The Forrest City times., 1907-02-22

SlOOn. Ills name was AlDlgenc0 Waldo, a surgeon, aud in addition to his official duties he kept a diary. which, after a hundred years, Is strangely interesting This diary came to light in 1861 in the old Penn sylvania Magazine. and read through from the first entry on Nov 19 it in- dicates, as nothing else could. the wearing effect of the times and cir cumstances. On Dec. II the hardships of Valley Forge have begun to tell on this surgeon to the continental army. He writes:
 T an prodigious sick and cannot get anything comfortable. What in the name of providence can do with fit of sickness in this place, where nothing appears pleasant 10 the sick. ened eye and Haaseating stomach? But l doubt not providence will find way for my relief, only l cannot eat beef if l starve for my stomach posi- lively refuses such company, and how can help that?2
 Next day he is worse, and in worse mood he scribbles:
 Dec 12.-Sunset. We are ordered to march over the river. It snows- I'm siek-eat nothing-no whisky-no baggage-Lord- d-Lord-Lord! ,, Twelve days later he begins with tribute to the endurance and pa tience of the soldiery, followed with loud protestings for himself and his condition. and winds up his memo randa by taking 1t all back:
 Dec 24-Prisoners and deserters are continually coming in The army, who have been surprisingly healthy hitherto. have now begun to grow sielIy from the continued fatieues they have suffered in this campaign 1 Yet they still show spirit and alaerity and contentment not to be expected l from so young troops. Why are we sent here to starye and freeze? What sweet facilities have | left at home charming wife. pretty children. good l beds, good food good cooking-all agreeable-all harmonious Here all confusion-cold. smoke. hunger. and dIhiness. Here comes q bowl of soup full of burnt leaves and dirt. h0 ay with it. boys-I'll live like a chameleon upon air!
 Poh, poh, cries Patience within me: you talk like a fool Your be- l ing sick covers your mind with a mel. anchollc gloom, which makes every. thiue about you appear gloomy. See the poor soldier when in health-with what cheerfulness hei meets his foes and encounters every hardship. If l barefoot he labors through the mud and cold with song in his mouth. extolIing war and Washington
 But hearken, Patience. a moment. There comes a soldier. His bare feet are seen through his worn-out shoes; l his legs nearly naked from the tat tered remains of an only pair of stock 1 ings-his shirt hanging in strings his hair disheyeled-his face meager his whole appearance picturing a person forsaken and discouraged. He comes and cries with an air of wretch edness; I am sick-my feet lame-my l legs are sore-my clothes worn out my constitution broken-l fail fast-I shall soon be no more! And all the reward l shall get will be: Poor 1 Will is no more.
 humor in Some Entries.
 That Surgeon Waldo was a humorist in no mean degree is shown by an ex. i tract following one in which he gives dissertation on fire cake" as an arti- cls of steady diet. He writes:
 Dec 22-Lay excessive cold and uncomfortable last night My eyes are started out from their orbits like rabbits eyes. occasioned by a great cold-and smoke!
 What have you for breakfast, lads?'
 'Fire-cake and water. sir
 The Lord send that our eonmis. sary of purchases may live on fire cake and water till their gIutted stom achs are turned to pasteboard!"
 To this comprehensive picture of life at Valley Forge is that memorable winter Surgeon Waldo added as one of his last memoranda a little tribute of his own to the general who had come with them so far sfield
 So much talk about the officers" ne writes, anu So many dlSchafXed, that his Ex-y lately expressed fears of being left alone with the sol. diers only. Strange that our country will not exert themselves for his sup port and save so good-so great-a man from entertaining the least anx. ious doubt of their virtue and perse. yerance in supporting a cause of such unparalleled importance'
 But when May came the army wss eager to meet the British ia their rs , traat from phfiadalnbtu