July 3, 1863, The Charleston Mercury
The work which is now progressing in our harbor, for the defence of Charleston, is sadly impeded from the want of carpenters. Several of these artizans can find steady employment in a pleasant locality in the harbor, besides they will have the gratification of knowing that their labor has been contributed to the holiest of causes. It is to be hoped that owners of colored carpenters throughout the state will patriotically endeavor to assist our authorities by the labor under their control.