An appeal on Behalf of the Hampton refugees
The undersigned were appointed a committee to prepare and publish an address to the public setting forth the losses and sufferings of the refugees of the town of Hampton and of the country contiguous, and their claim to the sympathy and the beneficence of their fellow citizens. The committee cannot more effectively perform the service assigned them than by presenting an unvarnished statement of facts. In the month of May last, the Peninsula was suddenly invaded by the Federal army, and the inhabitants of its lower extremity, including the town of Hampton, and numbering between 2 and 3,000 white persons, were compelled to make a hasty retreat, abandoning their homes, and almost their entire property, to the enemy. Their growing crops were destroyed, their provisions and stock were seized by the invaders, their slaves were seduced or forced within the lines of the enemy, everything valuable was stolen from their houses, and, to crown their misfortunes, the town of Hampton was, in mid-summer, burnt to the ground, by order of the officers of the Confederate army, as a military necessity. The county of Elizabeth City has been reduced to desolation. These refugees are scattered throughout the lower counties of the State, and many of them are known to be in extreme destitution and want. Families that lived in comfort and affluence now earn a precarious subsistence by their toil, or have their wants supplied by the hand of friendship or of charity. It would be heart rending to recount individual instances of want and suffering. One case has been brought particularly to the notice of the committee — that of a lady who lived in independence and comfort, and whose husband is in the Confederate army, and who is literally houseless, with seven dependent children. To increase the destitution of the women and children, almost every man of the county capable of bearing arms is in the military service. Among all the citizens of the South, none have proved more loyal to the Confederate cause, or borne their sacrifices in its support with more uncomplaining fortitude, than the sufferers of the Peninsula.The committee deem it only necessary to bring to the knowledge of the country the sufferings and wants of these unfortunate and patriotic refugees, to secure for them liberal contributions. Their condition makes a strong appeal to the humanity, patriotism, and piety of the public. We are engaged in a great struggle for our national independence. Sacrifices are demanded of all; but those sacrifices should, as far as possible, be equalized. It is confidently hoped that the sufferers of Hampton and its vicinity will be made to feel that they have the sympathies, and may rely upon the generous support, of their fellow-citizens. It will be seen that a Treasurer has been appointed to receive and a committees to distribute, any contributions that may be offered for the unfortunate sufferers.
W. C. Rives.
T. V. Moore.
J. L. Burrows.
D. S. Doggett.
J. B. Jetes.
