February 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.