_St. Helena Island, Oct. 17._ An order was issued just before or about
the time you left to take away all the boats, to prevent intercourse
with the rebels; so they attempted to enforce it, but, after the first
day, boats all went out into the _mash_ or up on dry land in the bush,
and then alas for _General Order_ or any other man. Several
applications were sent to General Saxton in reference to the matter,
and these he forwarded to Foster, and he let his dignity down easily
by permitting all the boats taken to be returned and all not taken to
be retained, on the presentation to the provost marshal of
_triplicate_ certificates describing the owner (age, height, color of
eyes, hair, complexion, and occupation), describing boat (a pine
dugout), certifying to the strict loyalty and _good citizenship_ of
the owner, signed by general superintendent, and approved by general
commanding. Isn't that red tape to perfection? They never went to
Coffin's to take the boats, nor did they ever go there to get
soldiers--strange, when it is thought by many that there is nearly a
regiment on that plantation. Perhaps they feared _Coffin's
Battery_.[175]
The next letter is from H. W., at the time of her return
with C. P. W. to Port Royal.