The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1865-07-15

q E O q q / A.
Mstters and Things About Augusta-Bes-
mess NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS. Johnson's
Popularity-The Negroes, 90.
QUE onoRaIA CORRESPONDENCE.
AUGUSTA, Ga, june. so, 1865.
trim of two hundred and fifty miles mp The
Savannah river, at this season Of the year, ID not
the most agreeable thing In the world. The rail.
road dixie most everything else in this part Of the
country was destroyed by Sherman's army, and
the travelling public are dependent upon stray
boats, which make occasional trips as necessity
demands, but which are not at all adapted to the
comfort of travellers. Most of them are of South
ern manufacture since the commencement Of the
war, and as models Of beauty, style or comfort
would compare very unfavorably by the side Of
some of our North river steamers In consequence
Of the low stage Of water at most seasons of the
year, nothing but fat bottomed boats can make
the trip in safety, and even they frequently get
aground or strike some of the innumerable snsgs
which abound in this marrow, winding and fever
breeding river.
THE BOATS
are nothing more or less than scows, built two
stories high, with asternwheel. and neither state
rooms nor cabins, but intended solely for freight
A these are the only means provided for
travel, it behooves one before leaving Savan-
nah to lay in . large supply OF provis-
ions, as the journey to Augusta often occupies
six or seven days, and also to provide himself with
. blanket to guard against the heavy night dews.
We were fortunate enough to reach Savannah just
after heavy rain, and in time to secure passage
on board the little government steamer Nantasket,
which, though small and unprovided with state
rooms, is palace compared with the other boats.
Notwithstanding we were loaded with freight, be.
sides towing two barges, we made the trip in less
than three days.
Our fellow passengers consisted Of half dozen
Southern ladies with their children, few paroled
Confederate officers and soldiers, three four SUIT
lers and cotton buyers and Brigadier General
Wild, who goes to Augusta to take charge Of the
Freedmens Bureau and to settle the conflicting in
terests between the whites and blacks.
The whole country between Savannah and An.
gusta, as far as can be from the river, is to-
tally devoid of interest. Nothing but swamps,
Wild land and agators is to be seen for miles and
miles. Not single village, and but very few
dwellings, of any description, the whole distance.
ths dense shrubbery hides them from view.
As we approached Augusta few fields Of corn
made their appearance, and small bodies Of ne
groes were seen at work; but, with this exception,
not living soul was visible the whole distance.
The river in its windings resembles the James,
making many and short curves, and rendering its
navigation both difficult and dangerous.
AUGUSTA.
Upon arriving at Augusta we found the Amazon,
one of those fat.bottomed boats mentioned above,
which had started two days before rs, had ar.
rived only few hours In advance, and was dis
charging her freight.
The wharf, II such it may be called, presented a
very lively and business.like appearance. Large
quantities Of freight were being taken ashore.
while dray loads Of cotton were constantly arriving
for shipment to the North. The cotton throughout
the entire South 10 in very bad condition, having
been packed for o long time, and by frequent
handling the sackng has become worn out and torn,
and they have not the means or material for re.
packing II. This will either lessen the price or
cause the expense Of repacking upon its arrival at
Augusta 10 one Of those fortunate cities that has
n great measure escaped the ravages OF war.
Untl quite recently sAs has never been visited By
devastation visited upon many Of her sister towns
and cities Business, too, has, / am informed, con-
tinued good throughout the whole war. 1t has
been prominent market for blockade goods from
Charleston and Mobile, and presents 70. day more
the appearance Of business place than either
Charleston or Savannah. The population ct pres.
ent ia estimated at about fifteen thousand. The
strswn with substantial business houses, fne pri.
vats residences, and elegantly adorned with shrub
berry and flowers. Two or three respectable
hotels, four daily newspapers. numerous churche:
and other indications OF civilization are alss found
THE oHrIy roP1c OF CONFIRMATION,
there % elsewhere at the South IL the inevitable
''nigger." This II their great bugbear, their SEN
1Sss Key can Do under Re new system and giving
Ma fair trial, they quietly cit down, fold their
hands and ask. "whst are we going 70 dos,'
At first the negroes focked into Augusta in large
roamed about the streets until hunger, and, per.
haps, . little military coercion, taught them that
freedom and idlsness were not synonymous terms.
New most Of them have returned 70 their former
tAe circumstances. Much good was accomplished
= bringing this about by chaplain from Beau
frt, whose name have unfortunately forgotten.
8s came here st the time the negroes nrss eem-
things and having from his long residence ct Beau
fort. acquired considerable experience In managing
this unfortunate class Of fellow citizens, consented
% attempt settlement sfthe difficulties. He nrst
invited the planters Of the surrounding country TO
stssnd . mass meeting, whom hs would address
them upon this subject. A large number came,
when he explained 70 them the workings Of the
systsm - he had seen It exsmpli6ed q Beaufort
and elsewhere, and also the folly Of attempting 70
forco the negro from the country, and the course
the government would probably take should such
thing be attempted. His address was well 70.
ssived and made good impression. He stated at
the close Of the meeting that the next day he
would address the negroes, and wanted all 70 Be
present.
Many Of the planters, living ct distance Of
twenty miles, sent their negroes In to the meeting,
and IL In stated that ct least i've thousand persons
were present.
At this meeting he explained 70 the negroes
their duty ~ freedmen, and advised them what to
Do In their new position.
The effect was excellent, and mostof them at
Once returned to their homes and made arrange
nents with their former masters To continue work
for the year. He had numerous invitations To
address the people In different portions Of the