HINDS COUNTY GAZETTE [RAYMOND, MS], September 10, 1862, p. 1,
The clever and patriotic citizens of the Bolton's Depot vicinity, gave the troops there encamped, Gen. Chas. E. Smedes' brigade of Mississippi Minute Men, a highly creditable entertainment, on the 3d instant. It was designed as a compliment to the soldiers, not only because of their uniform good conduct and soldierly bearing, but because of their known patriotism and their determination in behalf of the Confederacy. The troops, some five or six hundred in number, were carried through all the movements known to Hardee, by Col. Deeson, and manifested a thorough knowledge of their duties in the field, and demonstrated that General Smedes had not been idle, but had diligently applied himself to the instruction of his camp. The regiment marched from camp to an old field, a mile to a mile and a half distant, where it was reviewed by Gov. Pettus and Maj. Gen. Tupper, each accompanied by his staff. From here the soldiers and the large crowd of ladies and gentlemen present, repaired to the long and well filled tables, and discussed, with infinite delight, the luxuries and substantials so acceptable and so necessary to the comfort of the inner man. After due attention had been paid to the edibles, Gov. Pettus, Maj. Gen. Tupper, Gen. Smedes, John T. Reed, Esq., and other gentlemen, were called to the top of the table, the three first named addressing the company in words of burning patriotism, while the last named, (Mr. Reed, of Vicksburg,) sung, with all the elegance and vim of a master, "Maryland my Maryland," and "McGregor." . . .