Sugar Planter [West Baton Rouge, LA], November 17, 1860
For some days past there has been much talk of forming three military companies in this parish. It is suggested that one cavalry, one artillery, and one infantry company be raised, organized, and equipped, and when necessary, to offer their services to the Governor, or to do so at once. We hope the gentlemen who have, or are about to take this important matter in hand, will not flag in their exertions until completely successful in every particular.—Whether the services of these companies are ever called into requisition or not, is a matter of minor importance compared with the great necessity of having our citizens trained to the use of military weapons and tactics. Taking the southern people as a whole, they are neither deficient in courage or intelligence, but at times the most courageous give way before the experience and skill of those far beneath them. Let us arm say we—and the sooner the better.