February 2, 1861; The Charleston Mercury
FORT PALMETTO. – COLE’S ISLAND. – One of our brave volunteers, writing to us, from this point says:
‘This has been quite an exciting day. At 12 o’clock, we were formed into line, and marched to the fort, when we fired six guns in honor of the Seceding States. As the first gun was fired, a large Palmetto flag was hoisted to the top of the flagstaff, which measures seventy five feet, and was made by us here on the spot, having carved on its base, ‘La Lafayette Artillery, January 31st, 1861.’ After which, three hearty cheers were given for the ‘Southern Confederacy’- three more for our ‘Noble and gallant Captain POPE’- and three more for glorious old State of South Carolina.’This day we finished the fort, and now, thank God, we are fully prepared to treat our Yankee friends to a dose of Carolina balls in French style.
‘After we had retired, some fifty negros, who had assisted in building ditches, &c., assembled on the ramparts around the flagstaff and gave utterance to the following sentiment: ‘We are de first dat cum to dis fort – we work on til finish – tree chairs for Palmetto Fort – tree chairs for Capen POPE, and tree more for Sous Carolina.’ The enthusiasm with which these cheers were given would have amazed the old Railsplitter himself. After which they all dispersed to their homes about the several Islands singing ‘Dixie.’
‘Now, then, are our little band of ‘La Fayettes’ in sole possession of Coles’ Island, including Bird Key and Stono Inlet. We fear naught; we are ready for whatever may occur.’