June 30, 1863, The Charleston Mercury
In preparing for the attack upon Charleston, which we have reason to suppose will be renewed when the fleet of iron-clad gunboats is trebled in number, it becomes us, as an intelligent and patriotic people, to use every exertion and means of security. Should the contemplated attack succeed and Charleston fall, the whole Low Country of South Carolina is likely to go with it. The whole Middle and Up-Country would then be exposed to the desolating march of the foe’s advancing columns, and to the ravages and terror of their vindictive raids. Let our people of the interior ponder over the fate of Louisiana and Western Virginia and Tennessee. Let them consider where their defence is made, and what the bulwark of their security. It was said that New Orleans was fortified – was strong – was safe – could not be taken. This was believed by the Secretary of War, the President, and by military men; yet it was taken, because all was not done that might have been done. The country was thunderstruck then. It may be astounded one day by the fall of Charleston. It will then be too late for the State authorities to furnish labor and to do what now may be done. Regrets will be useless, because the matter will be remediless. We therefore now, while there may be time left, call upon the authorities of the State and the people of South Carolina to exhibit energy and public spirit. Our Legislature, after wasting much of time, and putting the State to the expense of three sessions in five months, made such bungling provision for supplying labor to our military authorities, that much desirable work is undone, and without present prospect of being done. Demagoguism in the Legislature has been followed by a want of public spirit among the people. Instead of coming forward cheerfully to supply the public need of labor as the law professed to accomplish, many have availed themselves of the absurd and mischievous provision of paying two dollars a day and keeping their slaves at home. Whole neighborhoods, in concert, have paid the fines. Large districts have failed to supply a single laborer. It is high time for this short-sighted and dangerous policy to cease. And we call upon the State authorities to move wisely and at once, in this matter. We call upon the town authorities and upon the Commissioners of Roads to rise above petty conveniences and personal considerations to the full measure of their country cause. They can do much, and it is their duty to do it. Fault can, doubtless, be found with the manner in which negros have been cared for, in some instances, and with the loss of labor, under the supervision of incompetent subordinate officials. But even these objections will not warrant the denial of the means of constructing our defences. The cause is good, There is no doubt concerning the want of labor. Patriotism and enlightened common sense urge a prompt compliance with the requirements of the law. The stake at issue, for which the requisition is made, is the country. Then let every man do his duty, whether it cost him much or little. We are called upon to make sacrifices. This is one.