January 16.—I have just returned from another horseback ride with Mrs. N.; we visited the small-pox hospital, but were not allowed to go in; about six of Mrs. N.’s nurses were there as patients. She inquired how they were, and if they needed any thing. They have very nice quarters, and one of our ablest army surgeons—Dr. Kratz—to attend them. The mortality from this loathsome disease is little or nothing.
I am as much pleased as ever with the wild and romantic scenery here; it is so varied. As we rode through the woods we came to many
“A forest glade, which, varying still.
Here gave a view of dale and hill;
There, narrower closed, till overhead
A vaulted screen the branches made.”
Mrs. N. told me much about the scenery in Virginia, and said if I were to see that I would not be so enthusiastic about the views in Tennessee. I am not so sure about that, although Virginia has one advantage over Tennessee—the Atlantic Ocean—which to me would be a great one. This place is about three hundred and fifty miles inland from the gulf, or the ocean.
As I rode along side of this angelic woman, and listened to her conversation, I discovered a combination of admirable traits in her character, such as I never met in any woman before. She is
“A perfect woman, nobly planned,
To warn, to comfort, and command.”
