Ten companies, under Col.  Maxey Gregg, were called to Charleston for the purpose of retaking this fort by force of arms, if peaceful methods failed.  These companies were raised mostly in towns and cities by officers who had been commissioned by the Governor.  College professors formed companies of their classes, and hurried off to Charleston.  Companies of town and city volunteers offered their services to the Governor—­all for six months, or until the fall of Sumter.

On the 9th of January, 1861, the State was thrown into a greater paroxism of excitement by the “Star of the West,” a Northern vessel, being fired on in the bay of Charleston by State troops.  This steamer, laden with supplies for Sumter, had entered the channel with the evident intention of reinforcing Anderson, when the Citadel guards, under Captain Stevens, fired several shots across her bow, then she turned about and sped away to the sea.  In the meantime the old battalions of militia had been called out at their respective “muster grounds,” patriotic speeches made, and a call for volunteers made.  Companies were easily formed and officers elected.  Usually in selecting the material for officers, preference was given to soldiers of the Mexican war, graduates of the military schools and the old militia of officers.  These companies met weekly, and were put through a course of instructions in the old Macomb’s tactics.  In this way the ten regiments were formed, but not called together until the commencement of the bombardment of Sumter, with the exception of those troops enlisted for six months, now under Gregg at Charleston, and a few volunteer companies of cavalry and artillery.

The writer was preparing to enter school in a neighboring county when the first wave of patriotism struck him.  Captain Walker’s Company, from Newberry, of which I was a member, had been ordered to Charleston with Gregg, and was stationed at Morris’ Island before I could get off.  Two of my brothers and myself had joined the company made, up from the Thirty-ninth Battalion of State militia, and which afterwards formed a part of the Third S.C.  Volunteers (Colonel Williams).  But at that time, to a young mind like mine, the war looked too remote for me to wait for this company to go, so when on my way to school I boarded a train filled with enthusiasts, some tardy soldiers on their way to join their companies, and others to see, and if need be, “take old Anderson out of his den.”  Nothing on the train could be heard but war, war—­“taking of Sumter,” “Old Anderson,” and “Star of the West.”  Everyone was in a high glee—­palmetto cockades, brass buttons, uniforms, and gaudy epaulettes were seen in every direction.  This was more than a youthful vision could withstand, so I directed my steps towards the seat of war instead of school.  By this time the city of Charleston may be said to have been in a state of siege—­none could leave the islands or lands without a permit from the Governor or the Adjutant and Inspector General.