March 5, 1863, The Charleston Mercury
The Yankee newspapers have latterly abounded in circumstantial accounts of the defences of Charleston harbor, which neither deserters from any particular post nor scouting parties, by day or by night, could possibly obtain. Information being essential to their military operations, it is reasonable to suppose the enemy has employed spies to come into Charleston by land, railroad or water, and to gather carefully the intelligence desired in regard to the different points. What has been already done in this way, of course, is beyond remedy. But our preparations are daily augmenting, and continually improving in strength and completeness, and it is exceedingly important to prevent the further knowledge of our affairs from transpiring, to the aid and benefit of the foe. We, therefore, call attention to the subject, in order to excite our soldiery, guards and detectives to the utmost attainable vigilance and energy. Death is the penalty of spies, and the law is rigidly enforced. Hence those who would here undertake so ticklish a service are apt to be men of sang froid and mental resources, calculated to deceive and unsuspicious and unwary. Too much has, perhaps, already leaked out through these audacious visitors coming into the city in disguise and mingling amongst our people. It is high time to be on the qui vive, and for the safety of the place to make an example. Let one or two be found and arrested. Their fate will soon stop the business.