May 29. [Okolona, Mississippi]—In company with a lady, I visited the General Hospital. Dr. Caldwell has improved much since my last visit here, as he granted us permission to go through it, and has condescended to have one lady—Mrs. Woodall—in his hospital. I was introduced to her, and tendered my services, but she did not accept them. I should not think that it was possible for her to do one third part of the work necessary. I am told that there are no less than two thousand patients in the place.
Quite a number of new buildings have been erected—large wooden sheds, well ventilated, and capable of holding from twenty-five to thirty patients each. The part which we visited looked very well, but there is certainly room for improvement . We were shown the bread which the patients eat; it was black and sour; but as Mrs. W. has been here but a few days, she has not had time to improve matters. It is said that an improvement is visible already.
We met a young man from Alabama at the doctor’s office, by the name of Harry Gordon. He was attending his captain, who was very sick, and was acquainted with my brother, whom he had seen a few days before. We met many of our old patients in the hospital, who were delighted to see us. There is a great lack of shade-trees, and it is a serious want.
It is impossible to learn any thing relative to our army at Corinth.
It is reported that the Federals have taken Booneville, burned the depot, captured two hundred of our men who were very sick, and that quite a number of sick were burned. This last I scarcely think possible, I can not think that the enemy are capable of any thing so cruel. Rumor is busy with her many tongues. I am anxious to learn the truth. Mrs. Ogden is about ten miles beyond Booneville; I hope nothing has happened to her.
