In the fall of 1861, Charles H. McElroy organized a company of volunteers, and this local editor urged residents to quarter them in their homes while they trained.
Subsisting Volunteers. We are requested to say a word to our citizens on this subject. Lieut. C. H. McElroy has just commenced forming a new Company. He desires to accomplish his undertaking in the shortest time possible—and in order to do so it is necessary some provision should be made to subsist his men for a brief period till they are otherwise provided for. This is done in other places and in various ways; but as the mode involving the least trouble and expense, it is proposed to quarter them among our citizens at their residences. All should bear their portion of the necessary burthens of the contest in which we are engaged—we feel confident there are very few who will not deem it a pleasure to do so—and as this is a call that appeals directly to the patriotism of our people, are doubt not it will be promptly, cheerfully and liberally responded to. The company will be made up exclusively of respectable young men, such as can be safely introduced into private families—and all who can thus aid in a most laudable enterprise, will please signify to Lieut. M. the number they will either accommodate or provide accommodations for.
Delaware Gazette, September 13, 1861