March 22, 1861; The Charleston Mercury
About five o’clock yesterday afternoon, the Citadel Green presented quite an animated appearance. Owing to the announcement having appeared in THE MERCURY, a crowd of not less than three thousand persons had assembled to witness the annual drill of the South Carolina Cadets, before Brig. Gen. BEAUREGARD. the Citadel Building itself wore an air of unusual life and activity. Not an available window was there that did not exhibit a pair of rosy cheeks and laughing eyes, and the summit was alive with interested spectators. Every South Carolinian is aware that the Cadets are the pride of the State, and the citizens of the Confederate States need only be reminded of the present occasion to be fully satisfied of the fact themselves.
The battalion in drill was composed of six companies, commanded by Capt. J.B. THOMAS. Lieut. MORRIS acted as Lieutenant Colonel, and Lieut. MAZYCK acted as major. Capt. J.M. WHILDEN took charge of the first company; Lieut. R.O. SANDS, of the second; Lieut. R. CRAWFORD, of the third; Lieut. J. BRUNS, of the fourth; Lieut. A. TENNANT, of the fifth; and Lieut. S.P. PICKENS, of the sixth. These, together with Adjutant J. WALKER, and sergeant Major BROWN, composed the officers of the Cadets.
One of the features of the occasion was the presence, by invitation, of Brigadier General BEAUREGARD, of the regular army of the Confederate States, and now in command of the South Carolina forces. General BEAUREGARD attracted universal attention, and hearty were the encomiums passed upon his military bearing and look of high courage and determination. He was accompanied by his staff, the Professors of the institution, Col. GREGG, and the Board of Visitors of the Citadel Academy, composed of General J. JONES, who was instrumental in the establishment of the Citadel Academy; General JAMISON, Secretary of War, General JAMES SIMONS, and General J. H. MEANS, of the South Carolina Army. We noticed the presence of Adjutant General EVANS and Colonel JOHN CUNINGHAM. The arrival of Brigadier General BEAUREGARD was announced by the firing of a salute of eleven guns. He was received by the Cadets on the parade ground, who formed, marched out on the green and passed in review; after which commenced the drill, which won unbounded applause, and led many of the skilled in military discipline and manœuvring to compare them with the West Pointers, and decide in their favor. The first movement was from line of battle into column; then to close in mass on the first company, which was handsomely executed. This was followed by several other movements, such as right about face, &c. when the battalion came by the right into line; then by the right two columns to the rear into column. After marching in this position for some time, the companies formed in to division, and diminished by the right and left. After coming to a halt, the battalion formed into square, and advanced by the first front while in the square. Whilst marching in this position the battalion fired first by the rear rank, and second by the front rank. After firing, the battalion reduced square and deployed into line of battle and by filed. After several other well executed manoeuvres, the command was formed into square again, when the whole battalion fired. Line of battle was then formed on the right by falling into line, when the battalion entered the Citadel, and closed the day be executing their regular evening dress parade.
The entire exercise was warmly commended by military men. All the manœuvres were executed in quick and double quick time. But one opinion prevailed. The Cadets have exhibited the advantages of the Citadel Academy and the ability of the Professors. The institution gained may friends by the exhibition yesterday afternoon, and in the future will reap its reward. The Cadets proved their capacity in the difficulties consequent upon the secession of South Carolina, and deserve, as we have no doubt they will receive, a prominent place in the army of the Confederate States. We see no reason why the graduates of this institution may not rival the graduates of West Point. they have both the ambition and the capacity. We may also add they have the best wishes of the citizens of South Carolina. And, in conclusion, we can assure them that General BEAUREGARD paid a high compliment to the institution, and expressed himself well pleased with the parade.
The Mounted Guard, General W. E. MARTIN in command, were present, and added to the martial appearance of the scene. The drill of the Guard, which took place before the parade of the Cadets, deserved the plaudits which it called forth. The Charleston and Palmetto Bands were also in attendance.