July 3, 1863, The Charleston Mercury
The success of a small military force, aided by citizens, in driving back an enemy numbering several thousand, from Knoxville, affords, says the Savannah Republican, an encouraging example of what the people can do for the protection of their homes when both their hearts and hands are enlisted in the work. Let every community take courage from the experience of Knoxville. Every man who is able to load or shoot a gun should at once go into a company of home guards and keep his shot gun bright for the day of need. Everybody is willing to fight, but the difficulty lies in a want of organization, which is necessary for prompt and harmonious action in cases of emergency. Without it the confusion that must ensue on an alarm will benefit the enemy by preventing everything like an effective movement against him. With nobody to command, we shall become a disorganized and frightened mob, and a hindrance to the military instead of a support.
Then let all the citizens of the Confederate States organize at once into military companies, appoint their officers, agree on signals and a place of rendezvous, and then disperse abut their business, but keeping ever ready for the foe.