LETTER XLIII.
We are having changes here; there are not many
sick and there is now a new order from General
Sherman to the effect that no more sick or wounded
are to be carried out of his department. That will
prevent our filling up here, I suppose. We have about
an even number of black and white patients; this
week Mr. Forman brought out a number of refugees
and put them into a large building called Ward 6.
The Home in the city was overflowing; it is a small
inconvenient house; and at one time over thirty children
were there together, besides grown people. I. do
not know how many more they will send out. I
should not wonder if this became a refugees' home;
but I do not know what they will turn us into next.
I only hope it will be something good. I am busy; I
look after black soldiers, and white soldiers, and we
are now desired to take charge of sick contrabands.
The changing the seat of war has removed the necessity
of so many hospitals here, and some are closing
up. When the white patients get well there will
hardly be any more, as the troops are all ordered
away from here; nearly all have gone, and the city
will be for the most part guarded by the hundred day
men, the home guard of old men, and some few
others. I hope the city will not be placed in danger
again, but the guerillas are very .active still, popping
up when least expected. I do not see one day ahead,
but I believe it will come right to all who try to do
their duty. I enjoyed the Fair very much; it was a
very pleasant place. As it is only open in the evenings
I shall not probably go in again; I saw it once in the
evening, it was splendid, the gas lighted it very well.
In the latter part of June, Emily became quite
ill, and Dr. Russell for some days wrote her letters
at her dictation, she being unable to write. The
first letter which the Doctor wrote was dated
June 22, the last July 3. All of them are cheerful
and hopeful, although it is apparent, from the
remarks which the Doctor appended, that she was
at one time quite ill. Here are extracts from some
of them.
