The region is deserted now, and I might wander about there for a month, till I starved to death, before I could get to a settled region." "I shall not compel you to land, and you can remain on board till I report to the flag-officer of the Eastern Gulf squadron, off Pensacola, if you desire to do so; but you will be subject to his decision and not mine then." "I prefer that to starving to death in this region," replied the colonel.
"Very well, uncle Homer, that is settled," added Christy.

"Now, how are aunt Lydia and Gerty?
I hope they are well." "Very well the last time I saw them, which was three weeks ago.

They are busy making garments for the soldiers," answered the planter.
"When did you last hear from Corny, uncle Homer ?" "It is all of two months since I had any news in regard to him.

He is still a soldier and has not yet been promoted.

His company is still at Fort Gaines; but he has been sent away once or twice on detached duty.
He is not given to writing many letters; but the last time I was in Mobile I was told that he had again been sent off on some sort of secret service with a naval officer by the name of Galvinne.