September 19.—We have received news that a battle has commenced. A number of surgeons from this post have been ordered to the front. Drs. Ray and Bateman will go from our hospital. We regret losing them, as we have so many sick.
On hearing of the commencement of a battle it sends a thrill of horror through me, and especially such a one as it is said this will be. Both armies have been collecting all the forces they could muster, intending to put their strength in the conflict . It will send many a gallant spirit away to that land “from whence no traveler returns.”
I must try and dismiss this gloomy subject, as we have much to do. I feel it is a great blessing, and keeps our thoughts from wandering to the bloody drama.
We had numbers of sick come in last night. As it is impossible to attend to them all, immediately after they come in, I go around to visit them, and from having seen so many, can nearly always tell at a glance who are most in need of special care.
Mrs. Johnston went round with me this morning. I passed a fine, healthy-looking man, and I thought he was one who was out of place there, and ought to be back with the army. I had passed him without speaking, and saw a tear in his eye; so curiosity made me go back to find out who he was. He had been three years in the service, and this was his first visit to a hospital. He had been injured by the upsetting of a train. So much for judging from appearances.
