Year: 1862

W nat Shall L 90 10 pass my time away
pleasantly and usefully?" was the question
I put to myself after the last " good by" :"
had been spoken, the last kiss exchanged
and the parting words of my husband had
died out of the now deselated room, leav-
ing lingering echo in my heart which
sounded like desolation. 1T will never do
to sit down here idly, and brood in vain
regret during his absence: and surely if
he thought should do nothing but pine
and grieve for him, it would add heavier
weight than now rests upon his mind, for
then two sore causes for trouble would rest
upon him. 1t is enough to feel that our
dear country calls for him in her affiiction,
and God go with him in her cause
should blush for him if he held aloof now.
nor offered himself in the full vigor and
pride of his young life, as a shield against
the arrows of destruction which threaten
her, and which have already severed some
of the brightest links of our beloved ma
ton. And while he has gone forth, brave
and in the defense of right and truth,
shall sit down and cry like miserable
selfish child, because it cannot have the tev
it loves best always in its hand? No no.
That will never do! l should never do !
should never claim to be the daughter of
my proud, beautiful mother, America
could | for one moment be guilty of sell
fish weakness.


So ran my thoughts as I stood beside
the window, listening to the last clang and
clatter of the bell on the boat which bore
him away.


Slowly it put off from the wharf, and
then up to God went as deep and fervent
a prayer as ever wife breathed, for guild
anee and safety. His last kiss was still
warm upon my lips his last words ringing
in my ears-and soon, perhaps, that voice
with its loving tones, might be forever
hushed and the warm lips. cold and mute,
under the icy seal of death Yet not for
one moment would | have recalled him,
even while grew sick at heart, and a
heavy dread strove to creep into my brain,
driving away all its usually hopeful aud
pleasing fancies


=" It is right and just" | murmured as I
turned away and God will 60 with him,
know what shall do. I shall go and
take care of the poor sick boys up at the
hospital -


To think, with me, is to act. In mo-
ment my bonnet and cloak were donned
and was on my way with light heart
Are there any wives, mothers. or sisters
who will not wonder how | could feel light
hearted. when | had Just sent my husband
away to battle-pcrhaps never to look
upon bis dear face again? / will tell you
why. I trusted in God, and ,gas ytelding to
an impulse TO good deeds. 1 say good be-
cause | was animated solely by the desire
to render assistance and relieve suffering.
and not for what other people might think
or say of me.


On entering the hospital. | found the at
tending physician, Dr. l., there, and
introduced myself.


L have nothing to do I said. land
want you to employ me. Can render as
sistance in any way?'


Yes madam. was bis prompt response.
g If you will come In sometimes aud pre-
pare something nourisbipg and talk to them
to keep them in good spirits, We shall be
very glad"


q shall certainly do SO. am glad if
can be of use. -


l laid aside bonnet and cloak, without
further ceremony, and went to the sickest
man l saw.


How do you feel?'' I asked bending
over him.


Weak. ill-nigh to DEATH, he replied
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 jet, and in a few days
you'll be up and ready to shoulder your