Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1910-02-23

nothing Of the army OF the Potomac,
except that it has made some noble
sacrifices" Well, but give a guess.
persisted the president Indeed, 1
cannot. was her answer. He threw
himself awkwardy around in his
chair, with one leg over the arm.
and spoke slowly: This war might
have been finished at that time, it
every man had been in his place who
was able TO be there; but they were
scattered here and there over the
north-some on fwloughs, and in one
or another way gone, so that,
out of one hundred and seventy
thousand men, whom the govern
ment was paying. only eighty three
thousand could be got for action.
The consequences, you know, PROVED
nearly disastrous. The president
paused for d response, and it came.
1T was very sad; but the delinquents
We're certainly not in northern hospl-
tails, nor were they deserers from
northern hospitals, for We have none;
SO your argument Is not against
them"
The president appreciated this
logic thoroughly, and replied: Wen,
we'll; you go and call or the secretary
OF war, and see what he says" He
then took the lady's letter and wroCe
on the back Admit Mrs. at
once Listen to what she says. She
Is a lady OF intelligence, and talks
sense. a Lincoln" NAV return
to you, Mr Lincoln?7 she inquired
Certainly" said he, gently: and then
the 'ady found her way to Mr.. Stan.
toms Office, and was listened to and
treated with great respectfulness and
kindness. She was told by the sec.
rotary that he had sent the sr4 geon
general 10 New Orleans, with dlrec
ions to come up the river. and vis4
all the hospitals. Mrs - had No
faith in these inspections, and told
Elm so-told him, further, that nc
good to the western soldiers had even
resulted from them. she also mdt
Gated what she believed to be the
reasons for the favorable reports from
the southern hospitals, that had unl
iorfny been made Il believe" sale
She, that it is because the nled.ral
authorities know that the heads Of de
parLmeRts are opposed to establishing
hospitals so ar from army lines. and
report accordingly I wish this coulc
80 orer-ruled. can nothing be done O.
Nothing until the surgeon-g general re
turns" he replied. Personally, he ex
pressed himself in favor Of hospitals
in every northern state, but he had to
be guided by the medical authorities.
She bade him good morning, ano
returned r. he president. No ons
was watt and at the invitation oil
the messenger She passed Directly
into the presidents room; and. IS
Mr.. Lincoln motioned her to a char
he inquired what the secretary oil war
had said TO her she gave him full
account OF the Interview, and added:
Il have nowhere to go but to YOU.
He replied. Mr.. Stanton knows there
is an acting surgeon-generaI here
and that Hammond will not return
these two months. / will see the sec
rotary of war myself, tonight; ano
you may come again in the morning.
He then dismissed her in the kindesl
manner and with the kindest words
In the morning, the lady returned, fun
of hope. expecting to be greeted by
the same genial face and cordial man
ner with which Mr. Lincoln had DIS
missed her The president raised
his eyes as she entered his room, SAID
good morning, and pointed to d
chair. He was evidently annoyed al
something which had occurred during
some previous conversation of the
morning, and waited for her to speak
She waited for him "Well?" said ne
after minute OF delay "Well?" re
piled his visitor He looked up under
his eyebrows, a little startled. and in
CURED. Have you nothing to say?
Mott ing. she replied, until ! hear
your decision Have you decided
You know you babe me come this
morning. No, I have not decided
and I believe This idea of northern
hospitals is a great humbug, and am
tired Of hearing about IT," The lady
pitied him ID mis- weak and irritable
mood. and said Il regret to add z
feathers weight TO your already over
wheIming care and responsibility
would rather have stayed at home
with a feeble smile. he responded:
4 WISH you had. She was III earnest
and replied Nothing would have
given me greater pleasure. sir: but q
keen sense Of duty TO This govern
ment. justice and mercy to its most
loyal supporters, and regard Tor your
boDor and position. made me come
The people cannot understand why
their husbands, fathers and sons are
left TO die, when, with proper care
and attention. they ought to live. ana
vet do good service for their country.
Mr. Lincoln. do believe you will yet
be grateful for my coming I do NOT
come 10 plead for the lives Of GRIM
nals. nor for the lives Of deserters ;
but / plead for the lives of those VINO
we're the first TO hasten 10 the sup
port Of this government. who helped