April 11, 1861; The Charleston Mercury
Yesterday was another day with our military men. From daybreak until sunset, and far into the night, steamers were constantly plying to and fro between the city and the batteries, transporting men, provisions and munitions of war. As for the probability of a fight, and that right soon, most people have come to regard it as a fixed fact, and we may add that it is regarded as equally certain that our brave boys at the batteries will not unbeseem their ancestry, and that the hireling invaders sent by LINCOLN will have cause to rue the day they set foot upon the soil of South Carolina.
THE COLUMBIA COMPANIES.
In response to the telegraphic order of Colonel KERSHAW, the two companies in Richland District, attached to his (the second) regiment, promptly left their homes and started for Charleston. The Guardian, in noticing their departure, says:
They were escorted to the Railroad depot by the ‘Old Guard’ of the Richland Volunteer Rifle Company, the Emmet Guards, the College Cadets and the Independent Fire Engine Company. Their escort was still more honorable by the spontaneous turn out of a majority of our citizens, and we were gratified to see a large number of the ladies of the city honoring the occasion by their presence. Brief addresses to the companies were made by Dr. Wm. Reynolds, of this city, and Mr. Fleming, of Sumter. We saw many eyes filled with tears, which were unused to such demonstrations of feeling, and we know that the bitter pang of separation was felt in many bosoms where manhood and patriotism forbade an outward expression. Richland District has done nobly in this emergency. With the two companies which leave today (Capt. Booker’s and Capt. Ray) she will have six companies in service, nearly averaging one hundred men each.
Having arrived in Charleston at 3 o’clock, the Governor Guards marched to town to Southern wharf and embarked. On their way to the wharf they halted in front of THE MERCURY Office and presented arms, a compliment for which, troublous times like these, we return our acknowledgments. The Guards were placed on duty at Fort Johnson, where they will have good quarters and, we hope, a pleasant time. The Columbia Greys are now also on duty in the harbor. Both are splendid looking companies, numbering about seventy men each. We understand that Captain GARY, of the ‘College Cadets,’ has also come from Columbia to tender the services of his company to the Governor.
OTHER COMPANIES OF THE SECOND REGIMENT.
Besides the Columbia companies there are now in the field, belonging to the Second Regiment, the following companies: The Richland Guard (Riflemen), Capt. BOOKTER; the Salem Company (Infantry), Capt. LACOSTE; the States Rights Guards, Capt. D. W. RAY; the Claremont Rifles, Capt. SPAIN; as well as detachments of companies which have for some time been on service.
The whole of the Second Regiment is now in the field, with the exception of the Lancaster Company and Major BARNES, who are detained only by the difficulty of transportation, and may soon be expected.
THE HEADQUARTERS OF THE REGIMENT.
The headquarters of Colonel KERSHAW was transferred yesterday morning at 10 o’ to Morris Island. Three companies of the regiment are on detached service at several important points. As an evidence of the promptitude of the men composing Colonel KERSHAW’S command, we may mention that the order for their coming down was not issued until 1 p.m. on Monday last, and, although scattered at the time over four districts–Lancaster, Kershaw, Richland, and Clarendon–they are already at their respective posts, fully equipped and for the fray.
A GLIMPSE AT THE BATTERIES.
About three o’ our Reporter, in the suggestive company of cannons, balls, shells, and every description of munitions of war, besides a very large amount of provisions, embarked for a hasty trip to the harbor batteries. Everything seemed, indeed, in apple pie order, both on Morris and Sullivan Islands. The rifled cannon just arrived from Liverpool has already been placed in position, and is relied upon to do its work pretty thoroughly. The troops at all the posts seemed in good spirits and much invigorated by the prospect for a brush. Among them was the grey haired volunteer from Virginia, Mr. RUFFIN.
The most efficient provisions for lights, etc., were made last night, to detect the approach of United States troops, whether in steamers or small boats, and, with the systematic and vigilant lookout now constantly maintained, it will be impossible for the invaders to enter our harbor, even should they come, as did the Star of the West, before the o’ day.’