Page 73 - Arkansas Confederate Women

66 Confederate Women of Arkansas

whereby to reach the Southern army. For until the last the

women never ceased their labors, though hardships and priva-
tions encompassed them about.

I have only touched on a portion of the part which the

women of Union county Arkansas, played in the dark and try-
ing days of the Civil war. But I most sincerely trust that this
imperfect sketch may give some conception, however feeble, of
the heroism, the self-sacrificing spirit which inspired the women

of the section of the state of which I have written ; and that com-

ing generations may recall their labors, sufferings and sacrifices

with just pride and profound reverence.

DISPOSAL OF "REBEL" WOMEN.

(Extracts from official orders.)

Headquarters Seventeenth Army Corps, Provost Marshal's

Office.

Vicksburg, Dec. 27, 1863.

The following named persons, Miss Kate Barnett, Miss El-

la Barnett, Miss Laura Latham, Miss Ellie Martin, and Mrs.

Mary Moore, having acted disrespectfully towards the president

and government of the United States, and having insulted the

officers, soldiers and loyal citizens of the United States, who

had assembled at the Episcopal church in Vicksburg on Christ-

mas day for divine service, where the officiating minister prays

for the welfare of "the president of the United States and all

others in authority," are hereby banished and will leave the

Federal lines within forty-eight hours, under penalty of impris-

onment.

Hereafter all persons, male or female, who by word, deed

or implication, do insult or show disrespect to the president,

government or flag of the United States or any officer or soldier

of the United States, upon matters of a national character,

shall be fined, banished or imprisoned, according to the gross-

ness of the offense.

By order of

MAJOK-GENERAL M'PHERSON,
JAMES WILSON,

Lieutenant-Colonel, Provost Marshal, Seventeenth Army Corps.