Drayton's attorneys reveal a new lease for Drayton Hall has been agreed with a mining company from the North. They hope to remove the current lessee, F.H. Trenholm, as soon as possible. Fees are due for ejecting Moulton Emery and John Prentice (the first lesses).
John writes to James in Charleston about his desire to come to town to raise money but his unwillingness to take the required Federal oath of allegiance. He inquires if James or someone else who has taken the oath may conduct business on his behalf so that he can avoid the oath. Drayton requests information about the "guards on the [Charleston] wharves and river" and notes his intention of leaving the country. He believes it is best for the "[Federal administration] to pile on the agony". Also mentions witnessing Union troops chasing Governor Magrath to Columbia.
