The daily Green Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1861-1865, 1862-05-21
MY Hospital Experience.

you to employ me- Gan render assistance
in any way?
Yes, madam was his prompt response.
. IF you will come in sometimes and prepare
something nourishing, AID talk to them to
keep them in good spirits, we shall be very
glad
L shall certainly do SO. am glad if |
can be of use
[ laid aside bonnet and cloak, without fur
Their ceremony, and went to the sickest man.
How do you feel ? | asked, bending over
him.
Weak, ill-nigh to DEATH he replied, in a
tone 50 ptilul and full OF despair that | felt
the tears spring to my eyes. l sent them
back TO their source however, and spoke III a
full, firm, yet kind Tone
%, no. You are not near death. You
are ill, but you will not die. Uncle Sam has
use for you yet and in few days you'll be
up and ready to shoulder your musket again.
Don't you think SO
His eyes sparkled in their deep sockets, and
momentary flush rose to his pale cheek.
%, if could only think so But the time
drags so slowly, and | lie useless, helpless,
keeping those who could fight away to take
care of me-
20, we'll, you needed little rest anyway
said cheertully. Now | want to do some
thing to cure you. DO you want your face
bathed Z?
Yes, if it is not too much troubld,' he
said eagerly.
Not bit. Now be easy, and III soon
have you feeling nicely
got basin of water, combs, brushes,
sponge and soap, and came back to him. His
large dark eyes rested with chidlike pleasure
on my face, as carefully bathed his face
and hands. He had grown 50 feeble that he
could scarcely connect a sentence without
pausing, and lay painting on his pillow from
the slightest exertion. After bathing his face,
took the comb and Enlightened out the
suared masses of long black hair that grew
thickly over his brow. soon found that H.
ness had made him childish, though | at first
started at his childlke bluntness.
You are mighty purity he said suddenly
and for moment did not know what to
say, bat then, 1 thought, may seem SO to
hin, poor fellow aud only smiled in reply.
What's your name p be next asked.
s. replied.
You amt married, are you p
Yes, aud my husbands gone to fight, as
YOU did a, Fort Doneson.
o; DEAR he said frettuily, In so sorry
What did YOU get married for Never mind,
iii pat spider in his dumpling when get
WE'LL
With the last words, mischievous light
broke over his face, and his black eyes twin.
kled. laug he'd merrily at him and tie SEEM
ed to enjoy it hugely. Poor fellow &! little
enough amusement he had. Ii he could
amuse himself at my expense, l would have
no objections.
My mex. patient was an orphan boy, sixteen
years of age. Frank b. belonged to Birges
Sharp shooters, and a Drawer heart never beat
in the bosom of mortal than that which
throbbed in his.
While bathing his face, | asked him what
induced him to leave his home and friends in
Nebraska, to come away and peril his life at
such an earlyag His reply is worthy to be
written by that of the noble Nathan Hale, who
regretted having but one life to offer to his
country He said ~ joined the army be-
cause | was young and strong. ! have but
one life, and that would be worth nothing to
me ii not offered to my country
Noble boy How many more like him
have fallen willing sacrifices
The next day carried basket of apples.
oranges, pies, tea, etc, to the hospital. As |
went in, several OF the men lifted their heads,
aad nodded pleasantly.
Pm glad you have come back said one,
and another thought it looked so home like
to see woman among them
My admirer with the black eyes clasped
my hand when | offered him an orange and
kissed it gratefully.
If live, he said, Iii always pray God
to bless you If die, III watch overy you
from heaven.
Poor fellow! wonder t. from that heav.
en- to which his spirit has flown he is watch.
ing over me tonight as l pen these ines -
Frankc's blue eyes greeted me with glad
smile before was near enough to speak tC
him. When bent over and a.ked how he
ielt, he answered me cheeriuiy, saying b,
hoped to be able soon TO returii to his repi
ment
| bathed his fac, give him IA cup Of hot
tea, Nth some toast, and left him sleepin!
swcety.
Those who have never visited the hospitals
cannot conceive OF the wrotched condition !,
which the men are brought into them. Tina
duy tWentv.ciUht wnrn hr,u,b, f,o,,, n.,.