ABSTRACT
Gentlemen,—Every Englishman must feel proud of the generous response which is being made to the call for the relief of the widows and orphans of the brave fellows who are laying down their lives for their country’s good, and it is fervently to be hoped that nothing will occur to damp the ardour which has so far prevailed in this national movement. It is with this view that I venture to call your attention, and that of the public, to a report in circulation, in order that it may be duly investigated. According to military law it appears no soldier is allowed to marry without the consent of his commanding officer, and the number of wives in each regiment is restricted. This precaution is no doubt requisite, but there are cases where it is evaded, and to these my remarks are intended more particularly to apply. Many instances occur where soldiers marry without consulting their officers, and many enlist as single who are already married. Now, gentlemen, it is rumoured that the widows, in such cases, will not be permitted to share in the national tribute to the bravery of our troops. But I trust no such exclusion will be sanctioned by the royal commission. The fund now being raised is a voluntary contribution, independent of military regulations and restrictions, and is intended for the widows and orphans of “all soldiers who have fallen, or may fall, in the present war.” Let us, then, have no exclusiveness. When the orders to charge were given in the recent sanguinary engagements, no exceptions were allowed, and none were required; but all marched together, shoulder to shoulder, to shed their heart’s blood for their country, in the full assurance that, if they fell, their wives and children would be cared for by the British nation. Let us, then, discard all invidious distinction, where all are equal sufferers; and let every true and faithful soldier’s wife who may unfortunately be widowed in the present struggle be allowed the full benefit of the Patriotic Fund.—Yours, &c.,
