Ribald Classic: The Ladies' Aid
October, 1973
When the confederacy became troubled by a shortage of niter, which was essential to the production of gunpowder, an enterprising agent of the Niter and Mining Bureau in Selma, Alabama, decided to try an untapped source. On October 1, 1863, he inserted in the Selma Sentinel the following notice:The ladies of Selma are respectfully requested to preserve all their chamber lye collected about their premises for the purpose of making niter. Wagons with barrels will be sent around for it by the subscr...
