Sunday, August 6. [September]—Since writing in this journal a sad change has come over the spirit of my dreams. What but a few hours ago was a scene of order and comfort, has disappeared, and in its place vacancy.
When the afternoon service was over, starting to visit the sick, I met Dr. Ray going to give orders to pack up immediately, as a raid was momentarily expected, and we would have to leave. The first thing done was to send off the sick, and to see that they were properly cared for; and then it seemed like magic the way every tent was leveled with the ground.
It is not more than a few hours since the order came, and we are nearly all packed, and many of the hospital things sent to the depot, which is some two miles distant. I suppose the cooks will be up all night, preparing rations. We will have to spread comforts on the floor to rest on for the night, as our bedding has been carried off. We do not expect to leave before morning. If the enemy do not capture us I shall be thankful.
We have three very sick men—Lieutenant Payne, Dr. Mitchell, and a Mr. Green. The last we shall be compelled to leave, as he is in a dying state. The nurse who has had him in charge is very much alarmed that he will be compelled to remain with hint. Ho does not like the idea of being captured, having been a prisoner before, and has had as much as he cares for of prison life. Dr. Bemiss thinks he will be able to get some one in the place to take care of the sick man.
