(Circular) to t 
 Conf Pam 12mo #192 
 
Confederate States of America, 
 
 SUBSPSTENCE DEPARTMENT, 
 
 Richmond, February 20, 1865. 
 
 To the Officers of the Subsistence Department, Confederate States : 
 
 In assuming tlie duties of Commissary General, I call for 
 a very active co-operation from every oflScer of the Subsistence Depart- 
 ment. 
 
 Our military reverses have not diminished the difficulties of supply — 
 but on that account the greater the necessity for effort and the greater 
 the pride of success. 
 
 Embarrassed finances and interrupted communications do not take 
 from the military difficulties — but therefore the greater the necessity for 
 patriotic appeals to a people who have never yet refused when properly 
 approached. 
 
 The popular misappreciation of the Commissary service, so often the 
 excuse of the indifferent, may not tend to incite the deserving officer to 
 redoubled efforts: yet that effort must be made, and with redoubled zeal, 
 tact, patience and judgment. Officers of this all-important service can 
 make it respected in defiance of present public sentiment, and they will 
 be expected to do so. 
 
 In the same spirit, therefore, that their Head undertakes a charge so re- 
 sponsible, will every officer, agent and subordinate be expected to act 
 and to work. Lot all resolve that our armies must and shall be fed. 
 
 X M. ST. JOHN, 
 
 Commissary General. 
 
p /5; 
 
Hollinger Corp. 
 pH8.5