Knoxville journal. [volume] (Knoxville, Iowa) 1874-1986, 1875-07-22
MARTIN.
ny SUSAN COOLIDGE.


II was in the second year of the recen
war which seems so strangely shadowy
and far away to most OF us, that we made
acouaintance with our Martin. He was
wounded boy from New Hampshire reg
iment. we. volunteer nurses, in charge OF
Wards L. f and g, fractional parts OF the
great .Iaggers Hospital. Why our little
Town Of Soundside was selected as the site
Of the Jaggers nobody knew. Hospitals
In those DAYS came and went unsought,
unsent." like love-or measles-and were
nlauted haphaZard in unlikely spots.
Soundside was a most unlikely spot, but
none the less were we proud and glad to
be chosen. Scraping lint and making
sanitary Jelly had of itself been counted
privilege, but how infinitely greater that
privilege when the recipients thereof lay
Mt our very door, and we with our own
eyes could watch our offerings applied and
enjoyed.
A certain show of discipline was kept
up at the Jaggers, but in reality we all did
pretty much as we pleased. There was
little plan about our work, no leadership.
We blundered on as bestwe might. But the
air worked with us and the blessed sum-
mer, good will took the place of training,
and fair proportion of our invalids re-
covered.
Martins wound was in the arm near the
shoulder. For some time the doctor hoped
to save the limb. He bore all pain brave
ly. ] never saw him give way until the
ma-ning when he was told that his arm
must 90. Then for the first time he broke
down.
"Dear Martin, | am so sorry for you
81 don't grudge my arm. I'm not sorry
enlisted. Don't think so for minute, !"
he sobbed, long pauses between the
words. % 1t isn't Htat!" Then he hid his
face again.
1t was not until the next evening, when
the amputation was successfully over, that
we learned the meaning of his uney-
planned that" The conyalescents had
hobbed out to supper, and the ward was
STILL Martin lay on his pillows white
and bloodless, but very composed and
peaceful.
Don't fan me any longer. 1t will tire
you.' Always he was most considerate of
those about him.
I'm not a bit tired Don't you recollect
poor Riley's guessing that l was meant
for fanning-machine!
+" / thought, perhaps, while the rest were
away, you'd write letter for me-"
Certainly will. Shall 1t be now?'
and fetched my portfolio and inkstand.
He nodded without speaking; then, after
aminute's silence, and with visible eff
fort, began:
DEAR LuLY:
"You win feel bad about what have to
tell you. Yesterday the doctor said my arm
must come off, and this morning he has done
IT, am glad it isn't the right arm, for II will
be easier TO get living, and In many ways
shall miss 1t less. But it's pretty hard at
best, and makes difference. feel that III
right to let you know about it, and give you
chance to say II you want to take back your
promise. II you do you are free, Of course. |
expect know what you'll say but would
rather wait for your letter before telling it,
Write soon, dear Luly, for shall be looking
out till you do. 1t seems to me as if love
you more than ever, though I've only one arm
10 help along with ---"
"Why, Miss Agnes, what's that ~ for a
great tear had fallen on the paper and
blurred the ink. - You're not crying be-
cause of me, are your
s.Crying for Luly, Martin. She'll be so
sorry but so proud Of you, too
do you think so.' smiling for the first
time since the day before
Think sos am sure Of it,
He smiled again, finished the letter
calmly and lay quiet for while. Then:
Tell me again, Miss Agnes You don't
think it'll make differences"
A certain disquiet was apparent in his
voice, as there had been while he dictated
the brave sentences uf the letter
You see" he went on, she's only sew
enteen and 80 pretty! don't suppose you
hardly ever saw anybody so pretty as she
Is. All the young fellows in our part:
wanted her and / was so proud and &C
happy. It'll come hard, after having hel
pick OF the country round, to take up with
one-armed husband; don't you think
sosn
For answer told of the English nader
VINO, when her sailor lover wrote TO say
that he had come out of an engagement
minus an arm and both legs and ofieref
70 release her from her promise, made re
Ply: 30 long as enough of your body i,
leit 10 hold your soul am content and an
yours"
Do you think an American Is going tt
DC behind an English girl in matter likt
fhaty" / concluded
Martin was treasured He slept wei
that night and the next, and The doctor
looked bright. We did all that was pos
sible--fcd, guarded, watched and grew
momently more hopeful He did not agair
aiinde to "Luly," but there was eagerness
Ia ms eyes at post-time, and we, his
nurses, felt impatient to have the interva
pass and the answer come when onct
he hears from her." we said TO each other