_Pine Grove, Aug. 22._ We are all very busy, all day and every day.
And it is well that it is so, for in this climate the only way to keep
one's faculties from rust is to keep them constantly in use. It is
encouraging, however, to find the good results of our labor so
apparent. I think our people are improving very fast, and they are
very contented and happy. (Next week don't be surprised, however, to
find the thermometer lower.)
A great step has lately been taken. On the whole the people have been
growing more lawless this year; to remedy the evil, civil law has just
been introduced. The first Commission[142] was appointed a few days
ago, and as I am one of its members, it gives occupation for another
day or two days of a week. I hope it will be able to do much good; at
all events it will be abundantly supplied with cases. This life is
very narrowing,--we talk nothing but negro, we think nothing but
negro; and yet it develops a man at almost every point. From
house-carpenter to Chief Justice is a long way. And in one who uses
the opportunity aright it develops patience and faith marvelously, but
through many failures.