_Early May._ We have been having a funny time with our people lately.
One of my plantations is decidedly ahead of all the others in
intelligence and energy. They were so energetic about March 1 as to
get a petition sent up to President Lincoln, praying for redress
against their various oppressions. The matter was referred to some
gentlemen coming down here to make other investigations, and two or
three weeks ago they pretty thoroughly examined our affairs. I believe
the result was pretty satisfactory. The originators of the movement
were two dissatisfied men who have given me great trouble. There was
much reason for some of their feeling, but very little for their
complaints. As a result of the whole affair, however, I believe we all
think it would be politic to increase our wages still more. At present
we pay rather less than some, but our cheap stores far more than make
up the difference. This, however, the people, instead of appreciating,
only make the subject of more complaint.
When that was nicely settled, I made the discovery that both
plantations had thought it proper to plant a great deal of corn among
my cotton. I had given them corn-land for themselves, but they, in
pursuance of a Secesh custom of planting a little corn between the
cotton rows, had done so to an outrageous extent. And they in many
cases refused to take it out. The truth is here,--that we are rather
more in the power of the negroes than they in ours. I shall insist on
every grain being out, but actually shall probably have to do it
myself. Well--such disputes are almost the only excitement I have;
better some, perhaps, though unpleasant, than none.