July 9th, 1865.—Our troubles are over, hurrah for Genera Foster! Sister Mart and Uncle Arvah made General Foster an early visit. She went in much trepidation, for she had not been quite civil when she met him at Goodwood. He had offered her his hand in greeting and she had drawn back, putting her hands behind her and saying, “Please excuse me.”
She told him what had happened; she described Peggy; she told of our indignation, of Father’s serious illness and of the constant difficulty of life on the plantation.
General Foster listened attentively as she talked; then he said, “I will give you a guard for your premises, Miss Bradford; a sergeant and one man, will, I think, be sufficient. I shall also give you an order to Lieutenant Zachendorf and this order Sergeant Cornell will deliver in person.
“Your guard will be instructed to attend to all plantation affairs and all I ask of you is that they be fed and housed and that they be given the freedom of the premises.”
Sister Mart was delighted. She is very impulsive and extended her hand to General Foster.
“General,” she said, “the last time we met I refused to shake hands with you, now I ask the privilege.”
It is a piece of merciful consideration for us and we cannot thank him enough. I have not seen him for I stay rather close at home.
When Sister Mart got back from town, we had not yet left the breakfast table. She entered the room, followed by two soldiers in blue uniforms. I thought they had come to arrest Mother and my heart stood still. What a relief it was when the situation was explained. Sergeant Cornell took the order to Centreville and we have heard nothing more of the arrest for “impertinence to Peggy.” We will sleep better tonight.
