January 28, 1861, The Charleston Mercury
This spirited and efficient company, having been relieved from the post at Fort Moultrie, which they have occupied since the 27th December, were received at the landing by the detachment of the company in the city. The entire company, numbering one hundred and twenty two strong, marched to their gun shed, preceded by the Palmetto Band. Their excellent and soldierly appearance elicited the encomiums of all who saw them, and gave assurance of the advantages derived by constant drilling. Having replaced their arms, they marched to the Masonic Hall, where a repast was prepared by the home delegation.
Private COHN, of the home delegation, in behalf of others, in very feeling and appropriate remarks, welcomed the corps, and congratulated them on their return in the enjoyment of excellent health and good spirits. He alluded in handsome terms to the promptness and cheerfulness with which hey obeyed the call of their State, and the many evidences they had given of their ability to render efficient service. He congratulated the Captain in having under his command such a fine body of men, ready at all times to obey the call of duty; and paid a feeling tribute to the heroic qualities of their commander. In conclusion, he desired the corps to partake of the repast prepared for them.
Capt. WALTER, in a very neat and feeling manner, responded in behalf of his command, expressing the pleasure it afforded him to acknowledge their obedience and their readiness to maintain the honor of their State at all hazards.
The order to be seated was obeyed as willingly as the order to man the guns when the Star of the West made her appearance in the offing. Ample justice was done to the ammunition prepared for this occasion, and many capital speeches were made. The occasion was, indeed, one of enjoyment and conviviality.
Capt. WALTER also read the orders that a detachment of thirty men be detailed to take charge of the battery at the extreme end of the Island, having command of Maffit’s Channel. This announcement was received with vociferous applause; and, on motion of Lieut. SALVO, the Battery was unanimously, and amid the deafening applause and cheers of the men, named Walter battery, in honor of their popular and efficient commander.
Much enthusiasm and good feeling prevailed, and on the announcement that volunteers were required for the service to take charge of this post, the offers were far beyond the requirements of the service. The detachments for the next three weeks were soon made up; several members desired to be detailed for the entire period. Others complained because they were not assigned to duty.
The health of Col. RIPLEY and the officers and members of the Columbia Artillery was drank, and many a hearty cheer was offered from those who entertain the liveliest remembrance of the pleasant association at the fort. Speeches were made by the officers and many members, and the assembly adjourned after having concluded to telegraph the Washington Artillery of New Orleans their congratulation and greetings on the patriotic passage of the secession Act of Louisiana.
The occasion was one to be long remembered by all who participated; and we regret we cannot lay before our readers a more full report of the excellent speeches and sentiments offered on the occasion. May the Washington Artillery retain the enviable reputation it so deservedly enjoys.