_Jan. 1._ Yesterday morning I had a talk with Mr. H.[179] in the yard,
where he is at work framing the school-house. I like him very much. He
is a somewhat rare combination of a refined gentleman, without much
education, but very well informed and wide awake, and a modest and
quiet industry with the most practical common sense. He is truly
interested in the negroes, without the least bit of sentimental or
ill-advised sympathy. He is very glad to come here and take charge,
and I think he is the best superintendent I have had here at all.
I saw some of the people who came about the house by chance during the
day, and who seemed truly glad to see me. They have got quite over
the land-fever, and say they prefer to work along as they have,
wherein they begin to show sense. Rose is still the only cook and does
very well, except that she sometimes bakes potatoes longer than she
boils hams, etc., etc. I suspect H. helps her put things together
somewhat. The Christmas tree was to have been last evening, but the
rain prevented. C. P. W. has gone up to bring down Mr. Eustis and his
two ladies to dine. The house being an elastic one, I suppose it can
be made to hold several more people than at present, if they will only
bring their own blankets. The old diet of sweet potatoes and hominy,
ham, fresh pork, and waffles, holds its sway yet, with grunnuts in the
evening, of course.