The weekly Ottumwa courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1857-1872, 1862-07-05
MY Hospital Experience.
BY a LADY.

MY Hospital Experience.
BY A LADY.
From Cincinnati Commercial
"What shall do to pass my time away
pleasantly aud usefully p was the question
put to myself after the last goodbye had
been spoken, the last kiss exchanged, and
the parting words Of my husband had died
out Of the now desolate room, leaving q lin
gering echo in my heart which sounded like
desolation. at will never do to sit down
here idly, and brood in vain regret during
his absence and surely, il he thought I
should do nothing but pine and grieve for
him, It would add heavier weight than now
rests upon his mind. for then two sore caus-
es for trouble would rest upon him. It is
enough to feel that our dear country calls for
him in her aAliction, and God go with him
in her cause. should blush for him ii he
hell aloof now, nor offered himself in the
full vigor 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
unite our beloved nation. And while he has
gone forth. brave in the defense of right snd
truth, shall sit down and cry like mise.
rable, selfish child, because it cannot have
the toy it loves best always in its hand p
No, no. That will never do 1t should
never do should never claim to be q
daughter Of my proud, beautiful mother,
America, could for one moment be guilty
of a selfish weakness"
So ran my thoughts as stood beside the
window listening to the last olang and clatter
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 fervent prayer
as ever wife breathed, for guidance and safe
ty. 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's usually hopeful
and pleasing fancies.
at is right and just" murmured, as I
turned away, "and God 60 with him. I
know what shall do. shall go and take care
of the poor sicl; boys up at the hospital"
To think, with me, Is to act. In moment
my bonnet and cloak were donned, and I
was on my way with a light heart. Are
there any wives, mothers, or sisters who
will wonder how could feel light-hearted,
when I had just sent my husband away to
battle-perhaps never to look upon his dear
face again I will tell you why. I trusted
In God, and was yielding to an impulse TO
good deeds. I say good, because was ami.
mated solely by the desire to render assist
ance and relieve suffering, and not for what
other people might think or say of me.
On entering the hospital, found the at.
tending physician, DR.. L., there, and
introduced myself.
Il have nothing to do" said, "and want
you to employ me. Can readcr assistance
in any way p
"Yes, madam" was his prompt response.
IF you will come in sometimes and prepare
something nsurishiny, and talk to them, to
keep them in good spirits, we shall be very
glad"
81 shall certainly do so. am glad i'll
can be Of use."
I laid aside my bonnet and cloak, without
further ceremony, and went to the siclksst
man saw.
"How do you feel ~ I asked, bending
over him.
"Weak, ill--nigh to death.'' he replied, in
tone SO pitifui and full Of despair that I
fit the tears spring to my eyes. I sent
them hack to their source. however, and
spoke in q full, firm. yet kind tone.
"Oh, no. You are not near death. You
are i'll, but you viii not die. Uncle Sam has
use Tor you yet, and in few days you'll be
ap and ready to shoulder your mssket again.
Don't you think so p
His eyes sparkled in their deep sockets,
and momepsry flush rose to his pale
cheek.
''Oh. TfI could only think so But the
time drags so slowly, and here lie useless,
helpless, keeping those who could fight
away to take care of me.'
"On, we'll, you needed . little rest any
way" said cheerfullv. .Now want to do
something to cure you. DO you want your
face bs'hed ?" 4
Eyes, Fit is not too much trouble" be
.Ssgsrly..
you e. w. . nicely"
sponge and sos. .ad came back to him
His large dark syt rested yih child.like
pleasure on my fafcss.. fefally bathes y
his tace and hands He hy hygro~n 90 40
that he could so>eiy meet on his ed
without psnsin. apd .Psrt,on, Aff.. fdu
:-.s- aSs t.ee 60 a. 80 oome and ia'
~. Us,ass~. sss g.,NicEiy o,- 4 Il. = 49, ~ ~ 1s
W.. .s iowa s''' - "'d' him child, III