Volume 03 Page 0057

nearest course towards the Gowrie Settlement. When about half across
the Island our progress was impeded by the freshet water knee
deep over the check banks. The General pushed on, and Louis and
I were soon soaked from knees down as we followed; the water becoming deeper still, it was determined he should endeavor to reach
Gowrie Settlement and send us some Negro Man to take us on his
back. After some delay I recognized our former Cooper "George"
approaching delighted to meet us and calling me "Maussa" as of
yore. He placed us in safety on dry land and we walked up to the
Settlement. Reaching Gowrie Settlement I placed Louis in charge
of (the above mentioned) George's Wife "Betty" a woman I had known
for many years and who always bore a good character. She made
a fire for him in her house, dried his shoes & stockings and as
I learnt afterwards boiled several eggs for him to his great delight.
We here left Louis whilst the General and I continued our survey
of the place. Not having visited the Plantation since the Advance
of Sherman's Army in December 1864 my present visit was one of
painful interest. The final visit to the plantation in Dec'r 1864
was one of interest. As mentioned elsewhere although the sound
of Musketry from the advancing Pickets grew more & more
distinct from hour to hour, still up to the very last moments our
Negroes behaved well and I left the entire Gang unloading the
flat of rice, still pleased to see me, and singing as they
bore the heavy loads on their heads from the flat to the Stacks
in the Barn Yard. Standing near the ruins of my former dwelling
I contemplated the spot. Where once stood this Country House could
alone now be seen a few scattering brick, & the tall chimney to
denote the spot. Here the most happy period of boyish days
together with the early years of my married life had been spent.
No remnant of my Kitchen, Fine Stable, both built just previous to
the War, remained; not even a brick to mark the spot, as all of
these had been stolen by the Negroes & sold in Savannah at $5. p M
whilst the Market value was $18. p.M. About One Hundred Trees
most of which were "Water Oaks," transplanted in 1852with my own
hands, adorned the Settlement. I had also after numerous attempts
finally succeeded in transplanting in 1853 a most beautiful