March 5, 1863, The Charleston Mercury
In humiliating ourselves as a people, under the calamities brought upon us in this cruel war, we are called upon to recognize the chastening hand of an Omnipotent, Just and Gracious Father. And, while considering our sins as a people, and confessing that have left undone those things which we ought to have done; and we have done those things which we ought not to have done, it is eminently proper to examine our conduct in regard to civic and political duties.
The people of the Confederate States are now under the rod of discipline. Have they in the past exercised their individual duties as citizens, earnestly and intelligibly, for the good of the country; or have they abused their privileges, devoting time and attention to private interests, and leaving those in office to dispose of public affairs in a manner agreeable to their own views and interests, and without republican accountability? Have they not been too ready to listen to the flattering tales of demagogues, rather than to the voice of truth and soberness? Have they not been too ready to see the future prospects of the country bartered away in compromises for present ease, and for the mere postponement of difficulties? Have they not been too ready to relieve themselves of responsibility and the proper exercise of intelligent judgment, by transferring it upon those in office, and following blindly and subserviently? How stands the case?