_May 27._ Mr. Tomlinson came home last night with C. and Mr. Soule to
spend the night and make the contract with the people, so C. sent word
to them to assemble in the cotton-house yard before they went to their
work, and he and Mr. Tomlinson went down before breakfast, so that
they need not be interrupted in their work. They were gone so long
that we began to fear some trouble--indeed C. said he expected some
"jawing," and that it would be strange if this was the only place
where there was none; but not a word was said--the people apparently
are so ashamed of the conduct of the women when Mr. Philbrick was here
and so indignant with the "Fripp People" that they are on their best
behavior.