From E. S. P.
Nov. 18. General Saxton has given orders that all work on the plantations148 in preparation for next year’s crop shall be stopped, for he expects to give them up either to the purchasers or the tax-commissioners very soon. The tax men are here, as amicably disposed towards each other as cat and dog, and as they are not remarkable for their efficiency in matters of business, I do not think it very likely that they will accomplish much this winter. They have two parties of surveyors at work, but they don’t seem to be doing much but chop vines and sail about the creeks in boats.