it is on springs the
exercise is not slight which one gets in driving over these sandy,
uneven roads.

FROM E. S. P.

_Sunday evg. Dec. 21._ The cotton on this island is nearly all ginned.
I have not been able to start the steam-gins in Beaufort yet--am
waiting for authority to use the steam, which comes from the
condensing boiler under the control of General Brannan's
quartermaster. I asked General Saxton about it the other day, but he
said he didn't know as they would let him have it. The General feels
very blue about his position here, and I don't wonder. He declares he
will not stay if he is not sustained, and says that General
Halleck[87] sympathizes with Brannan and don't mean to let him be
removed.

_Wednesday evg._ I looked over the Coffin people's cotton Monday and
found it was not yet clean enough to pack, so refused to weigh it, and
set the women at work picking over the whole of it again. Each woman
keeps her own pile--the same that she and her husband raised.

I find rumors here that General Saxton and staff are to be relieved.
General Saxton believes in his being relieved, but no mail has come
yet to confirm it.

I want to keep R., G., C. P. W. and Bryant on plantations which I may
buy, and they are all anxious to stay.

FROM H. W.

_Dec. 22._ Joe doubled up and went off into convulsions when C.
mentioned to me at table that he had been to call on Mrs. Jenkins
(Wil'by) and did not find her at home! I gave Joe a piece of
gingerbread for her the other day, and he informed me this morning
that she found it very "palatiable"! He inquired how my "palate was
satisfy" with some oysters he fried for me the other day.

_Christmas._ C. took me in his double sulky to see the Pine Grove
people, driving first to the quarters here, where I went into Bacchus'
school and distributed toys. I had also armed myself with a hundred
cents and several pounds of candy. At Pine Grove the people crowded
about to shake hands, and as I went through the street, stopping at
every house, they were pleased as possible that I remembered their
names. They were very eager to know if I was not going to teach
school, the children all rushing home to wash face and hands and dress
themselves in their best, after the old fashion, when I told them I
wanted to have them go to the praise-house. Flora followed me about,
as usual. I saw York for the first time. He is a very fine-looking
specimen of a thorough black, large, manly, cour