teous, and
straightforward.

Once more in the old praise-house, I heard the children spell, and
then distributed toys among them, with candy to the babies and grown
people! and gave to each of the girls who have been married since I
left a Bible with her name in it. All seemed honestly glad to see me
there--there was no mistaking their shining faces. I was there two
hours and then went to Fripp Point, where I gave candy to all the
grown people and children, and a toy to each child. I do not know all
names and faces anywhere except at Pine Grove.

_Dec. 26._ I was in the midst of school when Joe announced two
strangers on horseback. They were the Quartermaster and Adjutant of
the 1st S. C. V., come for a dozen cattle to be roasted on New Year's
Day at General Saxton's grand celebration. C. and the officers went
off to select the cattle. They had a very long tramp of it and did not
get back till some time after dark. They are very pleasant and
gentlemanly and give a charming impression of their intercourse with
Colonel Higginson, and of his with the regiment. They had no "taps"
Christmas Eve or night, and the men kept their "shout" up all night.
One of the Captains heard a negro praying most fervently, contrasting
their "lasty Christymas and thisty Christymas," greatly to the
advantage of that in the "Yankee Camp" with "too much for eat."

FROM E. S. P.

_Dec. 26._ The preparation of the cotton for ginning goes on very
slowly. I am out of all patience with some of the superintendents.
They are slower than the negroes. I don't believe in putting Reverends
in places where prompt business men are required. Some of them don't
get through morning prayers and get about their business till nearly
noon, and then depend entirely upon their black drivers for their
information in regard to plantation matters. I saw Captain Hooper for
a few minutes last evening and he relieved my mind about General
Saxton's removal. It seems it was all a false report got up for a
sensation by the _Herald_.

FROM H. W.

_Dec. 28._ I was in the midst of school when it was announced that Mr.
G. was coming. The children's eyes glistened and they audibly
expressed their delight, but kept their seats very well till he was
fairly in the room and had shaken hands with one or two near him; then
their impatience could resist no longer and they crowded about him
with great delight, tumbling over the benches in their eagerness to
shake hands with hi