From the Richmond Dispatch, 9/1/1862

Cleaning Out – Orders have been issued from headquarters to the Sergeants in charge of the different Hospitals in the city to clean them out as far as possible. Acting in obedience to theses orders, which would seem to indicate that our Generals thought a great battle imminent on or above the Rappahannock, all of the convalescents who were able to walk have been carried to Mayo's Island. There are now in some of the larger hospitals not more than thirty patients all told, while this number is greatly exceeded in others. Should a battle occur, there will be found enough room in which to house all of the unfortunate but brave men who may be wounded in defence of their country.

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