February 5, 1861; The Charleston Mercury
The Carolina Light Infantry have now been on duty, without intermission, since the 27th of December last. On Saturday, 2d inst., a little incident broke in upon the routine of their military discipline at Fort Morris which will not soon be forgotten by those present on the occasion. The Light Infantry, cherishing the high esteem and regard for the Colonel of the First regiment of Rifle which his gentlemanly bearing and military proficiency had given birth to while he held the office of First Lieutenant of the corps, determined to present him with a testimonial of their confidence and appreciation. Through Messrs. HAYDEN & WHILDEN, a handsome sword was manufactured to order, bearing upon the blade the Palmetto,’and upon the scabbard the devices of South Carolina; near the top a Lone Star, in the centre a well executed Palmetto, and near the end a silver Crescent. Upon the guard was a silver tablet, inscribed:
COL’N J. JOHNSTON PETTIGREW,
From his brother soldiers of the Carolina Light Infantry,
December 27th, 1860.
This date recording the investing of Castle Pinckney by the troops under his command. The sword was presented in the presence of the Staff and Field Officers of the Regiment and the Carolinas, by Capt. PINCKNEY, in a happy and most appropriate address, and received by the Colonel in a speech which drew closer, if possible, the ties which bind the company to its old Lieutenant. After the presentation, speeches were made, and sentiments offered by many of the guests, who heartily joined the corps around the festive board. After partaking of the collation, the company formed into line, and marched to where a new battery is being erected, and spent the balance of the day in forwarding a work which, God grant, may soon belch forth iron arguments against the enemies of Carolina, and be instrumental in advancing the honor of the worthy recipient of the sword of the Carolinas, and the troops under his command at Fort Morris.