The morning star and Catholic messenger. [volume] (New Orleans [La.]) 1868-1881, 1876-04-30

;. NV hat DO we DO WlCh our De8Sln8s
= All that is hard question to ask Of on
whose way of life leads ever among tn
poor, the sorrowing, the unfortunate, tn
most wretched of mankind. Not on me i
it wasted. l stand here ia my earthly all
What do we do with itf All some day
you may know"
She turned away and left him, sad of face
heavy of heart, and her dark eyes misty
with unshed tears.
"Stay |"
The Generals request was like com
mand. He could be stern, nay, almost
rude, bat be knew truth and worth when
he saw it, and could be just.
The Sister paused on the threshold, and
for q minute nothing was heard but the
rapid scratching of the Generals pen.
! There, madame, is your order on the
Commissary for ice and beef at army
terms, good for three months. I do it for
| the sake of the Union sOldiers who are, or
| may be in your care. Don't come bother
| ing me again Good morning.
In less than three weeks from that day
| the slaughter of the Red River campaign
| had been projected, and there neared the
city of New Orleans a steamer flying the
ominous yellow flag, which even the rebel
sharp shooters respected and allowed to
pass down the river unmolested. Another,
and still another followed closely in her
wake, and all the decks were covered with
the wounded and dying, whose bloody ban
dages, and, in many Instances, uudressed
wounds gave woeful evidence of the lack
of surgeons, as well of the completeness
of the rnnt. Among the desperately wound
ed was General IS. He was borne from the
steamer to theewaiting ambulance, with
ing In anguish from the pain or his bleed
ing and shelltorn limb, and when they
asked where he wished to be taken, he
feebly moaned:
Amy where, it matters not, where can
die in peace"
SO they took him TO the Hotel Dieu, a
noble and beautiful institution in charge
of Sisters of Charity. The limb was ampu
tated, and there he was nursed for weeks
through the agony of the surgical opera
ton, the fever, the wild .deiirium and for
many weary days no one could tell whether
life or death would be the victor. But who
was the quiet, faithful nurse, ever at his
bedside, ever ministering to his wants,
ever watchful of his smallest needs Why,
only" one the Sisters"
At last life triumphed, reason returned,
and with it much of the old, abrupt man
ner. The general awoke to consciousness
to see n face not altogether unknown bend
ing over him, and to feel pair of small,
deft hands skilfuliy arranging bandsge,
wet in ice cold water, around his throbbing
temples, where the mad pain and aching
had for so long time held sway. He was
better now, though still very weak, but his
mind was clear, and he could think calmly
and connectedly of all that had taken
place since the fatal battle,-a battle
which had SO nearly cost him bis life, and
left him at best but a m aimed and mutilated
remnant of his former self. Yet he was
it was no worse-that he had not
been killed outright. In like degree he
was grateful to those who nursed him
80 tenderly and tireleesly, especially the
gray-robed woman, who had become al
most angelic in his eyes, and it was like
him tn express his gratitude in bis own
peculiar way, without preface or circum
BIB if to get her features we'll fixed in his
he said:
Did you get the ice and beef"
The Sister started. The question was
30 direct and 30 unexpected. Surely her
patient must be getting better-really him
self.
" Yes" she replied, simply, but with a
kind glance of the soft, sad eyes, that spoke
her thanks.
And your name is-"
"Sister Frances"
Well, then, Sister Frances, l am. glad
you got the things-glad l gave you the
order. think know now what you do
thing of your work, your charity, your re-
ligion. and hope to be the better for the
lowe you debt l can never
repay, but you will endt avor to believe
that an deeply grateful for all your great
goodness and Ceaseless care"
"Nay, you owe me othing but to Him,
whose cross l bear, aud in whosc lowly
footsteps try to follow, You owe q debt
of love and gratitude unbonnded. To His
infinite mercy l commend you. 1t matters
not for the body it is that divine myste
ry, the soul, would save. My work here
is done l leave you to the care of others.
Adieu."
The door softly opened and closed,
and he saw Sister Frances NO more.
Two months atterward che received q
letter, sent to the care of the Mother Supe-
rior, enclosing a check for one Thousand
dollars. At the same time tho General took
occasion to remark THAI he wished he was
able to make 1t twice the amount, since he
knew, by experience, "what they did with
it." -
Perhaps the name of Bishop" Gilbert
Haven has not yet escaped the recollection
of our readers. They may remember him
in connection with ridiculous and profane
nomination of Mr.. Grant as a third termer.