Nothing displeased [Mrs. Bickerdyke] so much as any neglect of the men on the part of the surgeon or assistant surgeons. On one occasion, . . . she found that the assistant surgeon in-charge, . . . had been out "on a spree" the night before . . . . She at once denounced him in the strongest terms.

"[Y]ou miserable scoundrel! Here these men, any one of them worth a thousand of you, are suffered to starve and die, because you want to be off upon a drunk! Pull off your shoulder-straps," she continued, as he tried feebly to laugh off her reproaches, "pull off your shoulder-straps, for you shall not stay in the army a week longer." The surgeon still laughed, but he turned pale, for he knew her power. She was good as her word. Within three days, she had caused his discharge. He went to headquarters, and asked to be reinstated. General Sherman, who was then in command, listened patiently, and then inquired who had caused this discharge. "I was discharged in consequence of misrepresentations," answered the surgeon, evasively. "But who caused your discharge?" persisted the general. "Why," said the surgeon, hesitatingly, "I suppose it was that woman, that Mrs. Bickerdyke." "Oh," said Sherman. "Well, if it was her, I can do nothing for you. She ranks me." (295-6)