August 8. [September]—We have been detained at Dalton all night, and as there was an uncertainty as to when the train would leave, we could not get off to go to any place.
Mrs. W., who is not very well, managed to get on some of the baggage and rest for the night. Some of the other ladies did the same. Mrs. Dr. Cross (whose husband is one of the surgeons) and her two daughters sat up on chairs; I do not recollect of seeing them lay their heads down once.
Mrs. General A., her three children, and myself had a space about four feet square on the floor. Mrs. A. spread a comfort, on which she placed her children, and seated herself along side of them.
I managed to get my head on my valise, with my mouth in the direction of the door, where Drs. Gore and Bemiss were seated on chairs. I was so much pleased that I had procured a place where I could get some fresh air, that I exclaimed, “O, this is so nice!” Dr. Gore laughed, and said he was glad I was so much pleased. I can not tell what became of my feet, but think I managed after awhile to get them under a table. Every time I moved, Mrs. A. said I was taking part of her children’s bed. We had many a good laugh through the night at our novel positions.
I could not but admire the ease with which Mrs. A. took this trip, as she had three young children, and one quite sick. They seemed to be no trouble to herself or any one else. She is a fine-looking woman, refined, intellectual, and a Christian, a fit companion for her brave husband. If we are to judge of him by what his men say about him, he is one on whose “brow shame is ashamed to sit.” My brother has been for some time in his command, and is one of his many admirers.
At Tunnel Hill we saw a number of new hospital buildings; there were so many that they looked like a village. It does seem too bad that we are compelled to leave all of our hard work for the enemy to destroy.
The hospitals at the different stations which we passed were packing up to move. We think this bodes a very important move of General Bragg’s. Some are hopeful and certain it will be a good one, while others are prophesying all kinds of evil.
Mrs. A., who is well acquainted with General B., says her husband has every confidence in him, and thinks he is one of our greatest generals.
She has related some very amusing anecdotes in regard to “private opinion publicly expressed,” which she has heard about our generals. At one time she had to sit quietly and hear two ladies discuss the merits of her husband. They spoke so highly in his praise, that each wished to claim him as being a native of their own state. One saying he was a Mississippian, the other a Floridian. They had quite a quarrel on the subject. He is neither, but is a Kentuckian. His command is from Mississippi, and he has been living some time in Florida.
Mrs. A. was more fortunate in hearing good of her husband than I think most of our generals’ wives would have been, for the characters of our generals, both military and civil, do not receive what St . Paul says is the greatest of all Christian graces, and the best-abused man we have is our commander-in-chief; so his subordinate generals need not mind.
I have heard many say that General Bragg has shown more patriotism by holding his position and braving all slander than any thing else he has done.
This is a free country, and people can say what they please, and at this time, when we are not at liberty to act as we please, it seems a kind of revenge to use that unruly member which we are told to keep in restraint.
The men are all busy out doors getting coffee made for the sick; some of whom have suffered no little in their journey. Lieutenant Payne has been very ill; we have sent him some cordial, which seems to do him a great deal of good.
