_Nov. 8._ The only interesting event the day that I was in Beaufort I
was obliged to leave without beholding, viz.: the mustering in of the
first full company of the new regiment,[72] Captain James! They
marched through the streets just before I came away, making a fine
appearance. Many of them were in the first regiment,[73] and the
regularity and steadiness of their marching was very creditable. They
are a fine body of men. The regiment is filling fast, its friends are
much encouraged. A number of men from the regiment (now numbering
about four hundred) have been allowed to return home for a few days,
and I think they will carry back quite a number with them.
We have been in occupation just a year. The future, with the prospect
of sale, or removal, or renewed blunders and mismanagement, is not
very cheerful.