be procured.
The enterprising man who can set up a manufactory of wire in the South
would be a public benefactor.
WEEKLY COLUMBUS
[GA] ENQUIRER, February 4,
1862, p. 2, c. 6
A gentleman in Dawson, Terrell county, has succeeded in making cotton
cards, and is now engaged in manufacturing them.
Good for the blockade!—Macon Telegraph.
[LITTLE
ROCK] ARKANSAS TRUE DEMOCRAT, February 20, 1862, p. 2, c. 1
The Macon Telegraph says a gentleman in Dawson, Terrell county, has
succeeded in making cotton cards, and is now engaged in manufacturing them.
He is a public benefactor.
[LITTLE
ROCK] ARKANSAS TRUE DEMOCRAT, February 20, 1862, p. 2, c. 3
Record of Industry.
Miss Nancy R. Anderson, Ouachita county, aged 19, from 17th Sept. to January, wove 81 yards of jeans and 24 yards of checked linsey. She carded and spun a part of the filling. . . .
[MARSHALL]
TEXAS REPUBLICAN, March 29, 1862, p. 2, c. 5
Wool Carding Notice.
The undersigned takes this method to inform his customers, that he will
commence carding their wool the 1st day of May.
To prepare wool for carding, wash it well and pick the burrs out; have it
thoroughly dry.
Terms for Carding.
15 cts. per lb, if I find oil; 12 ½ cts. when the customer finds oil.
Beef's foot, hog's foot, or lard oil, preferable.
Common lard will do in warm weather.
¼ of the wool where the customer finds oil; 2 ½ cts. for each lb. of
wool, will be added, if I find oil when I am required to toll the wool.
About 1 pit of oil or lard is sufficient for 10 or 12 lb. of wool.
Do not wait until Fall to bring in your Spring wool.
H. Ware.
March 29, 1862
WEEKLY COLUMBUS
[GA] ENQUIRER, April 1, 1862,
p. 2, c. 8
Economy.—We were shown a few days since a sample of thread spun from
cotton carded on a woollen factory at Mr. J. Summerour's, Amicolala.
It proves beyond question that cotton can be manufactured into rolls on
wool cards so as to answer all the purposes of domestic use. The rolls are sold at the mill at 20 cents per lb; and if
cotton be bought below at 7 and 8 cents they would cost much less.
During the blockade we can get neither cards nor goods from abroad, nor
thread from home only at a ruinous price, therefore every prudent house keeper
will at once arrange to make their own cloth.
This is true independence, the results of which will shortly make us a
great self-sustaining nation, and a wise, good and happy people.
WEEKLY COLUMBUS
[GA] ENQUIRER, April 15,
1862, p. 1, c. 8
We are gratified that Mr. J. M. Keep, of this city, has in process of
construction a machine for the manufacture of woolen and cotton cards.
He has shown a specimen of his handiwork, and we have no hesitancy in
pronouncing him fully capable of his undertaking. The specimen shown us was made by the model of his machine,
which is to be moulded out of iron.—Selma Reporter.
WEEKLY COLUMBUS
[GA] ENQUIRER, April 15,
1862, p. 3, c. 1
Cotton Cards.—We have inadvertently neglected to call attention,
editorially, to the important fact that Messrs. J. Ennis & Co., of this
city, have in store a large lot of Cotton Cards. It is an important fact, for such cards have for
months been in much demand, and it was almost impossible to procure them at any
price. It has been stated that they
cannot be manufactured in the South, for the want of the right kind of wire.
The ingenuity and enterprise of our people will supply all such wants in
time; but it is essential that they should have cotton cards now, when
the raw material is uncommonly cheap and every process of its manufacture
extravagantly high. The cotton
card, the spinning wheel and the hand loom, though they look very much like a
return to primitive and "old fogy" customs, will act an essential part
in working out our people's independence and prosperity.
CHICAGO
DAILY TRIBUNE, April 17, 1862, p.
3, c. 3
Letters
from Secessia. Pictures and Writings of Rebel Life.
From the Camps of Island No. 10.
Our own
correspondent with the expedition on the Mississippi, sends us a budget of
letters from the captured rebel camps of Island No. 10.
They constitute graphic pictures of phases of Southern life under the
rebellion, and we give them verbatim and liberatim without comment:
...
From another letter, dated Saline, La., Feb. 22, 1862, and signed Hassa Mobley:
"I do hope by the blessing of God that peace will be made shortly,
and all the soldiers return back to their beloved homes; and the only way is to
put all of our trust in God, and be prayerful.
Are there any cotton cards in Columbus?
I heard there was some there. There
is a great call for cards here. Most
all of the women and girls have gone to spinning and weaving.
You just ought to be here to see how industrious we all are.
It is the hardest times I ever saw about getting anything."
... One
W. B. Terral of Union Parish, Louisiana, writing to his brother, says:
"Ian' my Fammerley are all well we have got plenty of meat and bread but we
are nearly destitute of clothing and no cards to spin any with Jim I want to
know if there is any cotton cards whare you are if there is you and tom miles
must send a box of them here so we can card and spin several of you fling in and
send back a box Jim I want you to come back when your time is out if you
vollenteer in three weaks after you get herer for I want to see you and the
girls wants to see you and Martha and the children wants to see you so we all
wants to see you Jim I recon you think hard of me for not writing to you oftener
but this is the last paper I have got in the world nor cant get no more for it
is not here and I have got no money neither to send a letter with nor cant get
it at all for it is not here."
THE SOUTHERN WATCHMAN
[ATHENS, GA], April 30, 1862, p. 2, c. 1
Domestic
Manufactures.
We
are pleased to record the fact, that Mr. R. Schevenell has succeeded in making
machinery for the manufacture of cotton cards--an article so much needed
throughout the Southern Confederacy at this time.
WEEKLY COLUMBUS
[GA] ENQUIRER, May 6, 1862,
p. 2, c. 8
Cotton Cards Made in Athens.—We have seen a pair of
Cotton Cards manufactured by Mr. R. S. Schevenell, of this place, and a
specimen of the rolls made by them. So
far as we are a judge, they do as good work as any of Northern make. Mr. S. has invented a machine for drawing the wire and
pricing the leather. The wires are
placed by hand, which renders the operation more expensive than if done by
machinery. Mr. Schevenell will soon
be able to turn them out very fast.—Athens Banner.
GALVESTON WEEKLY NEWS, May 14, 1862, p. 2, c. 1
. . . This suggests the importance of putting into requisition every
means within our reach for domestic manufacture of all articles of necessity. No time should be lost.
Cotton and wool should be speedily distributed to all parts of the State,
and all the cards and hand looms that can be had, should be kept constantly
employed. Looms and spinning wheels
can be manufactured at home, but the cards can only be had from abroad, but they
must be had no matter what the price. Let
our merchants bear this in mind, for it is impossible to overstock our market
with cards under the present obstacles to our trade.
CHARLESTON
MERCURY, June 4, 1862, p. 2, c. 1
Scarcity of Cotton Cards.--We are reliably informed that the article of
Cotton Cards, so valuable to the South at this time in the manufacture of
clothing, has become a prohibited article of export from the Northern ports, the
officials of the Lincoln Government having, on several occasions lately, refused
to clear vessels with these goods on board for ports in the West Indies or
Bahamas until such articles were taken ashore again.
SOUTHERN
CONFEDERACY [ATLANTA, GA], June
7, 1862, p. 2, c. 4
Cotton Cards.--The article of Cotton Cards, so useful to the South, has,
we are informed, been stopped in its exportation from Northern ports, the
officers of the Yankee Government refusing to clear any vessels with these goods
on board, and have, in several instances, required ship-masters to take out a
considerable part of their cargo in order to get these articles out before a
clearance would be given.--Charleston Courier.
SOUTHERN
CONFEDERACY [ATLANTA, GA], June
8, 1862, p. 2, c. 3-4
Editorial
Correspondence.
Gayoso House, Memphis, May 31.
I left Mobile at 4 o'clock, P.M., on the 29th, by the Mobile & Ohio
R. R., which runs northwardly nearly parallel with the Tombigbee river, through
a poor piney woods country. . . . Rigid
military orders have closed all the drinking saloons and bars in hotels or
elsewhere, on the way. A toddy
cannot be had in any of the towns through which I have passed, for love or
money. Juleps, smashes, cobblers, and all the delightful and
exhilarating beverages are as scarce as _old Java Coffee_, and as difficult to
find as a pair of cotton cards in a country store. . .
WASHINGTON
[AR] TELEGRAPH, June 11, 1862
CARDS.--Citizens wishing to supply themselves with cotton and woollen cards may
leave a sum of money at our law office for that purpose.
When a sufficient amount is made up they will be obtained across the Rio
Grande.
[LITTLE
ROCK] ARKANSAS TRUE DEMOCRAT, June 19, 1862, p. 1, c. 1
By the following from the Washington Telegraph, it will be seen that an
avenue is opened for obtaining cotton cards—an article much needed at this
time. We don't see why a full supply cannot be obtained by uniting
with our enterprising fellow-citizens of Hempstead:
Cards.—Citizens wishing to supply themselves with cotton and woolen
cards may leave a sum of money at our law office for that purpose.
When a sufficient amount is made up they will be obtained across the Rio
Grande.
CHARLESTON
MERCURY, July 14, 1862, p. 2, c.
3
To the Editor of the Charleston Mercury:
Permit me a little space in your journal to make some acknowledgments for
donations, for the benefit of our soldiers, and more especially for the sick in
our hospitals.
Miss Cobia, of Charleston, sent two sacks of wool, cotton cards, and
other articles. Three dozen pairs
of cotton cards were sent by several ladies of Charleston, Columbia and
Newberry, and a half a dozen pair by Graveley & Pringle.
These I have distributed according to the expressed wishes of the
donors--in every case to those only who were manufacturing clothing for their
sons, husbands, or brothers in the army. The
six pair of cotton cards for the lady in Spartanburg District who, by her own
industry, clothed her four sons in the army of Virginia, I carried to her family
on the day when the mournful tidings arrived that one of these heroic boys had
fallen in battle and in the arms of victory. . . .Jno.
Bachman.
DAILY
CHRONICLE & SENTINEL [AUGUSTA, TA], June 16, 1862, p.
3, c. 3
Cotton Cards. 120 pair cotton cards
for sale by Jacob Kauffer, Auction and General Commission Merchant.
je10.
[LITTLE
ROCK] ARKANSAS TRUE DEMOCRAT, July 3, 1862, p. 1, c. 7
Wool Carding and Loom Making.
The undersigned is prepared to Card Wool at his place on the Arkansas
river, thirty miles below Pine Bluff.
Persons sending Wool are required to have it thoroughly washed.
All burs and hard substances must be carefully
picked out.
Wool should not be greased at home, as it makes it gum, hard to card, and
naps it.
One pound of Lard or Oil should be sent with every eight pounds of Wool
to be carded.
Terms of Carding—One fourth of the Wool.
I am also manufacturing Looms with "Flying Shuttles," on which
a good hand can weave Forty
Yards of plain cloth per day. They
are substantially and neatly made of Seasoned Ash, are well ironed and will last
a life time. Price—Fifty Dollars.
I desire to purchase several "Spinning Jenneys," and will pay a
high price for them. Persons having
old ones, or any parts thereof, not in use, will aid the cause by writing us, as
from several old ones, sufficient material might be procured to make an
effective one. Address
Edw. C. Morton,
Cummins P. O., Arkansas county, Ark.
[LITTLE
ROCK] WEEKLY ARKANSAS GAZETTE, July 12, 1862, p. 1, c. 1
Carding Machine and Loom Factory.—In our last issue we omitted to call
attention to the advertisement of Capt. E.
C. Morton, who cards wool, and manufactures looms, at his plantation in Arkansas
county. As Capt. M. devotes the
entire profits of this branch of his labors to the benefit of the families of
absent volunteers, his facilities for doing good will be increased, and the
country served to that much greater extent, by keeping him constantly engaged in
filling orders.
[LITTLE
ROCK] WEEKLY ARKANSAS GAZETTE, July 12, 1862, p. 2, c. 6
Wool Carding and Loom Making.
The undersigned is prepared to card Wool at his place on the Arkansas
River, thirty miles below Pine Bluff.
Persons sending Wool are requested to have it thoroughly washed.
All Burs and hard substances must be carefully picked out.
Wool should not be greased at home, as it makes it gum, hard to card, and
naps it.
One pound of Lard or Oil should be sent with every eight pounds of wool
to be carded.
Terms of Carding.—One-fourth of the wool.
I am also manufacturing Looms, with "Flying Shuttle," on which
a good hand can weave forty yards of plain cloth per day.
They are substantially and neatly made of seasoned Ash, are well ironed
and will last a life-time.
Price—Fifty Dollars.
I desire to purchase several "Spinning Jennys," and will pay a
high price for them. Persons having
old ones, or any parts thereof, not in use, will aid the cause, by writing me,
as from several old ones, sufficient material might be procured to make an
effective one.
Address,
Edw'd C. Morton,
Cummins P. O., Arkansas county, Arks.
July 5, 1862.
THE
SOUTHERN BANNER [ATHENS, GA], August 6, 1862, p. 4, c. 7
Work
for All.
I have purchased 1,000
dollars worth of cotton cards, which I am willing to sell to any person for a
good note for ten dollars--the note must have the name of some person known to
myself. Then I will agree to take
cloth in payment for the note, at market prices, delivered between this and July
1st, 1862. Persons who wish to lend
a helping hand in working out our independence, and at the same time make for
themselves a living, must make arrangements to get a pair of cards, as they are
the bane of our independence. The
Factory's may be burnt, but cotton cards in the hands of the working women are
safe.
April 23.
NATCHEZ DAILY COURIER,
August 15, 1862,
p. 1, c. 3
Capital
of ye Mississippi,
8th month, 1862, A.D.
Mons. Editor: In giving up a
portion of my time to your valuable "Courier," do not think my theme
shall be entirely war. ... Jackson is crowded day and night ... Cotton cards
*only* $12 a pair--very low, indeed; because they commanded the high price of
$50, for three months after Fort Sumter was ours... Asa Klubs.
[MARSHALL]
TEXAS REPUBLICAN, September 6, 1862, p. 2, c. 2
Home Manufactures.—A lady friend who resides in Panola, informed us a
few days ago, that the ladies of that county are actively engaged in making
cloth for those at home and in the army. . . Everywhere throughout our State,
the cards, old fashioned wheel, and loom are making similar music to that which
cheered our grand fathers fifty years ago.
The ladies are not only making clothes, but they are manufacturing their
own bonnets, shoes, and almost every other article they were accustomed to buy
from the Yankees. The country is
sadly in want of cotton cards. If a
sufficient quantity of them could be obtained, there would be a superabundance
of cloth for every one, but as it is, with all the exertions of the ladies, it
will be difficult to clothe those at home, and to make clothes for our brave
volunteers.
[LITTLE
ROCK] WEEKLY ARKANSAS GAZETTE, September 6, 1862, p. 1, c. 4
During our short visit to the country we found it a hive of industry.
Cards, wheels, looms and knitting-needles were performing nearly
perpetual motion in every house. There
are several incentives to this spirit of home labor—necessity for home
clothing—clothing for relatives and friends in the army—and clothing for
soldiers in the army who have neither friends nor relatives at home.
Ample prices will be paid for all things made for the army. . . .
[LITTLE
ROCK] ARKANSAS TRUE DEMOCRAT, September 10, 1862, p. 2, c. 6
Mr. M. S. Hamilton, of Jefferson county, writes as follows:
"Any person who has two pairs of old cotton cards, that are not
rusty, may make one good pair out of them, by taking out the teeth, selecting
the best leathers and resetting the teeth.
I have fixed up a pair in this way, which have been in use three or four
weeks, and which, my wife says, work as well as new ones.
The operation is a tedious one, but will pay in these times."
[LITTLE
ROCK] ARKANSAS TRUE DEMOCRAT, September 17, 1862, p. 2, c. 7
The greatest wants of Arkansas, just now, are a "good
governor," and cotton cards.
[LITTLE
ROCK] WEEKLY ARKANSAS GAZETTE, September 20, 1862, p. 2, c. 4
Socks for the Soldiers.—Our contemporary of the Hinds County Gazette
calls the attention of the ladies of the Confederate States to the wants of the
soldiers in the article of socks. Says he:
The season is not far distant when our soldiers in the field will require
good, thick, wool socks. Each man
will require two pairs, at least, and there being possibly 700,000 men in
service, 1,400,000 pairs will be necessary.
Are our people prepared to furnish their just proportion?
We hear of considerable wool in the country, but it is neither carded nor
spun. Cannot the State make some
arrangement whereby the wool in the hands of our people can be converted into
yarn, that it may be fabricated into socks for the soldiers?
The knitting needles of our indefatigable Southern women should now be at
work.
SOUTHERN
CONFEDERACY [ATLANTA, GA], October 18, 1862, p. 2, c. 5
Pioneer
Cotton Card Factory.
We beg to inform the public that, after much delay and expense, our Card
Factory is in successful operation, with a machine direct from Baltimore, and
wire enough to make twelve thousand pairs.
We hope soon to be able to turn out forty or fifty pair daily.
At first the prices will necessarily be high, but in a short time we
think they can be produced at such rates as will enable the poorest to procure
them. It is our object to benefit
the country, and therefore we will sell to parties representing neighborhoods or
counties, where satisfactory evidence is furnished that they are to be
distributed at the factory prices. At
present we cannot sell Cards for money, but in order to get a supply of hard
tanned sheep skins, we will buy from parties desiring to purchase Cards, and
give Cards in exchange; so the first skins delivered at Cartersville will
certainly get the first Cards. We
believe the Cards will compare favorable with Whittemore's best.
That is a matter for the people to determine. They have been tested and pronounced excellent.
Anderson, Adair & Co., Atlanta
Fort & Hargrove, Rome,
Will act as our agents to receive and exchange Cards for Skins.
John L. Divine,
}
B. F. Jones,
} Prop'r
J. A. Lee,
}
oc18 1 m
Intelligencer, Constitutionalist and Rome papers copy.
MONTGOMERY
WEEKLY ADVERTISER, October 22, 1862, p. 2, c. 1
A meeting was held in Talladega county on Monday last, to provide for
levying a tax to support the families of absent soldiers, at which resolutions
were unanimously adopted instructing their representatives in the Legislature to
vote for a tax sufficient to secure the families of soldiers from the county
against want. A move was also made
to raise a fund to purchase cotton cards for the county, and over $3,000 was
subscribed on the spot.
WEEKLY
COLUMBUS [GA] ENQUIRER, November 4,
1862, p. 3, c. 2
Cotton Cards.—A Cotton Card Factory is now in successful operation at
Rome, Georgia, with wire enough, as the manufacturers say, for twelve thousand
pairs. The cards at present are sold only for hard tanned
sheepskins.
[BELLVILLE]
TEXAS COUNTRYMAN, November 8, 1862, p. 1, c. 1
There is great cry made all the time for clothing for the soldiers.
Why don't those in authority take some measures to provide cards for the
people, and then it will not be difficult to manufacture the clothing.
If our county court would take some action to procure cards for the
county, they would enable many a family to provide for its own support.
Cards are what are wanted. A
wagon load bro't from Matamoras would well supply the county.
SOUTHERN
CONFEDERACY [ATLANTA, GA], November 16, 1862, p. 3, c. 1
Pioneer
Cotton Card Factory.
Messrs. Divine, Jones and Lee have at great expense, commenced the
manufacture of Cotton Cards at Cartersville in this State.
The demand for cards far exceeds their capacity, though they are now
turning out thirty pairs a day and will soon increase it to fifty.
They exchange one pair of cards for five hard tanned sheep skins.
They want the skins for making the cards.
Any one can tell what is meant by 'hard tanned' by looking at the leather
in which the card teeth are set in any pair of cards.
We recently published an article from a manufacturer, urging the
importance of giving these enterprising gentlemen increased facilities by the
State or Government to enable them to furnish repairs and new cards to the
various manufactories of cotton. We
now beg to call the attention of capitalists and the Legislature to this
important enterprise for their investigation, and would say that too much
importance cannot be attached to this enterprise, especially if the blockade is
to continue. People cannot fight
without clothes, and cannot make clothes without cards--so it is better that
every encouragement and aid be given to enlarge this important establishment.
MONTGOMERY
WEEKLY ADVERTISER, November 19, 1862, p. 2, c. 1
To the Women of the South.
The following communication comes to us from Chapel Hill, N. C., and we
cheerfully comply with the pious and patriotic wishes of the lady who sends it
to us. This appeal to the women of the South comes evidently from a
warm heart, and the touching and eloquent language in which it is expressed,
indicates cultivation and polished strength in the mind from which it emanated.
We heartily endorse the proposition of the fair writer:
To the Editor of the Advertiser—Sir:
I wish to make public through your columns and those of various other
influential journals, a suggestion to the women of the South. . . .
In places and churches where female prayer-meetings are usual, let the
women themselves order the matter. Where
such meetings are not practicable, let every woman in her own house stop all
work at the hour named—suspend the carding, and spinning, and knitting, and
weaving, and sewing, and teaching—if for only one half hour—and let every
woman's heart be lifted then in prayer for her country. . . .
SAN
ANTONIO HERALD, November 22, 1862, p. 2, c. 2
A Good Example.--We saw a day or two ago, an excellent quality of jeans,
which was manufactured in this place. The
cotton and wool were carded and spun, and the cloth woven by the ladies of one
of our wealthiest families. They
have produced a sufficient quantity to clothe the family, white and black, and
to give liberally to destitute soldiers. We
should like to give the names of these useful and patriotic ladies, but as true
merit is generally modest, we fear such notice might be offensive.
[LITTLE ROCK] ARKANSAS TRUE DEMOCRAT, November 26,
1862, p. 1, c. 1
Old silk dresses unraveled, carded and spun, either alone or with cotton,
will make excellent cloth and something very beautiful for female wear. Silk is very warm.
[LITTLE ROCK] ARKANSAS TRUE DEMOCRAT, November 26,
1862, p. 2, c. 2
On the 1st inst., the legislature of Alabama appropriated two
millions of dollars for the relief of the indigent families of soldiers from
that State. The legislature of
Arkansas has appropriated one million and two hundred thousand dollars for the
same purpose. Besides this, it has
provided for sending corn to counties where it is scarce, and has in
contemplation bills to procure supplies of salt, cotton cards and other
necessary articles. These things,
when made known to the brave soldiers, will give them assurances that their
families are cared for, the State and make them endure the hardships of a camp
life with more patience.
GALVESTON WEEKLY NEWS, November 26, 1862,
p. 1, c. 5
Cotton Cards.--The Camden Herald, Ark. informs us that a Mr. Barber has
completed a machine in that place for making card teeth, which is probably now
in operation. The editor says
persons having old card backs can find ready sale for them there, and we suppose
they can get cards in return.
We also notice that a comb
manufactory is in operation not far from Camden.
It thus appears that our neighboring State is fast becoming independent
of the Yankees and Yankee notions.
GALVESTON WEEKLY NEWS, December 3, 1862, p. 2, c.2
Clinton, La., Nov. 20--The principal part of the machinery, brought to
this place from the Baton Rouge Penitentiary, was destroyed by fire this morning
at 3 o'clock. It is believed to be
the work of an incendiary. The
machinery cannot be replaced; all the spindle frames, some looms and carding
machines were burnt.
GALVESTON WEEKLY NEWS, December 3, 1862, p. 2, c. 3
Wants of the Texas Troops.
LaGrange, Nov. 24th, 1862.
Eds. News:--A citizen of this county has just returned from our army in
Arkansas, and the news that he brings is bad enough, not that our army has been
whipped, but that our army is naked and shoeless, and from the fact that they
are without clothing and in a colder climate than our own, there is much
sickness and many deaths. Texas
will lose more men this winter for want of good warm clothing than she has lost
in every battle since this war commenced.--The cry is coming from every part of
the State, clothing for the army! but the people have not got it, and
notwithstanding the abundance of cotton and wool, they cannot supply it for the
want of cotton cards.--Now, sirs, the question is, who is to blame?
I answer emphatically Gov. Lubbock.
The penitentiary, which belongs to the people of Texas and over which the
Governor has complete control as long as he is Governor, makes annually
1,500,000 yards of cloth, running ordinary time, which, if all appropriated in
the right way, would amply clothe fifty thousand men. But, sirs, what are the facts?
We have not got fifty thousand men in the field, and probably not fifteen
thousand are clothes from that institution, the balance must either go naked and
die of cold, or their friends must furnish them.-- . . . Fayette.
SAVANNAH [GA] REPUBLICAN, December 5, 1862,
p. 1, c. 4
From
Milledgeville.
[Correspondence of Savannah Republican.]
Wednesday, December 3.
House.
. . . The special
order, the bill to protect the rights of married women.
Mr. Gibson moved, as a test question, to lay the bill on the table for
the present. The ayes were 85, nays
43. This is considered equivalent
to killing the bill. . .
Cotton
and Wool Cards.
The House on yesterday passed the measure relating to a supply of cotton
and wool cards. The bill proposes
to authorize the Governor to pay Messrs. Lee & Co. sixty thousand dollars
for a half interest in their works, and to furnish half the means necessary to
duplicate twenty machines. It is
stated that they can be made in a few weeks at the Penitentiary, and put in
operation. Estimating the work of each machine at 30 pairs daily, these
machines would turn out 15,000 pairs a month.
This would very soon supply the wants of the State, and enable our heroic
women to clothe the people without resort to the arbitrary measures of seizing
factories. It would save also a
great portion of the appropriation of $1,500,000 for clothing the soldiers.
Therefore, this cotton card measure is of the highest importance, and
should be disposed of without delay, and in a liberal spirit.
Sixty thousand collars is considered by some a high price for half the
establishment. Messrs. Lee &
Co. are entitled to a handsome reward for their timely foresight and the risk
incurred in getting through this invaluable machine.
They can get it duplicated elsewhere, and enjoy a monopoly of the
business, while if the State will take an interest in it, her citizens will reap
the benefit, and she will secure a certain return for the investment in a few
weeks. Whatever objection there may
be to the principle of State aid, in this instance, it is to be hoped that there
will be no delay in efforts to improve a bill matured by the committee after
patient investigation.
Other States are seeking to secure the works of Messrs. Lee & Co.,
and Georgia should not suffer an enterprise of such inestimable importance to be
moved from her borders, or appropriated for the benefit of others.
SAVANNAH [GA]
REPUBLICAN, December 5, 1862,
p. 1, c. 5
Georgia Cotton Cards.—A correspondent of the Augusta Chronicle, writing
from Milledgeville, says:
A box of cotton cards manufactured by Messrs. Lee & Co.,
Cartersville, were exhibited at the Milledgeville Hotel to-day.
They are perfect models of the Whittemore card, and are made on a
Whittemore machine, which was brought through from Baltimore by some of the
enterprising members of the firm. They
sell the cards at $10 per pair. I
saw a letter from Gov. Shorter, of Alabama, inquiring on what terms 50,000 to
100,000 pairs could be furnished for that State, and offering to make any
advance necessary to facilitate the contract.
It is proposed for the State to take an interest in the establishment,
and members of the firm are here now to negotiate some arrangement by which the
State shall be supplied. These
cards formerly cost about 15 cents a piece at wholesale, and a supply ought to
be furnished the State at prime cost, which is about $3 per pair at present.
Messrs. Lee & Co. deserve credit for putting the price of them at
even $10 when the demand is clamorous at $25 and $30 per pair.
They have secured a splendid enterprise and well deserve any harvest it
may reap them. If the women who can
use them were promptly supplied, there would be little occasion for the sue of
the $1,500,000 appropriated to clothe and shoe the soldiers.
[BELLVILLE] TEXAS
COUNTRYMAN, December 6, 1862, p. 1, c. 2
The Almanac Extra says that cotton cards are being manufactured in
Williamson county, samples of which are pronounced by good judges to be O. K.
[LITTLE
ROCK] WEEKLY ARKANSAS GAZETTE, December 6, 1862, p. 1, c. 4
We last week published a list of the Acts passed up [to] that time.
We subjoin now, from the True Democrat, the remainder of the list:
. . .
An act to encourage the manufacture of salt, iron, and cotton cards.
MONTGOMERY
WEEKLY ADVERTISER, December 10, 1862, p. 1, c. 2
We have before us a sample of cloth, manufactured by Mr. John Cox, of
this county, the filling of which is spun without the use of cards.
The cloth, though not as smooth as could be desired, is very strong and
will answer every purpose until we can gain our independence. Arrange your cotton simply with the hand into a convenient
size, and draw the thread slowly and you can make a very good filling for negro
clothing. Fresh ginned cotton is
the best.—Sandersville Georgian.
MONTGOMERY
WEEKLY ADVERTISER, December 10, 1862, p. 4, c. 3
Special Correspondence of the Augusta Constitutionalist
Georgia Legislature.
Milledgeville, Dec. 4.
I believe I alluded, a day or two ago, to the specimens of cards on
exhibition here from the manufactory of Messrs. Lee & co., Cartersville.
They are fac similes of the old Whittemore card, and are made on a
Whittemore machine, which ran the blockade.
In accordance with the recommendation of the Governor, endorsed also by
Peter Jones, Esq., Master Armorer at the Penitentiary, it is proposed that the
State take a half interest in the enterprise, and duplicate a number of the
machines, for immediate use. A
measure has been matured [sic?] by the Finance Committee, and passed the House
to-day, authorizing the Governor to pay Messrs. Lee & Co., $60,000 for a
half interest in their establishment, and to furnish half the capital necessary
to duplicate twenty machines for the enlargement of their works.
It is stated that they can be made in three months at the Penitentiary,
and put in operation. Estimating
that each machine will make 30 pairs of cards daily, these would turn out 600
pairs a day, or about 15,600 pairs a month.
This would very soon supply the wants of the State, and give the women
facilities for clothing not only their families at home, but the soldiers in the
field. It would make the people
independent of extorting factories, and save also a portion of the $1,500,000
appropriated to clothe and shoe the Georgia troops.
Estimating these cards at $10 a pair (and they cannot be had elsewhere
for twice the amount,_ the income derived from the use of these twenty machines
would be $1,872,000 in twelve months. Four-fifths
of this sum would probably be net profit, yielding to the State in one year, the
handsome revenue of $750,000 in an investment of $60,000.—This is on the
assumption that the State charge the same that the firm now sells them at.
But it is a part of the proposed contract that the State may furnish them
to her citizens at cost, which will be between $2 and $3, per pair.
However this may be, the aggregate profit to the people of the State is
the same. Therefore this cotton
card measure is of the highest importance, and should be disposed of without
delay and in a liberal spirit. Sixty
thousand dollars it is urged, is a high price for such an establishment.
It is a very moderate sum for a business capable of yielding the enormous
revenue above stated.
Messrs. Lee & Co. are entitled to a handsome reward for their timely
foresight, and the hazard of life and money incident to getting such an
invaluable machine through the lines. They
are not only entitled to a liberal return for the risks incurred, but to the
highest consideration as benefactors to the country.
They are selling cards at $10, as fast as they can make them, when there
is a clamorous demand for them at $30. They
are willing to accept the proposal made by the State, first, because it gives
them a fair consideration for the interest, and because it will specially give
them facilities for approximating the demand for cards.
The investment proposed by the State redound to the immediate benefit of her
citizens, and return to the treasury the amount expended, in a few weeks, when
the price of cards can and should be put down to a fair remunerative standard.
whatever objection there may be to State aid, in general principles, this
is a time and an occasion when the State may wisely step in to aid in relieving
the necessities of her people by the proposed investment in a private
enterprise. Every State will act wisely to secure if possible, similar
facilities for clothing the people. As
time is precious, it is to be hoped that there will be no delay in efforts to
improve the bill offered by the committee after mature deliberation.
Aristides.
CLARKE
COUNTY [AL] JOURNAL, December 11, 1862, p. 2, c. 1
Cotton Cards are now made in Cartersville, Ga., by Divino, Jones &
Lee, at the rate of 30 per day and will soon increase to 50.
They exchange 1 pair of cards for 6 hard tanned sheep skins, which are
used in making the cards.
WEEKLY
COLUMBUS [GA] ENQUIRER, December
16, 1862, p. 2, c. 7
Cotton Cards.—The Milledgeville correspondent of the Macon Telegraph,
under date Dec. 3d, says:
One of the most important measures of the session passed the House on
yesterday relating to a supply of cotton and wool cards.
The bill proposes to authorize the Governor to pay Messrs. Lee &
Co. $60,000 for a half interest in the establishment, and to furnish half
the means necessary to duplicate 20 machines.
It is stated that they can be made in 3 months at the Penitentiary and
put in operation. Estimating the work of each machine at 80 pairs daily, these
machines would turn out 600 pairs daily, or about 15,500 pairs per month.
This would very soon supply the wants of the State, and enable our heroic
women to clothe every soldier and citizen without resort to the arbitrary
measure of seizing factories. It would save also a great portion of the appropriation of
$1,500,000 for clothing the soldiers. Therefore,
this cotton card measure is of the highest importance, and should be disposed of
without delay, and in a liberal spirit. Sixty
thousand dollars may look like a high price for half the establishment.
NATCHEZ
DAILY COURIER, December 16, 1862,
p. 1, c. 4
Cotton
Cards.
A correspondent of the Augusta Chronicle and Sentinel, says:
A box of Cotton cards manufactured by Messrs. Lee & Co.,
Cartersville, were exhibited at the Milledgeville Hotel to-day.
They are perfect models of the Whitmore card, and are made on a
Whittemore machine, which was brought through from Baltimore by some of the
enterprising members of the firm. They
sell the card at $10 per pair. I
saw a letter from Gov. Shorter, of Alabama inquiring on what terms 50,000 to
100,000 pairs could be furnished for that State, and offering to make any
advance necessary to facilitate the contract.
It is proposed for the State to take an interest in the establishment,
and members of the firm are here now to negotiate some arrangements by which the
State shall be supplied. These
cards formerly cost about 15 cents a piece at wholesale, and a supply ought to
be furnished the State at prime cost, which is about $3 per pair at present.
Messrs. Lee & Co. deserve credit for putting the price of them at
even $10, when the demand is clamourous at $25 and $30 per pair.
They have secured a splendid enterprise, and will deserve any harvest it
may reap them. If the women who can
use them were promptly supplied, there would be little occasion for the use of
the $1,500,000 appropriated to clothe and shoe the soldiers.
[LITTLE
ROCK] ARKANSAS TRUE DEMOCRAT, December 17, 1862, p. 2, c. 5
Homespun.
The Caddo, Louisiana, Gazette says:
We are much pleased to find that many papers have entered the list in
favor of homespun. During the
embargo under the administration of Mr. Madison, the richest and finest ladies
in the country vied with each other who could produce the handsomest homespun
dresses. Old pieces of silk were
picked, carded, spun, wove, and made into dresses.
Many of them equalled the finest silks and cambrics. . . .
[MARSHALL]
TEXAS REPUBLICAN, December 20, 1862, p. 2, c. 1
Home Provisions for 1863.
Mr. Loughery,
Sir: Being credibly informed
that there is a great deal of destitution and want existing among the families
of indigent soldiers (now in the confederate armies) both in this and other
counties in the State; and that our soldiers complain that their families are
not properly cared for, and from this cause others are deterred from entering
the service. The subject is one of
vital importance to our country, and in my opinion needs only to be known in
order to be promptly redressed. There
is enough wealth and patriotism in Harrison county to support and give ample
employment to every destitute family in the county, and never miss the amount
thus given. To effect this object
at once, and make it available for the year 1863, I will suggest the following
propositions to the people of this county:
1st. Let two
books for subscription be opened in Marshall forthwith:
one at the store of G. G. Gregg & Co., the other at the office of B.
F. Friderici; the signers entering opposite their names the amount, either in
money, provisions, wool or cotton, they are willing to give for the year of
1863.
2nd. So soon as
$15,000 dollars is subscribed, let a meeting of the donors be called, and such
rules and regulations be passed as they may deem necessary, to ensure the
faithful collection and distribution of the amount subscribed.
3rd. To assist in
the clothing of our army, a portion of the means thus subscribed, to be applied
to the purchase of cards, wheels, looms, &c., and those families who are
destitute of these articles to be supplied with them gratis, and the goods made
by them (after clothing their own families) to be delivered to the agent, who
will pay them the full value of the goods.
4th. That B. F.
Friderici be selected as the agent to make all purchases and distribution of
provisions to all families in the county in indigent circumstances, and that he
be paid for this service such price as the donors may designate.
The scanty pittance heretofore allowed by the County to a few families
and the exorbitant price now asked for the necessaries of life, strictly enjoins
on us the execution of a duty; one which we owe to our God, our country, our
fellow-creatures, and ourselves, to support and cherish the families of those
men who stand manfully between us and our foes, and cheerfully surrender their
lives in defense of our homes and firesides, our country, liberty, and
independence.
These considerations should prompt one and all who are able to come
forward and subscribe liberally towards this laudable object, for unless our
holy cause is sustained, that which we may now give freely will not be ours to
bestow.
For the purpose above mentioned I will give $250 per annum (should this
sum be deemed not enough for me, I will double it) and pay it either in money,
provisions, wool, or cotton.
W. R. D. Ward.
[MARSHALL]
TEXAS REPUBLICAN, December 20, 1862, p. 2, c. 5
Wool Rolls for Sale
The undersigned takes this method of informing his customers that their
wool [is?] carded. Others who have
their names entered may bring in their wool.
We can card it without delay. I
have some wool rolls and boys' russetts for sale.
H. Ward.
Dec. 20, 1862.
THE
SOUTHERN WATCHMAN [ATHENS, GA], December 24, 1862, p. 2, c. 3
Cotton
Cards.
Our Milledgeville correspondent states that the Cotton Card Manufactory
of Lee & co., Cartersville, has been removed to the State Penitentiary,
where is will be in operation the present week.
In a few weeks other machines will be duplicated, and they will be
enabled to fill very heavy orders. It
is the design of the State authorities to put the cards at a small margin on
cost, which in the course of a few months will enable families to supply
themselves with cards at about $5 00 a pair.
Our correspondent also states that the report put in circulation by an
Atlanta paper, that a firm in Columbus have run a set of machines through the
blockade, is a mistake. A mechanic
is engaged in trying to invent a machine there, but it is not in operation.--Chron.
& Sent.
[LITTLE
ROCK] ARKANSAS TRUE DEMOCRAT, December 24, 1862, p. 1, c. 4
What is Jute?—We give below, a letter from a very intelligent gentleman
of our acquaintance in answer to this enquiry.
Having visited or resided in England, and being posted in such matters,
he writes of what he knows:
Editor True Democrat—Jute is soft hemp; an article hard to find. . . .
As soon as flax spinners stocks run out they would again become buyers
and derange prices considerably. Cotton
spinners, I think, would find that jute and hemp were not cotton, spun in a
cotton mill, and that they had better buy the yarn at the flax mills, and that
altering cotton machines meant throwing them away and replacing them by new,
coarse, strong flax machinery.—Hemp, flax and jute are a yard wide, more or
less and if they were but an inch long, they could not be put on a cotton card
without tearing it to pieces. . . .
GALVESTON WEEKLY NEWS, December 24, 1862, p. 1, c. 2
Editor of the News:--In your issue of the 10th inst., I notice a call by
you for "information in relation to tanneries in Texas and what efforts are
being made for a supply of leather--also in regard to domestic manufactures,
such as shoemaking, spinning and weaving by the old fashioned spinning wheels
and hand looms."
I can answer for Washington and a considerable portion of the adjoining
counties. . . . As to
"spinning and weaving by the old fashioned spinning wheel and hand
loom," there is a general movement in that direction everywhere.
Looms and wheels are being made by the thousands, and every family who
have been so fortunate as to procure cards, are manufacturing quantities of the
most excellent cloth. But the
scarcity and ruinous high prices of the cards operates with many poor families,
as a sufficient barrier to prevent them from doing anything at all towards
clothing themselves, even. Certainly
the card speculators are striving to force the community back into the use of
the primitive fig leaf apron again.
It is not worth while to say anything about what the managers of the
State government might have done to aid the people in procuring cards.
They be d----d, but if the people had the cards, I am sure I tell the
truth, when I assert that the whole country would be instantly converted into
one grand efficient manufacturing establishment.
And from the thousands of buzzing wheels and clattering looms, propelled
by willing hands and loving hearts; the ready made clothing and substantial
blankets would flow to our armies, as free as water. There are few soldiers in the service, who have not a female
relative or friend at home, who would take delight in having the opportunity to
clothe him during the war. I know
of what I speak, and the drawback to all this, is intentionally produced by a
black hearted set of enemies to our cause.
THINE GID.
[BELLVILLE] TEXAS
COUNTRYMAN, December 27, 1862, p. 1, c. 1
Cotton cards were selling at $25.00 per pair, at Star Hill last week, and
other things in proportion. There
were about fifty pairs left.
NATCHEZ
DAILY COURIER, December 27, 1862,
p. 1, c. 4
Cotton Cards. We learn from the
Augusta Chronicle and Sentinel that the cotton card manufactory of Messrs. Lee
& Co., Carterville, has been removed to the State Penitentiary at
Milledgeville, Ga. In a few weeks
other machines will be duplicated, and that they will be enabled to fill very
heavy orders. It is the design of
the authorities of the Empire State to put the cards at a small margin on cost,
which in the course of a few months will enable families to supply themselves
with cards at about $5 pair.
GALVESTON
WEEKLY NEWS, December 31, 1862,
p. 2, c. 1
Cotton Cards.--The Augusta Chronicle, Ga. says Messrs. Lee & Co. have
manufactured a box of cotton cards which are a perfect model of Whitmore's,
having been made on a Whitmore machine brought from Baltimore.
They are sold at $10 a pair. It
is said Messrs. Lee & Co., desire to take contracts to supply States, and
surely our State ought not to lose such an opportunity to provide our people
with an article of the greatest necessity.
It said those cards formerly sold for 15 cents a piece at wholesale and
can be supplied to the State at $300 [$3.00?] per pair at present.
The State might be saved millions of dollars in the supply of clothing to
our troops, by having our people supplied with the cards to make the clothing
instead of having to pay the present enormous prices.
[LITTLE
ROCK] ARKANSAS TRUE DEMOCRAT, December 31, 1862, p. 1, c. 2
(Communicated.)
Mr. Phax and Mr. Figgers continue their
Conversation.
Mr. Phax. It is admitted,
even by the speculators and extortioners, that unless this rapacious spirit is
checked, our cause will be ruined. . . .
P. Let us hope that the
courts will do this. In counties
where corn is scarce, if they would send off, get a boat load of corn, have it
ground, and then supply each family with enough meal to last during the winter,
that step would be a great one. Cotton
cards are to be had. Speculators
can get salt and cards. If a county
would get as many of these as possible and distribute them, another point would
be gained. Have a depot or place
where provisions could be obtained. It
would not take long, or a great amount of money, to place the people beyond the
reach of starvation. Then go to
work to get shoes and cloth; gather old iron to have it ready to mend plows;
furnish wood to those living in towns. They
could do it, and make the money go twice as far.
Give a hundred men five dollars each to buy provisions, and another man
five hundred dollars, and the one man will be able to buy twice as much as the
hundred. Speculators get cloth,
domestic, cotton cards and salt. They
can get these things, and sell them at outrageous profits. So could a county, or any set of men, to distribute to the
needy, and sell at fair prices. . . .
GALVESTON
WEEKLY NEWS, December 31, 1862, p. 2, c. 1
Cotton Cards.--The Augusta Chronicle, Ga. says Messrs. Lee & Co. have
manufactured a box of cotton cards which are a perfect model of Whitmore's,
having been made on a Whitmore machine brought from Baltimore.
They are sold at $10 a pair. It
is said Messrs. Lee & Co., desire to take contracts to supply States, and
surely our State ought not to lose such an opportunity to provide our people
with an article of the greatest necessity.
It said those cards formerly sold for 15 cents a piece at wholesale and
can be supplied to the State at $300 [$3.00?] per pair at present.
The State might be saved millions of dollars in the supply of clothing to
our troops, by having our people supplied with the cards to make the clothing
instead of having to pay the present enormous prices.
CLARKE
COUNTY [AL] JOURNAL, January 1, 1863, p. 2, c. 5
Cotton Card Manufactory.—We learn from the Atlanta Confederacy that a
full set of machines for manufacturing Cotton Cards has been run through the
blockade, and arrived at Columbus, Ga. This
makes the second card making machine that has been brought into Georgia by the
enterprise of the citizens.
SELMA
MORNING REPORTER, January 6, 1863, p. 2, c. 4
Cotton Cards.—Cotton cards are now being made at the Georgia
Penitentiary, at the rate of thirty pairs per day.
Skins of sheep, goats or dogs will be taken in exchange at present, as it
is the desire of the factory to get skins on hand to work up.
The cards are worth six dollars a pair.
MONTGOMERY
WEEKLY ADVERTISER, January 7, 1863, p. 3, c. 1
The Milledgeville Union says the Georgia Penitentiary will soon be
able to turn out 300 pairs of cotton cards per day, and in a few months, it is
hoped the machinery will be increased so as to turn out 900 pairs per day.
For the manufacture of cards, sheep, dog or goat skins are necessary, and
those who want cards are requested to send in those skins, either tanned or
untanned.
[LITTLE
ROCK] ARKANSAS TRUE DEMOCRAT, January 7, 1863, p. 1, c. 2
(Communicated.)
Mr. Phax proposes Remedies for Extortion.
Mr. Figgers. I have not seen a paper published in the Confederacy
which has not contained something condemnatory of speculators and extortioners.
Yet they propose no remedy and content themselves with warnings, denunciations
and expressions of contempt. . . .
P. Here
our government has not the power, or if it has, it is not expedient to exercise
it. But a few men in every community can do this. Within the past
month at San Antonio, Texas, a supply association was formed. Flour fell
from forty dollars to fifteen dollars a hundred in a week. So of other
things. I see by their papers that meetings are held, and like
associations are being formed in other counties. Speculation is killed
there as far as necessaries are concerned. A supply association here, with
a few energetic men, could supply the poor with necessaries, and procure cloth,
cotton cards and other things, when opportunity offered. . . .
NATCHEZ
DAILY COURIER, January 8, 1863,
p. 1, c. 4
We see it stated that there is a manufactory of cards in Georgia for carding
cotton, wool, &c. This is a
very necessary instrument of domestic economy and in great demand. We learn that after a few days our readers will be able to
supply themselves with the article in this city.
A very ingenious and worthy gentleman is now getting his machinery ready
for manufacturing them, and within a week will be able to furnish a
supply.--Mobile Tribune.
SAVANNAH
[GA] REPUBLICAN, January 8, 1863,
p. 1, c. 6
Cotton Cards.—We have received a number of letters inquiring the price
of cotton cards manufactured at the Penitentiary, and the chances of purchasing.
In reply, we state that the machinery is running day and night which will
soon be increased and that the cards (No. 1s, [10?] the only size manufactured)
are sold daily at six dollars per pair, to the widows of deceased soldiers, and
to the wives now in the army; but that preference will be given to those persons
who may bring sheep and goat skins, (raw or tanned) for which an exchange of
cards will be made. Mr. Jones, the
head machinist, has informed us that he is doing all in his power to supply the
demand, in relation to which we design to make weekly reports for the benefit of
all interested.—[Milledgeville Recorder.
MEMPHIS
DAILY APPEAL [JACKSON, MS], January 9, 1863, p. 2, c. 2
We learn from the Augusta Chronicle and Sentinel that the cotton card
manufactory of Messrs. Lee & Co., Cartersville, has been removed to the
State Penitentiary at Milledgeville, Ga. In
a few weeks other machines will be duplicated, and they will be able to fill
every heavy order. It is the design
of the authorities of the Empire State to put the cards at a small margin on
cost, which in the course of a few months will enable families to supply
themselves with cards at about $5 a pair. This
will be bad news for the speculators in those articles of necessity.
[BELLVILLE]
TEXAS COUNTRYMAN, January 10, 1863, p. 1, c. 1
The True Issue says that Fayette county has received from the State
Penitentiary, 86 bolts of Lowels for the destitute families of soldiers.
The True Issue learns from Mr. M. F. Rodgers, of Georgetown, that he has
contracted with the Military Board
to furnish them 90,000 pair of Cards, 10,000 of them to be wool cards, to be
delivered within six months, and distributed among the several counties in the
State. We are glad to hear of this,
and think this number properly distributed over the State, will enable every
family to get a pair.
MEMPHIS
DAILY APPEAL [JACKSON, MS], January 12, 1863, p. 2, c. 5
Cotton
Cards!
The subscriber has for sale at Meridian, Mississippi, Twelve Hundred
Pairs Cotton Cards without the backs, which he will sell in lots to any
purchasers, in their present condition, or he will contract to deliver them
ready for use in a short time.
To persons wishing to transport them to a distance, their present form is
desirable, as two hundred pairs occupy a space of only three cubic feet and
weight about seventy-five pounds. They
are of the most approved manufacture, and any carpenter can supply the backs.
A note addressed to the undersigned, through the mail, will receive
prompt attention.
W. C. Harkins,
ja12
Meridian, Miss.
WEEKLY COLUMBUS [GA]
ENQUIRER, January 13,
1863, p. 1, c. 5
Cotton Cards.—Cotton cards are now being made at the Georgia
Penitentiary at the rate of thirty pairs per day.
Skins of sheep, goats or dogs will be taken in exchange at present, as it
is the desire of the factory to get skins on hand to work up.
The cards are worth $6 a pair. Let
those who can furnish skins to that amount and forward to the Penitentiary and
receive cards in exchange.
SELMA
MORNING REPORTER, January 13, 1863, p. 2, c. 7
Cotton Cards
On consignment and for sale by Hardy & Kelly.
WEEKLY
COLUMBUS [GA] ENQUIRER, January 20,
1863, p. 2, c. 2
Cotton cards were being manufactured in Williamson county, Texas, and
were pronounced by judges to be good.
WEEKLY
COLUMBUS [GA] ENQUIRER, January 20,
1863, p. 2, c. 7
Cotton
Cards.
Such being the demand, we promised to advise our readers weekly as to the
progress of the manufacture of Cotton Cards in the State Prison, and the terms
on which they can be obtained. We
have no change to announce. The
machine now in operation turns out twenty four pairs a day, which are sold at
six dollars each. Two other
machines are nearly completed, and we learn that the increase will continue as
rapidly as the machines can be made by the workmen, until about 300 pair shall
be furnished daily. In the
meantime, persons who furnish sheep and goat skins will have the preference, and
next to them soldiers' families. The
latter absorb the whole supply at present.
Southern Recorder.
[MARSHALL]
TEXAS REPUBLICAN, January 22, 1863, p. 1, c. 5
Pioneer Cotton Card Factory.—Messrs. Divin, Jones & Lee have, at
great expense, commenced the manufacture of cotton cards at Centersville,
Georgia.
The demand for cards far exceeds their capacity, though they are now
turning out thirty pairs a day, and will soon increase it to fifty.
They exchange one pair of cards for five hard-tanned sheep skins.
They want the skins for making the cards.
Any one can tell what is meant by "hard-tanned" by looking at
the leather in which the card teeth are set in any pair of cards.
NATCHEZ
DAILY COURIER, January 28, 1863,
p. 1, c. 3
Cotton
Cards.
Such being the demand, we promised to advise our readers weekly as to the
progress of the manufacture of Cotton Cards in the State Prison, and the terms
on which they can be obtained. We
have no change to announce. The
machine now in operation turns out twenty-four pairs a day, which are sold at
six dollars each. Two other
machines are nearly completed, and we learn that the increase will continue as
rapidly as the machines can be made by the workmen, until about 300 pairs shall
be finished daily. In the mean
time, persons who furnish sheep and goat skins will have the preference, and
next to them soldiers families. The
latter absorb the whole supply at present.--Southern Recorder, Jan. 13.
MONTGOMERY
WEEKLY ADVERTISER, January 28, 1863, p. 2, c. 5
An agent of the State of Florida has made arrangements for a supply of
cards from the card making machines now in operation in Milledgeville, under the
authority of Georgia.
[MARSHALL]
TEXAS REPUBLICAN, January 29, 1863, p. 2, c. 5
Cotton Cards.
150
Pairs for sale at the drug store of SEARS & WITHERSPOON.
Jan. 22, 1863.
CLARKE
COUNTY [AL] JOURNAL, January 29, 1863, p. 2, c. 1
Cotton cards are being manufactured in Williamson County, Texas, and are
pronounced by judges to be good.
WEEKLY
COLUMBUS [GA] ENQUIRER, February 3,
1863, p. 3, c. 1
Woolen Factory Burnt.—On Monday, the 12th instant, the
large Wool Carding Factory, located near Lincolnton, N. C., accidentally took
fire and was entirely consumed, together with all the machinery, much of which
was entirely new. The property was
owned by Col. L. D. Childs, one of the proprietors of the Saluda Factory, near
Columbia, S. C., who lost by a similar cause, some weeks since, an extensive
cotton factory situated at the same place.
There was no insurance, and it is, consequently, a total loss.
WEEKLY
COLUMBUS [GA] ENQUIRER, February 3,
1863, p. 3, c. 6
Dog skins make the best leather for the manufacture of cotton cards.
Those who supply dog skins can get cards in Milledgeville, manufactured
at the Penitentiary, at six dollars per pair.
Money will not buy them—nothing but dog or other skins.
The great question is now presented to the people of Georgia whether they
will do without dogs or clothes.
[Aug. Chron.
WEEKLY
COLUMBUS [GA] ENQUIRER, February 3,
1863, p. 3, c. 7
Cotton
Cards.
A small lot of best A No. 10 Cotton Cards (Whittemore Cards) on
consignment, to be closed out immediately.
Rosette, Lawhon, & Co.
AUSTIN
STATE GAZETTE, February 18, 1863,
p. 1, c. 1
Cotton
Cards.
(We take great pleasure
in publishing the following communication, from a lady in Bell county, feeling
assured it will serve a good purpose at this time in directing our readers where
they may be supplied with an indispensable article:)
SALADO, TEXAS, Feb. 2d, 1863
We not unfrequently see in your columns expressions of applause in behalf
of the domestic ladies in your city and surrounding country; and, though a more
western and mountainous country, could not so hastily afford the facilities for
home manufacture, we however flatter ourselves that we will furnish a parallel
to the home productions of, perhaps, any county in Texas.
I am just now in receipt of a pair of nice cotton cards, of a most
superior quality, manufactured by Mr. Eubank, of Williamson county.
My cards do excellent work, and I am highly pleased with them. Quite a number of ladies in this vicinity are using cards
manufactured by Mr. Eubank, and so far as I have been able to ascertain, entire
satisfaction prevails with all who use them; many in our country, however, are
yet unsupplied with cards.--Feeling assured that an enterprise of this nature
cannot fail to enlist the earnest efforts of the public, and that it will be
fully sustained and appreciated by the Government, as well as the people, I hope
that all will soon be supplied, and we shall thus be enabled to furnish
ourselves with the necessaries of life.
L.A.
[LITTLE
ROCK] ARKANSAS TRUE DEMOCRAT, February 18, 1863, p. 1, c. 4
Those who have sheep or goat skins, raw or tanned, would do well to save
them, as manufacturers of cotton cards are anxious to exchange for them.
They have machinery in the Georgia penitentiary which runs day and night.
They sell the cards at six dollars a pair, giving the preference to
soldier's wives, and those who will exchange sheep or goat skins.
CLARKE
COUNTY [AL] JOURNAL, February 19, 1863, p. 2, c. 1
In a short time the Governor of Georgia will have five or six machines
completed for manufacturing cotton cards.
THE
SOUTHERN WATCHMAN [ATHENS, GA], March 4, 1863, p. 2, c. 4
Cards.
Good cards can be had at the Penitentiary in Milledgeville at $6 per
pair, if paid in sheep, dog, goat, or horse skins, either tanned or untanned.
Fifty cents will be allowed for enough tanned leather to make a pair of
cards, which is 5 inches by 22, and 25 cents for untanned skins.
If enough skins are sent to make more than one and less than two pair of
cards, the remainder can be paid in money.
NATCHEZ
DAILY COURIER, March 6, 1863, p.
1, c. 5
Cotton Cards. On consignment, for
cash, one gross of Whitmore's cotton card; also, cotton warp and sleys. . . .
for sale at P. H. McGraw's. feb6
[BELLVILLE]
TEXAS COUNTRYMAN, March 7, 1863, p. 1, c. 3
Cotton cards are manufactured in Milledgeville, Ga., and sold to soldiers
wives for $6 per pair. They are now
selling here for about $30.
NATCHEZ
DAILY COURIER, March 7, 1863, p.
2, c. 1
Cotton
Cards and Teeth.
The Mr. Barber, mentioned in the following notice from the Camden (Ark.)
Herald, is the person who formerly lived in Natchez.
We had the pleasure of witnessing a few days ago, the working of Mr.
Barber's machine for making card teeth. We
shall not attempt any description of the machine, but will simply state that it
is complete. We had not time to see
the number it could make in an hour; but any person who has ever seen a sewing
machine at work, can imagine how many can be turned out in a given period, when
informed that it makes about as many strokes to the minute as one of the fastest
of them, and at every stroke a tooth is made. Mr. Barber deserves much praise for the energy he has evinced
in getting his machine going, and for the perseverance, patience and ingenuity
displayed in its invention--it being unlike anything every before used for a
similar purpose. He draws his own
wire, through plates made under his own direction; and perforates the leather
with a machine of his own invention. In
short, the card factory is a home invented, home made institution.
As soon as Mr. B. can get a few pair put up to start on, he will notify
the public to come up and supply themselves.
MONTGOMERY
WEEKLY ADVERTISER, March 18, 1863, p. 4, c. 4
Cotton Cards Manufactured in Selma.
We do not know that we were ever made to feel greater pride for the
intelligence and enterprise of our city than we were on Friday last, that being
the day on which we received an invitation from our fellow citizen, J. M. Keep,
to witness the operation of his machine for manufacturing cards.
It was really surprising to see a machine in all its beauty and
perfection, claiming no other paternity than the genius, of a single man put
into successful operation in Selma.—Until we saw it with our own eyes, we
confess we were skeptical as to the possibility of such an achievement, but now
all doubt is dissipated, for we have seen, to our satisfaction, the perfect
demonstration of Mr. Keep's success. He
has not only succeeded in making cotton cards, but we will vouch that he has
fairly beaten the Yankees themselves in the manufacture of this article of prime
necessity. The difficulties under
which Mr. K. has labored in perfecting his nice piece of machinery have been
such as would have app__ed a gentleman less philanthropic and persevering, and
now that he has succeeded, we are sure that our people will rightly appreciate
his labors. Mr. Keep has proven
himself a man of wonderful genius as well as a great benefactor.
The wire which forms the teeth of the cards is made by Mr. Keep, and is
superior to that used in the manufacture of cards which have been brought from
the North, or even from the old country, as has been proven by a scientific
test. He is now making another machine, simpler than the one
already finished, and will continue to add new machines to his manufactory until
he has a number sufficient to supply the demand for cards.
We learn from him that he will soon be ready to furnish the people with
cotton cards at a reasonable price, notifications of which will appear by
advertisement in the Reporter.—Selma Reporter.
CLARKE
COUNTY [AL] JOURNAL, March 19, 1863, p. 2, c. 1
Gov. Shorter has succeeded in running through the blockade 4,344 pairs of
cotton and wool cards, which are to be distributed to the different Counties of
the State at a price equal only to cost and charges—say from $6 to $8 per
pair. Others are expected soon.
NATCHEZ
DAILY COURIER, March 19, 1863, p.
1, c. 5
Here is Your Chance. To arrive in
two days:--300 pairs Whitmore's best Cotton Cards; 200 pairs Cotton Cards,
Superfine; 300 lbs. Killikinick Smoking Tobacco; and for sale wholesale and
retail, by Jos. Nehr, Pearl St., near the Post Office. mar19.
MONTGOMERY
WEEKLY ADVERTISER, April 1, 1863, p. 1, c. 2
The Richmond correspondent of the Charleston Mercury says a
machine for making cotton carts [sic—cards] will be at work in that city in a
few days.
WEEKLY
COLUMBUS [GA] ENQUIRER, April 7, 1863,
p. 2, c. 1
The
Cotton Card Manufacture.
On Tuesday last Gov. Brown sent a special measure to the Legislature in
reference to the cotton card manufacturing enterprise in which the State has
engaged as a partner. The message
was referred to a special committee. We
copy a report of its substance from the Macon Telegraph:
The Governor states that 100 pair cards could be turned out per day if
there was on hand a supply of wire. Engagements
have been made with a firm in Dalton—Messrs. Russell, Brother & Co., to
make wire, and parties are also engaged to import a supply through the blockade.
The exact cost of making a pair of cards is about $4.
Two new machines are completed, and three more well under way, with five
more half done, and three large machines begun for making 44 inch card cloth for
factories. About 1,200 cards have
been made since the purchase by the State, which have been sold for sheep and
dog skins. The Governor says that
Messrs. Lee & Co. did not turn over more than wire enough to make 1,130 pair
of cards, when they contracted to furnish enough to make 12,000, and recommends
that the value of the wire be deducted from the sum to be paid for the Works.
He does not deem it best to purchase the remaining half interest, as,
according to the contract, the State controls the Works as fully as though it
owned them all, and the interest cannot be bought except at an exorbitant price.
[LITTLE
ROCK] ARKANSAS TRUE DEMOCRAT, April 8, 1863, p. 1, c. 2
A New Trick with Cards.
Some six or eight weeks ago, handbills and circulars were sent all over
the State, notifying country dealers and merchants that the subscriber thereto
was prepared to furnish some 50,000 pairs of cotton cards, calicoes, and other
things, on terms that would enable them to supply families at low rates.
A lively correspondence was soon opened with parties from every section
of the State, and a large number of dealers, speculators, and some few who were
desirous of benefiting their neighborhoods, visited the city to purchase cards
and other things. They were
referred to George W. Curtis, a shrewd fellow, who was book-keeper in a well
known commercial house in the West for many years, and known to a great many
persons in the city. The dealers
were taken to a building on the river bank, and let to a cellar where boxes
marked in the usual manner, with the numbers of pairs and the number of the size
of the cotton cards were snugly stowed. Curtis,
it appears, made no secret that these cards were smuggled, and liable to
confiscation, but that was the reason why he was enabled to sell them so
cheaply, some heavy sales being effected at twelve hundred and fifty dollars for
each one hundred pairs. An open box
or two of the cards were shown as samples.
Secrecy was enjoined, as it was desirable not to let the law officers get
on the scent, and as the building was near the river, it was very easy for
purchasers to quietly move their boxes on a boat and carry them off.—As the
demand was so great, purchasers were advised to pay for their cargo and secure
their boxes, which were to be delivered early in April.
Others engaged to take large quantities, one contract being to the tune
of $30,000. About the first of
April, Curtis told a number of his patrons that he expected every hour a large
lot of dry goods and needed money, and the parties might take the cards, or take
part in cotton cards and part in dry-goods when the latter came.
Curtis, it appears, had a partner, whose name we did not learn and two or
three others were in some way connected with the concern.
The whole party boarded at the Hayne's Hotel, and it appeared that the
money received for the cards, or a good part of it was deposited with Haynes for
safe keeping. A few nights since
the partner of Curtis, accompanied by another of the parties, presented an order
to Mr. Haynes, from Curtis, for the money.
The paper money was in a box and some $1,000 in specie, in a bag.
Haynes took the money from the safe and delivered it to them, but the
lateness of the hour excited his suspicions and he told them they had better
leave the money and call for it in the morning.
They drew their pistols and prevented him from locking up the money
again, took it up stairs to a room; but returned in a few minutes, handed him
the box, said they were joking and went off.
As they had not returned the specie, Haynes followed them, overtook the
one who had the gold, took his arm and walked with him down the street
expostulating, until they came in sight of two or three soldiers on guard, when
the fellow got scared, dropped the bag of gold and ran off.
Upon his return to the hotel, Mr. Haynes examined the box, and found the
money had been abstracted and old newspapers put in its place.
The next morning, the buyers of cotton cards became uneasy and proceeded
to examine their purchases, when, to their dismay, they found that each box had
in it nothing but a few sticks of wood so arranged that they sounded like the
handles of the cards rattling, and weighing about the same as a box of cards
would weigh.—Curtis & Co., have vamosed the ranche, and the buyers of the
cotton cards may be seen looking very blue, each with a small stick of wood
under his arm.
Our lawyers are all busy discussing the question as to whom the $1,000 in
gold belongs. One says to Haynes,
for the fellow dropped it at his feet, and Haynes is bound to retain it until
called for. Others say that it must
be returned to those who paid the specie for cotton cards which they never
received. Still others, contend
that it should be divided, prorata, among all the victims, those who paid paper
as well as those who paid gold. No
decision has been arrived at, up to the time of our going to press, but the
occurrence has given rise to any amount of witticisms and puns.
It was a well planned scheme, boldly carried out, and the victims have
learned the force of the old adage "never buy a pig in a poke," which
they alter to "never buy cotton cards in boxes."
[LITTLE
ROCK] ARKANSAS TRUE DEMOCRAT, April 8, 1863, p. 2, c. 4
Warren, Texas, March 23d, 1863.
Mr. Editor:
Having seen several pieces in your paper in regard to the war, our
facilities for sustenance and defence, I take the liberty of requesting you to
insert my opinion, if it is only the opinion of a native Texan girl. . .
Cotton cards have been procured, the loom and wheel have been brought
into use, and nearly every family makes cloth enough for its own use, and some
to spare. My mother, whose family
is small, has had upwards of two hundred yards of cloth woven within the last
six months. As to clothes, there
will be no more trouble. The ladies
are quite independent. . .
Katrina.
MONTGOMERY
WEEKLY ADVERTISER, April 15, 1863, p. 3, c. 3
Cotton Cards, intended for the families of soldiers, says the Huntsville Advocate,
are now being distributed in the various counties in North Alabama. The counties in this region have received their quota from
Montgomery. We hope they will all
soon be in use, and another supply may be received at an early day.
WEEKLY
COLUMBUS [GA] ENQUIRER, April 21,
1863, p. 3, c. 6
James C. Gibbes, of Columbia, S. C., has arrived from abroad, bringing
with him machinery for making cotton cards and other purposes.
GALVESTON
WEEKLY NEWS, April 22, 1863, p. 2,
c. 6
Notice
Extraordinary!
The undersigned begs leave to inform the public that he has succeeded in
introducing into this State two suits of double Wool Carding Machines and
Picker, and has located the same at Prairie Lea, in Caldwell county, at the
Mills of Mr. Thos. Mooney, on the San Marcos river.
The machinery will be in operation by the first of May next, and wool
will be carded into rolls for hand spinning, for cash or wool, at reasonable
rates, and rolls constantly on hand for sale.
Mr. Thos. Mooney, an old Texian, is favorably known to many, having
resided many years at Prairie Lea, is interested in the carding business, and
will fix price and terms for carding wool and the sale of rolls.
I have secured the services of a competent and experienced man in the
person of Mr. S. S. Bryant, my father-in-law, to superintend the operative parts
of the business, and can vouch for him in every particular, and I hope we may be
able to give entire satisfaction to all who may favor us with their patronage,
which we respectfully solicit.
Persons sending wool to the Factory to be carded will please observe the
following suggestions: Wash the
wool clean before sending it to the factory, or request in writing to have it
cleansed at the factory. You need
not pick the wool to pieces, only so much as is necessary to get the burs all
out, but the burs must be all taken out before sending the wool to be carded.
Send one pound of clean fresh lard to every ten pounds of wool, and
strong sheets or blankets to pin up the rolls in.
The above named machinery will turn off work enough to keep one thousand
hand spinning sheets supplied with rolls and furnish filling for two thousand
yards of plantation goods per day.
Harris Hoyt.
Houston, April 21, 1863.
GALVESTON
WEEKLY NEWS, April 22, 1863, p. 2,
c. 6
A
Card.
I take this opportunity to say to those planters with whom I have
conferred on the subject of establishing a cotton and woolen factory, some of
whom subscribed conditionally to the stock of the proposed Texas Manufacturing
Company before I obtained a charter incorporating the same, which was granted at
the last regular session of the Texas Legislature, that I have made arrangements
for all the machinery for a cotton and woolen mill of any size or capacity
desired, and if those planters who were in favor of establishing said
manufactory, or any other responsible individual, or set of men in the State
wish to establish a large or small cotton and woolen factory in Texas, and will
furnish me the cotton at once to pay for the machinery, I will furnish it at
such place and on such terms as may be agreed on, and I will turn over to them
the said charter at what it is worth, and I will take stock if parties desire
me to do so, and do all in my power to aid in establishing such an institution
as the planters in this State need.
I beg leave to say, however, that I am not in favor of the South becoming
a manufacturing people to a great extent, especially of the finer fabrics, but I
am in favour of Texas and all the Confederate States becoming more self-reliant,
and manufacturing plantation goods and producing in our glorious Confederacy
every necessary of life we require.
With the sword in one hand and the plow and spindle in the other, and God
on our side, we will gain our independence, and by economy, industry and
temperance, and the productions of our soil, the Confederate States of America
may become one of the wealthiest, the most independent and powerful nations on
the globe—for if God be for us, who can be against us.
Any communications addressed to me at Brenham between this and the first
day of May will receive attention.
Harris Hoyt.
WEEKLY COLUMBUS
[GA] ENQUIRER, April 28,
1863, p. 1, c. 5
A New Idea—Cotton Cards.—We are informed that there is a farmer in
Washington county, who spins his cotton filling without the aid of cards.
The process is simple. He
goes to the gin house or lint room, puts the light flakes of cotton ginned into
a basket, not packed, carries it to the spinning wheel, and the thread is made
with rapidity. With a little
practice, more thread can be made in a day, than with the aid of cotton cards.
If kerseys are desired to be made, put cow hair into the gin with
the cotton, and it will be thrown into the lint room nicely mixed.
The same process as above, will give him the filling he desires.
Will our farmers practice upon the important idea thrown
out?—Milledgeville Recorder.
[LITTLE
ROCK] ARKANSAS TRUE DEMOCRAT, April 29, 1863, p. 1, c. 4
We learn that Curtis, the chief or head of the cotton card swindlers, was
met by Mr. S. Wilson, the sutler of Col.
Glenn's regiment, some few miles this side of Memphis.
Wilson brought him part of the way, but when within twenty miles of
Little Rock, Curtis succeeded in effecting his escape.
We learn further, that Curtis gave up thirty-one or two thousand dollars
in Confederate money and about eight in gold, which, we suppose, will be divided
among his victims.
GALVESTON
WEEKLY NEWS, May 6, 1863, p. 2, c. 4
We are happy to say that the Military Board has received a large number
of superior cotton cards, which they intend to distribute to the several
counties upon the basis of scholastic census.
A letter has been addressed to the Chief Justice of every county in the
State to the effect that they will receive their pro rata by sending for
them and paying the price fixed, viz: $10
per pair in currency. The Board
requests the County Courts to make the distribution in such a way as will result
in most good to the public, enjoining upon them that the needy families of those
in the service be first supplied, and that, in no case shall a greater price be
charged for the cards than the cost to the county, including transportation.
Should any county decline the offer of the Board, they are requested to
notify them at once. The Board are supplying these cards at the third of the
ruling market price, and in distributing the present invoice will save the
people from $150,000 to $200,000.
[LITTLE
ROCK] ARKANSAS TRUE DEMOCRAT, May 6, 1863, p. 1, c. 4
Curtis, the cotton card man, has been arrested again; this time in
western Arkansas. A man named Cox,
who was concerned in the swindle, and another, named Mitchell, were arrested
with him. Cox escaped, but Curtis
and Mitchell are on their way here, and may be expected as the paroling officer
seems to be about Batesville at present.
GALVESTON
WEEKLY NEWS, May 13, 1863, p. 1, c.
1
Cotton Cards at $10 a Pair.—We have received the following circular,
which we lay before our readers as a matter of great public interest, although
we have before noticed the same matter:
Office of the Military Board,
}
Austin, April 28, 1863.
}
To the Chief Justice of ________ County:
The undersigned, constituting the State Military Board, beg leave to
inform you that they have succeeded in procuring several thousand pair of cotton
cards of the very best manufacture, and that they have apportioned them to the
counties on the basis of the scholastic census.
Your county will receive by sending for them ___ pairs.
The price is $10 per pair, in currency, payable at Austin on delivery.
We advise that several counties should combine in sending for their
cards, thereby saving much expense.
The Board requests that these cards be distributed in such way as the
County Courts may deem best for the public good.
Respectfully enjoining that the needy families of those in the army
shall, in all cases, be first supplied, and in no case shall the cards be sold
for a greater price than the cost to the County Courts, including
transportation.
Should your County decline the offer, please notify us at once.
Very respectfully,
F. R. Lubbock, Governor.
C. R. Johns, Comptroller.
C. H. Randolph, Treasurer.
We have notified each county of their pro rata.
In distributing this lot of cards, the people will be saved over
$200,000, independent of the effect it will have to put the price of cards down
in speculator's hands.
[LITTLE
ROCK] ARKANSAS TRUE DEMOCRAT, May 13, 1863, p. 1, c. 1
Curtis, the cotton card speculator, also arrived.
He does not deny his guilt, but says he went into the speculation in good
faith, at the suggestion of others, supposing that goods would be bought and
fairly disposed of, but that, after he got into it, other acknowledged it was to
be a swindle and he agreed to carry out their plans.
He promises to make a clean breast of it and some rich developments are
expected.
[BELLVILLE]
TEXAS COUNTRYMAN, May 16, 1863, p. 1, c. 5
The Military Board of Texas has issued the following Circular to the
several counties of the State:
Office of the Military Board,
Austin, April 28, 1863.
To the Chief Justice of _____ County:
The undersigned, constituting the State Military Board, beg leave to
inform you that they have succeeded in procuring several thousand pairs of
Cotton Cards, of the very best manufacture, and that they have apportioned them
to the Counties on the basis of the Scholastic census.
Your County will receive by sending for them _____ pairs.
The price is $10 per pair, in currency, payable at Austin on delivery.
We advise that several Counties sho'd combine in sending for their Cards,
thereby saving much expenses.
The Board requests that these Cards be distributed in such way as the
County Courts may deem best for the public good; respectfully enjoining that the needy
families of those in the army shall, in all cases, be first supplied, and in no
case shall the Cards be sold for a
greater price than the cost to the County Courts, including transportation.
Should your County decline the offer, please notify us at once.
Very Respectfully,
F. R. Lubbock, Gov'nor,
C. R. Johns, Comptroller
C. H. Randolph, Treas'r.
Each County has been notified of its pro rata.
In distributing this lot of cards, the people will be saved over
$200,000, independent of the effect it will have in putting down the price of
them in the hands of speculators.
[MARSHALL]
TEXAS REPUBLICAN, May 16, 1863, p. 2, c. 1
The Texas Military Board has notified the Chief Justices of the several
counties of the arrival of a large supply of cotton cards for distribution, and
which are to be distributed to those most in need, on the basis of the
scholastic census. Price, ten
dollars.
SAVANNAH
[GA] REPUBLICAN, May 22, 1863, p.
2, c. 2
Cargo Sale.—Messrs. LaRoche & Bell, Wednesday last, sold the cargo
of the steamer President and others from Nassau.
The following prices were realized:
Turk's Island Salt, 53 to 85 cents per pound; Coffee, $3 to $3.60 per
pound; Copperas, 75 cents to $1 per pound; Morphine, $23 per oz., Quinine,
$23.50 to $25 per oz; Saltpetre, $2.15 per lb; Carb. Soda, $2.55 per pound;
Cream Tartar, $1 per pound; Epson Salts, $1.25 per pound; Nails, $90 per keg;
Matches, $12 per gross; Blankets, $19 per pair; Cotton Cards, $26 to $30 per
pair; Prints, wide and narrow, $1.75 to $2.50 per yard; Ladies' Gaiters, $19.50
per pair; Misses; Gaiters, $14 per pair; Men's English Sewed Shoes, $14.50 per
pair; Letter Paper, $45 to $50 per ream; Green Tea, $7 per pound; Ladies' Hose,
$25 to $45 per dozen.
WEEKLY
COLUMBUS [GA] ENQUIRER, May 26, 1863,
p. 1, c. 4
Cotton
Spinners' Convention.
In conformity with a request published some time since, a meeting of the
Cotton Spinners of the State was held at Atlanta, Ga., on the 15th of
May.
There were present, John White, of Georgia Factory; Isaac Powell, High
Shoals Factory; Hugh McLean, Agaudon Mill; Thomas Leslie, Troup Factory, and E.
Steadman, Gwinnett Manufacturing Company. On
motion, John White was elected Chairman, and E. Steadman, Secretary.
After consultation the meeting agreed upon the following:
(Circular.)
To the Cotton Spinners of Georgia.
In pursuance of a call made upon the Cotton Spinners of Georgia to
assemble in Convention in the city of Atlanta, for the purpose of taking into
consideration the best means of supplying the great destitution in Cotton Yarns,
now being felt all over our State, the undersigned duly assembled.
After a deliberate examination of all the facts laid before us, towit:
the great scarcity of Cotton Yarns; the limited means of soldiers' wives
and families; the probable continuance of this unholy war; and the apparent
suffering that must continue to accrue to the families of our noble defenders on
account of the scarcity of Yarns; and the almost impossibility of procuring
Cotton Cards, we have determined to act upon the following plan, and earnestly
request Cotton Spinners all over the State heartily to co-operate with us.
We hereby pledge ourselves to furnish to General Ira R. Foster,
Quartermaster General of the State, one-eight of our production of Cotton
Yarns weekly, at one-half the current prices at the time they are furnished.
These Yarns to be issued to the Inferior Courts of each county, and by
them to be distributed to the destitute of their counties, as provided for by a
resolution of the late Legislature. These
Yarns to be delivered by us at the nearest depot of transportation.
This plan cannot fail to commend itself to every patriot of the Empire
State.—Thousands of our fellow citizens, clad in the armor of war, are on
distant fields battling for our rights and cheerfully risking their lives in
defence of us, our homes and altars.
Their families are consigned to our care. They are in great need of Yarns with which to weave them
necessary clothing. Cotton Cards
cannot be procured. Their only hope
is in the factories of their State. To
them they appeal, and to them they surely will not appeal in vain.
John White,
Georgia Factory.
Isaac Powell,
High Shoals Factory.
Hugh MacLean,
Aguadon Mill.
Thos. Leslie,
Troup Factory.
E. Steadman,
Gwinnett Manufacturing Company.
____
Quartermaster General's
Office, }
Atlanta, May 15, 1863.
}
The above circular is sent forth with the earnest hope, that every cotton
spinner in Georgia will cheerfully and promptly respond to its appeal and act
upon its plan.
I know of no act by which proprietors of factories can more surely nerve
the arms of our brave soldiers, than by furnishing thread, by which the loved
ones at home can be comfortably clad and protected from the rigors of a coming
winter. A failure to respond will
result in much suffering among the families of those who have sacrificed their
all for our defense and our comfort. Let
it be remembered that without the aid of factories, thread cannot be obtained,
and the destitute poor cannot be clad. Let
the families of our soldiers be fed and clothed, and they will more cheerfully
and patiently bear the toils and suffering of the camp, and more gallantly meet
the assault of the enemy. Let them
be neglected, and dissatisfaction on the part of many, and desertion in some,
will inevitably follow. How much
then depends upon the action of our cotton
spinners in this matter.
In behalf of the destitute families of our gallant soldiers who appeal to
the cotton spinners of Georgia, we
appeal with confidence that they will not disappoint us, but will nobly and
patriotically come to our aid in this our time of need.
The yarns so obtained will be furnished gratuitously to the
destitute of our State.
Ira R. Foster,
Quartermaster General State of Georgia.
P.S.—Each daily of the State will copy the above three times—each
weekly twice. As the matter is one of charity, it is hoped that the charges
for insertion will be as small as possible—if made. Bills presented at the office will be paid.
I.R.F.
NATCHEZ DAILY
COURIER, May 30, 1863, p.
2, c. 2
To
Prepare Wool for Carding.
At the present time, when wool is so much needed, it may be well to state
a few facts, that are not known to all:
1. Wool sheared from sheep
that are well kept is much the best.
2. When the shearing
operation is to be performed it should be done by a skillful, practised hand, as
wool that is cut up in shearing always falls out of the cards and is lost.
3. The sooner wool is washed
after shearing the better. It
should never be packed away in a close pile, and left to lie in that position,
either washed or unwashed.
4. The washing
operation is the most important of all. A
few years ago a premium was offered in one of the finest wool growing regions of
Kentucky, for the best mode of washing wool.
The lot of wool that took the premium was washed after the following
manner: It was thrown into a pot of
boiling water, and kept well stirred just one minute by the watch. It was then instantly thrown out into water milk warm and
washed, and then it passed through several tubs of water of common temperature,
being washed all the while until it was thoroughly clean. The writer has seen the thing tried, and it works finely.
Wool can be washed in this way without soap.
But especial care must be taken that the wool does not remain in the
boiling water longer than one minute, as it is in danger of being ruined.
The philosophy of this quick scalding is to soften the gum, which is on
all raw wool, so that it will wash off easily.
5. When the wool is washed
it should be spread out thin at once to run, and kept stirred until it is
thoroughly dried. It should never
be allowed to get wet after it is put out to dry.
6. Wool that has been dyed
should have the dye stuff washed out thoroughly.
Wool should not be allowed to start to a carding machine, even in a damp
condition. It should be entirely
dry.
7. When wool has been well
handled in washing it will have a glossy appearance in the sun, no matter what
the color of the wool.
8. Some lots of wool will
waste more than others in carding, and it is difficult to account for it.
But clean wool that has been well handled in the manner above directed,
should in no case lose more than one pound in eight or nine, and generally about
one pound to ten.
9. But lastly, where there
are no pains taken to fix wool up properly for carding, the owner should not
complain, whether the rolls be few, or of an inferior quality.
The wool should be lifted out of the boiling water with a fork made for
the purpose with several prongs.
THE
SOUTHERN BANNER [ATHENS, GA], June 17, 1863, p. 3, c. 5
Whitmore Cotton Cards.--A genuine article, on consignment, for sale by
June 17
I. M. Kenney.
SAVANNAH [GA]
REPUBLICAN, June 1, 1863, p.
2, c. 4
For
Sale,
500 Pairs
No. 10 Cotton Cards,
In Lots to Suit Purchasers.
H. Haym,
176 Broughton Street.
Savannah.
WEEKLY COLUMBUS
[GA] ENQUIRER, June 2, 1863,
p. 3, c. 1
Spinning Without Cards.—Perhaps it is not known to all to whom it might
be of service, that very good and even yarn may be spun from cotton just as
it comes from the gin, as can be made from rolls.
This has been, and is now done very successfully, by people of more
ingenuity and industry than those who are continually grumbling about the prices
of cards.—Macon Mess.
SAVANNAH [GA]
REPUBLICAN, June 2, 1863, p.
2, c. 2
[From the Augusta Chronicle and Sentinel.]
Cheering
News from Arkansas.
We have had the pleasure of an interview with a gentleman recently from
Camden, Ark., who has kindly furnished us with some facts in regard to the
situation of affairs in that State, which cannot fail to be of great interest to
our readers. Our informant is a gentleman of rare cultivation, strong good
sense, and pleasing conversational powers, and his knowledge of affairs in that
quarter is ample and reliable.
The social condition of the people of Arkansas is most encouraging.
The war has proved to them a blessing, in the sense that it has brought
out the resources of the country, taught the inhabitants self reliance, and
developed their slumbering energies. In
the enterprise and activity, born of the emergency, the State has become a
perfect hive of industry. Factories,
machine shops, forges, foundries, etc., abound, where articles for home use, and
for the use of the army, are abundantly supplied. Salt wells have been found, and the manufacture of salt is
carried on extensively and successfully. The
tanning of hides, for the past eighteen months, has been beyond all parallel in
the history of the State. By
precaution and foresight, cotton and woolen cards are plenty, and many families
are engaged in carding, spinning and weaving cloth, both for domestic purposes
and for clothing the soldiers. Our informant mentioned some households where eight hundred
yards had been wove the past year, who intended this year to increase the amount
to one thousand yards. Under the quickening influence of the time, the whole
State is alive with industrial enterprise. . .
WEEKLY COLUMBUS
[GA] ENQUIRER, June 2, 1863,
p. 3, c. 4
From
the Augusta Chronicle, 28th.
Cheering from Arkansas.
We have had the pleasure of an interview with a gentleman recently from
Camden, Arkansas, who has kindly furnished us with some facts in regard to the
situation of affairs in that State, which cannot fail to be of great interest to
our readers. Our informant is a
gentleman of rare cultivation, strong good sense, and pleasing conversational
powers, and his knowledge of affairs in that quarter is ample and reliable.
The social condition of the people of Arkansas is most encouraging.
The war has proved to them a blessing, in the sense that it has brought
out the resources of the country, taught the inhabitants self-reliance, and
developed their slumbering energies. In
the enterprise and activity, born of the emergency, the State has become a
perfect hive of industry.—Factories, machine shops, forges, foundries, etc.,
abound, where articles for home use, and for the army, are abundantly supplied.
Salt wells have been found and the manufacture of salt is carried on
extensively and successfully. The
tanning of hides, for the past eight months, has been beyond all parallel in the
history of the State. By precaution
and a wise foresight, cotton and woolen cards are plenty, and many families are
engaged in carding, spinning, and weaving cloth, both for domestic purposes and
for clothing the soldiers. Our
informant mentioned some households where eight hundred yards had been wove the
past year, who intended this year to increase the amount to one thousand yards.
Under the quickening influence of the times, the whole State is alive
with industrial enterprise. . .
MONTGOMERY
WEEKLY ADVERTISER, June 3, 1863, p. 3, c. 7
500 Pair
Whittemore Cotton Cards No. 10.
.
. . And other articles too numerous to mention at
Clarke & Co.,
No. 82 Court street.
Call soon as they will be sold to the trade at a bargain.
MONTGOMERY
WEEKLY ADVERTISER, June 3, 1863, p. 3, c. 7
Cotton Cards.
800
Just received and for sale at
Meyer & Meyer.
[MARSHALL]
TEXAS REPUBLICAN, June 6, 1863, p. 2, c. 7
For Sale.
I offer for sale my Saw and Grist Mill, and one or two wool carding
machines, together with 2,056 acres of land, and all tools and apperatus [sic]
belonging to said machinery, also 75 head of hogs, and a small lot of cattle.
This property is situated in Wood county, 16 miles east fro Quitman.
Said machinery is propelled by never-failing water power. For
further particulars, address the undersigned at Calloway, Upshur Co., Texas.
O. Hendrick.
June 6, 1863.
SAVANNAH [GA]
REPUBLICAN, June 6, 1863, p.
2, c. 5
Wool
Cards,
Cotton Cards,
Mosquito Netting,
For sale by
N. Lyon.
MONTGOMERY
WEEKLY ADVERTISER, June 10, 1863, p. 2, c. 5
A Noble Woman
We have before us a letter written by a lady of this State to her
husband, who is now in prison for the grave offense of taking up arms against
his own State. This noble woman
writes in the kindest spirit, giving the health of the family and connexion, and
says she hopes her letter may find him well.
She writes: "I have received
your letter this minute and am glad to hear that you are well, but I am sorry of
the way you have done.
"All of my brothers are in the southern army.
Ma says you ought to be ashamed of the way you have acted—you have been
fighting against your wife and children, and Pa and Ma and sisters, and your
country. I want to know whether you
intend to join the Southern army or not. If
you want to live with me and the children any more you must join the Southern
army, for I never intend to go to the North.
_____ is very smart, she is now carding—she says she don't want the
Yankees to get her. The babe is
growing very fast and can walk. I
must say my home is in the South, and in the South I intend to stay.
Write soon.
I remain your wife till death,
__________
[Atlanta Confederacy.]
[MARSHALL]
TEXAS REPUBLICAN, June 13, 1863, p. 2. c. 7
Cotton Cards.
A
fine lot for sale by
A. Loeb.
June 13, 1863.
WEEKLY COLUMBUS
[GA] ENQUIRER, June 16, 1863,
p. 3, c. 4.
Correspondence
of the Atlanta Intelligencer.
Food and Raiment.
Dear Sir: You have kindly
allowed me the use of your columns heretofore, to treat on divers subjects
bearing, as I thought, materially upon the public weal; I now desire to say
something which may be of advantage on the subjects of food and raiment. . .
As to raiment—my own wardrobe (always very scant) is to the patch,
pretty threadbare and very little on hand, but never did I feel more defiant
than now.—We shall find out after a little, that it is not in the Yankees we
have to "live, move and have our being;" we shall be forced to live
without them, and no tear on that account shall ever bedew my cheek.
I want to live without them, and my children after me to the latest
generation.—They have drenched in tears and blood, and filled with woe and
wailing, the fairest land and the most prosperous and happy people on the globe.
I have no fellowship—I want none, for such a people.
But this is a digression. My
subject is raiment. This we can
make—we can grow wool, raise flax, and raise cotton, and all these we can spin
into thread without carding. Let
no one be startled at this. It has
been done, and having been done, can be accomplished again.—Cards were
invented long after clothes were made. Our
good women will fine this out after a little, and this they will do.
Through great privations and labor, they have already been the active
agents, the main instruments, in clothing our armies, and, cards or no cards,
they will clothe their children. A
good thread can be made from cotton on the common spinning wheel without
carding. It takes, however, two to
do it, one to turn the wheel, and the other to draw and properly adjust the
lint. But this is too slow a
process—the "flax wheel" of olden times is the machine to make
thread with without carding. My
mother spun on one when I was a boy. The
operator sits on a chair and works a treddle with her feet, which puts the whole
machine in motion. She uses both
hands in adjusting the lint, and drawing and twisting the thread ready for use.
The whole machine used to cost about three dollars.
Some of them are kept as a sort of family "heir loom," and can
be easily duplicated—will some one do it?
If good warp cannot be made n this way, good filling can, and that
constitutes one half of cloth after it is made.
If our blockade runners would bring cotton spinning machinery from
England instead of fancy articles, it would be of much more advantage to the
country. I trust this will be done.
Respectfully,
John W. Lewis.
[BELLVILLE] TEXAS
COUNTRYMAN, June 27, 1863, p. 1, c. 3
Curtis, the cotton card speculator and Baxter the traitor, have been
captured and carried back to Arkansas for trial.
The former says he went into the business in good faith, but after
embarking, was informed that it was a swindle and agreed to aid in carrying it
out. The latter says though he
joined the Arkansas renegades, he did not take up arms against the Confederates;
that he was offered the position of Lieutenant Colonel in the Federal army but
refused, and accepted a clerkship in some department and went off with them.
It is to be hoped they will reap their reward.
SELMA
MORNING REPORTER, July 1, 1863, p. 1, c. 2
Cotton Card Factory.
Office of Alabama State Card
}
Manufacturing Company,
}
Selma, Ala., March 18, 1863.
The undersigned has this day formed a co-partnership with the State of
Alabama for the manufacture of Cotton and Wool Cards.
We are now ready to exchange Cotton Cards at $8 per pair, and Wool Cards
at $6 per pair, for Sheep, Goat, Mule, Horse, Hog, Dog and Deer Skins, in large
or small quantities, tanned or untanned, for which we will pay a liberal price
in Cards or Cash.
In the course of a few months we expect to be turning out from one
thousand to fifteen hundred pair of Cards per week, which will require large
quantities of the above named skins, which we must have, and trust that every
one will interest himself in behalf of this important enterprise, and help us to
obtain them.
Skins tanned for Cards should be firm and pliable, like calfskin; they
should not be stiff or spongy, should be as free from wrinkles as possible and
smooth upon the grain side. We will
receive them at their value in any condition.
All communications addressed to the undersigned will receive prompt
attention.
J. M. Keep, Superintendent,
ap23d&w3m
Selma Ala.
[MARSHALL]
TEXAS REPUBLICAN, July 11, 1863, p. 2, c. 5
Wanted.
The undersigned wishes to employ a good wool carder, to run and manage
two wool carding machines at his mill in Wood county, to whom good wages will be
given. Any one wishing to get
employment in that business can address him at Calloway, Upshur co., or come
immediately to said mill, as I am anxious to get some one soon.
O. Hendrick.
July 11, 1863.
WEEKLY COLUMBUS
[GA] ENQUIRER, July 14, 1863,
p.3, c. 8
New
Cards
At One Dollar!!
Old Cards Repaired
At One Dollar
By Thos. J. Whitly,
Huntsville, Alabama.
No Teeth put in.
MONTGOMERY
WEEKLY ADVERTISER, July 15, 1863, p. 2, c. 6
Circular Address
To the People of Alabama.
Montgomery, July 13th, 1863.
Cotton and Wool Cards.
During the past year and prior to the meeting of the legislature, I succeeded in obtaining 960 pairs of cotton cards which were distributed to soldiers' families at $7 and $7.50 per pair. The legislature when it met authorized me to risk shipments through the blockade. I immediately purchased sterling exchange, and at prices, four hundred per cent. below the present rates, and ordered cotton and wool cards from Nassau. There were four different shipments, amounting to 5,876 pairs, all of which arrived safely, and have been distributed according to population, to the various counties for soldiers' families at prices varying from $3.50 to $9 per pair. It will thus be seen that the State has supplied to the families of her soldiers 6836 pairs of cards at prime cost, when the same articles were being sold by speculators at $15 to $25 dollars [sic] per pair. For a future supply I have made such arrangements as reasonably promise after the first of September to furnish from four to five hundred pairs weekly for distribution to the State.
GALVESTON WEEKLY
NEWS, July 15, 1863, p. 1, c.
1
A New Idea.—Cotton Cards.—We are informed that there is a farmer in
Washington county who spins his cotton filling without the aid of cards.
The process is simple. He
goes to the ginhouse or lint room, put the light flakes of cotton ginned into a
basket, not packed, carries it to the spinning wheel, and the thread is made
with rapidity. With a little
practice, more thread can be made in a day than with the aid of cotton cards.
If kerseys are desired to be made, put cow hair into the gin with seed
cotton, and it will be thrown into the lint room nicely mixed.
The same process as above, will give him the filling he desires.
Will our farmers practice upon the important idea thrown
out?—Milledgeville Recorder.
SAVANNAH [GA]
REPUBLICAN, July 29, 1863, p.
2, c. 5
Cotton
Cards, Cotton Cards,
288 Pair the very
best Cotton Cards, No. 10's,
6 dozen English Lanterns, very fine.
Just received and for sale by
Lovell & Lattimore.
SAVANNAH [GA]
REPUBLICAN, July 29, 1863, p.
2, c. 6
Cotton
Cards, Nails, &c.
500 Pair Cotton
Cards, No. 10, best quality . .
Geo. Patten.
SELMA
MORNING REPORTER, August 20, 1863, p. 1, c. 5
Mr. H. P. Livingston, of Clinch county, has distributed two hundred and
twenty-five pairs of cotton cards to the mothers, wives and widows of the
soldiers in service from this county. His
donations to the soldiers and their families in this county, since the war
commenced, have amounted to over thirty thousand dollars.
WEEKLY COLUMBUS
[GA] ENQUIRER, September 8,
1863, p. 3, c. 3
Florida
Card Factory.
We have recently examined a pair of wool cards turned out by the card
factory established at this place by the Governor, assisted by other patriotic
citizens. We were pleased, proud and surprised at the perfection of
workmanship exhibited in the specimen before us. They are equal, if not superior, to the same article formerly
obtained from our Yankee "friends."
We are informed that the factory will be prepared to turn out a large
supply of this indispensible article as soon as suitable skins can be obtained.
Surely our citizens will not let so patriotic an enterprise suffer for
want of skins. We are informed that
this factory can furnish cards cheaper than any other establishment in the
Confederacy.—Floridian.
MONTGOMERY
WEEKLY ADVERTISER, September 8, 1863, p. 3, c. 4
Florida Card Factory.—We have recently examined a pair of wool cards
turned out by the card factory establishment at this place by the Governor,
assisted by other patriotic citizens. We
were pleased, proud and surprised at the perfection of workmanship exhibited in
the specimen before us. They are
equal, if not superior, to the same article formerly obtained from our Yankee
"friends." We are
informed that the factory will be prepared to turn out a large supply of this
indispensable article as soon as suitable skins can be obtained.
Surely our citizens will not let so patriotic an enterprise suffer for
want of skins. We are informed that
this factory can furnish cards cheaper than any other establishment in the
Confederacy.—Floridian.
CLARKE
COUNTY [AL] JOURNAL, September 17, 1863, p. 2, c. 4
Florida Card Factory.—We have recently examined a pair of wool cards
turned out by the card factory establishment at this place by the Governor,
assisted by other patriotic citizens. We
were pleased, proud and surprised at the perfection of workmanship exhibited in
the specimen before us.
They are equal, if not superior, to the same article formerly obtained
from our Yankee "friends." We
are informed that the factory will be prepared to turn out a large supply of
this indispensable article as soon as suitable skins can be obtained.
Surely our citizens will not let so patriotic an enterprise suffer for
want of skins. We are informed that this factory can furnish cards cheaper
than any other establishment in the Confederacy.—Floridian.
THE
DAILY INTELLIGENCER [ATLANTA, GA], September 23, 1863, p. 1, c. 5
Wool!
Wool!
Wool carded into rolls
at Hat Factory of J. M. Holbrook.
Atlanta, Sept. 17.
GALVESTON WEEKLY
NEWS, October 7, 1863, p. 2,
c. 7
Cotton
and Wool Cards for Socks.
Office of Clothing Bureau }
Mil. Dist. Texas, &c.
}
Houston, Sept. 24th, 1863.}
Any person delivering twenty-five pairs of homemade Socks, strong and
well made, to Capt. W. J. Mills, A. Q. M., in charge of the Clothing Depot, at
Houston, will receive one pair of cotton or wool Cards, at their option.
E. C. Wharton,
Major & Q. M. Chief of Bureau.
GALVESTON WEEKLY
NEWS, October 14, 1863, p. 2,
c. 1
It would seem from an article in this morning's Telegraph that the offer
made by Maj. Wharton of one pair of cards for 25 pair of soldier's socks was not
understood to be a fair remuneration for the socks, but was all Maj. W. was
authorized to offer, as the government price for the cards is $25, and for the
socks $1 a pair. It appears that 100,000 pair of socks are now wanted for our
soldiers to prevent them from suffering during the approaching winter, and Maj.
W. is doing all the regulations allow him to do to supply that want.
It cannot of course be expected that poor families will undertake to knit
socks for so inadequate a remuneration, but the deficiency ought to be supplied
by those who are able, while ladies who are able to do it may knit socks for the
offer made or without any remuneration, or may put their negro servants to
knitting for the soldiers so as to save them from suffering.
If all the women in Texas would apply themselves to supplying this
important want, our soldiers would be comfortably supplied in less time than we
are talking about it.
MONTGOMERY
WEEKLY ADVERTISER, October 14, 1863, p. 3, c. 7
Wanted.
Sheep Skins Wanted for Cotton Cards.
Market price will be paid in Cotton Cards, for tanned or raw Sheep and
Goat Skins, tanned preferred. Address
or apply to
J. C. Davis,
Montgomery, Ala.
CLARKE
COUNTY [AL] JOURNAL, October 15, 1863, p. 2, c. 5
A card factory has been established near Tallahassee, Fla., which will
furnish cards cheaper than any other in the Confederacy.
It is in want of skins.
THE
SOUTHERN BANNER [ATHENS, GA], October 28, 1863, p. 3, c. 1
Cotton
Cards.
We are authorized by a citizen of Clark county, to say that he will be
one of ten or twenty, or any number of persons, more than ten, to contribute one
hundred dollars each for the purpose of purchasing cotton cards for destitute
families of this county. Those
wishing to enter into this arrangement can report their names at this office.
Money cannot be expended in a better manner for the relief of the poor,
and it is to be hoped that the proposition will meet with a hearty response.
AUSTIN STATE GAZETTE, October 28, 1863,
p. 2, c. 1
Cotton Cards for the counties--The State Military Board have received from
Europe thirty thousand pairs of cotton cards, to be distributed among the
counties on the basis of the scholastic census, at $10 per pair in currency,
payable at Austin on delivery. The
needy families of soldiers are to have the preference, and the balance are to be
under the control of the County Courts, to their best judgment for the public
good. In no case are the cards to
be sold at a higher price than cost and carriage.
Applications from the several counties are to be made within 60 days, or
they will be considered as declining the offer of the Board.
Orders must be addressed to P. De Cordova, Secretary of the Military
Board, Austin.
GALVESTON WEEKLY
NEWS, November 4, 1863, p. 1,
c. 4
Cotton Cards.—The State Gazette says the State has now thirty thousand
pairs of cotton cards for distribution pro rata among the several counties of
the State, according to their scholastic population.—The needy families of
soldiers are to have the preference, the balance to be under the care of the
County Courts. The price is $10 per pair, to cover cost and carriage.
They were imported from Europe by Messrs. Ball, Hutchings & Co., of
this city, for the State Military Board. The
above price as compared with that usually charged, will enable our readers to
form some estimate of the usual profits.
The County Courts should lose no time in sending in their applications
with the money. They will supply a pressing want in the State, and, if
distributed promptly, may be in time to enable our people to provide clothing
before the severe cold weather sets in. If
the application is not made in sixty days, the counties will be considered as
declining the offer. Orders must be
addressed to P. DeCordova, Secretary at the Military Board.
The Gazette understands that the number of the cards is more than
sufficient for Texas, and that the Board can furnish a large supply to other
states.
WEEKLY COLUMBUS
[GA] ENQUIRER, November 10,
1863, p. 4, c. 3
Cotton Cards.—The Richmond Sentinel says:
We have seen a specimen of Cotton Cards (No. 10) manufactured by
Hargrove, Penick & Co., at Pittsylvania Court House, Va.
These cards are equal in appearance, and we have no doubt in material,
workmanship, and value, to any of the imported or Northern manufacture; and, we
are pleased to learn, are meeting with a ready sale, as rapidly as they can be
made.
The machinery—a very complicated invention for manufacturing these
cards—was constructed by a gentleman of experience in the business, at the
works in Pittsylvania; and the same gentleman is erecting machinery for making
filletting, sheeting, &c. He
also contemplates the manufacture of Cotton and Wool Cards for mill machines.
Such a manufactory in our midst, at this time, will prove of great
benefit to the Southern people.
MONTGOMERY
WEEKLY ADVERTISER, November 11, 1863, p. 2, c. 1-7
Governor's Message.
Executive Department,
Montgomery, Ala., Nov. 9th, 1863. . . .
Spinning Cards.
The General Assembly, by an act approved Nov. 8th, 1862,
appropriated $60,000 for the purchase of spinning cards.—This appropriation
fell short of the necessities of the State.
At the date of the Act spinning cards were selling in our markets at from
ten to fifteen dollars per pair, and at the lowest price the sum appropriated
would have furnished only six thousand pairs.
None, however, could be purchased in the Confederacy, and they had to be
ordered from abroad. Immediately
upon the passage of the Act I invested $56,400 [unclear] in sterling exchange,
as authorized by the act and remitted an order to Nassau through the well known
house of John Fraser & Co. of Charleston.
During the ensuing Spring, and after many delays, I received, by four
separate shipments into Charleston and Wilmington, 5,866 [or 5,868] pairs of
cotton and wool cards. In the
meantime engagements were made with several other parties for deliveries in the
State of such additional quantities as would probably cover the balance of the
appropriation, to be paid for on delivery, but these engagements were not
complied with by the parties making them.
The cards imported from Nassau were delivered to the Secretary of State,
and by him distributed to the Probate Judges of the several counties, in
proportion to population, to be sold at prices varying from $3.50 to $5
[unclear] per pair, to cover cost and charges, as the law directs.
Copies of correspondence and invoices, and of contracts made, and of the
report of the Secretary of State, are herewith communicated.
In the month of March last I purchased of J. M. Keep, of Selma, on behalf
of the State, a half interest in a card machine invented and constructed by
himself, and contracted for the manufacture of additional machines to operate on
joint account with the State. With
ordinary facilities a half dozen machines could have been finished and put in
operation several months since, but the unavoidable hindrances which have
attended their construction have greatly retarded their completion.
One machine for the manufacture of wool cards and two for cotton are
finished, another will be ready in a fortnight, and three others are far
advanced towards completion. Machinery
and plates have also been constructed for drawing the wire, and a large quantity
of suitable hides and other material has been accumulated, sufficient to
manufacture ten or twelve thousand pairs of cards. A suitable engine has also been provided to drive all the
machinery for the drawing of the wire, setting the teeth and making the wooden
backs by steam power. Over nine
hundred pairs of cards have been made in the establishment by hand power.
These have been exchanged and bartered for hides and other materials
needed. So soon as the half dozen
machines are finished and put in operation, it is confidently believed that the
establishment will turn out from seven to nine hundred pairs of cards per week.
A sample of the cards, just received from the factory, is submitted for
your inspection. I also submit a
copy of the contract made with Mr. Keep, a copy of a report filed in the
Executive office by Dr. Charles Lucas, whom I deputed recently to visit and
examine the factory, which explains more fully the condition and prospects of
this establishment. Dr. Lucas
closes his report by saying, "I regard the enterprise as a perfect success,
and believe that it will shortly contribute largely to the relief of the people
of Alabama who are so severely suffering for the want of cotton and wool
cards." I was not authorised
by the act of Nov. 8th, 1862, to make this investment on behalf of
the State, but seeing the inadequacy of the appropriation made by the act to
furnish the State with cards, and also observing the rapid advance of foreign
exchange, and the increasing difficulties, at greatly increased cost, of
transportation through the blockade, I deemed it a matter of prime importance to
secure a permanent establishment within the State of a card factory, which, with
every necessary material at hand, would render the State independent of foreign
markets, and furnish cards to the people at a price several hundred per cent.
cheaper than they could be otherwise obtained. I trust that the engagements made in behalf of the State may
be ratined [ratified?] and confirmed by the General Assembly. . . .
Jno. Gill Shorter.
MONTGOMERY
WEEKLY ADVERTISER, November 18, 1863, p. 2, c. 4
How to Spin Cotton Yarns Without Cards.
Gov. Shorter has received the following communication on this subject
from Hon. Wm. C. Clarke, the Senator from Greene and Marengo, which we publish
for the valuable information it contains. A
specimen of the yarn can bee seen at the Executive office:
Capitol, Nov. 12, 1863.
His Excellency, John Gill Shorter.
Dear Sir—A constituent of mine, Col. R. R. Pickering, of Marengo
county, is making excellent cotton yarns, for the manufacture of bagging and
heavy clothing for negroes, without the use of cards.
He gins the cotton slowly, so as to throw large flakes through the flue,
which are caught in a hamper basket placed under the flue, and taken to the
spinning wheel, without pressing the cotton.
Col. Pickering informs me that his best spinners average eight cuts per
day. Since he made this discovery
he has abandoned the use of cards, in making coarse yarns. I herewith send you a specimen of the yarn for exhibition.
Believing this a matter of much importance to our country, I have taken
the liberty of making this communication.
Very respectfully,
Yours, &c.,
W. E. Clarke.
GALVESTON WEEKLY
NEWS, November 18, 1863, p.
1, c. 2
The Military Board.—This
Board appears to have rendered valuable service to the country, but has met with
acts of bad faith on the part of some of its agents.
We trust the report will fully expose them to the public.
Since the adjournment of the last Legislature, the Board has distributed
12,000 pairs of cotton and wool cards, at a cost to the people of $10 per pair
for the former and $4 for the latter, while the ruling price in the market has
been for the former from $25 to $40, the saving to the people on this article
alone having been over one million of dollars. . . .
SAVANNAH [GA]
REPUBLICAN, November 19,
1863, p. 2, c. 5
How
to Spin Cotton Yarns without Cards.
Go. Shorter has received the following communication on this subject from
Hon. Wm. C. Clarke, the Senator from [illegible] and Marengo, which we publish
for the valuable information it contains. A
specimen of the yarn can be seen at the Executive office.
Capitol, No. 12, 1863.
His Excellency John Gill Shorter,
Dear sir—A constituent of mine, Col. R. R. Pickering, of Marengo
county, is making excellent cotton yarns, for the manufacture of bagging and
heavy clothing for negroes, without the use of cards.
He gins the cotton slowly, so as to throw large flakes through the flue,
which are caught in a hamper basket placed under the flue, and taken to the
spinning wheel, without pressing the cotton.
Col. Pickering informs me that his best spinners average eight cuts per
day. Since he made this discovery,
he has abandoned the use of cards in making coarse yarns.
I share with you a specimen of the yarn for exhibition.
Believing this a matter of much importance to our country, I have taken
the liberty of making this communication.
Very respectfully,
Yours, &c.,
W. E. Clarke.
Montgomery Advertiser.
WEEKLY COLUMBUS
[GA] ENQUIRER, November 24,
1863, p. 3, c. 6
Cotton
Yarns Without Cards.
Gov. Shorter has received the following communication on the subject from
Hon. Wm. E. Clarke, the Senator from Greene and Marengo, which we publish for
the valuable information it contains. A
specimen of the yarn can be seen at the Executive office:--Montg. Adv.
Capitol, Nov. 12, 1863.
His Excellency, John Gill Shorter:
Dear Sir—A constituent of mine, Col. R. R. Pickering, of Marengo
county, is making excellent cotton yarns, for the manufacture of bagging and
heavy clothing for negroes, without the use of cards.
he gins the cotton slowly, so as to throw large flakes through the flue,
which are caught in a hamper basket placed under the flue, and taken to the
spinning wheel, without pressing the cotton.
Col. Pickering informs me that his best spinners average eight cuts per
day. Since he made this discovery
he has abandoned the use of cards in making coarse yarns.
I herewith send you a specimen of the yarn for examination.
Believing this a matter of much importance to our country, I have taken
the liberty of making this communication.
Very respectfully,
Yours, &c.,
W. E. Clarke.
MEMPHIS DAILY APPEAL
[ATLANTA, GA], November 24, 1863, p. 1, c. 8
[Correspondence Mobile Evening News]
Houston,
Texas, . . . November 12. . .
P.S.
Large importations of cotton cards have found their way into Texas, and
are now sold at a price which place them within reach of all.
The loom
and spinning wheel are now found in almost every house, and the busy hum may be
heard continually throughout the earth and breadth of the State.
An abundance of material for soldiers' clothing is now manufactured
"at home," and even if the coming winter be severe, but few if any
will suffer for the want of comfortable apparel.
With plenty to eat and plenty to wear, we are in fine spirits and eagerly
watch for the threatening foe. When
he comes, he will not find us unprepared to receive him.
SAVANNAH [GA]
REPUBLICAN, November 24,
1863, p. 2, c. 2
Repairing Cotton Cards.—Owners of cotton and woolen cards will find
something of interest to them in the card of Mr. Sutton, which appears in this
paper. We have witnessed his
operation of re-setting the teeth of cards which have become useless, and it is
certain that they were made to do very good carding.
Our only doubt was as regards the durability of the repairs, but he is
willing to guarantee his work for a twelvemonth, which, we believe, is almost as
long as a new pair of cards will last.
The plan of Mr. Sutton is extremely simple, and was invented by Rev.
James Palen, of Bartow, Jefferson county, whilst Mr. S. Z. Murphey, of the same
place, is owner of the right for the greater portion of Georgia and South
Carolina, Mr. Sutton being agent of the latter.
The very high price of cards makes this discovery a very important one,
especially to the poor, whose cards are repaired at a very low price.
We direct attention to the advertisement of Mr. Sutton.
SAVANNAH [GA]
REPUBLICAN, November 24,
1863, p. 2, c. 5
Cotton
and Woolen Cards.
I will reset the teeth of Cotton and Woolen Cards so as to do good
carding. If left at my residence,
corner of Bull and Chariton streets, I am at home every other week from the
country, in which I travel to repair cards.
Francis Sutton.
WASHINGTON [AR]
TELEGRAPH, November 25,
1863
Cotton Cards for Sale. Cards for
sale at the Government Clothing Rooms. Linsey,
Jeans and Socks taken in exchange at fair prices.
If sold for money, the price thirty-five ($35) dollars per pair.
Apply to Maj. J. D. Adams, Q.M.C.S.A.
Washington, Nov. 25, 1863.
WEEKLY COLUMBUS
[GA] ENQUIRER, December 22,
1863, p. 1, c. 4
The Georgia penitentiary has wire enough for two years, and will turn out
about two hundred pairs of cotton cards daily.
MEMPHIS DAILY APPEAL
[ATLANTA, GA], December 24, 1863, p. 2, c. 4
The
Box Full and the Bottom Falling Out.
From the Macon (Ga.)
Telegraph.]
An intelligent friend (no trader or speculator) just from the beautiful
city of Augusta, says that town is filled to repletion with blockade goods of
every description. It is his
opinion that in the palmiest days of peace and plenty, she could never have
boasted of a tithe of the amount of merchandise which now crowds every
warehouse, waiting anxiously, but, as he thinks, hopelessly, for a market at the
exorbitant rates which have hitherto prevailed.
He saw cotton cards enough in one pile to put a pair into the hands of
every woman in Georgia--wool hats apparently by the million--worsteds in endless
quantities; stockings and ladies' shoes, enough apparently to fit out all the
dear creatures south of Mason and Dixon's line.
The accumulations are enormous, and sales increasingly difficult, for
holders have not yet made up their minds to submit to concessions, and
accordingly spend day after day in the interesting employment of bidding in
their own goods, which they consider more safe than profitable.
Committee.
MONTGOMERY
WEEKLY ADVERTISER, January 6, 1864, p. 2, c. 2
Home Industry.
As the time is at hand when families are making their plans and
preparations for the ensuing year, we deem it appropriate to offer a suggestion.
Much more than heretofore should housekeepers and farmers make their
arrangements for meeting all their wants by home industry and enterprise. .
. .
A hundred reasons combine to urge upon every family to look to its own
resources. The hand card and the
hand loom and the spinning wheel, whose music is sweeter far than that of the
piano, should be found everywhere. All
who can should grow their patches of flax and cotton.
All should have sheep, if but a few.
Our forest furnish dyes as various and as bright as the tints that make
their foliage so glorious at "the turn of the leaf."
With these materials, there is no reason why our ladies should not be
clad in beautiful apparel, the product of their own industry and taste, while
they may clothe their husbands and sons fine enough for kings.
There is not a farmer's wife who may not easily provide for all her
servants, and make some to sell besides.
And how much more independent and happy should we all be if thus
providing for ourselves. A fig for
blockaders, we might well exclaim; nor would be any longer exposed to the
extortioner's grip. And those
eventualities of the future in which we have alluded would bring no terror to
us. Earnestly, therefore, do we advise every one to use every
means and make every arrangement in his power to provide for the clothing of his
family from his own resources, and thus make himself independent of
manufacturers and blockade runners.—Richmond Sentinel.
MONTGOMERY
WEEKLY ADVERTISER, January 13, 1864, p. 2, c. 7
Home Resources.
The good of our country, the advancement of our cause, the comfort of our
brave defenders in the field, self-interest—in fact a hundred reasons, says
the Augusta Chronicle & Sentinel, combine to urge upon every family
to look to its own resources. The
hand card and the hand loom, and the spinning wheel should be found every
where—in every family. All who
can, should grow their patches of flax and cotton.
All who can should have sheep, if but a few.
Our forests furnish dyes as various and as bright as the tints that make
their foliage as glorious at "the turn of the leaf."
With these materials, there is no reason why our ladies should not be
clad in beautiful apparel, the product of their own industry and taste; while
they also may clothe their husbands and sons.
There is not a planter's wife who may not easily provide clothing for all
her servants, and make some to sell besides. Ladies in the cities also can do much towards providing cheap
and substantial clothing for their families, if they only had the mind so to do.
Where there is a will, there is generally a way.
A little energy, a little determination, a little effort put forth in the
right direction by ladies who do nothing, would accomplish a great deal.
How much more independent and happy we should all be if we thus provided
for ourselves as we ought to. Much
more now, than heretofore, should all housekeepers and heads of families make
their arrangements for meeting all their wants by home industry and enterprise. Earnestly, therefore, do we advise all to use every means in
their power to provide for themselves and their families from their own
resources.
GALVESTON WEEKLY
NEWS, January 13, 1864, p. 2,
c. 4
How to Spin Cotton Yarns Without Cards.—Gov. Shorter, of Alabama,
received the
following communication on the above subject, from Hon. W. E. Clarke, Senator in
the Alabama Legislature. The
Montgomery Advertiser publishes it for the valuable information it contains:
Capitol, Nov. 12, 1863.
His Excellency, John Gill Shorter—
Dear Sir:--A constituent of mine, Col. R. R. Pickering, of Marengo
county, is making excellent cotton yarns, for the manufacture of bagging and
heavy clothing for negroes, without the use of cards.
He gins the cotton slowly, so as to throw large flakes through the flue,
which are caught in a hamper basket placed under the flue, and taken to the
spinning wheel, without pressing the cotton.
Col. Pickering informs me that his best spinners average eight cuts per
day. Since he made this discovery
he has abandoned the use of cards, in making coarse yarns.
I herewith send you a specimen of the yarn for exhibition.
Believing this a matter of much importance to our country, I have taken
the liberty of making this communication.
THE
SOUTHERN BANNER [ATHENS, GA], February 4, 1864, p. 3, c. 4
Cotton Cards.--Another set of English cards, for sale by
Feb. 3
I.M. Kenney.
CLARKE
COUNTY [AL] JOURNAL, February 4, 1864, p. 2, c. 4
New Goods.
We are receiving the following Goods:
. . . Cotton Cards, . . . ; all of which will be sold as low as the
present high prices will justify. Persons
purchasing liquid medicines must furnish Bottles or Vials.
Burge & Daffin.
Grove Hill, Feb. 2.
MEMPHIS
DAILY APPEAL [ATLANTA, GA], February 6, 1864, p. 2. c. 1
Cotton
Cards.
The Milledgeville Recorder understands that the increased number of
machines constructed in the penitentiary for the manufacture of cotton cards
will do much toward supplying a great public need, and that cards may now be had
at the sale room at the old price of six dollars a pair, half in skins and the
other half in money. This is a
change of the former rule, which required the whole price to be paid in skins.
The Savannah Republican, for the benefit of those desiring cards on these
terms, (and in no other way can they be obtained at the penitentiary,) states
the quantity of skins, and the price, to buy a pair of cards to be as follows:
For sheep, goat, dog or deer skins, raw, the price allowed is twenty-five
cents for 22 inches in length and five inches in width; and for tanned skins of
the same description, the sum is fifty cents.
The skins must be sound, and without holes. It will take from two to three skins, according to size, to
bring three dollars in exchange; the other three dollars will be received in
money for a pair of cards, under the present regulation.
MONTGOMERY
WEEKLY ADVERTISER, February 10, 1864, p. 2, c. 5
Gen. Duff C. Green has left with the Eutaw (Ala.) Whig a sample of
thread spun from the flakes of cotton without the usual process of carding. The specimen is equal to any coarse thread made from the
carded roll, and for making coarse cloth will answer the same purpose.
If once tried by our farmers, we think they will be induced to abandon
cards entirely in the manufacture of negro clothing.
The following is the modus operandi of preparing the cotton:
"Gin the cotton slowly, so as to throw large flakes through the
flue, which are caught in a hamper basket placed under the flue, and take to the
spinning wheel, without pressing the cotton."
CHARLESTON
MERCURY, February 10, 1864, p. 1,
c. 3
The
Spinning Jenny.
North Santee, January 28.
To the Editor of the Mercury: Is
it not a matter of surprise that, although the scarcity and high price of cloth
has been one of the most important evils inflicted upon us by the blockade, we
have failed to make use of a remedy entirely within our reach?
I allude to the spinning jenny, invented by Hargreaves, nearly a century
ago.--Almost two years since, learning that one of these machines was in the
neighborhood, I thought it worth while to pay it a visit of inspection.
I found it quite simple in construction, and such as any good carpenter
could make, excepting the spindles of iron or steel, and the metal steps in
which they turn. Its operation is
easily understood, and with it a woman can spin a bunch of yarn, as I was
informed by the owner of the one in question in one day, instead of a month--the
time required to spin a bunch of five pounds with the single spinning wheel now
in general use all over the country; or, to make the contrast still more
striking, one woman, with the jenny, would spin as much in a year as she would
in thirty yarns with the common wheel. Further,
with the spinning jenny in universal use, as much yarn would be spun in the
Confederate States in a month as would require thirty months with the single
wheel, excluding the factories.
The yarn can be spun of any fineness; and our experience since the
commencement of the war teaches us that, by using coarse yarn, warm clothing can
be manufactured of cotton as well as wool, although, of course, not quite equal
to the latter material.
In the making of cloth from the raw material, the most tedious and
discouraging of all the processes to be gone through, is the spinning of the
yarn. To obtain a bunch of 5 lbs.,
sufficient to make about 15 yards of cloth, it is required, day after day, and
week after week, to continue drawing out the yarn yard upon yard, and mile upon
mile in length, until a month is consumed.
In short, the operation would discourage any but the more patient nature
of woman. A good carder can card a
pound of cotton per day. A weaver can weave then yards of cloth; both operations being
far less tedious than the spinning. If
then the jenny supplies this great want, is it not important that at this time
it should be generally introduced throughout the country, when the procuring of
them is in our power. A few days
since looking over some of the old numbers of the "Penny Magazine," I
came across a description of Hargreaves' invention in the volume of 1836, and it
agreed exactly with the machine I had seen, and several of them are scattered
through the country. The original
cost of the one I saw was $9 (nine dollars); and before the war, when cotton
yard could be bought at eighty cents to one dollar per bunch, it had sold for
one dollar!
[LITTLE
ROCK] NATIONAL DEMOCRAT, February 13, 1864, p. 4, c. 4
Important to the Ladies
Arrival of New Goods!!
The undersigned have just received and offer for sale, at very low
prices, a general assortment of staple and fancy Dry Goods, such as . . .
Prints of the best fabric;
Cotton Cards; . . .
Boys Boots and a great many articles too numerous to mention, therefore we
invite you one and all to give us a call before purchasing elsewhere.
Lindauer & Co.,
Tucker's old Stand.
Jan. 30, 1864.
CLARKE
COUNTY [AL] JOURNAL, February 18, 1864, p. 2, c. 1
The Milledgeville Recorder understands that the increased number of
machines constructed in the Georgia Penitentiary, for the manufacture of cotton
cards, will do toward supplying a great public need, and the cards may now be
had at the sale room at the old price of six dollars a pair, half in skins, and
the other half in money.
CLARKE
COUNTY [AL] JOURNAL, March 10, 1864, p. 2, c. 5
The State of North Carolina is distributing cotton cards among the
families of soldiers at five dollars per pair.
Necessitous wives and mothers of soldiers have the preference.
AUSTIN
STATE GAZETTE, March 16, 1864, p.
2, c. 1
The Military Board have received, within the past week, 16,000 pairs
cotton cards, for the second distribution to counties which have not heretofore
received their quota. We are
requested to state that the proper officers of counties, which have not been
supplied, should immediately come forward and draw the quota to which each
county is entitled. No interference
will be made, by impressment officers, with wagons in transit for the
procurement of cotton cards. Persons
coming with proper authority from their counties must apply to the Adj't and
inspector Gen'ls office. Too much
credit cannot be awarded to the Military Board for the benefits rendered to all
the counties in the State, in furnishing this essential arm of service.
MONTGOMERY
WEEKLY ADVERTISER, March 23, 1864, p. 1, c. 4
Miss Tucker, of Weatherford, deserves to bear off the palm.
She has made with her own fair hands, a pair of cotton cards, and carded,
spun, wove and made her own dresses. Who can beat that?—Texas Telegraph.
SELMA
MORNING REPORTER, March 23, 1864, p. 2. c. 2
Nassau Market.
The Nassau Herald, in its commercial report of the 20th of February,
says that business at that place has been more limited than at any period within
the past two years—the restrictions to trade with the Northern States, and the
new prohibitory laws enacted by the Confederate Congress, having had a
depressing effect on trade. A great
desire was manifested by holders of liquors, cigars, &c., to secure shipment
before the 1st of March, it being understood that after that date
such articles will not be admitted into any Confederate port.
We copy the following portion of the prices current: . . .
Cotton
Cards.—Whitemore, No. 10, $12a$14; English, No. 10, $11a$12; Lea Cards,
$6.50a$7.
MONTGOMERY
WEEKLY ADVERTISER, April 20, 1864, p. 4, c. 6
Cotton Cards.
I have located myself at Haw Ridge, Ala., for the purpose of repairing
Cotton Cards. Having been at the
business for the past two years, I am prepared to put new teeth in, and where
the leathers are damaged I am prepared to put new leathers in.
I will be at Evergreen, Conecuh county, Ala., on the 5th April
next, and will remain there until the 18th, where I will be prepared
to repair as many as five pair per day. I
will also learn as many as two persons from each county in this State, of they
desire to go into the business. They
will be prompt in meeting me at Evergreen, as above stated.
The scarcity of cotton cards makes it necessary that there should be at
least two expert repairers in each county.
Persons desiring to learn the trade, can do so by paying me $500.
Where the money cannot be paid I will take stock at fair prices.
My charges for repairing is from $10 to $15, and all work warranted to
give entire satisfaction.
Haw Ridge, Ala.
Eli Clark,
mar6-4
[LITTLE
ROCK] UNCONDITIONAL UNION, April 22, 1864, p. 2, c. 6
1864
1864
New Goods,
Latest Arrival from the North.
Attention! Attention!!
Marshall & Saxton,
One door East of Fisher's old stand, on the corner
of Markham and Cumberland Streets.
Have just received a large and well selected stock of . . .
Cotton Cards,
Wool Cards,
Dye Stuffs.
Copperas
and Indigo,
Madder and Blue Stone. . . .
Marshal & Saxton.
April 22,
1864.
MEMPHIS
DAILY APPEAL [ATLANTA, GA], May 10, 1864, p. 1, c. 2
The card
factory at Selma, Ala., is running four machines, which turn off from twenty to
fifty pairs per day. The proprietor will soon commence manufacturing wire
from common bar iron. The cards will [sic] at $8 per pair.
THE
SOUTHERN BANNER [ATHENS, GA], May 11, 1864, p. 4, c. 1-2
To
Prepare Wool for Carding.
At the present time, when wool is so much needed, it may be well to state
a few facts, that are not known to all:
1. Wool sheared from sheep
that are well kept is much the best.
2. When the shearing
operation is to be performed, it should be done by a skillful, practiced hand,
as wool that is cut up in shearing, always falls out of the cards and is lost.
3. The sooner wool is washed
after shearing the better. It
should never be packed away in a close pile, and left to lie in that position,
either washed or unwashed.
4. The washing operation is
the most important of all. A few
years ago a premium was offered in one of the finest wool-growing regions in
Kentucky, for the best mode of washing wool.
The lost of wool that took the premium was washed after the following
manner: It was thrown into a pot of
boiling water, and kept well stirred just one minute by the watch. It was then instantly thrown out into water milk warm and
washed, and then passed through several tubs of water of common temperature,
being washed all the while until it was thoroughly clean. The writer has seen the thing tried, and it works that the
wool does not remain in the boiling water longer than one minute, as it is in
danger of being ruined. The
philosophy of this quick scalding is to soften the gum, which is on all raw
wool, so that it will wash off easily.
5. When wool is washed it
should be spread out thin at once to run, and kept stirred until it is
thoroughly dried. It should never
be allowed to get wet after it is put out to dry.
6. Wool that has been dyed
should have the dye stuff washed out thoroughly.
Wool should not be allowed to start to a carding machine, even in a damp
condition. It should be entirely
dry.
7. When wool has been well
handled in washing, it will have a glossy appearance in the sun, no matter what
the color of the wool.
8. Some lots of wool will
waste more than others in carding, and it is difficult to account for it.
But clean wool that has been well handled in the manner above directed,
should in no case lose more than one pound in eight or nine, and generally about
one pound to ten.
9. But lastly, where there
are no pains taken to fix up wool properly for carding, the owner should not
complain, whether the rolls be few, or of an inferior quality.
The wool should be lifted out of the boiling water with a fork made for
the purpose with several prongs.
CHARLESTON
MERCURY, May 13, 1864, p. 2, c. 2
The card factory at Selma, Ala., is running four machines, which turn off
from twenty to fifty pair per day. The
proprietor will soon commence manufacturing wire from common bar iron.
The cards will sell at $8 per pair.
CLARKE
COUNTY [AL] JOURNAL, May 19, 1864, p. 1, c. 5
Just Received.
Cotton Cards, Factory Thread, . . .
Burge & Daffin.
May 18, 1864.
MONTGOMERY
WEEKLY ADVERTISER, May 25, 1864, p. 4, c. 1
Blockade Profits.
We hear it frequently asserted that there is no profit upon cargoes
brought in and sold here, and that the only profit is on the outward cargo.
Let us look at a few things where we have a chance of comparing the
Nassau prices with those obtained here yesterday at auction.
We take the Nassau quotations from the Bahama Herald of the 4th:
. . .
Cotton Cards—Nassau, Whittemore, No. 10, $13 to $14 per dozen.
English, No. 10, $11a$12; Wilmington, $36 to $60 per pair--$36 to $60 for
$2 . . .
Sulph. Quinine—Nassau, $2.25 per oz; Wilmington, $59a$80 per oz.--$25
to 36 ½ for $1 . . .
Now here is an average of $56 for $1, that is to say two hundred per cent on
Nassau prices, allowing for exchange the full current rates, and all the
articles we have quoted are, we are pretty sure, included among the articles not
prohibited. It will not do to say
that at these prices goods will not be brought in, or that the profits are not
sufficiently remunerative to tempt capitalists to take the risk.
The venture is a paying one both ways, and would be so were prices
lowered one half.—Wilmington Journal.
CHARLESTON
MERCURY, June 6, 1864, p. 1, c. 6
Little steps towards Southern independence.--The following list of
manufactories of general utility, not heretofore made in the South, is copied
from exchanges within the past few days, says the Charlotte Bulletin.
It shows that our people are really making some progress towards the
independence that we have heard talked of so much.
We have not included the cotton and woollen mills dotted here and there
in all the States, or the iron establishments, or the Government works for
making arms, powder, etc.
We have not doubt there are many other establishments of which we have
seen no notice, that are adding to the resources of the country, by making
articles that we have heretofore depended upon the Yankees to furnish us: . . .
Cotton Card Factory at Greenwood, S. C.
Cotton Card Factory at Fayetteville, N. C.
Cotton Card Factory at Columbus, Ga.
Cotton Card Factory at Danville, Va., 2.
Cotton Card Factory at Selma, Ala. . . .
CHARLESTON
MERCURY, June 17, 1864, p. 2, c.
5
English
Wool
Cards,
Just Received, at
Aimar's Drug Store.
June 17
[BELLVILLE] TEXAS
COUNTRYMAN, July 4, 1863, p. 1, c. 5
A New Idea.—Cotton Cards.—We are informed that there is a farmer in
Washington county, who spins his cotton filling without the aid of cards.
The process is simple. He
goes to the ginhouse or lint room, puts the light flakes of cotton ginned into a
basket, not packed, carries it to the spinning wheel, and the tread is made with
rapidity. With a little practice,
more thread can be made in a day than with the aid of cotton cards.
If kerseys are desired to be made put cow hair into the gin with seed
cotton, and it will be thrown into the lint room nicely mixed.
The same process as above, will give him the filling he desires.
Will our farmers practice upon the important idea thrown
out?—Milledgeville Recorder.
The expense of trying the above idea will not be much and in these days,
with cotton cards at present prices, it might prove of great convenience.
ALBANY
[GA] PATRIOT, July 28, 1864, p.
3, c. 3
Salt, Cotton Cards, Calico, 4-4 Sheeting, Osnaburgs and Cotton Yarns, in
exchange for Country Produce. We
will give one pair of Whittimore Cotton Cards for 12 1/2 bushels corn; one
bushel Salt for 10 lbs bacon, 6 bushels corn or 2 1/2 gallons good syrup; one
bunch cotton yarn for 15 lbs bacon, 20 lbs lard or 9 bushels corn; one yd
Osnaburgs or 4-4 Sheeting for 1 1/4 lbs bacon, 1 3/4 lbs lard or 3/4 bushels
corn; one yd Calico for 3 lbs bacon, 4 lbs lard, or 1 3/4 bushels corn; one pair
ladies' gaiters for 3 1/4 lbs bacon, 44 lbs lard or 20 bushels corn; one lb good
Tobacco for 1 bushel corn; 125 yds Osnaburgs for 1 bale good middling cotton of
500 lbs weight. Wanted, eggs,
butter and chickens, for which we will pay the market price in new issue.
Beers & Brinson. Albany,
Ga.--July 21st 1864.
MONTGOMERY
WEEKLY ADVERTISER, August 3, 1864, p. 3, c. 7
The One-Armed Man's
Dry Goods Store,
No. 14, Market Street.
My customers have a right to know what I, as a merchant keep in my Store,
and I as a merchant have a right to let them know the articles I have on hand.
Sit down and copy on your memorandum what you need of the following
articles: . . .
Cotton Cards, . . .
W. P. Wreford,
Formerly "Crockett", the Knife Mar. [or Man]
MONTGOMERY
WEEKLY ADVERTISER, August 3, 1864, p. 4, c. 7
Cotton Cards.
Cotton Cards exchanged for Dog, Sheep, Goat, Deer, Mule or Horse skins,
either tanned or untanned.
At the Montgomery Cotton and Wool Card Factory.
J. D. Hutchison, Agent.
Cotton Cards.
Cotton Cards exchanged for Dog, Sheep, Goat, Deer, Mule or Horse skins,
either tanned or untanned, at the "City Cotton Card Factory," No. 88
Court street, over Myer & Marx's Tore.
J. C. Clinton.
MONTGOMERY
WEEKLY ADVERTISER, August 17, 1864, p. 4, c. 7
To Cotton Card Makers.
I will tan Sheep, Goat, Dog and Coon Skins, for making Cotton Cards, at
one dollar each. When they are
tanned and dressed for making shoes, I charge one half for the other.
J. [?] Sweat,
Ramah [or Kamah], Ala.
CLARKE
COUNTY [AL] JOURNAL, September 1, 1864, p. 1, c. 2
Just Received.
Cotton
Cards,
Wool Cards, . . .
Burge & Daffin.
Aug 16, 1864.
CHARLESTON MERCURY, September 20, 1864, p.
1, c. 2
Cotton
Cards.
To the Editor of the Mercury: I
wish to draw attention to this article of prime necessity to the people of the
State, which could be imported in so small a bulk, and with so small an
expenditure of funds, that I am surprised those blockade companies which have so
munificently bestowed large donations for charitable purposes, have not
endeavored to supply them at a moderate price, and thus relieving a numerous,
industrious and worthy class of the community, whose proper pride and spirit of
independence would prevent them from supplying themselves except by purchasing.
These companies, it is acknowledged, have been formed for the purpose of
making money. It is the duty, it
may be said, of the directors, to consult the interests of the stockholders by
so adjusting their importations as not to overstock the market, and thus reduce
profits. This policy might apply
with propriety to all articles of luxury, and to all such as are not essential
to cheap clothing, which is second only in importance to cheap food for the
people.
There is no doubt difficulties in the way of supplying them, so as to
have them distributed through the community at a cheap rate without allowing
them to fall into the hands of the speculators, large and small, who will in
proportion to the low price, be more rapacious.
If the companies would agree upon a schedule of prices for this
article--advertise the rates and give the preference to those who purchase for
use, and also place them in the hands of honest merchants in the principal towns
of the State, to be sold at retail to those who want them for use, they would
bestow a benefit to the community which they would not regret.
The policy of an extended bestowal of public charities has been disputed,
but no one ever doubted the benefit of providing the industrious with the means
of prosecuting their humble pursuits, and these companies have a monopoly of the
opportunity of bestowing this great public benefaction.
Cards are so easily placed on boards, that of course the leaf card should
be imported, occupying as they do, but one-fourth of the space of those framed.
Those now sold in the Bee store at $25 retail, are sold all through the
middle and upper districts at $40 to $45. This
rate of profits is unreasonable. We
hope these companies will perceive the propriety of importing this article in
quantities to supply the demand at moderate rates, without regard to the policy
of limiting importations for fear of bringing down prices.
It is a case to which exception should be made, by advertising the rates
at which they would be sold. We
believe the hint will be taken and acted on by those companies which have shown
that there are exceptions to the axiom, that success only sharpens the appetite
for accumulation.
PUBLICUS
MONTGOMERY
WEEKLY ADVERTISER, September 21, 1864, p. 3, c. 5
Ladies not to be Conscripted
. . . Cotton Cards
At the One Armed Man's
Dry Goods Store
14 Market Street
S. F. Wreford.
MONTGOMERY
WEEKLY ADVERTISER, September 21, 1864, p. 3, c. 5
Cotton Cards.
Cotton Cards exchanged for Dog, Sheep, Goat, Deer, Mule or Horse Skins,
either tanned or untanned.
At the Montgomery Cotton and Wool Card Factory.
J. D. Hutcheson,
july9d2w-w4m
Agent.
GALVESTON NEWS, November
9, 1864, p. 2, c. 1
The LaGrange True Issue says: The
machinery for carding has arrived at the Hat Factory in this place, and will be
in operation in a few days. Maj.
Kampmann is one of those go ahead kind of men, that works himself, and makes
everything and everybody around, or under his control do the same.
The right man in the right place. We
expect to be enabled to report an increased number of soldier's hats turned out
from the manufactory in a short time. This factory delivered to the Clothing Bureau at Houston,
between 1600 and 1700 hats during the month of October.
AUSTIN STATE GAZETTE, December 7, 1864,
p. 2, c. 1
Wool Cards.--It will be seen, by an advertisement in another column, that
Messrs. Smith & Nance have established a Wool Carding Factory on the Blanco,
in Hays county, having imported the machinery from England.
From the great scarcity of these machines, and the heavy call for wool
rolls for spinning, this establishment will be likely to command an extensive
patronage for many miles around. We
have not the pleasure of an acquaintance with Mr. Smith, but we know Mr. Nance
to be a most obliging, clever gentleman, and all who go there may depend on
being well treated.
AUSTIN STATE GAZETTE, December 7, 1864,
p. 2, c. 5
Wool
Carding Machine.
The
undersigned take pleasure in announcing to this community and the public
generally, that they have imported from England a first class Wool Carding
machine, and that it is now in operation on the Rio Blanco, Hays County, 7 miles
from San Marcos and 4 miles from Mountain City Post Office.
Grease required, one pound of hogs lard, without salt for every eight
pounds of wool. The wool must be
entirely free from gum and dirt, and once of the best methods of preparing it,
is to wash it in warm soap-suds and lye and rinse also in warm water.
We cannot card finer wool than half-breed merino and do it justice.
Terms. One third of the wool
or 15 cents per pound. SMITH
& NANCE.
December 1st, 1864.
P.S.--On account of the difficulty in producing lumber and other
materials, we have been unable to put up accommodations for those who come with
the intention of waiting for their Rolls, and therefore advise all such to come
prepared for camping. S&N.
[BELLVILLE] TEXAS
COUNTRYMAN, December 13, 1864, p. 2, c. 2
We learn that the specie prices of many articles are advancing.
Cotton cards, for instance, are now sold for $7, and wool cards for $6
per pair, while a few days ago they could be had for some two dollars less per
pair.—Galveston News.
GALVESTON WEEKLY
NEWS, December 14, 1864, p.
2, c. 4
The State Gazette informs us that Messrs. Smith and Nance have
established a wool carding machine on the Blanco, in Hays county.
We understand that there are now several such machines in various parts
of the State.
CLARKE
COUNTY [AL] JOURNAL, December 29, 1864, p. 1, c. 4
Cotton Cards for $2 60!
We have on hand a superior article of English Cards, on good backs, and
larger than the Whittemore, at the above price in specie. . . .
Burge & Davvin.
Dec. 22, 1864, 42 3t.
AUSTIN
STATE GAZETTE, January 11, 1865,
p. 2, c. 4
Austin
Wool Carding Factory.
This establishment is
on Avenue Street below Pecan, and will be in successful operation from the 12th
instant. Bring on your wool if you
want it carded. Wool rolls for
sale. Produce taken in exchange for
carding of Wool.
Jan11
A. T. Norton & Co., Proprietors.
[LITTLE
ROCK] NATIONAL DEMOCRAT, February 4, 1865, p. 4, c. 1
The following item from the Arkansas paper [Washington Telegraph], is
suggestive:
"A few pairs of cotton cards will be exchanged for pork at the rates
of 200 lbs. for each pair. Enquire
at this office."
Before the war a pair of cotton cards were worth 60 cents and pork eight
cents a pound. Two hundred pounds
of pork would then buy from twenty-five to thirty-five pairs of cards. Now, it seems, it buys only one.
GALVESTON
WEEKLY NEWS, March 1, 1865, p. 2, c. 2
Blessing of the Blockade—Texas Home Industry.—We have on our table a
group of nineteen samples from the looms of a single plantation, embracing such
a variety of quality, material, color and fabric, as to command the admiration
of all who see them. . . .
The slaves that do the labor in these manufactures were born in the
family, and readily learn to perform each their special part in the work.
The intelligence and supervision has been furnished by the lady of the
manor, and not a hired assistant in any department has been employed; and only
two articles have been purchased to enable them to obtain these results, namely,
the cards and the copperas. The
latter of these is abundantly produced in the hills of Texas, and is being
rapidly brought into market. The
latter [former], we hope, soon to see manufactured within the State. . . .
[MARSHALL]
TEXAS REPUBLICAN, March 10, 1865, p. 2m c, 6
Cotton Cards!
With and Without Backs,
On Leather & India Rubber,
For Sale For
Specie or Confederate Money,
Or to Give in Exchange for
Homespun cloth,
Price: From $4 to $5 in Specie;
Confederate
money taken at current rates.
E. Blood,
Marshall, Mar. 10, 1865
GALVESTON
WEEKLY NEWS, March 15, 1865, p. 4, c. 1
A letter dated Matamoros, February 25th, says:
"Goods are daily falling in this market. I can buy . . . cotton cards, $10 per dozen; . . . I have
filled a bill at these prices.
AUSTIN STATE GAZETTE, April 12, 1865, p.
1, c. 4
Executive Department.
Austin, Texas, March 30th, 1865.
To the County Courts:
The importance of introducing into the country, and putting into
operation, machinery for the manufacture of articles necessary to the clothing
of the people, and the army in the field, is a subject urgently demanding our
most serious attention, and the exercise of our fullest energies.
Experience has shown that a large portion of the clothing for the use of
the Texas soldiery, has been furnished at the hands of the industrious and
patriotic women of our State. . . This can be most effectively done--in
reference to the manufacture of clothing--by the introduction and distribution
through the State of wool and cotton carding-machines.
The Manufacture of clothing by the preparation of the raw material by
hand carding, is necessarily, slow, tedious, and involves the employment of much
more labor than would be necessary in the use of the machinery proposed. . . P.
Murrah.
[MARSHALL]
TEXAS REPUBLICAN, April 14, 1865, p. 2, c. 6
New Goods.
.
. .
Cotton Cards, and one Fine Cloth Coat (large size).
For sale low for Confederate money and cheap for specie.
Interest notes, La. money, coupons of 6 per cent bonds and old issue
taken at current rates.
E. Blood.
April 14, 1865.
[MARSHALL]
TEXAS REPUBLICAN, April 28, 1865, p. 2, c. 4
Valuable Suggestions
Executive Department,
Austin, Texas, March 30th, 1865
To the County Courts:
The importance of introducing into the country, and putting into
operation, Machinery for the manufacture of articles necessary to the clothing
of the people and the army in the field, is a subject urgently demanding our
most serious attention, and the exercise of our fullest energies.
Experience has shown that a large portion of the clothing for the use of
the Texas soldiers, has been furnished at the hands of the industrious and
patriotic women of our State. With
a full knowledge of this condition of things, I have never ceased, since being
in office, to urge forward and protect, to the extent of my ability, every
enterprise calculated to increase the production of home industry, and to render
the labor engaged therein more productive. This can be most effectually done—in reference to the
manufacture of clothing—by the introduction and distribution through the State
of wool and cotton carding machines. The
manufacture of clothing by the preparation of the raw material by hand carding
is, necessarily, slow, tedious, and involves the employment of much more labor
than would be necessary in the use of the Machinery proposed.
With such machinery accessible to all the people of the State, how much
more self-reliant, and independent we shall be than remaining, as in the great
measure we now are, dependent upon an uncertain, tardy, and insufficient supply
of goods from abroad.
I respectfully call upon you, and through you upon the people and men of
capital in your midst, to give this subject your thoughtful and serious
consideration, and at once, organizing some system for the introduction of this
kind of machinery. Urge upon those
who have means, to engage in this noble enterprise, heartily, patriotically, and
earnestly—to merge all considerations of profit, in an unselfish desire to
confer upon the people a vast and permanent good.
I said in my inaugural: "What
can be accomplished in this line, by associations of individuals and of capital,
by enterprise and resolution, can only be determined by preserving systematic
effort. The necessity and the
inducements for effort cannot be overrated.
It is far better and far more economical, as I conceive, to make capital
yield its profits, not only during the war, but after its close, to make it an
enduring monument of a lofty, self-reliant spirit in the people, by investing it
in permanent and useful manufacturing establishments, than to squander it away
forever in purchasing goods from nations perhaps indifferent to our fate, or
from a foe who are striving by all the appliances of war to subjugate and
enslave us."
I pledge myself as the Executive of the State, to continue to give all
the aid in my power, and still to exert my utmost energies, to secure a full
co-operation from the Confederate authorities, in furtherance of this object.
One hundredth part of the money now expended by the people in the
purchase of foreign goods, would amply supply the required number of carding
machines, and besides, afford employment to thousands now idle.
It is believed that if the several counties would consider this subject,
measure the difficulties to be overcome and engage energetically, and
practically in the work, the wants of the country, in this respect, could be
soon supplied. I shall be glad to receive any suggestions as to the most
advisable mode of effecting this object.
We know not how long this war may continue—how soon supplies from
abroad may be cut off. The Spring
has opened upon us—Summer will soon come and pass, and Winter with frosts must
be provided against. Now is the
time to be up and doing.
P. Murrah.
AUSTIN STATE GAZETTE, May 10, 1865, p.
2, c. 1
A large lot of cotton cards and medicines, imported by the Military Board, has
arrived. We learn that another lot
is in transitu between this point and the Rio Grande.
The whole will be distributed as soon as the necessary arrangements can
be made for that purpose.
GALVESTON WEEKLY
NEWS, June 7, 1865, p. 3, c.
1
There was a distribution of public property in Austin last week on first
principles; all the plunder belonging to the Confederate and State governments
was divided out. Among the rest
were 50,000 pairs of cotton cards, any quantity of quinine, satinet, domestics,
etc. The value of cotton cards in
that region now is from one to three bits a pair.
And other articles in proportion.—Telegraph.