The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1862-05-09

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 a momentary flush rose to his pale
cheek.
"Oh, if could only think so! But time
drags so slowly, and here l lie, useless,
helpless, keeping those who could fight away
to take care OF me-"
30, we'll, you need little rest any way"
l said cheertully. "Now, l want to do
something to cure you. Do you want your
face bathed? ?"
"Yes, if it is not too much trouble" he
said eagerly.
"Not bit" Now be easy, and I'll
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 childike
pleasure on my face, as l carefully bathed
bis face and hands. He had grown so fee
BILE that he could scarcely connect a sen.
teuce without pausing, and lay painting on
his pillow from the slightest exertion. After
bathing his face, l took the comb and
Strengthened out the snarled masses of long
black hair that grew thickly over his brow.
l soon found that illness had made him
childish, though 1 at first started at his
childike bluntness.
"Youre mighty purity" he said sudden
ly, and for moment did not know what
to say, but then, thought, " may seem go
to him, poor fellow" and only smiled in re,
ply.
What's your name ?" he next asked.
as" I replied.
"YOu amt married, are your
"Yes, and my husband's gone to fight as
you did at Fort Donelion."
"Oh, DEAR" he said fretlully, =" I'm 60
sorry. What did you get married for
Never mind, III put spider in his dump
ling when L get WE'LL"
With the last words, a mischievious light
broke over his face, and his black eyes
twnkled. laughed merrily at him, and
be seemed to enjoy it hugely. Poor fellow
little enough amusement he had. 1t he
could amuse himself at my expense,
would have no objections
4! My rext patient was an orphan boy, six
teen years of age. Frank B belonged
to Birge's Sharpshooters,and braver 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 early age. His reply is wor-
thy to be written by side that of the noble
Nathan Hale, who, regretted having 4" but
one life to offer his country" He said: g.
joined the army because was young and
strong. have but one life and that would
be worth nothing to me if not offered to
my country"
Noble boy. How many more ike him
have fallen willing sacrifices.
The next day carried basket of ap,
pies, oranges, pies, tea, &C., to the hospital
AS | went in, several Of the men lifted
their heads and nodded pleasantly.
81 am glad you have come back" said
one, and another thought it looked So
home like to see woman amongst them
My "admirer," with the black eyes, took
my hand when l offered him an orange, and
kissed it gratefully.
eff live" he said, "I'll always pray
God to bless you. II die, Ill watch over
you from heaven"
Poor fellow! I wonder if, from that
heaven to which bis spirit has flown, be is
watching over me tonight as pen these
lines
Frankie's blue eyes greeted me with a
glad smile before l was near enough to
speak to him. When bent over and asked
how he felt, he answered me cheertully,
saying he hoped to be able soon to return
to his regiment.
bathed his face, gave him cup of hot
tea, with some toast, and left him sleeping
sweety.
Those who have never visited the hospi
tails, cannot conceive of the wretched con-
dition in which the men are brought into
them. That day twenty. eight were brought
from Donelson and Savannah, and such OBJ
jects l never saw. Their faces and hands
were stiff with coal dust, and burning with
fever. Their hair long and matted--beard
uncut and full of dirt.
1t was serious task to attempt render.
ing them comfortable, but I did not shrink
from it. On the contrary, felt grieved at
my inability to serve more than one at a
time. Oh, how longed for the power then
to stir some of my own sex, who in
that town passed the days in ttoughtless
ldleness, to action, if only for an hour, to
assist 10 bringing those poor sufferers to a
comfortable condition.
From morning till noon, toiled faithful.
~, glad from my heart, and thankful for the
impulse that had sent me there. I went
home and dined, and feeling tired, wanted to
lie down and rest. But then remembered
l had promised to bring some fruits to the
boys in the afternoon, and could not feel
satisfied till had done so, knowing that I
could rest any time, while they lay tossing
and restless with fever and pain, perhaps