March 22, 1861; The Charleston Mercury
A correspondent suggests that the day Fort Sumter is to be evacuated be made a day of public rejoicing in Charleston – a general holiday, with thanksgiving and an illumination. For our part, we doubt the propriety and good taste of any such grand demonstration. The retirement of seventy men from the possession of a fortress in our harbor, which they have held three months, and leave only because of the difficulty of getting reinforcements and supplies, through the erection of batteries which we, their enemies, have been permitted to construct under their guns, is not, we think, an occasion that will justify, before the world, the flourish of a general jubilation. We may all be glad and thankful that none of our blood has been spilt in our bay, while the coercive intentions of our foes have been foiled here by our preparations. Providence has helped us much. But it seems to us more in accordance with true dignity, the merits of the affair and the habits of Carolinians, not to exhibit the appearance of being overjoyed. A delicate illumination, with a positive prohibition of fire crackers, we should not object to. But the revolution is not yet ended, and we should not begin to halloo too much or too soon.