Sam Markley returned from Beaufort. He was sent down by the Col. to buy ponies. The mares of the ponies are left run on the meadows. When with foal the mares are penned up, until the colt is able to run when it is branded and left run. Sam was a week too soon. All the country there out about the 20th & drive them into pens - there are two pennings as they are called. The north and south - the former 25 miles & the latter ten miles from Beaufort - immediately succeeding one another. The people were doubtful whether there would be any, being afraid our officers would come & take them away. Sam asked their price - they said they had been sold for $15-25 - but this year might get one. For $45 = 50. Sam told them if they commenced that game they might be sure our officers would come & take them -- if $15 they would sooner pay it than not.
