August 8.—Arrived in Chattanooga last evening, and am now at the Gilmer Hospital.
On the cars coming from Kingston, a gentleman and lady came in at one of the depots. The gentleman had to stand, as the car was very much crowded. 1 offered him part of my seat, which he accepted. He then told me he was a chaplain in a hospital near Ringgold, and that they were in want of some ladies in it. I have called on Dr. Stout, and he has sent down there to make inquiries concerning it.
Last evening I went to the Episcopal Church, and a chaplain preached a most excellent sermon. His text was, “The wind bloweth where it listeth,” etc. He reminded us of how much more frequently the wind blew soft than in a storm, and so with the “still small voice:” it spoke oftener to us in the calm than in the tempest. The church was filled with soldiers. I spent part of to-day at Camp Direction Hospital, where are many of the folks from the Newsom Hospital.
The hospital is an excellent one; every thing about it is entirely new; but I can not look on those things with the same pleasure which I have heretofore, as it is impossible to feel that any thing connected with our army is permanent. The whole place is surrounded with breastworks, some of which are within a stone’s throw of the hospital.
I spent the evening at Mrs. Whitesides, and had a very pleasant time, practicing for the church. Mr. E. Stickney escorted me, to whom I am much indebted for his kindness ever since I have been here. He is from Alabama, and is much of a gentleman.
This afternoon I sent Mr. Massinger’s money by express to Mr. Bolt, in care of Captain Cupplca.
