August 28.— Our surgeons mess together; to-day they had a dinner party; we were at it. Mr. and Mrs. Green were there, and we had quite a pleasant time. Rev. Mr. Bryson has presented the hospital with a number of interesting books, which have just run the blockade from England. Mr. B. is a Presbyterian minister, and a co-laborer with Dr. Quintard in the responsible work of supervising and promoting the spiritual interest of the army. I am not personally acquainted with him, but I have often heard him spoken of in terms of the highest commendation, as a zealous worker in the cause.
Mrs. Green is a very pleasant lady; is from Columbia, South Carolina; a sister-in-law to Rev. Dr. Palmer from New Orleans. The doctor was here a few days ago, and looked the worse for wear. He had just come from Chattanooga, and I have been told was holding divine service when that place was shelled, and went on with it as if nothing was the matter.
Troops are daily passing, they say from Mississippi, to reinforce our army. We are expecting a battle every day. General B. left here several days ago. If General Rosecrans should try to outflank our army by Rome, it will be compelled to fall back. General B. has a trying time, as there seems to be so many points from which the enemy can march their army right down on us; and they have so many more men than we have, that they can make any movement they please.
After dinner Mrs. Green, Mrs. Collier (whose husband is here sick), Mrs. W., and myself walked down to Catoosa depot, to see if we could hear of any news from Chattanooga, but the train did not come in. I hope nothing is the matter, and that it has not been captured by the enemy.
A number of men were at the depot, expecting to get off, and were much disappointed at not succeeding.
We have a very sick doctor here, who has been telling mo ho is greatly in favor of our having negroes in the army; somehow I do not like the idea; his arguments were, however, very plausible.
We have had a man desert, which has annoyed Dr. Bemiss not a little. He made pretense he was very sick, and the surgeons were very kind to him, and every thing that the hospital could afford was given him; his father came to see him, and because he could not get a furlough for him carried him off. The old man called himself a Baptist preacher, and wanted to hold service. I have very little patience with any one who could be guilty of leading his son to commit such a crime. Dr. B. has sent after them.
