Written from the Sea islands of South Carolina.
[Diary] October 24.
Three boats full of rebels attempted to land on these islands last night, two at the village and one at Edding’s Point. The negroes with their guns were on picket; they gave the alarm, fired and drove the rebels off. “That tells for us,” Mr. Soule says; that is, for those who have urged arming the negroes.
Ellen and I maintain that the negroes will fight; others think not. Our men keep guard to-day. Everywhere the people question us eagerly about the fighting, and are amazed and incredulous at our being beaten. Rina asked us to have dinner early so that she could get the tea-things washed up and go home before dark, for fear of “Secesh.”
