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February 18, 1863, The Charleston Mercury

Another page, full of interest, and of glory too, we trust, is soon to be added to the history of the war. The enemy is gathering vast fleets and armies upon our coast, and all the indications warrant the belief that, ere many days, they will be hurled against our city. We print to day the Proclamation of our General, warning the non-combatants that it is time for them to retire, and calling upon our fighting men, from the mountains to the seaboard, to rally to the defence of Charleston.

We have serious work before us. The enemy’s assault, so long deferred, will, for that reason, be the more formidable. Every agency that human power and ingenuity, urged on by devilish hate, can command, will be used to capture or destroy the […..] bed of the rebellion.’ The blow that is about to fall may be the last we shall receive in the struggle for our independence, but it will be dealt with all the strength of despair. The foe comes with the avowed purpose to sack our homes and plough our streets with his round shot; and, should his power prove equal to his malice, that will be no empty threat.

We are ready for the ordeal. The brave soldiers who man the fortifications which belt the old city on every side, as eager to meet their expected assailants, and test the value of the defences which have cost so many months of patient toil. Our matchless little naval squadron will have the long- desired opportunity to encounter the Yankee iron-clads. And, come what may, we have the cheering assurance from our General that the city shall be held. Let each man do his duty, in the approaching hour of our trial, and Charleston, which opened this bloody struggle, will flush it in a second triumph.