I gave his objection and my reply in a low tone. To my annoyance, the
doctor repeated it in a loud voice, and continued:

"You certainly could have given no better reason than that every
soldier is some mother's son. What do you think of Surgeon Powers?"

I hesitated in view of all these officers; but my second thought was,
no matter whether the President himself were present; and I frankly
replied:

"I think he is a tyrant brandy-cask. Why do you allow such a man to
occupy the responsible position of surgeon in charge of hundreds of
the sick and wounded soldiers?"

"We tried once to get him out, and failed. You ought to see the
medical director, who is in the city."

He gave me the location of the hospitals I desired, and I left.
Remembering the promise I made my son Joseph, I returned to head-
quarters, and spent the balance of the day in writing for soldiers and
for myself.

The following morning I resumed hospital visiting. On the street I met
an officer, who reached his hand with a smile, saying, "You do not
recognize me, but I recognize you as being the lady in Dr. Warrener's
office yesterday, after visiting the Jackson Hospital."

"I do not know but you thought me severe in my remarks concerning
Surgeon Powers."