December 30. [Chattanooga] — Have just recovered from a severe spell of sickness. I received much kindness from one and all, for which I am sincerely grateful. I suffered much, and thought often about the sick men, and my admiration rose more and more for their fortitude and patience.
I have received a number of letters from home, telling me about Christmas, and how unlike what it was before the war; but my folks say that all in Mobile are very thankful they are permitted to remain in peace, for they fully expected that by this time the enemy would be thundering at their ports. They also say that many there are making fortunes, and living as if there was no war. I am told it is the same in all large cities. There is no use worrying about these things. I expect all will come out right, and that there are enough self-sacrificing people in the land to save it.
The haughty foe has had another “On to Richmond,” and been repulsed; Virginia has been again drenched with the blood of martyrs—Fredericksburg, another of her fair cities, laid in ruins. North Carolina has also suffered. Williamston and Hamilton have been completely sacked. Women and children are driven out without shelter, while their homes are laid in ruins. Well, these things will not always last. There is a day of retribution for the northern people.
