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18

(from almost every one.) There is certainly a strong attach-
ment for the girls in Talbot county. Made a raid upon the
supper table, a movement long to be remembered by our
"light infantry," a jelly supper it was—real farmer's fare.
Had ravenous appetites, which four experienced waiters exert-
ed themselves to the utmost to encourage; fortunately, no
death ensued. Soon after supper, marched to quarters for the
night, placing the girls in the charge of a female domestic.
Our room contained four large beds, into which I packed our
little chaps, deeming it prudent to keep them together as much
as possible, fearing sickness consequent upon said supper.

The following morning aroused our "boys" by times. Set
the captains to work, washing and dressing the smaller ones
under their care; the larger waiting upon themselves. Hav-
ing completed our toilet, marched in order to breakfast.

Received a visit from Mr. McNeal, he being desirous to see
the children previous to the arrival of the applicants. After
breakfast, collected all the children together and presented
them to the Local Committee, Messrs. McNeal, Dodson and
Jump, in our own room. By the adoption of this course
much unnecessary trouble was obviated, as none but appli-
cants were admitted. Having previously informed the Com-
mittee, as far as my knowledge extended, of the antecedents,
character and disposition of each and every child in my com-
pany, awaited the arrival of applicants. Did not have to
wait long; they soon commenced to gather, when our con-
tracts were properly filled up, and signed by them; after
which they were witnessed and endorsed by the Committee,
and the children delivered to their new friends, much to the
sorrow of their old friend, your humble servant. It was up-
wards of three o'clock before we accomplished our work in
placing our little ones in their new homes. It affords me
unfeigned pleasure in being able to state, that I have been
greatly blessed in the prosecution of my labors in this expe-
dition; having experienced little or no difficulty in procuring
our children excellent homes with pious farmers and mechan-
ics, selected by an efficient committee of judicious men,
whose characters are unimpeachable, and whose only and
sole object is the amelioration of the condition of the desti-
tute children committed to our care. From the children
themselves I experienced no trouble of any account, they
baving throughout the entire trip manifested happy and
cheerful dispositions, and were very obedient. After visiting
some of our little ones, placed out in this and other expedi-
tions, whom I found doing well, returned home on Saturday,
March 3d, Net expenses incurred, $9.75.