January 4, 1861, Richmond Enquirer
This city was never before within our recollection, in such a state of excitement. The all-absorbing topic of conversation is the action of South Carolina, and on every man’s lips there is an eager cry of ‘What’s the news?’- and bulletin boards are watched for each new message, with intense eagerness. Let all our readers North understand this plainly, that the excitement here is not that of fear or submission. On the contrary, there is the utmost determination on all hands that this State shall never be pressed by the foot of an invader without resistance being offered to the very death. ─ Let it be understood, too, that South Carolina has the sympathy of the immense bulk of our citizens, and that she will be assisted and fought for to the bitter end. Some time ago there was an idea abroad, that there was a large body of submissionists among us, but that idea is now, indeed, a fallacy. ‘Fight’ is in every man’s mouth, and whoever assaults this old State will be encountered by such an uprising of our people, as will prove her to be a faithful and most loyal devotee of the motto on her banner ─ ‘Sic Semper Tyrannis’ ─ fighting for our homes and firesides, for State Rights and the rights of the South. We have a just cause, and for that cause we will do battle, every man of us, with all the power and strength in us.