January 5, 1861, The Charleston Mercury
A detachment of the Richardson Guard, Lieut. C.H. AXSON, were out on duty Sunday afternoon. Another platoon passed the MERCURY office yesterday afternoon, under the command of Lieut. BOAG.
The detachment of Citadel Cadets who have been on the seashore since the first of January, passed our office yesterday on their way to the Citadel, to resume their studies. By their skill and energy the first battery was erected for the defence of Charleston: by their admirable gunnery Federal insolence was checked, and the Star of the West, with her warlike crew, was sent back without having accomplished her stealthy mission. It is well that their duties on the field should now be changed to that of the Academy. They will be thus enabled to make preparation for the future. The Executive knows full well, that at the tap of the drum lads in gray will answer to roll call and gladly receive the order, ‘Forward!’ particularly if a visit is to be paid to Capts. DOUBLEDAY or FOSTER, in Fort Sumter. The Cadets were escorted to the steamer, on their departure, by the Washington Light Infantry, who turned out in large numbers, as a compliment to their old friends. As soon as the steamer started, the Washington Light Infantry gave three cheers, which the Cadets returned with a tiger. They will be missed by the entire garrison, for their places cannot be well supplied.
The Palmetto Riflemen, Capt. MELCHERS, in a gray fatigue suit, passed through Broad street on parade yesterday; the ranks were full, and we doubt not the Captain and his command are ready for any emergency that may arise.
Washington Light Infantry. – Rev. A. TOOMER PORTER, Chaplain – in spite of the rain storm – paid his accustomed visit to the Washington Light Infantry’s quarters, on Sunday afternoon, where divine service was performed. Owing to the inclemency of the weather, the Chaplain was persuaded to remain over night, and, we learn, was comfortably cared for until Monday morning. A strong attachment has grown up between this command and their chaplain.
On Monday, Major CAPERS called for twenty volunteers from the Washington Light Infantry, to take the place, temporarily, of the Cadets, in one of the batteries, and upon requesting all so disposed to step three paces to the front, the entire company moved forward. We learn that the Major at once proceeded to the battery with the men and commenced drilling them to the use of the heavy guns. The health of the troops on Morris Island is good, and the men manage to keep dry in spite of the drenching rains.