April 10, 1863, The Charleston Mercury
HEADQUARTERS,
DEPARTMENT OF SO. CA., GA. AND FLA.,
CHARLESTON, S. C., April 10, 1863
(General Orders No. 55)
The Commanding General is gratified to have to announce to the troops the following joint resolutions unanimously adopted by the Legislature of the State of South Carolina:
‘Resolved, That the General Assembly reposes unbounded confidence in the ability and skill of the Commanding General of this Department and the courage and patriotism of his brave soldiers, with the blessing of God, to defend our beloved city, and to beat back our vindictive foes.
Resolved, That his Excellency the Governor be instructed to communicate this resolution to Gen. Beauregard.’
Soldiers! the eyes of your countrymen are now turned upon you on the eve of the second anniversary of the 13th of April, 1861, when the sovereignty of the State of South Carolina was triumphantly vindicated within the harbor which we are now to defend. The happy issue of the action on the 7th instant – the stranded, riddled wreck of the iron-mailed Keokuk – her baffled coadjutors, forced to retire beyond the range of our guns, have inspired confidence in the country that our ultimate success will be complete. An inestimably precious charge has been confided to your keeping, with every reliance on your manhood and enduring patriotism.
By command of Gen. BEAUREGARD.
(Signed) THOMAS JORDAN,
Chief of Staff.
(Official:)JNO. M. OTEY, A. A. G.