from the Mobile Register and Advertiser, February 3, 1864

Encouragement to Fat Volunteers.--Many of the fattest and bravest men in the Confederacy are afraid to go into the army less they should be unwieldy or incapable of rendering service. This is a mistake. Some exceedingly fat men are now in the service. Gen. Humphrey Marshall served for two years. But, to set the matter at rest, we need only cite the example of Chiapin Vitelli, one of the ablest generals who accompanied Alva of the Netherlands -- Stroda said of him, “He was equally distinguished for his courage, his cruelty, and his corpulence. The last characteristic was so remarkable that he was almost monstrous in his personal appearance. His protuberant stomach was always supported in a bandage supported from the neck; yet, in spite of this enormous impediment, he was personally active on the battlefield and performed more service, not only as commander, but as subaltern, than many a younger and lighter man.” Be of good cheer, therefore, fat men; procure your bandages and go in -- [Whig]