September 17.—We have nothing arranged in the hospital, but it is filled with sick; many of them are on the floors. Mrs. W. and myself have two small rooms. One is used as a dining-room, sitting-room, and for making toddies, eggnogs, etc. A number of the officers we had at the Springs have followed us here, and they eat at our table for the present. They are to have a hospital set apart for them, as it is thought a better plan than having distinctions made where the privates are in the matter of rooms, and eating at separate tables. The doctors all seem to dislike having the care of them.
Dr. McAllister has been persuaded to accept the honor by the promise of some valuable piece of furniture from the other hospitals. Dr. M. is a strict disciplinarian, and I am told the officers do not like him on that account. The doctors object to officers because, they say, they are apt to dictate, and expect much more attention than the privates. I have heard surgeons say they would rather attend five privates than one officer. For my own part, I have never known any difference; have treated them the same as privates, and received kind treatment in return.
Mrs. Johnston, one of the ladies of the place, called on us. She told me of a lady from whom she thought I could procure some milk. Her little boy went with me to show me where the lady lived; he is a pretty little fellow, and very talkative. He related quite a number of stories in his childish way; among other things, he told me a story about some, to use his own words, “mean old refugees.” I asked him if he did not like refugees. He looked at me in astonishment, and said, “No; who would like refugees?” I tried to get him to tell me why they were not to be liked; this he could not do, but seemed to think I ought to know what every body else did.
