In this case, I found afterwards that the man in question, a small grocer, had been an object of suspicion to the whites from his readiness to lend money to the negroes, or sell to them on credit; in which, perhaps, there may have been some mixture of self-interest with benevolence.
I resort to a note-book of that period, well thumbed and pocket-worn, which sometimes received a fragment of the day's experience.
"March 16, 1863.
"Of course, droll things are constantly occurring.

Every white man, woman, and child is flattering, seductive, and professes Union sentiment; every black ditto believes that every white ditto is a scoundrel, and ought to be shot, but for good order and military discipline.

The Provost Marshal and I steer between them as blandly as we can.

Such scenes as succeed each other! Rush of indignant Africans.
A white man, in woman's clothes, has been seen to enter a certain house,--undoubtedly a spy.

Further evidence discloses the Roman Catholic priest, a peaceful little Frenchman, in his professional apparel .-- Anxious female enters.