Sunday, July 5.—Went to church this afternoon, and for the first time, I saw Rev. Dr. Quintard; knew him immediately, from a description I had read of him, written by Rev. Dr. Cross. I was introduced to him by Mr. E. Stickney. He inquired all about the hospitals; had heard of the time when Rev. Mr. Miller and the Mobile ladies had started on their mission; said he thought the reason it had proved a failure was because the ladies had not been educated in nursing, as are the Sisters of Charity, and he hoped some day we would have a sisterhood in the church as was in the day of the apostles, and is now in many parts of the old country.
He had been a surgeon in the army, and at one time had charge of a hospital, and had experienced a good deal of trouble with ladies in it.
He was much shocked at the state in which he found the church. The seats, floors, and every place else was covered with dust. He asked me if that was its usual condition. I answered, that I did not know, but the fact is, it is scarcely ever open, Mr. D. having duties to call him elsewhere.
Before preaching, Dr. Q. appointed a committee of men to raise funds, for the purpose of having the church cleaned and seats put in it, as at present the seats are rough planks.
Our army is coming in as fast as it can; we are near the river, and many of the men pass our hospital. Poor fellows, they look completely worn out, but very unlike what they were retreating from Corinth; camp life and hardships have improved them so much.
