Charleston Mercury
May 1, 1861
The annual recurrence of this day, usually devoted to the festivities of those in the early season of life, finds our young men in the tented field and our maidens more thoughtful for the future. The May Pole is not raised, the festoons of flowers, with odors sweet, are not wreathed over the heads of the innocent dancers. As an evidence, however, of the patriotic remembrance of the fair sex, on this May Day, we have to acknowledge the receipt of a superb wreath of flowers of elaborate workmanship, accompanied by this request: ‘Will the Editor of THE MERCURY be kind enough to place this wreath in the hands of the Chairman of the Committee of Citizens who have charge of the Secession Gun, with the request that it be used to crown it on this May Day morning.’
In obedience to this polite request, we shall be pleased to deliver it to the patriotic gentleman of the Committee this morning.