The National tribune., 1896-08-13
''!.jI|Ak' '''''''''':

should like to know how I can do this If
don't have anything to work with2 Have
some sense about it, now, General"
There was hearty laugh at this, and a little
badinage ensued, which Mrs. Bickerdyke
ended in her brusque way with Well, l
can't stand here fooling all day. Now, Cen
eral, write an order for two cars day to be
sent down from the Sanitary Commission at
Nashville. and / will be satisfied"
And Gen. Sherman wrote the order.
The following letter from Gen. Logan IS
characteristic both of the General and the trust
that Mother Bckerdyke inspired among men :;
desire to introduce Mother Bickerdyke. 'what-
she wants Is right, and what she SAYS will be
truth. JOHN A. LOGAN.
THE INCIDENT OF THE CHICKEN PIE.
Mrs. Bickerdyke used to forage about the
country for chickens. eggs, and milk for her
"boys" in the hospital. Foraging was some
what dangerous occupation, but her boys
needed chickens, SO she had to have them. One
day chicken pie was to be served in the hos
pitfalls, and some Of the officers determined to
have chicken-pi too, but Mother Bickerdyke
managed to get an inkling of their plans and
she counterplanned, for she needed every bit of
the chicken food for her sick men. To suspect
was TO investigate, and so as soon as she knew
the officers dinner had been sent in, in she went
too, and there were chicken-pie. jellies, and
other precious hospital dainties.
Aha" she said, 81 thought there was mis-
take somewhere. Them cooks are dreadfully
careless. Here, Andy, you help me carry these
things back" Without more ado she and Andy
carried the extras away from the officers.
They knew better than to make any fuss
about their lost dinner. The Quartermaster
and Surgeon called her the "Brigadier Com
manding Hospitals" But if ever the officers were
| tired out and sick to death of the monotonous
camp food she would fix them mp dainties,
and toll and journey to give them the food that
| they could relish.
| Mrs. Bickerdyke occasionally left the camp
to go North for much needed supplies. There
was simple, rugged eloquence about her ap-
peas that always won her case for her. The
story Of her life during the war is filled with
many funny scenes, when the woman in her
came in conflict with the pomp and ceremony
of war. Young Lieutenants and important
| Surgeons stood aghast at her doings She was
| an eternally feminine, and unique element in
the war. After the war she spent many years in
benevolent work in New York, helped the
| Kansans through their time of great distress,
! and is now always ready to help the old SOL
diers. She gives testimony in pension cases,
| and watches over them, and is still a brave,
/ hclpfa spirit in life. She is now living very
quietly in her Kansas home, and is always glad
| to hear from her boys"
IL,
| women who were moved by sweet and pity
| ing sentiment TO take up hospital work, and
they trpped to the doors of the hospital in their
| swaying hoop skirts, but were discouraged
| when they found that every thing was not ready
for their dainty duties. There were also many
other women, with creator courage who took
| up the duties Of the moment, and with gentle
| hands and brave hearts ministered to the needs
of the soldiers, but to few women has it been
given to be so helpful to men as Mother Bicker-
| dyke has been.
| The story of her work is astonishing. The
daily duties of her life in camp were so bomely
and so drudging. and yet in her combat with
death and disease and dirt. she was highly
| spiritual force In these days / fear many of
US think spirituality goes hand in hand with
deicaey and daintiness; perhaps it does. but
| it also is fellow traveller with common sense
with daily struggles, with daily needs and with
| the horleliest duties of life. Mother Bicker-
j dyke loved the armies of men as q mother
| loves her Sons. She loved them as Christ would
| have her love them.
servant with this clause
| Makes drudgery divine:
Who sweeps a room rs for Thy laws
| Makes that and til action fine.
| George Herbert.
| En- gle PnMEpnY MCEI ROY