The weekly north Iowa times. [volume] (McGregor, Iowa) 1857-1867, 1862-05-14
From the Cincinnati Commercial.
A LADYsS HOSPITAL EXPERIENCE,

"Wha shall do to pass my time away
pleasantly and useful 7" was the question
put to myself after the last good bye"
had been spoken, the last kiss Exchanged,
and the parting words of my husband had
died out of the now desolatc room, leaving
Il lingering echo in my heart which sounded
like desola ton. ut will never do to sit
dow. here idly, and brood in vain regret
during his absence; and surely, il he
thought | should do nothing but pine and
grieve for him, it would aid heavier
weight tran now rests upon his mind, for
then two sore causes for trouble would rest
upon him. 1t is enough to feel that our
dear country calls for him in her affection,
and God 60 with him in her cause.
should blush for him if he held aloof now,
nor offered himself in the full visor and
pride OF his young life, as shield against
The arrows OF destruction which threaten
her, and which have already severed some
of the brightest links which united our be
loved nation. And while he has gone forth
brave in defence of right and truth, shall |
sit down and cry like a miserable, selfish
child, because it cannot have the toy it
loved best always in its hands? No, no
That will never do! | should never claim
to be a daughter Of my proud, beautiful
mother, America, could for one moment
be guilty Of selfish weakness"
So ran my thoughts aS stood beside the
window, listening to the last clang and clat.
ter of the bell on the boat which bore him
away.
Slowly it put off from the wharf and
then up to God went As deep and krvent a
prayer as ever wife breathed, for guidance
and safety. His last kiss was still warm
upon my lips-his last words ringing in my
ears, and soon, perhaps, that voice, with its
loving tones, might be forever hushed, and
the warm lips cold and mute, under the icy
seal Of death! Yet not for one moment
would have recalled him, even while |
grew sick at heart, and heavy dread strove
to creep into my brain, driving away it,
usually hopeful and pleasing fancies.
1T is right and just murmured, as
turned away, "and God will 60 with him.
know what shall do. shall 60 and
take care Of the poor sick boys up at the
hospital"
To think, with me, is to act. In a mo.
ment my cloak was donned, and was on
my way with light heart. Are there any
how could feel light-h-arted, when had
just sent my husband away to battle-per-
haps never to look on his dear face again?
| will tell you why. TRUSTED to God, md
Wus yielcttny to an impulse to good deeds.
I say good, because | was animated solely
by the desire to render assistance and re-
lcve suffering, and not for what other peo
pie might think or say of me.
On entering the hospital, found the at
ending physician, DR.. l., there, and
introduced myself.
~ have nothing to do" I said, "and
want ou to employ me. Can render as
sistancc in any way?'
"Yes, madam was the prompt re-
sponse. "lf you will come in sometimes
and prepare something nourishing, aud talk
to them, to keep them in good spirits, we
shall be very glad
81 shall certainly do so. am glad if l
can be Of use"
laid aside bonnet and cloak, without
further ceremony, and went to the sickest
man saw.
"How do you feel?' | asked, bending
over him.
"Weak, ill--nigh to DEATH he replied,
IN tone SO pit'tul and full OF despair that
felt the tears spring to my eyes. sent
them back to their sources, however, and
spoke in full, firm. yet kind tone.
"Oh, no. You are not near death. You
are i'll, 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 500"
His eyes sparkled in their deep sockets,
and a momen,ary flush rose to his pale
check
"Oh, if | could only think so Bat time
drags so slowly, and here lie, useless
helpless, keeping those who could fight, away
to take care Of me-"
80, well, you need little rest any way
| said checriully. Now. want to do
to cure you. Doyou want your
face bathed?"
"Yes, if it is not too much trouble" he
Not bit. Now be easy, and I'll soon
have you feeling nicely"
got 4 basin Of water, combs, brushes,
sponge and soap, and came back (, him.
His large, dark eyes rested with chilllke
pleasure on my ace, as carefully bathed
his face and hands. He had grown so fee
bic that he could scarcely connect a sen