Textile Factories in the South:
Articles from Civil War Newspapers
Dry Goods, Chamberlin & Smith are now opening for the fall trade of 1860,
the most complete stock of dry goods...Louisiana, Alabama, Maryland, and
Virginia osnaburgs; brown domestics; linseys, kerseys; jeans; long cloths;
bleached domestics; bed ticks; Kentucky Jeans and Linseys; Tennessee Truck, for
Trousers; Indigo Blue Jeans, a very fine article manufactured in Baltimore for
planters suits. . . English and American Navy blankets; English blue gray
blankets; bed blankets . . . carpets; oil cloths; druggetts and rugs; window
curtains; damasks and shades; flannels, red and white, of all qualities; denims,
stripes, plaids and chambrays, apron checks and furniture plaids; table oil
cloths; brown and bleached canton flannels; English, French, and American
prints; Linen and cotton sheetings and pillow case goods ...
NATCHEZ
DAILY COURIER, January 3, 1861, p. 2,
c. 7
Meyer, Deutsch & co. . . . carpets... three-ply, ingrain, velvet, tapestry
and brussels, at prices ranging from 25 cents to $3 50 per yard. ... Plantation
Negro Clothing. Notice the Prices Kentucky jean coats--lined all through with good Lowell $3
00, Kentucky Jean pants 1 75; Kersey coats--lines all through with good Lowell 2
00; Kersey pants 1 00; Kentucky linsey joseys--lined 2 00; twill lowell pants
85; Kentucky linsey dresses 3 00. Twill
flannel drawers and shirts
ATLANTA
[GA] SOUTHERN CONFEDERACY,
March 18, 1861, p. 2, c. 2
The
Grant Factory
This is one of the several Cotton and woolen Manufactories in and near
Columbus. It is situated within the
corporate limits of the city immediately on the Chattahoochee river, and was
established about the year 1844, and originally known as the "Coweta
Manufacturing Company." The
proprietors now are Messrs. Daniel and John J. Grant, of this city.
The capital stock amounts to $60,000.
The disbursements per annum are as follows:
For labor, $12,000; sundry expenses, $5,000; for Cotton, $40,000; for
wool $10,000; making, in all, $65,000. The
Company manufacture, per annum, 800 bales of Osnaburgs, 480,000 yards; 300 bales
of yarn, 78,000 pounds; 200 bales of kerseys, 80,000 pounds; and 6,000 pounds of
rope, thread, &c., &c. The
total value of the productions amounts to $81,000, from which taking the
disbursements, $65,000, leaves $16,000.
The Company give employment to about 80 hands, male and female, the
preference to the latter, for the excellent reason that it is much easier for
males to shift for themselves; while by giving the preference in employment to
females, many indigent widows and families are, we may say, rescued from
absolute starvation. The operatives
appear to be contented and are paid according to their competency to earn wages.
Some can manage only one loom while others can easily manage from three
to four. Many poor families,
composed entirely of females, and dependent upon their manual labor, are thus
secured adequate means for their support, and with proper economy, may gradually
accumulate a competency.
The factory is located at the head of the Canal for bringing into
requisition the water power to the city Factories, and has superior advantages
on account of it. The articles
manufactured are Kerseys and plain white Osnaburgs exclusively; but we learn
that the Company intend, in the course of a few weeks, to commence the
manufacture of Stripes, being already engaged in the necessary preparations.
This improvement was demanded by the increase of their business and the
growing demand for that description of goods.
During our visit, we observed that the gentlemanly and efficient Clerk
and book keeper Mr. O'Keefe, was filling a large order for Osnaburgs for an
extensive mercantile establishment in Selma, Ala.
We are glad to learn that the success of the establishment warrants an
enlargement of its business, and take it as an earnest of the continued
prosperity which is destined to crown the manufacturing enterprises of this
"Lowell of the South."--Columbus Sun.
Lawrenceville, Ga.
SAVANNAH [GA]
REPUBLICAN, May 4, 1861, p. 1, c. 7
Belleville
Factory
Is now manufacturing Duck for Soldier's Tents and awnings, also, Georgia
Stripes and solid Colored Twills, for men and boys' wear.
Orders solicited.
George Schley,
Augusta Ga.
Georgia
Manufacture.
20 Bales Columbus
Fashions.
10 Bales Richmond Stripes.
30 do
Cotton Osnaburgs,
10 do
Heavy Brown Shirting.
Just received and for sale by
Nevitt, Lathrop & Rogers.
Georgia
Osnaburgs and Yarns.
25 Bales Thomaston
Factory Osnaburgs, a superior article.
50 bales Thomaston Yarns, for sale by
Crane & Graybill
SAVANNAH [GA]
REPUBLICAN, June 8, 1861, p. 1, c. 2
Eagle
Manufacturing Company of Co-
lumbus—A Noble Example.
The corporations of the South are covering themselves with glory.
Among the noblest examples of devotion to country yet presented to the
public, the action of the Eagle Manufacturing Company, of Columbus, in this
State, in coming to the support of the Confederacy, and the families of our
brave volunteers, is most honorable. We
subjoin some resolutions adopted by their Board at a meeting held on the 1st
instant:
Resolved, That in accordance with the spirit of the resolutions of
Congress, the Eagle Manufacturing Company, hereby tenders to the Government, in
exchange for Confederate Bonds, the sum of one thousand dollars per month, from
this date till the end of the war, and the Treasurer is hereby instructed to
notify the Secretary of the Treasury of this action, and to place the subscribed
amount of One Thousand dollars per month subject to his draft, at either
Savannah, Charleston, Augusta, or this city, as he may prefer.
Resolved, That this Company further appropriate the sum of One
Hundred dollars per month as a contribution in aid of the City Fund for the
support of the families of the Volunteers [illegible] and the Treasurer of this
Company is hereby instructed to notify his Honor the Mayor, of this city, that
this amount is subject to his check.
AUSTIN
STATE GAZETTE, July 6, 1861, p. 2, c.
2
Col. J. M. Croquet, writing to the Herald, from Houston, remarks that the
ladies of the city have an upper room of the building of the Telegraph office,
are provided with a lot of sewing machines, and they meet there in parties, and
make up uniforms for the different companies.
The uniforms are made of very common strong woollen goods from the
Penitentiary, each company in a particular color.
We are glad to learn that the Agent of the Penitentiary is manufacturing
suitable military dress goods. We
think it advisable for the Agent to employ all the labor that he can spare, in
the manufacture of such articles as may be required by volunteers in the field.
This course of policy we see is being pursued in several, if not all of
the other Southern States, and we are gratified to know that such is the case.
CHARLESTON
MERCURY, July 9, 1861, p. 1, c. 6
Southern
Manufactures.
The substance of the following article is at least two years old.
The account is highly satisfactory, and we publish it now with the view
to stimulate other parties to the proper degree of enterprise.
If, two years ago, we could effect such results in an obscure part of
Alabama, what might not now be done, with the Yankees driven out of the country.
The field is open to all comers. Scottsville
may well increase its capital, enlarge its machinery, multiply its operatives,
and others may wisely follow its example. The
first in the field, is the first reaper:
People who imagine that a single, isolated manufactory, here and there,
is the best that the South can produce, will be agreeable disappointed to hear
of an entire village in Alabama being devoted exclusively to manufactures.
It is called Scottsville, and is situated in the northwestern portion of
Bibb county, near the river Catawba, between Centreville and Tuscaloosa, and to
the southeast of the latter place some fifty or sixty miles.
Scottsville was originally known as the Tuscaloosa Manufacturing Company.
It was incorporated by the Alabama Legislature in 1837, with a capital
stock of $36,000, which sum was quickly subscribed by a number of capitalists in
Tuscaloosa.
In May, 1837, the mills got to work, making coarse cotton cloths, but for
some years they made no money. The company and the locality soon changed names and
management; the latter coming into the hands of Mr. Scott, as principal owner
and director, and the place itself took the name of Scottsville. He immediately went to work making improvements and additions
to the buildings and machinery, and the mill soon paid dividends.
The first $2200 realized in 1841, was expended in a family of negros to
work in the factory. This family
has so increased that the company values them at $10,000, and most of them are
now working in the factory, and are very useful.
The company have made several purchases of negros with the profits of the
factory, and negro labor is much employed by them.
The principal mill is a large brick building of three stories, with two
wings, filled with the best machinery and employing over one hundred hands, of
whom three fourths are females. A large over-shot wheel, driven by water, is the principal
motor of the machinery. There are
about 24,000 spindles and 50 looms at work.
Wool and cotton are both spun. The
consumption of cotton averages 35,000 pounds per month, and $1000 worth of y
yarns in the same time, together with a large quantity of linseys and a superior
article of cotton sewing thread.
In 1841 the sum of $40,000 capital stock had been paid in.
Every year since then a dividend of ten per cent. has been declared,
which has been laid out in buying negros, land, &c., adding to the buildings
and machinery in the village, until the capital stock has increased to $117,000,
of which $25,000 is in negros and about $16,000 in goods in the company's store.
The company owns 3,000 acres of land, and all the buildings on the place,
which consists of the factory, a large hotel, the store, blacksmith, carpenter,
wheelwright, and boot and shoe shops, a saw mill, grist mill, large flouring
mill, a church and a large number of cottages.
No liquor is permitted in the village, and the company will not sell an
inch of its land to any one. Its
stock has long been over par, and its dividend this year will be at least twelve
per cent.
AUGUSTA [GA] DAILY CHRONICLE & SENTINEL,
July 18, 1861, p. 3, c. 2
Superior Woollen Goods.--The Constitutionalist of yesterday has the
following notice of some samples of woollen goods which it would be well for our
dealers to examine:
We have several specimens of woollen goods, received from the Crenshaw
Woollen Mills, at Richmond, Va., which are of excellent quality.--They embrace a
variety of stuffs, for coats and pantalons, and are fine and durable.
Among them, also, is a piece of blanket which is very heavy and a
handsome article. Indeed, all of
the samples in our possession indicate a degree of perfection in woollen
manufactures which we did not suppose that we had reached here at the
South.--The evidence before us is exceedingly gratifying, and we hope that
arrangements will be made for the sale of these goods, not only in this city,
but throughout the South. They are
worthy of public encouragement.
AUGUSTA [GA] DAILY CHRONICLE & SENTINEL,
August 10, 1861, p. 2, c. 5
Stocking
Yarn.
Belleville Factory is manufacturing cotton Stocking Yarn for soldiers'
socks, unbleached, bleached or dyed. Also
wrapping twine and sewing thread. Address
au6tw-tw
George Schley, Augusta, Ga.
AUGUSTA [GA] DAILY CHRONICLE & SENTINEL,
September 5, 1861, p. 3, c. 1
Southern Made Thread.--We have been shown a sample of thread from Sea
Island cotton, manufactured at the Sweet Water factory in Campbell county, W. J.
Russell Agent. It is a strong,
smooth, well-twisted thread, just the thing for use on army work, and will make
a very good substitute for Coates' and other "contraband" made in the
domestic uses of that article. A
sample of this thread may be had in a few days at Gray & Turley's and may
now be seen at our office.
SAVANNAH [GA]
REPUBLICAN, September 16, 1861, p. 2, c. 3
Eatonton
Factory
For Sale.
The proprietors offer the above property for sale.—Private bids are
invited until the 1st Tuesday in January next, and if not sold by or
before that time, it will be sold at public outcry, at the Court House in
Eatonton on that day.
This property is situated on Little River, three miles from Eatonton,
Putnam county, Ga. It consists of
the Factory building and machinery, abundance of house rooms for operatives, one
of the best Merchant Mills in Georgia and Four Hundred and Fifty acres of Land.
The water-power is unsurpassed in the State, being abundant, and with a
fall of eighteen feet.
The Building is a wooden structure, strong and substantial, built upon a
granite wall. It is 40 by 80 feet
in dimensions, 3 ˝ stories high, and well constructed and arranged for
manufacturing. The most of the
machinery is new and of the most approved style, and consists mainly of 1 Willen
[sic?], 2 Pickers, 21 Cards 3 Railway Heads, 2 Eight Quoiler Drawing Frames, 2
Twenty Stand Speeders, 11 Cap Frames for spinning Warp or Filling, and 3 for
spinning Filling, with a total of 1,754 Spindles, 4 double Reels, 3 dressing
Frames, 1 Spooling Frame, 2 Beamers, 36 Looms and one Wool Card.
The Machinery is driven by an overshot wheel of sufficient capacity to
drive with ease.
This property combines all the facilities for a successful Manufacturing
Establishment, and all this juncture in our National history offers unusual
advantages for a profitable investment of Capital.
Any person desiring further information about this property, will please
call in person to examine it, or address the undersigned at this place.
Stephen E. Marshall,
President of Eatonton Manufacturing Co.
Eatonton, Ga., July 25th, 1861.
CHARLESTON
MERCURY, September 19, 1861, p. 1, c.
1
Burning of a Cotton Factory.
Mobile, September 18.--The Dog River Cotton Factory accidentally took
fire to-day and was totally destroyed. Loss,
$100,000. Insurance, $42,000.
MOBILE
REGISTER AND ADVERTISER, September
20, 1861, p. 2, c. 1
The Burning of Dog River Factory.--We have learned from a reliable source
the particulars of the loss by fire of the Dog River Cotton Factory, on
Wednesday last. It appears that the
fire was purely accidental, having caught in the dressing room just over the
boilers, in such a place as to render its suppression difficult, under the most
favorable circumstances. When
discovered, the headway was too great to be stayed, and the work of destruction
proceeded with great rapidity, until the entire building, with its valuable
contents of stock and machinery, was in ruins.
A few sheds adjoining and a turning lathe of slight value, were all that
was saved of the factory establishment. No
blame or charge of negligence lies against any person for the destruction.
The establishment was valued at from $100,000 to $125,000, only $42,000
of which was covered by insurance. It
belonged exclusively to Col. Garland Goode and the estate of the late Wm. Jones,
Jr. The loss at this time is heavy to the owners, but even more
severe to the public and the operatives--some 250 to 300 in number--who are thus
in an instant thrown out of employment. Their
case appeals strongly to the sympathies of our citizens, and we hope will not be
overlooked.
The worst of it is, that the machinery cannot now be replaced, and the
work ceases at a time when the Factory was of particular service and value.
NATCHEZ
DAILY COURIER, September 26, 1861, p.
1, c. 1
Stocking Yarn. We learn from the
Augusta Constitutionalist that the Graniteville Factory has commenced the
manufacture of cotton yarn for the making of socks and stockings--the machinery
for the purpose having been recently imported from England.
The yarn is said, by those who know, to be of the best quality, and it
will be sold at reasonable prices.
MOBILE
DAILY REGISTER AND ADVERTISER, September 29, 1861, p. 2, c. 5
Hands
Wanted
at the
Eagle Factory,
Columbus, Geo.
The Proprietors of this
Factory want to hire, Forty or Fifty Hands,
Weavers,
Spinners, Carders, &c.
Hands engaging with
them will be guaranteed regular work and good wages. Homes furnished our hands without charge.
Address,
J. Rhodes Browne, Agent,
Columbus, Geo.
DALLAS HERALD, October 16, 1861, p. 1, c. 8
The Penitentiary.—Gov. Clark, we see, has determined to devote nearly
the whole product of the penitentiary to furnishing clothing for the Texas
troops. An excellent idea.
The wool crop of the State is very large, and it would be a good thing
could enough of it be had to enable the Penitentiary factory to make up a large
quantity of woolen goods at once for army uniforms and under clothing.
The Superintendent of the Penitentiary says it can turn out 1,000 yards
per day, of goods suited for winter clothing for soldiers.—News.
NATCHEZ
DAILY COURIER, October 19, 1861, p.
1, c. 1
The editor of the Savannah News has been shown a sample ball of sewing cotton
manufactured at the Sweet Water Factory, in Campbell county, Ga.
The cotton used in making the thread is of the finest kind, costing 23
cents per pound, and the thread is of a very superior quality, strong, even and
free from knots, and adapted for use on sewing machines.
The ladies will undoubtedly find it preferable to the cheating Yankee
spools with which they have heretofore been supplied, as a consequence of our
unnecessary dependence on the North.
CHARLESTON
MERCURY, November 4, 1861, p. 4, c. 3
The Little Rock Democrat says that the Van Buren Cotton Factory is in
full operation, and will be able to supply this year's demand in Arkansas for
cotton yarns.
ATHENS
[GA] SOUTHERN WATCHMAN, November 13,
1861, p. 3, c. 3-4
From the Atlanta Intelligencer.
Valuable
Information.
We are indebted to Mr. W. F. Herring, of the house of W. F. Herring &
Co., of this city, for the following valuable information, relative to the
manufacture of cotton goods in Georgia; the number, names, and locations of the
manufactories; and the supposed supply and demand for cotton goods the coming
year. . . . It will be a source of
gratification to every Georgian to learn that the Empire State leads in the
manufacture of most of the necessary articles, and particularly the fabrics for
clothing.
The writer has taken some pains to learn the amounts and kinds of cloths,
fabricated in the State of Georgia, and believes the figures, (which have been
very carefully collated,) will have a tendency to allay the excitement in the
market, at least, so far as cotton goods are concerned, *of which there must
soon be an ample supply*--unless the quantities used for tent cloths, knapsacks,
&c., should continue as great as heretofore, which cannot be expected.
The writer makes the above assertion, and on the supposition that we have
tents and accoutrements [sic], consuming cotton fabrics, for 350,000 men, which
have been made within the last twelve months, and that will not have to be
replaced with new ones under two years in the main; and that an addition of
150,000 more in the next twelve months, is as much as may be reasonably
calculated upon.
The aggregate weekly production of cotton goods in this State, may be set
down as follows:|
Shirtings and sheetings..........202,000 yards
Osnaburgs, stripes, drills, and Denims.........271,500 yards
The exhibit of woollen goods is almost as satisfactory.
The amount of kerseys and linseys manufactured in Georgia, per week being 23,000
yards
And of woollen jeans and cassimeres, being........22,900 yards
The above goods are made by the following Mills:
Athens Factory, Athens, Georgia, make shirtings, stripes, kerseys and cassimeres.
Princeton Factory, Athens, Georgia, make shirtings, stripes, kerseys and
cassimeres.
Eagle Mills, Columbus, Georgia, shirtings, stripes, osnaburgs, kerseys and
cassimeres.
Rock Factory, Warren county, Georgia, osnaburgs, kerseys and cassimeres.
Milledgeville Factory, Milledgeville, Ga., osnaburgs, and kerseys.
Trion Factory, Chattooga county, Georgia, osnaburgs, kerseys and cassimeres.
Ivy Mills, Roswell, Geo., cassimeres.
Seven Islands, Butts county, Georgia, osnaburgs and kerseys.
Richmond Factory, Augusta, Georgia, kerseys.
Columbus Factory, Columbus, Georgia, shirtings, osnaburgs, kerseys and
cassimeres.
Howell's Factory, Morgan county, Georgia, osnaburgs and kerseys.
Eatonton Factory, Eatonton, Georgia, osnaburgs and kerseys.
Cooper & Tooke's Factory, Houston county, Georgia, osnaburgs and kerseys.
Houston Factory, Houston county, Geo., osnaburgs and kerseys.
Taylor Factory, Taylor county, Georgia, osnaburgs and kerseys.
Augusta Factory, Augusta, Georgia, shirtings, sheetings and drills.
White's Factory, Athens Georgia, osnaburgs and ducks
Newton Factory, Newton county, Georgia, osnaburgs and kerseys.
Scull Shoals Factory, Green county, Ga., osnaburgs.
Curtright's Factory, Green county, Georgia, shirtings, osnaburgs and ducks.
Roswell Factory, Roswell, Georgia, shirtings, sheetings, osnaburgs and ducks.
Grant's Factory, Columbus, Georgia, osnaburgs and ducks.
Macon Factory, Macon, Georgia, sheetings, osnaburgs and ducks.
Troup Factory, Troup county, Georgia, osnaburgs and ducks.
Rogers' Factory, Thomaston, Georgia, osnaburgs and ducks.
Upton Factory, Upson county, Georgia, osnaburgs and ducks.
Flint River Factory, Upson county, Ga., osnaburgs and ducks.
Sweet Water Factory, Cobb county, Ga., osnaburgs and ducks.
Monton Factory, Sparta, Geo., shirtings, sheetings, osnaburgs and ducks.
Swinnett Factory, Lawrenceville, Geo., shirtings, sheetings and osnaburgs.
The above Factories, nearly all, make a surplus of cotton yarns, which are now
readily sold and are being woven upon hand looms in the country, and there are
several small Factories that only spin yarn in the State, not included in the
above list.
Let our friends in the other States take down the figures and get as
nearly as possible the production of their different Factories, and we will soon
find out whether there is any just ground for the fears about a scarcity of
goods. Georgia is certainly,
to-day, producing largely more than she is consuming of the above named goods.
CHARLESTON
MERCURY, December 2, 1861, p. 1, c. 2
Manufactories in the South.--They have thirty factories in the State of
Georgia engaged in making cotton and woolen goods, besides several smaller
factories that only spin yarn. The
following is a statement of the works of the factories for one week:
202,000 yards of shirtings; 271,500 yards of osnabergs, stripes, drills
and denims; 54,000 yards of kerseys and lindseys [sic], and 22,900 yards of
jeans and cassimeres.
ATLANTA
[GA] SOUTHERN CONFEDERACY,
December 13, 1861, p. 2, c. 4
For the "Southern Confederacy."
Prices
of Domestic Manufactures.
Messrs. Editors: It is
complained that the manufacturers of woolen and cotton fabrics are taking
advantage of the national calamity to reap rich harvests from the necessities of
the government and the people. This
may be the case in some instances, but then there are honorable exceptions that
should be noted.
There is a mistaken notion abroad, however, that goods cost manufacturers
no more now than before the war. This
is a great mistake. It should be
recollected that wool is selling at over one hundred per cent. higher than last
year. This is not the fault of manufacturers, as it is to their
interests to keep the price down. And
what can be said of dyestuffs, oils, and every description of findings, that
enter largely into the cost of both woolen and cotton goods?
These articles are only to be had at from four to eight hundred per cent.
above last years prices. The writer
has no interest in the manufacture of either woolen or cotton goods, but desires
that justice should be done, and blame should not be laid at the doors of those
who are blameless.
The proprietors of the Ivy Woolen Mills, at Roswell, Ga., the Messrs. J.
R. & Thos. E. King, have done, and are doing, all that lies in their power
to furnish goods for our soldiers at a low price.
They have scarcely been making the usual manufacturing profits.
At the rate of five hundred yards per day, they have been furnishing an
excellent article of cadet gray for the army at eighty-five cents to one dollar
per yard, and in every instance where it was possible, directly
to the soldiers. Unfortunately,
however, in many instances they have been compelled to let speculators and
dealers have the goods, in order to get their wool and other materials.
Sweeping assertions denouncing all woolen manufacturers as speculators
upon the public necessity, are therefore improper, and a discouragement to the
worthy and honorable.
To my certain knowledge, the Messrs. Kings have been offered a large
advance on their regular prices, for their goods, by speculators, which they
have refused. Such instances of
patriotism and fidelity to our common cause should be favorably remembered by
the people of Georgia when happier times surround us, and should now be made an
exception to sweeping assertions of venality,
Maize.
DALLAS HERALD, December 18, 1861, p. 1, c. 3
Texas Wool.—A communication in the State Gazette estimates the number
of sheep now in Texas at 500,000, which is estimated will yield about one
million pounds of wool, one half of which is fine Marino, and the balance coarse
Mexican. The total product in all
the Confederate States is put down at about 12,000,000, just about half the
quantity produced by New York alone. Assuming
six pounds required for each person (the usual estimate) and it will require
about 90,000,000 to supply the Confederate States.
Hence we see that the demand must greatly exceed the production and of
course we have an ample market for the vast prospective increase of this great
staple product of our State. The
Richmond Enquirer says the machinery now at work in the manufacture of wool in
the Confederate States is more than sufficient for all the wool that can be
obtained.—Gal. News.
SAVANNAH [GA]
REPUBLICAN, January 1, 1862, p. 2, c. 1
There are thirty factories in Georgia engaged in making cotton and woolen
goods, besides several smaller factories that spin yarn only.
SAVANNAH [GA]
REPUBLICAN, January 1, 1862, p. 2, c. 3
Enamelled
Cloth Manufactory,
Macon, Georgia.
We are now successfully engaged in the above business, and in a few days
will have 1,000 yards ready, of a good quality, to be sold at wholesale.
Enclose stamp to us and get a sample.
Lovi & Burke.
DALLAS HERALD, January 8, 1862, p. 3, c. 1
A Laudable Enterprise.—Messrs. W. R. Moffett and W. T. Nance, are now
erecting in the town of Lancaster, in this county, a three story building, 36
feet square for Woolen and Cotton Manufactory.
The building is being put up with the design of adding to it, as the
business may demand.—For the present, they have only the machinery for carding
wool, and the carders will be set up and ready for work in time for the spring
clippings. During the summer other
machinery will be added as fast as it can be obtained, and ere many months have
rolled around we hope to see the Factory in full operation.
We have no doubt the enterprise will be attended with abundant success,
and we are at all times pleased to mention such indications of public spirit in
our midst.
AUGUSTA [GA] DAILY CHRONICLE & SENTINEL, February
25, 1862, p. 1, c. 1
Bellville Factory Burned.--We regret to learn that Bellville Factory,
Messrs. Geo. and Wm. Sculey, of this city, proprietors, was destroyed by fire
last (Tuesday) night, about nine o'clock. The
light was distinctly seen from the city. The
fire, as we are informed, originated by accident in the oil cloth department of
the building, and communicating to the turpentine, varnish and oil in use there,
obtained such speedy headway as to become unmanageable almost at once, and
admitted of but little time to save anything.
The Factory was insured to the extent of $20,000 (about one-fourth its
value)--$10,000 in the Virginia Marine and Fire Insurance Company, and $10,000
in the Southern Mutual. This is the
second time this Factory has been burned, having been destroyed about three
years ago. This time, the loss is
irreparable, it being impossible to replace the machinery; and the loss is a
public as well as a private calamity. It
is most serious to the proprietors, and not only deprives the Government of
manufactory much wanted, but throws out of employ a great number of industrious
poor, who were dependent on its successful operation.
SAVANNAH [GA]
REPUBLICAN, February 26, 1862, p. 1, c. 1
Destruction
of Schley's Mills.
Augusta, Feb. 25.—Schley's Cotton and Wool Factory, near Augusta, was
destroyed by fire last night. The
loss is very heavy and near two hundred people are turned out of employment.
CHARLESTON
MERCURY, March 20, 1862, p.1, c. 2
The Cotton Manufacturers of this State are making a rich harvest from the
necessities of the war. With the
raw material cheaper than it has been for many years, they have advanced the
price of the cloth most exorbitantly, charging 20 cents a yard for cloth which,
previous to the war, they sold at 10 cents a yard.
When peace again blesses us, we hope that these greedy fellows will be
remembered, and rewarded according to their desserts.--Raleigh Standard.
AUSTIN
STATE GAZETTE, March 22, 1862, p. 2,
c. 3
COTTON THREAD.--Wachovia Steam Mills, in Savannah, North Carolina, are
now spinning cotton thread. The article is scarce in the Confederacy, the North being our
whole dependence heretofore.
CHARLESTON
MERCURY, March 24, 1862, p. 2, c. 1
Praiseworthy Reduction in Prices.--The Georgia Factory and Athens Factory
have reduced the prices of yarns, osnaburgs, sheetings, &c.
They furthermore give preference to those dealers who conform to their
schedule of prices, rather than the speculator.
Soldiers' families are to be supplied at wholesale prices. This arrangement goes into effect on the first of April, and
continues until an agreement to change shall be made.
AUGUSTA [GA] DAILY CHRONICLE & SENTINEL, March
28, 1862, p. 1, c. 1
Domestic Cotton, Yarn, &c.--The Agents of the Athens and Georgia Factories
have advertised that after the first of April they will fill orders for goods at
the following prices:
For Yarns, wholesale, $150;
do. retail,
160;
For 7/8 Shirtings, 16 and 18c per yard;
Sheetings, 4.4, 18 and 20c per yard;
For 7/8 Osnaburgs, 8 oz., 16 and 18c per yard;
Duck for Tent cloth, 10 oz. goods 20 cts., 12 oz., 25 cents per yard.
NATCHEZ
DAILY COURIER, April 2, 1862, p. 1,
c. 4
Reduction in Prices. The Georgia
factory and Athens factory have reduced the prices of yarns, osnaburgs,
sheetings, etc. They furthermore
give preference to those dealers who conform to their schedule of prices, rather
than the speculator. Soldiers'
families are to be supplied at wholesale prices.
This arrangement goes into effect the first of April and continues until
an agreement to change shall be made.
ATHENS
[GA] SOUTHERN WATCHMAN, April 2,
1862, p. 2, c. 2
Georgia-Made
Bark Mills
Among the other
articles added to the list of manufactures of the Athens Foundry and machine
Works since the war began, we learn they are now making very superior Bark
Mills. With our increased demand
for leather, this is a very important matter, and we are pleased to learn that
those in operation have given perfect satisfaction.
They are put up in the latest and best style and can be furnished to any
extent demanded.
The same establishment, as we mentioned some time ago, are putting up
power-looms and other machinery for factories.
Their looms now running in the Athens factory perform their work just as
well as any looms can. Hurra [sic]
for home manufactures!
CHARLESTON
MERCURY, April 11, 1862, p. 1, c. 2
Patriotic.--J. Starke Simms, Esq., of Grindal's Shoals, Pacolet River,
So. Ca., has refused to allow any thing made in his factory to be sold for more
than it brought before the war. While
others have sold yarn at $2.00 to $2.25 per bunch, he has held it steadily at
$1.00.
COLUMBUS
[GA] ENQUIRER, April 15, 1862, p. 1, c. 8
The
Cotton Factories.
The Augusta Chronicle says:--The Augusta Factory has followed the
commendable example of the Athens and the Macon factories, and fixed the prices
of their cotton goods at rates below what could have been extorted from the
necessities of the people. It has
also provided that it will only sell to such merchants as will pledge themselves
not to charge at retail more than two cents per yard over the wholesale prices
they pay the Factory.
This is very well, but we must confess it would have come with a better
grace from the Cotton Factories had they done it before a storm of public
opinion was about to gather around them for their exorbitant profits.—Sav.
Rep.
COLUMBUS
[GA] ENQUIRER, April 22, 1862, p. 3, c. 6
The course of the Athens, Macon and Augusta factories in fixing the price
of their cotton goods at moderate rates, has met with universal commendation.
Mr. McCullough, near Gladden's Grove, Fairfield District, S. C., is
manufacturing and selling cotton yarn at $1 a bunch. This is a fair, even a liberal price, for the consumer to
pay, considering the price which he has to take for his cotton.—Charleston
Courier.
Would it not be well for the Georgia factories to imitate the patriotic
course of Mr. McCullough. Our
soldiers need socks. Our wives and
daughters are willing to knit them. The
factories throughout the country should, in a corresponding spirit of
liberality, aid this good work.
There is much deep and smothered indignation all over the land against
the greedy extortioner. Let the
Courts and Grand Juries make diligent inquiry in regard to the matter, and bring
guilty parties under inflections of the penal code, or the people, it is
believed, will take the remedy into their own hands and commit acts of
vengeance, which every good citizen should discourage and deplore.
The extortioners may be sure of one thing, that our soldiers will not be
permitted to fight their battles with bare backs and empty stomachs
whilst there are goods and provisions in the country.—Macon Mess.
DALLAS HERALD, May 10, 1862, p. 1, c. 3
Cotton Manufactures.
We have often had our attention called to the exorbitant prices demanded
for cotton fabrics and yarn, manufactured and spun in this and other Southern
States since the beginning of the war. With
the raw material more abundant and cheaper than it has been for years past,
cotton cloths and yarns have more than doubled in cost, not value, and
complaints loud and deep reach us from every quarter against these exactions of
the manufacturer. We ask why is
this? Will the manufacturer
explain, and, if he can, relieve us from the necessity of setting him down as an
extortioner, and denouncing him as such. We
should be pleased, however, to hear before we strike, though we doubt much
whether forbearance on our part, in this matter, may be justly esteemed a
virtue.
We are pleased, however, to see it announced that the "Georgia
Factory" and "Athens Factory" have reduced the prices of yarns,
osnaburgs, shirtings, &c., and that soldiers' families are to be supplied at
wholesale prices. The arrangement
will go into effect on the 1st proximo.
What the reduction will be, we are not advised, but trust that it will
meet the just expectations of the people. Live
and let live should be the governing rule in these trying times!
Drive the speculator and extortioner from his baneful pursuits, and the
South will the sooner achieve its independence.—Atlanta Intelligencer.
COLUMBUS
[GA] ENQUIRER, May 13, 1862, p. 3, c. 1
True Patriotism.—J. Starks Simms, Esq., of Grindal's Shoal, Pacolet
River, S.C. has refused to allow anything made in his factory to be sold for
more than it brought before the war. While
others have sold yarns at $2@2.25 per bunch, he has held it steadily at $1.
GALVESTON
WEEKLY NEWS, May 21, 1862, p. 1, c. 7
We are informed that there are now 209 convicts in the State Penitentiary, which
is now turning out near 6000 yards of osnaburg daily.
WASHINGTON
[ARK] TELEGRAPH, May 21, 1862
IMPORTANT MANUFACTORY.--The manufactory for cotton yarns in the neighboring
county of Pike is of such immense importance to our people just now, that it
might become an object of the enemy to destroy it....The prices charged are
moderate, being considerably below those charged by similar establishments in
Georgia and other parts of the South. This
is the only factory here accessible to our citizens.
People anxiously flock to purchase this necessary article from a hundred
miles distant, and that in such numbers as to render it impossible to supply the
demand.
SAVANNAH [GA]
REPUBLICAN, May 22, 1862, p. 1, c. 5
Roswell Factory.—The picking department was destroyed by fire on the 16th
inst., which will materially retard its operations for some time.—Macon
Messenger.
BELLVILLE [TX]
COUNTRYMAN, May 31, 1862, p. 1, c. 5
We are informed that there are now 209 convicts in the State
Penitentiary, which is now turning out near 6000 yards of Osnaburgs daily.
ATHENS
[GA] SOUTHERN WATCHMAN,
June 11, 1862, p. 3, c. 5
Cotton
Manufacturer's Notice.
After an experiment of
about three months, it is found to be impossible to fill all orders offered for
goods. We are therefore compelled
to change the mode of disposing of our productions--to discontinue retailing at
the Factory, and to make weekly sales by auction or otherwise, of which due
notice will be given so soon as the orders now on hand are filled up, and when
we get a quantity of goods worth offering.
John White, Ga. Factory.
John S. Linton, Athens.
June 11
Isaac Powell, High Shoals.
CHARLESTON
MERCURY, June 14, 1862, p. 1, c. 2
Soldiers'
Clothing for the Winter Campaign.
[From the Richmond Whig]
As we look for no relaxation of the blockade or cessation of the war,
until the Yankees shall be taught the impossibility of conquest, we ask the
attention of the Government to the important subject of clothing the soldiers
next winter. There is a great deal
of wool in the country, and a large crop of flax will, no doubt, be grown in
many parts of Virginia, North Carolina, and Tennessee; but cotton warp
constitutes the basis of all our textile fabrics.
How can the people obtain this indispensable article?
The coarse yarn spun by machinery is scarce and very costly; and though
we see the cotton burned in the face of the invader, raw cotton cannot be
obtained in many portions of the interior at any price.
There is a mechanical difficulty, also, which has impeded domestic
manufacture. Hand cards cannot be had at any price.
While our soldiers are in the field, there are at home thousands of
patriotic mothers and sisters, willing to toil in any way, and under any
disadvantage, for those who defend them. But,
in many cases, these patriotic women have neither material nor machinery to
manufacture the clothing and blankets their friends require.
We may anticipate a similar difficulty in regard to shoes and boots,
though there will be, we suppose, leather enough to produce a winter supply of
so indispensable an article.
Now, what can our Government do to provide for the winter wants of our
army? We answer, let it appoint
commissioners of manufactures within the sections of country prepared to conduct
the operations referred to, and assign to them as many skilled artizans,
detailed under authority of the Act of Congress, as may be necessary to give
effect to the object of army supply.
In the meantime the Government should purchase and distribute, at low
prices, quantities of raw cotton, and if possible wool, so as to employ the
industrious poor, who have the will to work, without the means to work.
These measures will cause domestic manufactures which still linger in
upper Virginia, Carolina, and Tennessee, to revive and furnish important aid to
the cause.
This plan, with the manufacture and distribution of hand cards, will meet
the emergency; for though the goods thus made may not be so good as we would
wish, they will be infinitely better than rags.
ATHNS
[GA] SOUTHERN WATCHMAN, June 18,
1862, p. 2, c. 1
Factory
Goods at Auction.
As our factories have resolved to sell their goods at auction hereafter,
the public can form some idea of the extent to which they will be *cheapened*,
by the following account of an auction sale of factory goods at Augusta the
other day:
Sale of Factory Goods.--At the sale of Augusta Factory Goods this
morning, the following prices were obtained:
7-8 Shirtings........................................28 1/4@28 5/8 cents.
4-4
Sheetings.......................................35 1/2@35 3/4
"
Drillings................................................36
1/8@36 1/4 "
Osnaburgs............................................39
@40 "
Auctioneer Griffin also sold at the same time a lot of Graniteville
Factory Goods, at the following rates:
7-8 Shirtings.......................................... @28
"
3-4 " .........................................22
1/8@22 1/2 "
4-4 " .........................................35
3/4@36
"
Drillings.................................................35 3/4@36 1/4
"
AUGUSTA [GA] DAILY CHRONICLE & SENTINEL, June
25, 1862, p. 1, c. 2
Fire at Newton Factory.--N. N. Edge, Esq., Agent of the Newton Factory,
writes us that at 7 o'clock on the evening of the 22d instant the alarm of fire
was given, when it was discovered that the cotton mill was burning; the north
end of the card room being in a blaze inside, and the whole building full of
heat and smoke. All was thought to
be lost, but through the promptness and self possession of the few men now
there, and the heroism of the women and girls, the fire was put out--doing but
little damage, except a day or two's lost time in rearranging.
How it originated is not known.--Confederacy.
COLUMBUS
[GA] ENQUIRER, August 5, 1862, p. 2, c. 3
Extortion
in Cotton Goods.
Since the adoption of the auction system for the sale of their fabrics by
the Augusta and other factories, the progress in the prices of such goods has
been steadily upward, until they have now attained figures astounding to
contemplate. The following are the
published prices obtained for Augusta Factory goods at the sale in that city on
Thursday last: 7/8 shirting 37 ˝@38c.
per yard; 4-4 sheeting 42 ˝@44 1/2c.; drilling and osnaburgs 30c. (the latter
to the Augusta Needle Women's Society.)
To a people deprived of other markets and compelled to have these goods,
and at the same time staggering beneath the load of other exactions and
monopolies, these prices are an incubus that threatens to suffocate them in
their hour of weakness. It is true
that the goods are sold at auction and in the face of open competition; but,
instead of being thus sold, as with goods in ordinary times, to persons who only
purchase because they can get them cheaper under the auctioneer's hammer, they
are put up in this way with a full knowledge that the necessities of the people,
excited by competition, will induce them to give more than the manufacturers can
venture to demand at private sale. The
goods are sold at auction, because a higher price can thus be exacted,
and not because a lower one than the current rates has to be accepted.
A crowd of greedy merchants attend the sales, all of whom have to
replenish their stocks at almost any price, well knowing that they cannot
purchase elsewhere, and that the necessities of the people generally will compel
them to buy the goods at whatever price. The
consequence is a spirited competition for the scant supply of goods offered, and
prices beyond figures that the manufacturers would feel safe in demanding at
private sale. These auctions,
viewed in this light, are more reprehensible than the "Peter Funk" or
mock auctions of the northern cities; because, while the latter decoy into their
meshes only the ignorant and unsuspecting few, stern necessity drives the great
mass of the people into the deadfalls baited with such necessaries of life and
comfort as cotton goods. And these
auctions regulate prices throughout the country.
If other manufacturers are not governed by them, the dealers whom they
supply are, and thus the consumer has to pay them, no matter where the goods
bought are manufactured.
These exactions by greedy monopolists are daily directing attention, with
increasing earnestness, to the question. What
remedy can be applied? The
Montgomery Advertiser suggests a remedy proposed by an old planter, who
asked the editor, "Why is it the Government seizes my mule at a lower price
than I was offered the day before for him, and, instead of seizing the goods of
provision speculators and manufacturing establishments, pays them exorbitant
prices for supplies?" The Advertiser
says that the manufacturers bought cotton at from 4 to 6 cents, and are now
selling osnaburgs at three or four times the prices when cotton cost them 10 or
15 cents. It blames the Government
for permitting extortion in provisions, manufactured goods, etc., to go on
unchecked so long, and suggests: "Let
the Government instruct its agents throughout the Confederacy that whenever more
than a fair and reasonable profit is demanded for the necessaries of life, the
articles shall be valued and bought for the public use."
We have reason to believe that the Government did contemplate such a
course of dealing with the manufacturers a short time since, and would have
taken charge of some of the factories had not the proprietors agreed to furnish
the Government with goods at about one half the prices now paid by the people.
We are reliably informed that a Government agent, with authority to take
possession of manufacturing establishments in case of intolerable extortion,
effected, about four weeks since, a contract with a cotton factory in this
State, for a very large amount of 4-4 sheeting at 20 cents per yard.
This is the description of goods that is now sold to the people, direct
from the factories and by the bale at 42c 44 1/2c.
If the factory can afford to sell these goods to the Government at 20
cents per yard, is it not guilty of extortion of the grossest kind in selling
them to the people at more than double that price?
We will not discuss the question whether the Government is discharging
its duty to the country in thus protecting only itself from extortion, and
leaving its people to the "tender mercies" of those whose model is a
compound of old Shylock and Benedict Arnold.
But we suggest to Gov. Brown whether the laws of Georgia are not violated
by so gross an extortion as this discrimination discloses, and whether, in view
of all the facts, he is not authorized to arrest such an imposition upon the
people as these auction sales of factory goods, and thenceforward see that the
act against monopoly and extortion is duly enforced.
MEMPHIS
DAILY APPEAL [GRENADA],
August 14, 1862, p. 1, c. 8
A Noble Example.--E. McGehee, proprietor of the Woodville Factory, we are
informed, has been and is still furnishing the quartermaster's department, for
the use of the army, with a good article of Lowels at twenty-five cents a yard,
and linseys at seventy-five cents a yard. He
refuses the current and exorbitant prices demanded by the haberdashers,
hucksters and Jew extortioners, and sells to the government to clothe its brave
and sometimes almost naked heroes at one-half the market price. What a noble example of disinterested and lofty
patriotism!--Mississippian.
COLUMBUS
[GA] ENQUIRER, August 19, 1862, p. 3, c. 1
Liberal and Patriotic.—We take pleasure in making public the
transaction referred to in the following receipt:
Richmond, July 25th, 1862.—Received of J. Rhodes Browne,
President of Eagle Manufacturing Company, Columbus, Ga., through the hands of
Major J. B. Ferguson, Jr., Five Hundred Dollars, to be appropriated to the use
of the sick and wounded soldiers at Richmond.
Mrs. G. W. Randolph.
We are assured that this Company, which has been largely engaged in
manufacturing cloth for the use of the army, has dealt with the Government on
terms more liberal and accommodating than any other establishment of the kind in
the country. We hear other
companies, and especially the Crenshaw Company in this city, spoken of as
evincing a much stronger disposition to feather their own nests, than to aid the
Government in protecting them and their property from the approach of the
robber. President Browne is laying up for his company treasure in the
grateful remembrance of the people, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt and
thieves do not break through and steal.—Richmond Whig, 13th.
SAVANNAH [GA]
REPUBLICAN, August 29, 1862, p. 1, c. 3
Oiled Silk and Enameled Cloth.—Among the many things we did not expect
to see manufactured in Macon was a handsome and durable article of black
enamelled cloth. We are quite aware
that attempts to make this article are very numerous, and result in a coarsely
daubed cotton canvass, which softens in the sun and rubs off with every
abrasion; but the highly polished, soft and durable enamelled cloth, as good as
was ever imported, is made in this place by Mr. S. J. Gustin, in large
quantities. He is fabricating it
into various articles for the army, and it is needless to say the demand is
greater than the supply. So of
oiled silk! he produces as beautiful an article as was ever seen, and though
behind orders, has furnished the medical department of the army with ten
thousand yards, and they certify it is equal or superior to the foreign article.
Oiled silk is used for protecting wounds from the atmosphere, and
represented to be almost indispensable in the army hospitals.—[Telegraph.
WASHINGTON
[ARK] TELEGRAPH, September 3, 1862
The cotton and wool may be had here in abundance, and willing hands to
manufacture it into clothing, but the means are wanting.
The old stock of cotton cards is being worn out by use.--There are only
two or three manufactories of spun thread in the whole department. The supply from these is so inadequate as to be unworthy of
consideration in estimating for a full supply for our army in this department,
and the citizens at home.
BELLVILLE [TX]
COUNTRYMAN, September 6, 1862, p. 1, c. 1
We call attention to the letter of Gov. Lubbock relative to the
manufacture of cloth at Huntsville, and its distribution.
To get cloth at Huntsville seems to be hopeless.
We advise everybody to go to making it.
GALVESTON
WEEKLY NEWS, September 10, 1862, p.
1, c. 2
Penitentiary Goods.--While citing attention to the following letter from our
Governor, we would state that we have just seen a letter from an officer of the
Penitentiary in reply to an inquiry for goods, stating that the orders now on
hand cannot be filled in less than from five to seven months, and that the
actual consumer cannot therefore get any, and of course the retailer and
speculator need not apply, as they are the last to be supplied.
Executive Department,
Austin, August 9th, 1862.
General John S. Besser, F. A., State Penitentiary Huntsville.
Sir: I find it impossible for me to
give attention to the many communications received in regard to the disposition
of goods manufactured at the Penitentiary.
I regret that the capacity of the institution is not sufficient to supply
the wants of the entire community.
As I have repeatedly said to you, our Texas soldiers in the service of
the Confederacy and State must be first cared for.
They are continually exposed to the vicissitudes of climate, weather,
&c., and to make them efficient they must be provided with clothing.
After you have supplied their wants, then their families should be
relieved to the utmost of your ability. Next
in turn should be provided the actual consumer.
While our country is in its present condition not one yard of cloth
should be sold to retailers or speculators.
In regard to the details of supplying cloth, it must be arranged by you.
I cannot undertake to act upon the many cases presented to me.
The officers of the Penitentiary are expected to discharge their duties
promptly, faithfully, impartially, and efficiently, and they will be held to
strict accountability for any dereliction of duty.
You can publish this letter for the benefit of the public, and adopt such
rules under the supervision of the directory, as to the distribution of cloth,
as will best subserve the public interest.
Yours very respectfully,
F. R. Lubbock.
Note--All communication to, or orders upon, the State Penitentiary, will be
addressed to Gen. John S. Besser, the Financial agent of that institution.
ATLANTA
[GA] SOUTHERN CONFEDERACY, September
16, 1862, p. 2, c. 3
Yarns
to be Distributed to the Needy.
Office Roswell Manufacturing Co.,
}
Roswell, Ga., Sept. 13, 1862. }
Editors Southern Confederacy:
In view of the pressing want of Cotton Yarn in most sections of the
country, the Roswell Manufacturing Company propose a gratuitous distribution, in
October next, of one thousand bunches of Yarn to the needy poor of the counties
of Cobb, Milton, Cherokee, Paulding, Pickens, Bartow, Fulton, Forsyth, DeKalb,
and Floyd. This will give to each
county one hundred bunches.
It is desired the Judges of the Inferior Court of each county should
interest themselves in the appointment of a Committee, whose pleasure,
doubtless, it will be, judiciously to dispose of the Yarn, and as the amount is
limited, not more than one bunch could be spared to each family.
The Yarn will be delivered to the order of the Judges of the Inferior
Court, any week day during the month of October; and this early notice is given
that those living remote from the court House may have an opportunity to make
timely application. If it were
possible, the list of counties would be cheerfully increased, but other sections
have mills near them, upon whose liberality they can doubtless depend for
supply.
Geo. H. Camp,
Agent Roswell Manufacturing Company.
SAVANNAH [GA]
REPUBLICAN, September 20, 1862, p. 1, c. 5
The Roswell (Cobb co. Factory)
proposes to distribute gratuitously one thousand bunches of yarn to the poor of
ten of the counties adjoining, during the month of October.
GALVESTON
WEEKLY NEWS, September 24, 1862, p.
1, c. 4
Augusta Factory Goods sold for the following prices at the sale this morning:
1-8 shirting, 41@42 cents; 4 4 sheeting, 45 1/4@ 45 3/4 cents.
Graniteville "Domestics sold as follows:
7 8 shirting, 42 1/2 cents; 3/4 shirting, 30 cents; 4-4 sheeting, 45 1/2@46
cents.
Hopewell Factors, 7 oz. Osnaburgs, sold for 45 1/2 cents.
Osnaburgs (8 ox.) manufactured by Gibbs & co., Columbia, sold for 49 1/4
cents.--Augusta Sentinel.
MOBILE REGISTER AND ADVERTISER, September 29, 1862, p. 2, c. 4
Roswell Factory.
Geo. H. Camp, Agent of the Roswell Manufacturing Company, proposes to
make a donation of one thousand bunches of factory yarn to the needy families of
ten counties, mentioned in his letter, which we publish to-day. As a citizen of one of the fortunate counties, we feel
thankful of course. But this is not
what we want. Reduce your prices
greatly, Mr. Camp! otherwise it
will be truly said of your donation—
"With one hand he put
A penny in the urn of poverty,
And with the other took a shilling out."
--Rome (Ga.) Southerner.
Yes, let prices be reduced. When
a mill uses four thousand or more pounds of cotton per day, on which a profit of
eighty cents per pound is made—with yarn at one dollar per pound—and the
public thus extorted upon, there is precious little merit in donating five
thousand pounds to ten counties. The
cost of the yarn is not one third of one day's profit.
We are the friend of the manufacturing interest.
On that subject we come nearer being of one idea than in any other.
We have desired that the introduction of manufactories should be
encouraged, and if they had been, the competition now would have kept prices
down; but we confess to some misgivings when we see persons asking exorbitant
prices for their goods because they know the people are compelled to have them,
and are obliged, therefore, to give what is asked.
We hear of one manufacturer who is now positively refusing to sell at
all, because he expects that yarn will be even higher than it is. May the Lord have mercy on his soul.—[Atlanta Commonwealth.
COLUMBUS
[GA] ENQUIRER, September 30, 1862, p. 1, c. 6
The Roswell (Cobb co.) Factory proposes to distribute gratuitously one
thousand bunches of yarn to the poor of ten of the counties adjoining, during
the month of October.
CHARLESTON
MERCURY, October 11, 1862, p. 2, c. 1
The Graniteville Factory--Liberality.--Mr. Wm. Gregg, President of the
Graniteville Factory Company, has recently given $7000 to the working people and
poor of Graniteville and vicinity. The Company has uniformed one military company from Edgefield
District complete; it has contributed $3000 towards equipping another; and Mr.
William Gregg, Jr., has given Miss Buie 150 yards of shirting for the soldiers.
MEMPHIS
DAILY APPEAL [GRENADA],
October 15, 1862, p. 2, c. 8
M'Allister's Advertisements.
J. C. McAllister,
Jackson, Missippi, [sic]
Has just received
5000 yds. English Ginghams,
4500 yds. " Poplins,
1500 yds. " Plaids,
1900 yds. Georgia Stripes,
50 gross Pearl Buttons.
Also--A large lot Cotton yarns all Nos., and fifty Slaes.
Come soon as they will go off like hot Buckwheat Cakes.
Osnaburgs, Sheetings, Shirtings and Drillings!
75 bales just received and for sale by J. C. McAllister, Jackson Miss.
J. C. McAllister,
Jackson, Miss.,
Has just received a good supply Grey cloths for Uniforms.
Crenshaw's best Grey,
English Tweeds Grey,
Cowpen Factory Grey,
Salem, N. C. Factory Grey.
J. C. McAllister.
COLUMBUS
[GA] ENQUIRER, October 21, 1862, p. 2,
c. 3
Letter
from "J. T. S."
Montgomery, Ala., Oct. 16, 1862.
Dear Enquirer: . . .
At an appointed hour, in your city, on Monday last, the heretofore long
sealed doors of the Eagle Manufacturing Company were thrown open, and the
families of the soldiers permitted to supply themselves with cloths at prices
almost nothing in comparison to those charged by the sharks of Columbus.
The opportunity was a glad one to the poor, and they very numerously
availed themselves of it. Every one bought just what their wants required, but the
speculators were ruled out. I went
down with the rest, and laid in my humble supply for my wife and little ones and
servants. I found there that best
of men, J. Rhodes Browne, the Prince of Southern manufacturers, up to his eyes
in personal attention of the work and dealing out with uniform politeness the
great desideratums of the hour. Much
credit is due him for the perfection to which he has brought the cotton and wool
manufacturing in Columbus, and much credit is his share for having furnished so
great an amount of good cloth to clothe and tent our army in the field.
Me he prosper as he deserves! I
offer him my thanks for the cloth which he presented me, to have made into a
genuine Confederate suit, to shield me from a cold Virginia winter.
My memory from comfort will often revert to his appropriate give when
snow does most abound.
ATHENS
[GA] SOUTHERN BANNER, October 22,
1862, p. 3, c. 1
Athens
Factory.
The Agent of this Factory determined a week or so ago to sell thread at $3 per bunch for a given time, and adopt the miller's rule, "first come, first served." The hour for selling was from 8 to 9 o'clock each morning. Hundreds of p