April 15, 1863, Charleston Mercury
That noble charity, the Free Market of Charleston, is, we regret to learn, badly in need of support. Nearly eight hundred families of soldiers now in the service are dependent upon this beneficent institution for sustenance. A heavy outlay is required to meet the wants of so many worthy and destitute persons. The expense foots up fully $10,000 per month, and the task of providing this large amount has fallen of late upon a small number of liberal gentlemen. But the burthen has now grown too heavy for them longer to sustain alone, and unless our citizens come to their aid, the Free Market, which is already $5000 in debt, must close on the 5th of May. We trust, for the fame and humanity of Charleston, that this good enterprise, which is absolutely indispensable for the alleviation of want in our midst, will not be suffered to fall to the ground in this the crisis of our fortunes as a community.