March 20.—General Johnston has gone to Mississippi to take command of that department. I believe General Bragg is commander-in-chief of the department in Tennessee. I have been informed that the morning before the ball given to General Johnston he had important business in Atlanta. I have also been told he does not approve of such things at this time.
I paid a visit a day or two ago to Mrs. Newsom, accompanied by Dr. William Hughes; on our way there we met Major Morgan, a brother of the general. He had just returned from visiting his mother in Kentucky, and was on his way to join his brother-in-law, General Hill, in Virginia. He is not unlike his brother, J. M. I told him I was afraid the latter would carry his daring too far. He replied, he had no fears on that score, and especially now since he is married, as on his wife’s account he would likely be more cautious.
We found Mrs. N., for a wonder, at leisure; her hospital is a very fine one; it is on top of a very high hill, commanding a view of the whole town. After we left her I went in search of milk, as that is the cry I hear from morning till night among the patients. I believe, if we could get plenty of it, we would scarcely need any thing else. I have the promise of a little every day.
