“Oh, I will find them. I do not want many men; enough to work with, that is all. It is not a question of fighting with the Federals, but distancing them.”
“They shall be distanced,” said uncle Vincent, in a peremptory tone; “but now, tell me, James, to what port of the American coast do you think of going?”
“Up to now, uncle, ships have run the blockade of New Orleans, Wilmington[Wilmington], and Savannah, but I think of going straight to Charleston[Charleston]; no English boat has yet been able to penetrate into the harbour, except the ‘Bermuda.’ I will do like her, and if my ship draws but very little water, I shall be able to go where the Federalists will not be able to follow.”
“The fact is,” said Uncle Vincent, “Charleston[Charleston] is overwhelmed with cotton; they are even burning it to get rid of it.”
“Yes,” replied James; “besides, the town is almost invested, Beauregard is running short of provisions, and he will pay me a golden price for my cargo!”
“Well, nephew! and when will you start?”
“In six months; I must have the long winter nights to aid me.”
“It shall be as you wish, nephew.”
“It is settled, then, uncle?”
“Settled!”