Prescott journal. [volume] (Prescott, Wis.) 1861-1871, 1869-12-09
morning, on an erranl of inspection, she
accosted him thus:

morning, on an errand OF inspection, sne
accosted him thus:
DR.. -, do you know we are pay
ing those methodist secesh fifty cents for
every quart of milk we use! And do
you know it's such poor stutf-twothirds
chalk and water-that if you should
pour it into the trouth of respectable
pig at home, he would turn up bis nose,
and run off squealing with disgustG'
swell, what can we do about it?'
asked the doctor. between whom and
herself there was now fast friendship.
If you'll give me thirty days fur
Tough and transportation. I'll go home
and get all the milk and eggs that the
Memphis hospitals can use."
"Get milk and eggs! Why you
couldn't bring them down here, if the
North would give you all there is among
the loyal people. A barrel of eggs
spoils, this warm weather, before it reach
es us-and how on earth could you
bring milk?"
"Ob, I'd bring down the milk and
egg producers. I'd get cows and hens,
and we would milk and eggs of our own.
The folks at home, doctor, will give US
all the cows and hens we need for the
use of these hospitals, and jump at the
chance to do it. You needn't laugh and
shake your head;" as he turned away
greatly amused, and very unbelieving I;
Il tell you the loyal ipeople..ach to do
something for the boys down here, and
| can get fifty cows in Illinois alone, by
asking for them"
"Pshaw! pshaww said the doctor,
you'd be laughed at from one end of
the country to the other, if you should
90 up on such wild GRAND"
"Who cares for that? Give me q
furlough aud transportation, and let me
60 try it."
So she came north again, and did not
stop till she reached Chicago. Immed.
lately circulars were issued from the Com
mission, stating her erraud, and asking
assistance from the farmers in accom-
plishing her purposes. Tho press re-
echoed the CAL, and presently there came
generous responses. The cows were sent
to Springfield, ILL.,, where Gov. Yates
had promised TO see them shipped in
squads of a dozen or fifteen, sending
some one along to be sure that they were
properly cared for. The hens were sent
to the rooms of the Commission in Chi
cago. In week after the call the build
ing was transformed into huge hen
merry, completely driving out oil the
workers therein. They were dispatched
to Memphis in four shipments, in coops
containing about four dozen each.
Before her thirty days leave Of absence
was ended, Mother Bickerdyke was on
return route to her hospital, forming a
part of a bizarre procession Of nearly one
hundred coWs, and one thousand hens,
strung all along the road, from Chicago
to Memphis. She entered the city in
triumph, amid immense lowing and cack
ling, and Growing, when she informed
the astonished Memphians, that these
were loyal cows and hens-none of your
sesech trash that give chalk-and water
milk, and laid loud-smelling eggs."-
Gen. Washburu, who was at the head
of that department. hearing of this novel
immigration within his lines, gave up for
the accommodation Of the noisy new
corners, Presidents Island, lying oppo-
site Memphis, stretch of land SO eleva-
ted that it was above the highest stage
of water. Contrabands were detailed to
take charge of them, and as long as hos
pitfalls were needed in Memphis, there
was an abundance of the coveted milk
and eggs for their use.
Gen. Sherman is the beau ideal OF
Mother Bickerdyke's great man and
great soldier. She would defend Gen.
Grant like tigercss, if he was assailed +;
but it was clear 10 every one that Gen.
Sherman was the especial object of her
idolatry. And, to day, l really think
that sue would give her life for Sherman
if the sacrifice was necessary-that she
would count it small thing to die for
him. She rates him higher than Grant,
higher than President Lincoln, and alto
gether surerior as soldier, TO Gen.
Washington; and woe to the luckless
wight, who would dare lower her idol to
his proper place on the pedestal!
Gen. Sherman on his side, fully APP
preciated Mother Bickerdyke, and when
he was curt and repellant to all agents
aud nurses, and employees of the SAM
tary and Christian and State Commits.
sions, she had the entree to his head
quarters, and the granting Of any favors
she might ask. There is something in
her character akin to his own-both are
restless, impetuous, fiery, hard working,
and indomitable. After the fall of Vicks-
burg, he asked that Mother Bickerdyke
might became an especial attache of his
corps, the Fifteenth. Ever after, dur.
ing the war, she considered herself, in an
especial sense, under Sherman's direction
and the soldiers of the Fifteenth Corps
always and to this day have claimed ex.
elusive ownership Of her.
The last day of the year 'eS was one
memorable GOODNESS, as was the first day
Of the year '64. The last will long be
remembered in the West as "Me cold
New Years day." The rigor of the
weather actually suspended all out door
business in Chicago. and laid an embargo
on all travel through the streets. 1t
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