January 14.—We have received a box of oranges from Mobile, and some money from my friend. Mr. M.
Had a very nice ride to-day with Mrs. Newsom. We went on a foraging expedition, in search of milk, and found a woman who would sell us a quantity of buttermilk—a treat for the patients. We went round by the river part of the road. It was the wildest scenery I ever beheld. In one moment we were in a ravine so deep as almost to exclude from view the blue of heaven (a nice haunt for bogles and witches), and at another time I trembled lest my horse might stumble and cast me into the ravine below.
Mrs. N. rode on as fearlessly as any knight of old, or one of our own cavalry. I believe the latter are the best horsemen in the world, the Indians not excepted.
In a letter received from my father and my friend Mr. M., both are much elated that the state of Alabama has been able to pay off the interest of her state debt in gold. The British war steamer Vesuvius came and took it away. My father was indignant at a telegram which Lord Lyons had dispatched from Washington, ordering the captain not to take the money, as it would be a breach of international law. The dispatch did not arrive until the steamer had left. I wonder if they are as particular in regard to their dealings with the Federals? From what we hear on the subject I think not.
