The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1863-11-27
Story of O New York Soldier.


was Frederick Sd, and he at once claim
ed my attention peculiarly, by his intense
desire to be neat and clean, while at the same
time exhibiting the utmost reluctance to give
trouble. He was modest and refined in man.
ner, betrayed great thoughttulness and SYM
pa:hy for others, and was the most grateful
creature for any little kindness have ever
SEEN Within few days that followed his
arrival marked Improvement became appa-
rent. took great pains to facilitate his re-
covery as rapidly as possible, and had the
pleasure OF at last seeing him walk about
the hospital, aided by his staff. He seemed
both cheerful and full of hope. l thought.
and l had no idea but that he would soon be
well. 1t seemed impossible to anticipate
what followed.
One afternoon went to the hospital, and
found all my patients apparently doing very
well. The day was very warm, and some
Of them sat upon the steps, enjoying the
brightness and beauty of the early spring.
FRED. 5. was among these, and nodded smll-
ingly at me as passed Into the building. |
was Carrying some little refreshment to
poor vounded boy who lay at the extreme
end of the church. and when | returned !
observed Fred at his berth watching for me.
As came near him he began reluctantly to
prefer request. Il have some letters |
want answered. he Said timidly. They have
laid for some time unanswered, and the folks
at home will be very anxious. If it isn't too
much trouole-I am so nervous yeti would
ike hate to trouble you, but
saw his hesitation, and came cheerfuily
to his aid. To be sure, will write as many
as VOC like, and no trouble at all, answered.
: You shall dictate, and will write for you,
iu>, as soon as | can get the materials.
He thanked me grateful Y, and looked so
relieved, as started for my portfolio, that
felt The liseliest pleasure in atfording him
tnis slight assistance. He was all ready for
me on NV return, and | sat down near him
v hile be- armed with his letters, began to
dictate Three or four we're written rapidly
/ was charmed with his tone and manner +;
his letters were SO hopeful and comforting
for those for whom they were intended. But
they were very short. When had finished
I his writing performed the same service for
/ one or two others, and then carried them to
the Office myself, fearful of delay otherwise,
and knowing the longing anxiety of the
frierds far away who anxious y watched and
waited for news from the absent ones. When
| vert to the hospital at a later hour, found
Fred sleeping as peacefully as a little child,
with one hand under his cheek. knew his
mind was at rest, and, with sympathy deep
and sincere, left him to visit others in differ
ent wards.
This was on Friday, and that night most
frightful storm visited Paducah. | was near
ly sufocated by SCOT from the falling of my
chimney, and caught a severe cold by the
rain beating into broken vi ldow. Every
metallic roof in town was lifted from lis
place and thrown off by the violence of the
wind. a lalge amount of property was de-
stroyed and great ieal of other injury done
he first glance from my window, as soon as
day dasned upon that terrible night, showed
me the hospital stripped of its steeple.
; could also discover that the windows wert
broken, and at once FASTENED away, filled
with fears for the comfort of the poor suffer
ers in whom | took so deep an interest. The
, first sounds that greeted my ears were moan.
) of pain from every quarter. Nearly every
! window had been shattered, the glass falling
l upon and eating some, while many had beer
! dreuched with rain. The men who had in
= hammatory rheumatism were suffering tor
lures. ard amongst the worst cases was Free
! Sd. His right side from his shoulde
: down WAS very painful, while his throat wa
: SO swollen and painful as to render. m al
5 most unalle to swallow anything. Iscarcel
: know how got through that day. A fe,
q days previously had secured an assistant i
t the person of Miss Smith, who was faithful
j. good and kind. She VIZ rked indefatigabl,
cay and night. and but for her, on that mis-
i ela able day fear few of the sufferers woul
it t,ave had prompt attention. DR.. D. an
J. his steward were good and faithful also, bu
It the, were nearly worn out. My cold no
!, be gan to show its effects so painfully that
e va reed TO retire to my room before th
+ day was half over.
s. At.r,we days of great suffering, l mad
j. ba,t toilet and started for the hospita
IF D. d aid Miss Smith were busy at tt
4 further end as entered, but the steward, G
e. seeing me. came forward with package, an
e silently placing the contents in my han
turned away. looked and found them II
s. effects of poor Fred Sd. There WEI
is letters from brother and sisters the pictu
If Of an old white-haired mother and father
g noble, manly looking young brother, and
S, descriptive roll. One or two other little a