Every little bit helps - 1861 Confederate Half Dollar
From The New-York Times August 8, 1861:
A NEW DODGE.
The Louisville Journal of Aug. 3 says:
“It is a fact that genteel little girls in this city, nine or ten years old, representing themselves as sent out by their fathers, gentlemen of social position, have been going within the last two or three days, and probably are going still, from family to family, soliciting subscriptions for the Southern Confederacy, and raising perhaps a dollar in one house, a quarter in another, and a dime or half a dime in a third.
This is pitiful to the last degree. Of course the little girls are not to blame; but what is to be thought of the fathers that thus employ their children, and what of the Southern Confederacy that thus employs the fathers? If the Southern Government, at this early stage of the war, is really reduced to the necessity of establishing such a system of petty mendicancy, it might as well close up its affairs at once and step out the world.”
Christopher Memminger, CSA Secretary of the Treasury
Certainly the Confederacy was developing other ways to finance itself and the war.
From The New-York Times August 4, 1861:
CONFEDERATE BONDS.
The Richmond Dispatch, of July 28, says: “Mr. MEMMINGER stated yesterday to the Bankers’ Convention that the Treasury Department had, for the first time, on that day, received proof impressions of the Confederate State Bonds, which will soon be issued in sums of $5, $10, $20 and $50. As these bonds will be received as bank notes by all the Southern banks, they will form a very convenient currency, and we are glad to find the measure has been adopted, and have no doubt the people will readily aid in their circulation.”
Christopher Gustavus Memminger served as Treasury secretary for the Confederacy until June 1864. He had his hands full trying to finance the war. Those Louisville girls apparently did help: “Early on (in the first half of 1861), when the support for the separation from the Union and the military effort was running strong, the donation of coins and gold to the government accounted for about 35% of all sources of government funds.”
Kentucky was officially neutral at this time.
The above photo of the CSA Half Dollar minted at New Orleans is licensed by Creative Commons.
CSA $15 bond coupon
