Written from the Sea islands of South Carolina.
[Diary] July 14, Monday.
Edisto is evacuated! — and all the negroes brought to these islands. Some time ago the superintendents, Mr. Delacroix being an earnest one, petitioned for guns to arm their negroes. General Hunter granted them, but General Wright, I think that was the name, prevented or delayed their delivery. When the troops from Port Royal went North, General Hunter ordered the withdrawal of the troops occupying Edisto, so as to concentrate his small force. Mr. Bryant and one other went to him and asked him whether he meant to leave them defenceless. He said he could not protect them there — that they might come within our lines, and he would delay the removal of the soldiers till they had time to procure transportation for the people. When Mr. Bryant returned and the negroes were informed of the intended evacuation, they were in great distress. They said at first that they only wanted guns, but when they found that the superintendents were to leave, they made up their minds, after considerable advising, that they had better follow the Yankees. So they collected their fowls and pigs and crowded into the transports. Instead of being only one day going from Edisto to Beaufort, the delay made by their baggage transportation kept them out overnight, hungry, comfortless. A few old people had determined not to leave the home they loved so much, and they waited on shore till the last moment and then came hurrying down to the shore. The people were landed at Beaufort, but that town was overcrowded with refugees already, so, after being disembarked on the wharf, and I think staying there a night, they had to take a steamer again and then were taken to St. Helenaville, where they were settled.
Mr. Barnard had been indefatigable in helping his people and he seemed to suffer all their privations himself and all their sorrow at leaving their home. He made himself almost ill by his over-exertion. The people are but half-sheltered now, and he is so anxious.
The first thing I saw this morning was the yard full of carts and people. Such crowding, hurrying, ordering, competing — all eager for the goods now that they have a little money to purchase with. They kept it up till nearly dark, though I had to pack some boxes.
Mr. Ruggles was here to dinner and the captain of the black regiment and six of his men afterward. Captain Randolph stayed all night.
