Year: 1862

in tone so pitiful and full of despair, that
felt the tears spring to my eyes. | sent
them back to their source, however, and
spoke In full, firm, yet kind voice.


'Oh, no. You are not near death. You
are i'll, but you will not die. Uncle Sam
has use for you yet, and in few days
you'll be up and ready to shoulder your
musk ct again. Don't you think so p


His eyes sparkled in their deep sockets,
and a momentary flush rose to his pale
cheek.


oh, if [ could only think so! But
the time drags so slowly, and here lie
useless, helpless, keeping those who could
fight away to take care of me-
20 well, you need little rest, any way
L said cheerfully. Now, / want to do
something to cure you Do you want your
face bathed.


Yes, if it is not too much trouble, he
| said eagerly.
net bit. Now be easy, and I'll soon
have you feeling nicely >
got basin of water, combs, brushes.
sponge and soap, and came back to him
His large dark eyes rested with child like
pleasure on my face, as l carefully bathed
his face and hands. He had grown so
feeble that he could scarcely connect a SEN
tence without pausing, and lay painting on
his pillow from the slightest exertion. After
bathing his face, [ took the comb and
Strengthened out the snarled masses of long
| black hair that grew thickly over his brow.
l soon found that illness had made him
r. hui ISh T
childish bluntness


You're mighty purify he said suddenly,
and for moment [ did not know what to
say, but then | thought that may seem
SO to him, poor fellow and only smiled in
reply.


What's your name p he next asked.
s. replied


You amt married, are you p


Yes, and my husbands gone to fight as
you did at Fort Donelson'


'Oh dear he said fretfully, I'm SO sor-
ry. What did you get married for p
Never mind, | will put spider in his dump
ling when l get WELL


With the last words, mischievous light
broke over his face, and his black eyes
twinkled. [ laughed merrily at him, and
he seemed to enjoy it hugely. Poor fel-
low little enough amusement he had
If he could amuse himself at my expense,
| would have no objections.


My next patient was an orphan boy, six
teen years Of age. Frank b belonged
to Birg's Sharpshooters, and braver heart
never beat in the bosom ofmortal than that
which throbbcd in his.


While bathing his face, I asked him what
induced him to leave his home in Nebras-
ka, to come away and peril his life at such
an early age. His reply is worthy'to be
written by that of noble Nathan Hale,
who regretted having but one life to offer
to his country He said I Joined the
army because [ was young and strong. I
have but one life, and that would be worth
nothing to me if not offered to my country


Noble boy! How many more like him
have fallen like him willing sacrifices


The next day I carried basket of ap-
pies, oranges, pies, tea, &C., to the hospital.
AS went in, several of the men lifted
their heads, and nodded pleasantly.


Pm glad you have come back said one,
and another thought, it looked so home
like to see a woman amongst them


My 'admirer' with the black eyes clasp
ed my hand when offered him an orange,
and kissed it gratefully.


IF [ live he said, I'll always pray God
to bless you. If | die, I'll watch over you
from Heaven


Poor fellow [ wonder that if from that
heaven to which his spirit has flown, he is
watching over me tonight as pen these
lines?


Frankie's blue eyes greeted me with
glad smile before L was near enough to speak
to him. When bent over and asked how
he felt, he answered me cheerfully, saying
he hoped to be able soon to return to his
regiment.


bathed his face, gave him cup of hot
tea, with some toast, and left him sleeping
sweetly.


Those who have never visited the hospi-
tails cannot conceive of the wretched condi-
ton in which the men are brought into
them. That day ytwenty-eight were brought
in from Donelson and Savannah, and such
objects I never saw. Their faces and
hands were stiff with coal dust, and bur-
ming with fever. Their hair long and mat
ted, beard uncut and full of dirt


1t was serious task to attempt render
ing them comfortable, but did not shrink
from it. On the contrary, felt grieved at
my inability to serve more than one at
time Oh how I longed for the power to
stir some of my own sex, who in that town
passed the days in thoughtle idleness, to
action, if only for an hour, to assist in
bringing those poor sufferers to comfort,
able condition.


From morning till noon I toiled faith
fully glad from my heart, and thankful for
the imnulse that had sent me there. I