Publication: THE CHARLESTON MERCURY
Date: March 22, 1861
H.L. PinckneyTitle: THE SOUTH CAROLINA CADETS REVIEWED BY GEN. BEAUREGARD. - ANNUAL DRILL BEFORE THE BOARD OF
THE SOUTH CAROLINA CADETS REVIEWED BY GEN.
BEAUREGARD. - ANNUAL DRILL BEFORE THE BOARD OF
VISITORS. - About five oyesterday 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 manoeuvring 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 manoeuvres 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.
