April 15, 1863, The Charleston Mercury
As the grand attack on Charleston seems, for the present, to have fizzled out in the repulse of the iron-plated fleet, and since the reduction of Vicksburg appears to be now abandoned by the withdrawing enemy, we look to Tennessee for the next scene in the drama of the war. We trust that the army has been strengthened sufficiently to do its work of redemption, both in that State and in Kentucky. Gen. JOSEPH E. JOHNSTON is a host in himself. If he is adequately provided, we entertain no doubt of the result.
Meantime, our skulking foe may bother and annoy us on the coast of South Carolina, until further preparations and consultations lead to a renewed movement on a scale of magnitude. The enemy can operate with tolerable impunity, as regards climate, to the end of May or middle of June, and there is still time enough left to try a campaign or siege. But the late fizzle cannot fail to demoralize and weaken the foe. Let us, therefore, be vigilant, and relax no exertion.