March 19, 1863, The Charleston Mercury
The warm sunshine and the genial breezes of Spring have now released the mud-brown armies and the bloody work seems about to begin. From Tennessee we hear that the condition of the roads is the only consideration that postpones the conflict between the armies of BRAGG and ROSECRANS. A week of such weather as we now have will effectually remove the obstacle, and the doubtful struggle for Murfreesboro’ will be fought over again. The condition of our army at Tullahoma is said to be excellent. The Conscription Act has been rigidly enforced in that section of the country by General PILLOW, and its operation has increased the strength of the army to an extent which exceeds the hopes of the most sanguine advocates of the measure. So that, when we next encounter the army of ROSECRANS, it will be without the fearful disparity of numbers, under which our men have hitherto fought in that department. From the lines of the Rappahannock, the wires bring us the news of another fight. It is the old story of Southern troopers against the Yankees. But skirmishes like these must soon give place to more important conflicts. It is a time for every man to be at his post. The results of the fighting during the next ninety days will probably have an important influence upon the duration of the war. Let the skulkers everywhere be driven back to the ranks in time to take their proper places in the picture.