Charleston Mercury
April 19, 1861
We suggest to our friends that no more powder should be wasted in salutes and military demonstrations. The tocsin of war has been sounded, and we know not the hour when it may be upon us. It is well, therefore, that we should not only keep our powder dry, but that we should waste as little of it as possible…. and by husbanding all our resources, we shall be better prepared for any emergency that may arise.