December 3. [Chattanooga] —Mrs. Brewer sent me a beautiful cactus. She must have known how fond I was of flowers; it was a great treat.
I had a good laugh to-day at something I saw in one of our papers; it was a hit at my present employment. It is too good to be lost, and worthy of record: Scene in hospital. Lady (at bedside of a sick soldier). How do you do? Is there any thing you want?
Soldier (curtly). No; I believe not.
Lady. Is there nothing I can do for you?
Soldier (with anxiety). No; I think not.
Lady. O, I do want to do something for you! Can’t I wash your hands and face?
Soldier (resignedly). Well, if you want to, right bad, I reckon you can; but if you do you will be the fourteenth lady who has done so this morning!
None of the men in Chattanooga will be distressed as this poor fellow was, as the ladies here are not at all lavish with their favors.
Have had a good deal of rain lately, and the weather is very cold. We are having clothes made for the hospital by women whose husbands are in the army. They are very poor, and have to support their children and selves as best they can.
