February 5, 1861; The Charleston Mercury
We commend to perusal Executive Document No. 2, relating to Fort Sumter, published in our issue of yesterday morning.
This correspondence distinctly indicates what never was a secret – that the fortification is not held alone as property of the United States, but because of its importance as a military station. Not for the brick and lime of which it is composed, and the cannon and ammunition within its walls, is it valued, but for the strength of those walls to resist attack, and the ranges of its guns to command our ports and inflict harm upon our people. If these reasons are deemed all and sufficient, so far as they relate to Fort Sumter, how much more forcible will they be when applied by the Government at Washington to the consideration of Fort Pickens at Pensacola, Fort Taylor at Key West, and Fort Jefferson at Tortugus? The former covers the approach to the only Navy Yard on the Gulf of Mexico, and the two last completely command the commerce of that Gulf, passing along the north side of Cuba, from Cape Florida to the Rio Grande. Key West and Tortugus have been fortified to shelter and supply the fleets of the United States, and for that purpose they will be held. Even when Virginia comes to our side, she will bring with her the landward pointing guns of Fortress Monroe, and the entrenched city of Washington. Upon our northern frontier, in our centre, and upon our Gulf shores, the enemy will have – through the advice of Southern politicians – planted his strongholds, and may use them as the starting points from which he may attempt to overawe or subject us. The question, we believe, is becoming – on account of the weak position we occupy – a military one. Thus, by military preparation alone, can we meet it. Let the Southern Congress so regard it; there is no time to be lost, for hours are precious to us now in working out the future of the South. We ask first, then, of the Southern Congress, a Government, and then an army and navy sufficient to meet and ward off the dangers which are accumulating upon us. Preparation is the talisman of success; then let us be ready.
We therefore hope that early attention will be given by the Southern Congress, now in session, to the thorough organization of a Southern Army and a Southern Navy, each State being required to furnish its due quota of men and money on a matured system. And in this connection we would venture to suggest JEFFERSON DAVIS, of Mississippi, as the Commander in Chief of the Southern Army, and General TWIGGS, of Georgia, as the second officer in rank. With such leaders to regulate and fight our armies, we should have the prestige of victory and success. For the organization and command of the Southern Navy, we know of no more competent or illustrious names than DUNCAN N. INGRAHAM and HENRY HARSTEIN – men who have added to their fame as gallant and accomplished officers, the civic wreath of self sacrificing patriotism by throwing up distinguished and lucrative commissions, and siding promptly with their State and people in the hour of difficulty and doubt.