Go down in de lonesum valley,
Go down in de lonesum valley,
Go down in de lonesum valley, ma Lohd,
To meet ma Jesus dar.”
Over and over they sang the refrain, and the girl was so interested that she did not hear Mr. Huntsworth’s approach.
“Well, what do you think of the South?” he asked.
“I like it. Mr. Huntsworth, just listen to those negroes sing. Isn’t it musical?”
“They call them niggers here,” said Mr. Huntsworth smiling. “Yes; their singing is melodious. I have always liked to listen to it. Sometime in the future, I fancy, more will be made of those melodies than we dream of now. When you go down the river you will hear more of it. Some of their songs are very quaint. Do you know that we will have to see General Wallace to obtain a permit to go into the enemy’s country?”
“General Wallace?” repeated Jeanne. “Why?”
“The town is under martial law with General Wallace in command. I have been wondering what will be the best for you to do. To come with me to Corinth, for we can go there without difficulty, or for you to stick to the river route as you had intended. I have learned that Vicksburg is not in our hands after all. Its capitulation was a false report. Farragut is waiting for Halleck to send troops to occupy it and is still keeping up the bombardment.”