Baptists and the American Civil War: May 1, 1861

Richmond, VirginiaMaryland thus far has remained in the Union, and the New York Times declares that the state’s loyalty is now secure. The state’s remaining with the United States is crucial for President Lincoln’s strategy of maintaining the loyalty of the border states in order to slow the momentum of the Confederacy.

In Virginia, many Baptist women are yet hard at work preparing clothing and supplies for Confederate soldiers, as recently reported in the Richmond Daily Dispatch:

The Ladies’ Sewing Circle of Clay Street Baptist Church (Rev. Mr. Willis) has tendered its services to the Governor, to prepare lint, bandages and uniforms for our soldiers, and their offer has been accepted. They will meet this morning, at 9 o’clock, at the Clay street Baptist Church, on 4th, near Clay street, to commence the execution of their work.

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