March 14, 1863, The Charleston Mercury
War is now, by necessity and the law of self-preservation, the occupation of the people of the Confederate States. War, vigorous, energetic war, is the only road to Peace, and the only mode of achieving our Independence. Active, untiring, vigilant preparation is the business of the hour. – And the success or failure of the coming campaign, upon which so much depends of weal or woe, is very much bound up in the earnest, timely and conscientious exertions of the officers charged with the execution of the conscript law and with the collection of stragglers absent from their posts of duty. The public eye should now be intently fixed upon enrolling officers and surgeons detailed on this vital service. Triflers and pleasure seekers in such positions should be made to feel the frown of every community where their idleness or inefficiency is practised. Surgeons who examine in a mood of good natured accommodation to ailing competents, and soother their consciences by the satisfaction they give, should be taught by public opinion the wrongs they perpetrate on their country wrestling for life in a dreadful struggle. And what words of contumely and scorn can be too strong for those who, capable of striking for the right in such a cause, skulk and dodge, and deprive the country of defence to the whole extent of their own capacity to fight. Let the women of the country drive them forth.