Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1862-06-06

'Oh, if only could think so! But the
time drags SO slowly, and here lie use
less, helpless, keeping these who could
fight, away to take care of me-"
"Oh, well, you needed little rest any
way" said cheerfully. ''Now I want to
do something to cure you. Do you want
your face bathed p
"Yes if it is not too much trouble" be
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 child-like
pleasure on my face, as I carefully bathed
his face and hands. He had grown so fee
BILE that he could scarcely connect SEN
tence without pausing, and lay painting on
his pillow from the slightest excrtion.
After bathing his face, I took the comb
and Strengthened out the snarled masses Of
long black hair that grew thickly over his
brow Isoon found that illness bad made
him childish. though at first started at his
childish bluntness
You're mighty purity" he said sudden
ly, and for moment did not know what to
say, but then, l thought, may seem so to
him, poor fellow, and only smiled in reply.
What's your name p be next asked.
"S--," I replied.
"You amt married, are you1
Yes, and my husbands gone to fgbt
as you did at Fort Donelson."
"Oh. dear he said frequently. I'm so
sorry. What did you get married for?
Never mind I'll put a spider in bis dump
ling when I get well.''
With the last words, misehievous light
broke over his face, and his black eyes
twinkled l laughed merrily at him, and
he seemed to enjoy it hugely. Poor fell
low little enough amusement he had If
he could amuse himself at my expense
would have no objections.
My next patient was an orphan boy,
sixteen years of age Frank B. be-
longsd to Berdan's Sharpsbooters, and a
braver heart never beat in the bosom of
mortal than that which throbbed in lis.
While battling bis face. I asked him
what induced him to leave his home and
friends in Nebraska, to ceme away and
peril his life at such an early age. 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 because I was
young and strong. I have but one life.
and that would be worth nothing to NE if
not offered to my country.
Noble boy! How many more like him
bave fallen willing sacrifices
The next day l carried basket Of ap-
Piles, oranges, pies, tea, &c to the bospit-
al As | went in, several of the men
lifted their heads, and nodded pleasantly
I'm glad you have come back, said one.
and another thought it looked so homelike
to see woman amongst them.
Ny adnirer with the black eyes. clasped
my hand when I offered him an orange.
and kissed it gratefully
If | live. he said, I'll always pray God
to bless you. If die, Tllwatch over YOU
from Heaven.
Poor fellow I wonder, if frem that hea-
ven to which bis spirit has flown. he IS
watching over me tonight as I pen these
lines.
Frankies blue eyes greeted me with
glad smile before l was near enough to
speak to him. When l bent over and
asked how he felt, be answered me cheer
fully, saying be hoped to be able soon to
return to bis regiment.
| bathed his face, gave him cup of hot
tea, with some toast, and left him sleeping
sweetly.
Those who have never visited the hospi-
tails, cannot conceive Of the wretched con-
dtion in which the men are brought into
them. That day twcnty-eight were bro't
in from Donelson and Savannah, and such
objects never saw. Their faces and
hands were stiff with coal dust, and burn
ing with fever. Their hair long and mat
ted beard uncut and full of dirt.
It was a serious task to attempt render
ing them comfortable, but | did not shrink
from it On the contrary, felt grieved
at nay inability to serve more than one at
time. Oh, how longed for the power
to stir some of my own sex, who in that
town passed the days in thoughtless idle
ness, to action. if only for an hour, to
assist in bringing those poor sufferers to a
comfortable condition.
From morning till noon, I toiled faith
fully, glad from my heart and thankful for
the impulse that had sent me there. l went
home and dined, and feeling tired, wanted
to lie down and rest, But then | had
promised to bring some fruits to the boys in
the afternoon, and ! could not feel satisfied
till | bad done so. knowing that | could
rest any time, while they lay tossing in
I