very foggy ahead and very
uncertain under foot.

FROM E. S. P.

_Feb. 4._ Sunday morning I met the whole female population on the
road, coming to church. It was baptism day, and the women had all put
on their best dresses, their summer muslins and turbans, making a fine
show. On arriving at the Captain John Fripp gate, by the avenue, I
found a knot of young men seated there, with one of their number
reading to the rest from the Testament. I asked them why they didn't
go to church with the women! They said they had heard that "soldiers
had come to catch we," and "we were scary." Poor fellows, what a
strange life of suspense they are leading! General Gillmore has
ordered a complete census of the islands, black and white men
included, for enrollment on the militia lists, and no white citizen is
allowed to leave the Department until after it is found whether he is
wanted for military service, _i. e._, after a draft.

Having got the cotton all shipped, Mr. Philbrick prepared to
go home, but he was not to leave without receiving from his
employees more than one expression of their growing
consciousness of power.

FROM H. W.

_Feb. 9._ The women came up in a body to complain to Mr. Philbrick
about their pay,--a thing which has never happened before and shows
the influence of very injudicious outside talk, which has poisoned
their minds against their truest friends. The best people were among
them, and even old Grace chief spokeswoman. It is very hard, but not
to be wondered at in the poor, ignorant creatures, when people who
ought to know better are so injudicious,--to use the mildest term the
most charitable interpretation of their conduct will allow. I don't
see what is to be the end of it all, but at this rate they will soon
be spoiled for any habits of industry.

_Feb. 14._ As we went to the back steps to see Mr. Philbrick off, we
found the people collecting with eggs and peanuts for him to carry. He
told them that he could not carry the eggs to Miss Helen, but would
tell her. Then Grace begged his pardon for her bad behavior and
complaining the other day, and, collecting all the eggs which he had
refused, told C. they were for him, and sent them by Rose into the
house. She, with the other women, had complained of C. to him, and I
suppose she meant it as a peace offering.

E. S. P. TO W. C. G.

_Boston, Feb. 22._ I regretted that you were not present at the
pow-wow after church on the 14t