Juliet signal. [volume] (Juliet [i.e. Joliet], Ill.) 1844-1???, 1864-06-21
nav HOSPITAL EXPERIENCE
BIZ A LADY.

l
BYA LADY.
what shall do TO pass my time away
pleasantly and nsefnlly 2 was the question
put to myself after the last good bye
had been spoken, the last kiss exchanged,
aud the parting words of my husband had
died out of the now desolats room, leaving
lingering echo in my heart which sound
ed like desolation. 1T will never do to sit
down here idly, and brood 10 vain regret
during bis absence; and surely, if be tho't
| should do nothing but pine and grieve
for him. it wOnld add heavier weight
than now rests upoO bis mind for then
two sore causes o! trouble would rest upon
him. 1t is enough TO tel that our dear
country calls for him in her affection, and
| God go with bin 10 her cause. / should
! blush FIR him if he held aloOf now, nor of
| fered himself in the full vigor and pride
of his young life, as a shield against the
arrow of destruction which threaten her,
and which have already severed come of
| the brightest links which united our belny-
ed nation. Ard while he has gene forth.
brave in defense Of right end truth, shall /
sit down and cry like a miserable, selfish
iDNtS
best always in it's hand !? No, nc. That
will never do! should never claim to be
daughter of my proud, beautiful mother,
America, cOnld for one moment be guilty.
of such selfish weakness
So ran my thoughts as stood beside the
window listening to the last clang and 'clat.
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 a
prayer as ever wife breathed for guidance
and safety. His last kiss was still warm
upon my lips--his last words ringing in
my esrs--Hnd soon. perhaps, that voice.
with it's loving tones, might be forever
hnshed, and the warm lips, cold ana mute,
under the icy seal of death Yet not for
one moment would have recalled him,
even whileI grew sick at heart and
heavy dread strOve to creep into my brain,
driving away Its usually hopeful and
pleasing fancies.
1T is right and just murmured, as ]
turned away, and God will go with him.
/ know what shall do. shall 20 and
take care OF the poO- sick boys at the hos
pitsl
To think, with me, is to act. In mo-
meut my bonnet and cloak were donued,
and was on my way with light heart.
Are there any wives, mothers or sisters Who
will wonder how / could lee light hearted
when had just sent my husband away to
bsttle-perhaps never to look upon his
dear face aeain7 will tell you why. /
trusted IA God aud scaS yielding to an i'm
pulse Of good deeds. say good, because |
was animated solely by the desire to rer-
der assistance and relieve suffering, and
not for what 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 wan,
you to employ me. Can render assis-
lance IN any wayr
Yes, madam, was his prompt response.
If you will come in sometimes and prepare
something no1rishing, and talk to them, to
keep them in good spirits, we shall be very
glad
i shall certainly do SO. ] am glad if |
can be of use'
! laid aside bonnet and cloak, without
further ceremony, and went to the sickest
man / saw.
How DO you feslf' asked, bending Ov-
er him.
Weak. ill-nigh to DEATH he replied
10 a tone so pitiiul and full of despair
that felt the tears spring to my eyes -
sent them back to their source, how
ever, and spoke in full, firm, yet kind
tone.
oh. no. You are not near death. You
are i'll, but you will DOT 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 sparkied in their deep sockets,
and momentary flush rose to his pale
cheek.
oh, if could only think so! But the
time drsgs 60 slowly, and here lie useless.
keeping those who could fight away to take
care of me-
oh. we'll. you needed little rest, any
way / said. chserfully. Now want to
do something to cure you. Do you want
your face batbed7 p
Yes, fit is not to 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 aud SOAP, and came back to him
His large, dark eyes rested with child-like
pleasure on my face, as L carefully Lathed
his face and hands. He had grown so fee
BILE that he could scarcely connect q seE-
teUce without pausing, and lay painting on
his pillow from the slightest exertion,-
Alter bathing his face, took the comb and
Strengthened out the snarled masses Oflong
black hair that grew thickly over his brow.
l soon found that illness had made him
childish, though / at first started his child
ish bluntness.
Tou're mighty purity he said, shdden-
", and for moment did not know what
to say but them thought, i may seem
SO to him, poor fellow aud only smiled in
, What is your name p he next ask
s. replied.
You amt married, are youP
Yes, and my husbands gone TO ;oht ec
| you did at Fort Donslson.'
oh dear he said, frettully. .I'm so sor
~: What did you get married for New
er mind I'll put spider in his dumping
when / get WE'LL
With the last words mischievous LIGHT
broke over bis face, and his black ewes
twinkled. ] laughed merrily at him, and
he seemed to. epjOy it hugely. Poor fellGwl
little enough amusement he had. IL be