January 24, 1861, The Charleston Mercury
It is indeed a goodly sight to see the spirit with which the people of the South are hastening to offer substantial aid towards the defence of Charleston. Almost daily our columns contain acknowledgments of liberal and unsolicited contributions in money from citizens of our sister States. Not content with this, scores of gallant Southerners, from beyond our borders, are coming into our city to vie with the sons of the Palmetto Republic for the post of peril.
We learn that F. POPHAM, Esq., a member of the last Virginia Legislature, is now doing duty as a private in the ranks of the Carolina Light Infantry.
Yesterday Messrs. J. M. SABLETT and THOMAS ANDERSON, both of Yazoo city, Mississippi, arrived to tender their services to sustain our cause. They report that they left large numbers in their immediate neighborhood who are ready to come the moment they are needed.