The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1862-05-09
A Lady's Hospital Experience
From the Cincinnati Commercial.

From the Cincinnati Commercial.
"What shall | do to pass my time away
pleasantly and usefully ?" was the question
l 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 desolate room, leaving
lingering echo in my heart which sounded
like desolation. "It will never do to sit
down here idly, and brood in vain regret
during his absence ; and surely, if he
thought should do nothing but pine and
grieve for him, it would add heavier
weight than 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 affliction,
and God 60 with him in her cause. l
should blush for him if be held aloof now,
nor offered himself la 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 united our be.
loved nation. And while be has gone forth
brave ia defence of right and truth, shall
sit down and cry like a miserable, selfish
child, because it cannot have the toy it
loves best always in its hands ? No, no.
That will never do! should never claim
to be daughter of my proud, beautiful
mother, America, could for one moment
be guilty of selfish weakness
So ran my thoughts as l stood beside the
window, listening to the last clang and clatz
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 fervent
prayer as ever wife breathed, for guidance
and safety. His last kiss was still warm
upon my ljps--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 rot for one moment
would have recalled him, even while l
grew sick at heart, and heavy dread strove
to creep into my brain, driving away its
usually hopeful and pleasing fancies.
at is right and just" murmured, as I
turned away, sand God will go with him.
know what l shall do. l shall go and
take care of the poor sick boys up at the
hospital"
To think, with me, is to act. In mo-
ment my cloak was donned, and l was on
my way with light heart. Are there any
wives, mothers, or sisters who will wonder
how could leel light-hearted, when 1 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, and
aoas yieSding to an impulse to good deeds.
say good, because I was animated solely
by the desire to render assistance and re-
lleve suffering, and not for what OtEer peO-
pie might think or say of me-
On entering the hospital, found the at.
tending physician, DIR. L., there, and
introduced myself
81 have nothing to do" said, "and
want you to employ me. Can render as
sistance in any way?"
"Yes, madam" was the prompt re-
spouse. If you will come 10 sometimes
and prepare something nourisbing, and talk
to them, to keep them in good spirits, we
shall be very glad"
shall certainly do 80. am glad if I
can be of use."
laid aside bonnet and cloak, without
further ceremony, and went to the sickest
man saw.
"How do you feel?" I asked, bending
over him.
"Weak, ill-nigh to DEATH" be replied,
in tone so pitiful and full of despair that
felt the tears spring to my eyes. l sent
them back to their sources, however, and
cnoke in fnll firm vet bind tono