e rebels were voluble and
denunciatory in the extreme, and she left us with many warnings to
remember "Det and de Jugment." I had sent for the "Widow Bedotte," to
whom I presented some tobacco and who was very funny indeed. She is in
her right mind and delights in making herself agreeable. I wish I
could describe to you this extraordinary specimen of humanity--a short
little old body with an intelligent face--all her wool carefully
concealed by an enormous turban, from beneath each side of which hung
four black strings, looking like an imitation frisette of false
curls, her odd figure enveloped in shawl and cape, rubbing her hands
nervously and sinking into the floor, as it seemed, as she curtseyed
to us lower than I ever saw anybody go and get up again straight. And
then her conversation and manner were as comical as her appearance.

Another characteristic of the "Widow Bedotte" H. W.
describes elsewhere.

She prides herself upon her good manners, which she says she gets
because she belongs to the church, which every now and then she joins
again. She has just done so here, so is full of extra flourishes.

On June 12 Hunter was replaced by Brigadier-General Quincy
A. Gillmore.[132] Here follow comments on Hunter's last acts
before leaving, as well as on the impression made by his
successor.

FROM H. W.

_May 28._ Mr. Williams brought word that Hunter has issued an order to
all civilians to enter the army or leave the Department! Twenty days'
notice. You need not be afraid of C.'s enlisting here; he wouldn't do
it "first." I don't think many of the superintendents would now like
to serve under Hunter. He imprisoned two of them upon the evidence of
their people without inquiring into the matter, and ignored Saxton in
the most insulting manner. Mr. Hammond was released by a court-martial
with honor.

_May 30._ In the evening came a note from R. saying that there was no
danger from the draft for the superintendents, but they would probably
have to get exemption-papers.

_June 20._ C. came home after church Sunday with the information that
General Gillmore had given out that he should carry out Hunter's
orders, but that he took the liberty of believing a white man as well
as a negro!

_June 24._ We hear but little about the new General. He is General
Saxton's junior in rank, but a fine engineer, so it is supposed he was
sent to conduct the siege of Charleston.

The siege of Charlest