_April 18._ Just now it would seem as if the Sea Islands were to be
abandoned to the negroes and wild hogs. I had heard some things of
General Birney[156] before which led me to regard him as having
injudicious sympathies, and should not be surprised at any time to
have him send you home as a "fraudulent coadjutor" of an unrighteous
speculation, upon the representation of Pompey and John, if they
should happen to gain an audience after dinner some day. Joking
aside, however, I think it would be a good plan to get Colonel S. to
retract some of his nonsense, and I have no doubt he will do it at
your request, for he is one of the most good-natured and
well-intentioned men in the world. He is very likely to have said what
the negroes say he did, indiscreetly, of course, and without dreaming
what effect it might have. If the people continue to refuse to receive
their money, as I don't believe they will long, I would consult Mr.
Tomlinson about it. I think he will sustain us in anything reasonable.
I think if Mr. Tomlinson were to tell John or Pompey that they would
not be allowed to take any of their cotton and would be severely
punished if they attempted it, it would have a good effect. Any way I
think the matter will blow over soon. It is not strange that the
negroes should act like fools when they have such examples before them
as we see nowadays.