The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1898-09-22
As a NURSE.

claring that he could eat nothing until he
could get some fresh fish, and of course
must procure them for him.
But, said /, the doctor must be con
suited. Perhaps he will not think it best
for you to have any fish yet, until you are
stronger"
Veil, / dusn't care for tie toctor. He
dusn't know vat mine appetite ish. TIE
flesh must have. Oh, mine Coil mus,
have some feesh." And the old man
wept like child at the thought of being
disappointed.
Hunters Creek" was about mile and
half from camp, where Mr.. and Mrs.
B and had spent many an hour fish
ing and shooting at the focks of wild
ducks which irequented it. So, after pro-
yiding myself with hook, line and bait
made my way TO the creek. Soon alter
commenced operations | drew up a mon
strous eel, which defied all my efforts TO
release the hook from its Jaws.
At last i was Obliged TO draw it into
camp by means of the line, and | was
amply repaid for my trouble on seeing the
delight OF the conydfeScentS, and eSpecI-
ally of my old Dutchman who continued
TO slap his hands together and say "Dhat
ish coot, dhat ish coot." The eel was
handed over TO the cook TO be prepared for
dinner. and to the great satisfaction Of the
Dutchman he was permitted TO enjoy a
portion OF il.
The army under Mcclellan began TO as
sumo a waTlike aspect. Perfect order and
military discipline were observed every
where among the soldiers. 1t was a
splendid sight to see those well drilled
troops on dress parade, or being reviewed
by their gallant young commander, upon
whose shoulders the stars sat with SO
much grace and dignity.
The monOtony of camp life began to be
broken up by armed "Reminiscences and
diminishing between the pickets. Our
r n l.
on the right and to Munson's Hill in front
ON THE PICKET LINE.
The pickets OF both armies were posted
In plain sight of each other, only sepa-
rated by the beautiful coInfieIds and
peach orchards. PIcket-firing was kept
up all along the lines on both sides not
withstanding that flags OF truce had been
sent in by both parties several times, re-
guessing that this barbaIous practice
might cease.
AS soon as Mrs B was so far re-
covered as 10 be able to ride, we start ed
9ne day, accompanied by Mr.. B and
DIR. E, for Munson's Hill, TO see the
pickets on duty. We rode along until we
came within a short distance Of the rife
pits where our men were when the rebel
fred upon us. We turned and rode back
until we came to a clump OF trees where
we dismounted, hitched our horses, and
proceeded the rest of the way on foot 4;
part Of the way having to crouch a ong on
our hands and knees, in order to escape
the bullets which were whistling above us.
We reached the rife-pits in safety,
which were close TO a rail fence, the rails
OF which were perfectly riddied with mimic
balls. While we sat there looking through
an opera glass, whizi came a ball and
struck the rail against which my head
rested. CHANGING, IL passed through Dr.
E-s cap and lodged in the shoulder OF
mn Of
til the firing ceased, then returned to
camp, carrying with US the wounded man
Picket duty is one Of the most perilous
and trying duties connected with the
service. A ciercyman-soldier writing upon
this subject briefly describes it:
Picket duty at all times is arbitrary.
but at night IL is trebly so. No monarch
on throne, with absolute power, is more
independent, or exercises greater sway
Tor the time being than a private soldier
stationed on his beat with an enemy in
front. Darkness wells all distinctions
lie is not obliged TO know his own officers
or comrades, or the commanding General
only through the means of the counter
sign. With musket loaded and capped
he walks his rounds having to do with
matters only OF life and death, and at the
same time clothed with absolute power.
IL rs position OF fearful importance
and responsibility, one that makes a mar
feel solemn and terribly in earnest Often
too, these posts are in thick woods where
the soldier stands alone. cut off from
camp, cut OFF from his fellows, subiec
only TO the harrassings Of his own inagi
nation and sense of danger. The shadow.
deepen into inky night. All object.
around him, even the little birds tina
were his companions during the day. arr
gathered within the curtains of q hushe,
repOse, but the soldier with every merry,
and faculty OF his mind strained TO tn,
utmost tension of keenness and sensibil
ity speaks only in whispers His finger,
tighten round the stock OF his musket a.
he leans forward to catch the sound O
approaching footsteps, or, in absence o
danger, looks longingly up to the cold
gray sky with its wealth of shining stars