_March 10._ C. and Mr. Philbrick stopped at the nigger-house to see
and tell the people of the result of the sale. At Fripp Point, which
he also bought, the people were as usual unmoved and apparently
apathetic, but here they were somewhat more demonstrative, and
slightly expressed their pleasure. All the places he most cared for
Mr. Philbrick was able to bid off, and two of C.'s old places, which
he wanted but did not expect to get. So much is settled; but there is
a great deal besides that it will take a long time and a deal of
trouble to arrange--we don't know yet how much goes with the
plantations, or when possession will be given.
The confirmation of the report that Hunter is going to draft these
people causes a great deal of feeling, as Saxton has publicly promised
them that they shall not be forced to join the army. They seem to
understand that Hunter is in authority and Saxton can't help himself,
C. says, and so have no ill feeling towards the latter; but they will
hide, if possible, and it is hard to feel that they have been so
treated as to make them as suspicious of a Yankee's word as they have
always been of a white man's. I think it right they should go if they
are needed,--the war is of more importance even than the experiment of
free labor,--but to have them lied to so! Why was Hunter ever sent
back here?