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NURSE AND SPY IN THE

UNION ARMY:

COMPRISING

The Adventures and Experiences of a Woman in Hospitals, Camps, and BattleFields.

By S. EMMA E. EDMONDS.

Published by Subscription only by

W. S. WILLIAMS & CO., HARTFORD, CONN.

JONES BROS. & CO., PHILADELPHIA AND CINCINNATI. J. A. STODDARD & CO., CHICAGO, ILL.

1865.

Entered

According to Act of Congress in the year 1864, By W. S. Williams & Company

In the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United States,

For the District of Connecticut.

Printed by Wiley, Waterman, & Eaton, Hartford, Conn.

To the

Sick and Wounded Soldiers of the

Army of the Potomac,

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This Volume

Is Respectfully Inscribed

BY

The Author.

EMBELLISHMENTS.

PORTRAIT Engraved on Steel by Geo. E. Perine, N. Y. Disguises

and other Scenes, Drawn and Engraved on Wood by R. O'Brien, New York.

PAGE.

PORTRAIT OF THE AUTHOR, Frontispiece. HOSPITAL TREE AT FAIR OAKS, 17

CATERING FOR HOSPITALS, 94

DISGUISED AS A CONTRABAND, 113

MAKING HOE-CAKE FOR A SICK REBEL, 153

ACTING ORDERLY ON THE BATTLEFIELD, 178

RIDING FOR LIFE, 217

RELIEF FOR THE FAMISHING, 228

DISGUISED AS FEMALE CONTRABAND, 263

AN INTERESTING PATIENT, 272

PLAYING POSSUM, 295

PAYING A DEBT OF GRATITUDE, 316

BURSTING OF A SHELL IN VICKSBURG, 358

[Pg 5]

PUBLISHERS' NOTICE.

No apology is necessary for adding one more to the numerous "War Books" which already fill a large space in American Literature; for, to the general reader, nothing connected with the Rebellion can be more interesting than the personal experiences of those who have been intimately associated with the different phases of military life, in Camp, Field, and Hospital.

The "Nurse and Spy" is simply a record of events which have transpired in the experience and under the observation of one who has been on the field and participated in numerous battles--among which are the first and second Bull Run, Williamsburg, Fair Oaks, the Seven days in front of Richmond, Antietam, and Fredericksburg--serving in the capacity of "Spy" and as "Field Nurse" for over two years.

While in the "Secret Service" as a "Spy," which is one of the most hazardous positions in the army--she penetrated the enemy's lines, in various disguises, no less than eleven times; always with complete success and without detection.

Her efficient labors in the different Hospitals as well as her arduous duties as "Field Nurse," embrace many thrilling and touching

incidents, which are here most graphically described.

[Pg 6]Should any of her readers object to some of her disguises, it may be sufficient to remind them it was from the purest motives and most praiseworthy patriotism, that she laid aside, for a time, her own costume, and assumed that of the opposite sex, enduring hardships, suffering untold privations, and hazarding her life for her adopted country, in its trying hour of need.

In the opinion of many, it is the privilege of woman to minister to the sick and soothe the sorrowing--and in the present crisis

of our country's history, to aid our brothers to the extent of her capacity--and whether duty leads her to the couch of luxury, the abode of poverty, the crowded hospital, or the terrible battle field--it makes but little difference what costume she assumes while in

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the discharge of her duties.--Perhaps she should have the privilege of choosing for herself whatever may be the surest protection from insult and inconvenience in her blessed, self-sacrificing work.

The moral character of the work,--being true to virtue, patriotism, and philanthropy--together with the fine embellishments and neat mechanical execution--will, we trust, render it an interesting and welcome visitor at every fireside.

[Pg 7] CONTENTS. CHAPTER I.

Pages 17-28.

COMMENCEMENT OF THE WAR--MY HOME AND MY DUTY--I ENLIST IN THE CAUSE--EXCITEMENT AT THE WEST--TROOPS ON THE MARCH--MOBS AT BALTIMORE--TEMPORARY HOSPITALS--UNAVOIDABLE EVILS-- BEGGING FOR COMFORTS--SUPPLIES FOR THE SICK--CAMP HOSPITALS--THUNDER STORMS IN CAMP--A DYING OFFICER--SOLDIERS IN THE PUBLIC BUILDINGS--PREPARATIONS FOR THE ADVANCE.

CHAPTER II. Pages 29-41.

MARCHING ORDERS--REMOVAL OF THE SICK--A YOUNG PATIENT--VISIT FROM HIS MOTHER--MARCH TOWARD MANASSAS--COLLECTING SUPPLIES--FATIGUES OF THE MARCH--PREPARATIONS FOR BATTLE--A CAMP PRAYER MEETING--DIVISIONS DETAILED--MY PLACE ON THE FIELD--"RATHER CLOSE QUARTERS"-- A BATTLE SUNDAY--SKULKING FROM THE FIELD.

CHAPTER III. Pages 41-54.

WATER FOR THE WOUNDED--COL. CAMERON KILLED--SCENES ON THE BATTLEFIELD--BURNSIDE'S BRIGADE--CAPTURE OF GRIFFIN'S AND RICKETT'S BATTERIES--REBELS REINFORCED--THE PANIC AND RETREAT--THE WOUNDED AT CENTERVILLE--MY RECONNOISSANCE--AN INSANE WOMAN ON THE FIELD-- HIDING FROM THE ENEMY--RETURN TO THE WOUNDED--EXPECTATION OF CAPTURE--ESCAPE FROM

THE REBELS--MY WALK TO ALEXANDRIA--FOOTSORE AND WEARY--ARRIVAL IN WASHINGTON--LETTERS

FROM DEAD SOLDIERS' FRIENDS. [Pg 8]

CHAPTER IV. Pages 55-70.

WASHINGTON AFTER BULL RUN--DEMORALIZATION OF THE ARMY--SICK SOLDIERS--HOSPITAL SCENES-- EXTRACTS FROM MY JOURNAL--SYMPATHY OF SOLDIERS--FISHING FOR THE SICK--A FISH-LOVING DUTCH-MAN--REORGANIZATION OF THE ARMY--A VISIT TO THE PICKETS--PICKET DUTIES AND DANGERS--THE ARMY INACTIVE--MCCLELLAN'S ADDRESS--MARCHING ORDERS AGAIN--EMBARKATION OF THE ARMY

FOR FORTRESS MONROE--THE CROWDED TRANSPORTS--DESCRIPTION OF THE MONITOR--HER BUILD,

ARMAMENT, TURRET AND ENGINES.

CHAPTER V. Pages 71-82.

ARRIVAL AT FORTRESS MONROE--THE VILLAGE OF HAMPTON--VISITING THE CONTRABANDS--ARRIVAL OF FUGITIVES--A REAL "CAMP MEETING"--FEEDING THE NEGROES--CAMP MISERIES--MULES--MISS PERIWINKLE'S MULES--THE COQUETTISH, THE MORAL, THE HISTRIONIC, AND THE PATHETIC MULE--OUR JACK--LINES OF LOVE--MY BOX AND PRESENTS--A THREE-STORY CAKE--A SERENADE AND SURPRISE PARTY--GOOD AND BAD CHAPLAINS--THE MORALS OF THE ARMY--SLANDERS ABOUT SOLDIERS.

CHAPTER VI. Pages 82-97.

THE MARCH TO YORKTOWN--SCARCITY OF SUPPLIES--CAMP COOKERY--DIFFERENT CHARACTERS IN

THE ARMY--ARRIVAL OF TRAINS--CHANGE OF CAMP--TRYING TO SHELL US OUT--THE OLD SAW-MILL--A

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CONSTANT TARGET--ASSAULTS ON OUR OUTPOSTS--A REBEL APPEAL--YORKTOWN AND VICINITY--THE SITUATION--BALLOON RECONNOISSANCES--PROF. LOWE ON HIGH--REBEL VIXENS--A CURIOUS VISIT--A STRANGE HOSTESS--SHE TRIES TO KILL ME--I WOUND HER AND CAPTURE A PRISONER--A CONVERSION-- THE SECESH WOMAN BECOMES A FEDERAL NURSE.

[Pg 9] CHAPTER VII. Pages 97-109.

A LOST FRIEND--DEATH OF LIEUTENANT JAMES V.--HIS BURIAL--THE GRAVE BY NIGHT--MY VOW--A SOLDIER-CHAPLAIN--RECOGNITIONS IN HEAVEN--DOUBTS AND DISSATISFACTION--CAPTURE OF A SPY-- MY EXAMINATIONS AT HEADQUARTERS--MY DISGUISE AS A SPY--I AM METAMORPHOSED INTO A CONTRABAND--HIRED AS A COOK--BISCUIT MAKING--THE DOCTOR'S TEA.

CHAPTER VIII. Pages 110-121.

MY FIRST SECRET EXPEDITION--MY WORK AMONG CONTRABANDS--PICKAXE, SHOVEL AND WHEELBARROW--COUNTING THE GUNS IN A REBEL FORTIFICATION--A CHANGE OF WORK--CARRYING WATER TO THE REBEL SOLDIERS--GENERALS LEE AND JOHNSON--THE REBEL FORCE AT YORKTOWN--A COUNCIL OF WAR--TURNING WHITE AGAIN--A REBEL SPY--LIEUTENANT V.'S MURDERER--ON PICKET DUTY--MY RETURN TO OUR LINES--I PUT ON UNIFORM AND MAKE MY REPORT.

CHAPTER IX.

Pages 122-137.

EVACUATION OF YORKTOWN--OUR ARMY ON THE DOUBLE QUICK--PURSUIT OF THE FUGITIVES--THE ENEMY'S WORKS--A BATTLE--ON THE FIELD--A "WOUNDED," AND NOT INJURED COLONEL--CARRYING THE WOUNDED--FORT MAGRUDER SILENCED--THE VICTORY WON--BURYING THE DEAD--STORY OF A RING--WOUNDED REBELS--A BRAVE YOUNG SERGEANT--CHRISTIAN SOLDIERS--A SOLDIER'S DEATH-BED--CLOSING SCENES--LAST WORDS.

[Pg 10] CHAPTER X. Pages 137-146.

MCCLELLAN'S DESPATCH FROM EWELL'S FARM--CALL FOR REINFORCEMENTS--NEWS FROM NORFOLK-- DESCRIPTION OF THE MERRIMAC--THE ENGAGEMENT IN HAMPTON ROADS--FIRST AND LAST FIGHT OF THE MERRIMAC--VICTORY OF THE MONITOR--ADVANCE ON THE PENINSULA--THE BATTLE SONG--A MUDDY MARCH--ON THE CHICKAHOMINY--CRITICAL POSITION OF GENERAL BANKS--THE PRESIDENT'S DESPATCHES--MCCLELLAN'S REPLY.

CHAPTER XI.

Pages 147-160.

ANOTHER DISGUISE--I BECOME AN IRISH PEDDLER--FEVER AND AGUE--A NIGHT OF SUFFERING IN THE SWAMP--RETROSPECTION--LOST IN THE SWAMP--CANNON MY GUIDES--A SICK REBEL--I FIND SOMETHING TO EAT--MY NEW PATIENT--SYMPATHY FOR SUFFERING--TALK WITH A DYING REBEL--A WILLING DETENTION--EXTEMPORIZING A LIGHT--THE LAST HOUR--SOLDIERS OF CHRIST--THE CHAMBER OF DEATH.

CHAPTER XII.

Pages 161-173.

AM I A STOIC?--SOMEONE'S DARLING--COMPLETING MY DISGUISE--ANOTHER START FOR THE REBEL LINES--PEPPERING MY EYES--CHALLENGED BY A PICKET--A COCKNEY SENTINEL--GETTING INFORMATION--PLENTY OF BEEF, BUT NO SALT--RICE AND CORN MEAL BREAD--PREPARING TO VISIT HEADQUARTERS--INTERVIEW WITH MAJOR MCKEE--THE MAJOR'S MISPLACED CONFIDENCE--RETURN FOR THE BODY OF THE REBEL CAPTAIN--MY LOOK-OUT FOR YANKEES--NEW ORDERS.

[Pg 11] CHAPTER XIII. Pages 173-186.

OUR COMMUNICATIONS WITH THE CHICKAHOMINY--PORTER'S SUCCESSES--DESPATCHES TO THE PRESIDENT--HIS REPLY--HANOVER COURT HOUSE--TERRIBLE STORM AND FLOOD--HOPES OF THE ENEMY--A SUDDEN AND STRONG ATTACK--I ACT AS AN ORDERLY--THROUGH THE FLOOD--MY RETURN AND RE-PORT--JOYFUL NEWS--MY OWN DISASTER--SCENES IN THE OLD MILL--WAITING ON THE WOUNDED--MY

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SUFFERINGS BY THE ROADSIDE--A HARD-HEARTED CHAPLAIN--A STUMBLING BLOCK.

CHAPTER XIV.

Pages 186-196.

RENEWAL OF THE BATTLE--VICTORY FOR THE FEDERAL ARMS--ADDRESS TO THE ARMY--MORE DESPATCHES--MY BATTLE TROPHY--PONY REB'S PERFORMANCES--THE HOSPITAL TREE--TOUCHING SCENES--BISHOP SIMPSON--THE CROSS AND THE FLAG--AFTER THE BATTLE--DELAYS BY STORMS, FLOODS AND MUD--MCCLELLAN'S CALL FOR MORE MEN--IN READINESS TO MARCH--PROMISED REINFORCEMENTS.

CHAPTER XV.

Pages 197-206.

LEAVE OF ABSENCE--VISIT TO THE WILLIAMSBURG HOSPITALS--EFFECTIVE PREACHING--YORKTOWN REVISITED--LONGINGS--WHITE HOUSE LANDING--TIRED OF IDLENESS--PREPARATIONS TO RETURN TO DUTY--STUART'S CAVALRY RAID--A TRAIN FIRED INTO--FAIR OAKS GROVE--THE STRENGTH OF THE EN-EMY--TRYING TIMES ON THE PENINSULA--THE ENDURANCE OF OUR SOLDIERS--LABORS OF MR. ALVORD. [Pg 12]

CHAPTER XVI.

Pages 207-219.

CHANGE OF BASE ACROSS THE PENINSULA--EVACUATION OF WHITE HOUSE--THE MOVEMENT--BATTLE OF MECHANICSVILLE--GAINES' MILL--A REPULSE--MCCLELLAN'S DESPATCH--HOSPITALS IN DANGER-- CONVALESCENT OFFICERS--LENDING MY HORSE--A LOTTERY--INSPECTING FARM STOCK--CATCHING A COLT--DANGER OF CAPTURE--RIDING FOR LIFE--BETWEEN TWO FIRES.

CHAPTER XVII.

Pages 219-233.

WITHDRAWAL TO MALVERN HILL--THE SOLDIER'S LAST WATCH--TROWBRIDGE'S GRAVE--SCENES IN A HOSPITAL--CAPTURE OF THE WOUNDED--A NOBLE SURGEON--LINE OF BATTLE--HARD FIGHTING--THE ENEMY REPULSED--HUNTING FOR FOOD--IN A FARM-HOUSE--PERILOUS POSITION--SECURING THE SPOILS--RELIEF OF THE FAMISHING--SUBLIME SCENE--ON THE MARCH--GENERAL KEYES--GUNBOATS-- ARRIVAL AT HARRISON'S LANDING--SAD CONDITION OF TROOPS--OUR LOSSES--MCCLELLAN'S ADDRESS TO THE ARMY.

CHAPTER XVIII.

Pages 233-248.

RETURN OF OLD ACQUAINTANCES--THE WOUNDED COLONEL--I VISIT WASHINGTON--MILITARY DISPLAY--EPAULETS--ARISTOCRACY--SPIRIT OF JOHNNY BULL--SOLDIERS' FREE LIBRARY--CONTRABAND CAMP--NEGRO TESTIMONY--PATIENT CHARLEY--PAINFUL POSITION--BROTHER'S LAST CONVERSATION-- RETURN TO THE ARMY--CHRISTIAN COMMISSION--GENERAL HOWARD'S SPEECH.

[Pg 13] CHAPTER XIX. Pages 249-260.

MY CONSTANT COMPANION--DISPELLING THE BLUES--GENTLE NELLIE--FACES IN THE HOSPITAL-- ASLEEP AND AWAKE--MY HORSE AGAIN--AT HARRISON'S LANDING--IMPATIENT TO MOVE--DISSATISFACTION IN THE ARMY--RETREAT FROM RICHMOND--RETURN TO NEWPORT NEWS--SUSPICIOUS QUARTERS--SEARCHING THE HOUSE AND FINDING REBEL SOLDIERS--THANKS TO THE ARMY--OUR ARRIVAL AT ACQUIA CREEK.

CHAPTER XX.

Pages 261-273.

POPE'S ARMY--A GENERAL S REQUEST--AGAIN A CONTRABAND--ENTERING THE REBEL LINES AS A SPY-- MY ESCAPE TO THE FEDERAL LINES--IN PERIL--KEARNEY KILLED--CRAWLING THROUGH THE WOODS-- BURIAL OF A PICKET--LOOKING FOR A GENERAL--MR. NEGATIVE--MCCLELLAN AND POPE--THE BATTLE OF ANTIETAM--A TOUCHING DEATH-SCENE--AN INTERESTING PATIENT--BURIAL OF A FEMALE SOLDIER.

CHAPTER XXI.

Pages 273-285.

AFTER ANTIETAM--SURGEONS ON THE FIELD--THE HOSPITALS--LIEUTENANT-COLONEL DWIGHT MOR-

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TALLY WOUNDED--A BRUTAL SURGEON--A WOUNDED CAPTAIN--AGONY FROM THIRST--CHRISTIAN SOLDIERS--PRAYING AND FIGHTING--FOPS ON THE FIELD--A REBEL PROGRAMME--PENNSYLVANIA TO BE STRIPPED--CAMP LIFE--DAILY ROUTINE--BURIAL SERVICES.

[Pg 14] CHAPTER XXII. Pages 286-296.

A MILITARY EXECUTION--THE PREPARATIONS--THE DEATH--HARPER'S FERRY--OLD JOHN BROWN--CONTRAST--ADVANCE INTO VIRGINIA--CONDITION OF THE ARMY--A DREARY RIDE--A GREEN GUARD-- SEEKING SHELTER--A GUERRILLA FIGHT--MY HORSE KILLED--PLAYING POSSUM--MY POCKETS PICKED-- A NARROW ESCAPE--RETURN TO CAMP--AN INTERESTING MEETING.

CHAPTER XXIII.

Pages 297-308.

MCCLELLAN REMOVED--HIS ADDRESS--BURNSIDE IN COMMAND--ON THE MARCH--MY RIDE--OLD BATTLEFIELDS--SAD SIGHTS--"YANKEE SKULLS"--"BONE ORNAMENTS"--FALMOUTH--SHELLING FRED-ERICKSBURG--PONTOON BRIDGES--OCCUPATION OF THE CITY--AIDE-DE-CAMP--DREADFUL SLAUGHTER--A GALLANT MAJOR--STRANGE SIGHTS--DARK NIGHT--DEATH OF GENERAL BAYARD--SOMEONE'S PET--RECROSSING THE RAPPAHANNOCK.

CHAPTER XXIV.

Pages 309-318.

AFTER THE BATTLE--SUFFERINGS OF THE WOUNDED--GENERAL BURNSIDE'S ORDER--"STUCK IN THE MUD"--HOOKER IN COMMAND--WESTERN CAMPAIGN--CAVALRY RECONNOISSANCE--ANOTHER DISGUISE--AGAIN IN DIXIE--A WEDDING PARTY--IN A TRAP--REBEL CONSCRIPT--ON THE MARCH--A REBEL CAPTAIN--A FIERCE ENGAGEMENT--PAYING A DEBT OF GRATITUDE--AGAIN UNDER THE OLD FLAG.

[Pg 15] CHAPTER XXV. Pages 319-330.

APPOINTED DETECTIVE--I VISIT LOUISVILLE--SECESH ACQUAINTANCES--SEEKING EMPLOYMENT-- PEDDLING--REBEL SPIES--ACTING AS CLERK--TRAPPING SPIES--START FOR VICKSBURG--PRO-SLAVERY TROOPS--CRUELTY TO NEGROES--VISITING HOSPITALS--TOUCHING SCENES--AN ARMLESS SOLDIER--PATIENT SUFFERING--TRIUMPHANT DEATH--RALLY ROUND THE FLAG--WESTERN CHAPLAINS--SOLDIERS' TESTIMONY--EFFECT OF PRAYER IN BATTLE--CARRYING THE WOUNDED.

CHAPTER XXVI.

Pages 331-340.

A UNIONIST FROM THE REBEL ARMY--HIS TESTIMONY--SOUTHERN HOSPITALS--PATRIOTISM--FEMALE RECRUITING--CRINOLINE--"SWEET LITTLE MAN"--CONFEDERATE SYSTEM--NORTH AND SOUTH CONTRASTED--REBEL IMPRESSMENT--BROTHERS' CRUELTY--DYING FOR THE UNION--FATE OF A TENNESSEE PATRIOT--ON THE MISSISSIPPI--INVISIBLE ATTRACTION--AN IMPORTANT QUESTION--MORAL SUBLIMITY--CONTRABANDS JUBILEE.

CHAPTER XXVII.

Pages 341-353.

ARRIVAL AT VICKSBURG--ITS SURROUNDINGS--GRANT'S ARMY--ASSAULT ON THE REBEL WORKS--THE SEVEN COLOR-BEARERS--PEMBERTON'S HARANGUE--IN THE TRENCHES--SUFFERINGS OF THE WOUNDED--PEMBERTON'S PROPOSED CAPITULATION--GRANT'S REPLY--TERMS OF SURRENDER--OCCUPATION

OF THE CITY--LOSS OF THE ENEMY--COMPLIMENTARY LETTER--GRANT'S SUCCESS--ATTACHMENT OF HIS SOLDIERS--"FIGHTING DICK"--GOLD LACE--REBEL SUFFERINGS--SIGHTS IN VICKSBURG--INCIDENTS OF THE SIEGE--CAVE LIFE.

[Pg 16]

CHAPTER XXVIII.

Pages 353-362.

WESTERN GIBRALTAR--THE "LEAD MINERS"--THE PALMETTO EXCHANGED FOR THE STARS AND STRIPES-- ENTHUSIASM OF TROOPS--SUFFERINGS FORGOTTEN--I AM ATTACKED BY FEVER--UNFIT FOR DUTY-- "VICKSBURG IS OURS"--SPIRIT YEARNINGS--"ROCK ME TO SLEEP MOTHER"--IMPOSITION OF STEAMBOAT OFFICERS--GRANT'S CARE FOR HIS MEN--BURSTING OF A SHELL IN CAMP--CONSEQUENCES--SPEECHLESS AGONY--I AM RELEASED FROM DUTY--MY TRIP TO CAIRO--MISS MARY SAFFORD--ARRIVAL AT WASHING-

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TON.

CHAPTER XXIX.

Pages 362-373.

REVIEW OF HOSPITAL AND CAMP LIFE--QUESTIONS ANSWERED--BEHIND THE SCENES--BLESSED EMPLOYMENT--LIVING PAST SCENES OVER AGAIN--MY MOST IMPORTANT LABORS--MOTHER AND SON-- STRANGE POWER OF SYMPATHY--HERO'S REPOSE--OFFICERS AND MEN--THE BRAVEST ARE KINDEST-- GENERAL SEDGWICK--BATTLE SCENES--MR. ALVORD'S DESCRIPTION--VOLUNTEER SURGEONS--HEART SICKENING SIGHTS--AN AWFUL PICTURE--FEMALE NURSES--SENTIMENTAL--PATRIOTIC--MEDICAL DEPARTMENT--YOUNG SURGEONS--ANECDOTES.

CHAPTER XXX.

Pages 374-384.

CLOSING INCIDENTS--PROFESSOR LOWE'S BALLOON--FITZ JOHN PORTER'S ADVENTURE--HIS UPWARD FLIGHT--RECONNOITERING FROM A DANGEROUS POSITION--COOL COURAGE--ENTHUSIASTIC GREET-ING--AN EARNEST INQUIRER--A BAPTISM IN THE ARMY--PREACHING BY MOONLIGHT--A MAGNIFICENT SCENE--A WEDDING IN CAMP--GAY TIMES--A CONTRAST--HOSPITAL IN WINCHESTER--SPIRIT OF REVENGE--SABLE HEROINE--A WHITE DARKEY--COLORED SOLDIERS--CONCLUSION.

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HOSPITAL TREE AT FAIR OAKS.--Page 191.

NURSE AND SPY.

CHAPTER I.

COMMENCEMENT OF THE WAR--MY HOME AND MY DUTY--I ENLIST IN THE CAUSE--EXCITEMENT AT THE WEST--TROOPS ON THE MARCH--MOBS AT BALTIMORE--TEMPORARY HOSPITALS--UNAVOIDABLE EVILS-- BEGGING FOR COMFORTS--SUPPLIES FOR THE SICK--CAMP HOSPITALS--THUNDERS STORMS IN CAMP--A DYING OFFICER--SOLDIERS IN THE PUBLIC BUILDINGS--PREPARATIONS FOR THE ADVANCE.

EARLY in the spring of 1861, I was returning from the far West, and as I sat waiting for the train which was to bear me to my adopted home in New England, and was meditating upon the events which had transpired during the past few months, the record of which was destined to blacken the fair pages of American history, I was aroused from my reverie by a voice in the street crying "New York Herald--Fall of Fort Sumter--President's Proclamation--Call for seventy-five thousand men!" This announcement startled

me, while my imagination portrayed the coming struggle in all its fearful magnitude. War, civil war, with all its horrors seemed inevitable, and even then was ready to burst like a volcano upon the[Pg 18] most happy and prosperous nation the sun ever shone upon. The contemplation of this sad picture filled my eyes with tears and my heart with sorrow.

It is true, I was not an American--I was not obliged to remain here during this terrible strife--I could return to my native land where my parents would welcome me to the home of my childhood, and my brothers and sisters would rejoice at my coming. But these were not the thoughts which occupied my mind. It was not my intention, or desire, to seek my own personal ease and comfort while so much sorrow and distress filled the land. But the great question to be decided, was, what can I do? What part am I to act in this great drama? I was not able to decide for myself--so I carried this question to the Throne of Grace, and found a satisfactory answer there.

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Five years previous to the time of which I write, I left my rural home, not far from the banks of the St. John's River, in the Province of New Brunswick, and made my way to the United States. An insatiable thirst for education led me to do this, for I believed then, as now, that the "Foreign Missionary" field was the one in which I must labor, sooner or later. I came here a stranger, with but little to recommend me to the favorable notice of the good people, except a letter from the Pastor of the church to which I belonged, and one from my class-leader--notwithstanding,[Pg 19] I found kind friends to help me in all my undertakings, and whether in business, education, or spiritual advancement, I have been assisted beyond my highest expectation. I thank God that I am permitted in this hour of my adopted country's need to express a tithe of the gratitude which I feel toward the people of the Northern States.

Ten days after the President's proclamation was issued, I was ready to start for Washington, having been employed by the Government, and furnished with all the necessary equipments. I was not merely to go to Washington and remain there until a battle had been fought and the wounded brought in, and then in some comfortable hospital sit quietly and fan the patients, after the Surgeon

had dressed their wounds; but I was to go to the front and participate in all the excitement of the battle scenes, or in other words, be

a "Field Nurse."

The great West was stirred to its center, and began to look like a vast military camp. Recruiting offices were filled with men eager to enroll their names as defenders of their country--and women were busily engaged in preparing all the comforts that love and patriotism could suggest, for those who were so soon to go forth to victory or to death, while the clash of arms and strains of martial music almost drowned the hum of industry, and war became the theme of every tongue.

[Pg 20]About this time I witnessed the departure of the first western troops which started for Washington. The regiments were drawn up in line--fully equipped for their journey--with their bright bayonets flashing in the morning sunlight. It was on the principal street of a pleasant little village of about a thousand inhabitants, where there was scarcely a family who had not a father, husband, son, or brother in that little band of soldiers who stood there ready to bid them farewell, perhaps for years--perhaps forever. A farewell address was delivered by the village Pastor, and a new Testament presented to each soldier, with the following inscription: "Put your trust in God--and keep your powder dry." Then came the leave-taking--but it is too painful to dwell upon--the last fond word was spoken, the last embrace given, then came the order "march"--and amid the cheers of the citizens--with banners proudly floating, and the bands playing "The Star Spangled Banner," they moved forward on their way to the Capital. On looking back now upon the scenes of that morning, notwithstanding I have looked upon others much more thrilling since then, yet I cannot recall

that hour without feelings of deep emotion. While I stood there and beheld those manly forms convulsed with emotion, and heard the sobs of those whom they were leaving behind, I could only thank God that I was free and could go forward and work, and was not[Pg 21] obliged to stay at home and weep. A few hours more, and I, too, was on my way to Washington.

When I reached Baltimore I found the city in an uproar--mobs were gathered in the streets and the utmost excitement prevailed: and as the crowded cars moved through the city toward the depot, the infuriated mob threw showers of stones, brickbats, and other missiles, breaking the windows and wounding some of the soldiers. Some of the men could not forbear firing into the crowd--notwithstanding their orders were to the contrary--however, it had a good effect, for the mob soon dispersed; they probably had not forgotten the Sixth Massachusetts and the Pennsylvania troops which had passed through a short time before. The cars soon reached the depot, and started immediately for Washington--where we arrived in due time--weary, and in great need of food and sleep.

Soon after reaching Washington I commenced visiting the temporary hospitals which were prepared to receive the soldiers who arrived there sick. The troops came pouring in so fast, and the weather being extremely warm, all the general hospitals were soon filled, and it seemed impossible to prepare suitable, or comfortable, accommodations for all who required medical attention.

There are many things in connection with this war that we are disposed to find fault with, and we think the blame rests upon such and such[Pg 22] individuals--but after investigating the matter, we find that they are all owing to a combination of circumstances entirely beyond the control of those individuals--and it requires time to bring about the desired results. This has been my experience with regard to the hospital department. After walking through the streets for hours on a sultry southern day in search of one of those temporary hospitals, I would find a number of men there delirious with fever--others had been sun-struck and carried there--but no physician to be found in attendance. Then, I would naturally come to the conclusion that the surgeons were all slack

concerning their duty--but upon going to the office of the Surgeon in charge of that department, would find that a certain number of surgeons were detailed every morning to visit those hospitals, and were faithfully performing their duty; but that the number of hospitals and patients were increasing so fast that it required all day to make the tour. Consequently the last ones visited were obliged to wait and suffer--without any blame attaching to the surgeons.

Then another great evil was to be remedied--there were thousands of sick men to be taken care of--but for these the Government had made no provision as regards more delicate kinds of food--nothing but hard bread, coffee and pork, for sick and well, alike. The Sanitary Commission had not yet come into operation and the [Pg 23]consequence was our poor sick soldiers suffered

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unspeakably from want of proper nourishment. I was speaking upon this subject one day to Chaplain B. and his wife--my constant companions in hospital labor--when Mrs. B. suggested that she and I should appeal to the sympathies of the ladies of Washington and Georgetown, and try our hand at begging. I agreed to the proposal at once, and wondered why I had not thought of it myself-- among all my schemes for alleviating the sufferings of these men, it had never entered into my head to beg for them. We decided to go to Georgetown first and if we succeeded there, to canvass Washington. So we started, and commenced operations by calling first upon a clergyman's wife. We made inquiry there with regard to our prospects of success, and the sentiments of the ladies generally upon the war question, and finding that the majority were in our favor, we started again quite hopefully--but not until the lady above mentioned had given us an order on her grocer to the amount of five dollars. I gave Sister B. the credit of that, for I had introduced her as the wife of the Rev. Mr. B., chaplain of the 7th. Then I suggested that we should separate for a few hours--she to take one street and I another, so that we might sooner get through the city. My next call was at a doctor's mansion, but I did not find the lady at home; however, I learned that the doctor in question[Pg 24] kept a drug-store near by; she might be there; went, but found no

lady; thought fit to make my business known to the doctor, and the consequence was, half a dozen bottles of blackberry wine and two of lemon syrup, with a cordial invitation to call again. So prospered our mission throughout the day, and at the close of it we had a sufficient supply of groceries, brandy, ice, jellies, etc., to fill our little ambulance; and oh, what a change those little delicacies wrought upon our poor sick boys. We were encouraged by that day's work, to continue our efforts in that direction, and finally made Dr. W.'s store a depot for the donations of those kind friends who wished to assist us in restoring to health the defenders of our beloved country.

Typhoid fever began to make its appearance in camp, as the burning sun of June came pouring down upon us, and the hospitals were soon crowded with its victims. It was then that my labors began in earnest, and as I went from tent to tent, ministering to the wants

of those delirious, helpless men, I wondered if there ever was a "Missionary Field" which promised a richer harvest, than the one in

which I was already engaged; and oh, how thankful I was that it was my privilege to take some small part in so great a work.

I shall notice, briefly, the manner in which the hospitals are conducted in camp. There are large tents furnished for hospital purposes, which will[Pg 25] accommodate from twenty to twenty-five men. These tents are usually put up in the most pleasant and shady

part of the camp; the inside is nicely leveled, and board floors laid, if boards can be procured, if not, rubber blankets are laid down instead. Sometimes there are straw ticks and cot bedsteads furnished, but not in sufficient quantity to supply all the hospitals. Along each side of the tent the sick are laid, on blankets or cots, leaving room to pass between the beds. In the center of the tent stands a temporary board table, on which are kept books, medicines, et cetera. The hospital corps consists of a surgeon, an assistant surgeon, a hospital steward, a ward-master, four nurses, two cooks, and a man of all work to carry water, cut wood, and make himself generally useful. The immediate care of the sick devolves upon those four nurses, who are generally detailed from the ranks, each one be-ing on duty six hours without intermission. The surgeons visit the patients twice every day, oftener if required; the prescriptions are filled by the hospital steward, and the medicine is administered by the nurses. The nurses are usually very kind to the sick, and when off duty in the hospital, spend much of their time in digging drains around the tents, planting evergreens, and putting up awnings, all of which add much to the coolness and comfort of the hospital. Draining the grounds is a very important part of hospital duty, for when those terrible[Pg 26] thunder-storms come, which are so frequent in the south, it is morally impossible to keep the tent floors from being flooded, unless there are drains all around the tents. Great excitement prevails in camp during those tempests--the rain comes down in torrents, while the wind blows a hurricane--lifting the tents from the ground, and throwing everything into wild confusion. I have seen a dozen men stand for hours around one hospital, holding down the ropes and tent poles to prevent the sick from being exposed to the raging elements.

In one of those storms, I saw a tent blown down, in which one of our officers lay suffering from typhoid fever. We did our best to keep him dry until a stretcher could be procured, but all in vain. Notwithstanding we wrapped him in rubber blankets and shawls, yet the rain penetrated them all, and by the time he was carried to a house, a quarter of a mile distant, he was completely drenched. He was a noble fellow and I love to speak of him. Mrs. B. and I remained with him alternately until he died, which was five days from that time. We sent for his wife, who arrived just in time to see him die. He was unconscious when she came, and we were standing around his cot watching every shadow which the sable wing of advancing death cast upon his features, and eagerly looking for a single ray of returning reason. He looked up suddenly, and[Pg 27] seeing his wife standing weeping, he beckoned her to come to him. Kneeling beside him, she bent her ear close to the lips of the dying man. He whispered distinctly, "I am going--the way is

bright, don't weep--farewell!" A little later he was asked, "What is the foundation of your hope of Heaven?" His face was calm and beautiful in its expression, and his splendid dark eyes lit up with holy confidence and trust, as he replied, "Christ--Christ!" These were his last words. Glorious words for a dying soldier. He lingered a few hours, and then quietly and peacefully breathed out his life. So passed away one of the most exemplary men it has ever been my lot to meet, either in the army or elsewhere. The same day, the sorrowing widow, with the remains of her beloved and noble husband, started for her northern home; and that christian patriot now sleeps in a beautiful little cemetery near the city of Detroit, Michigan, having rendered up his life a willing sacrifice for his country.

Mrs. B. was desirous of visiting some of the public buildings in Washington and wished me to accompany her. I did so, but found that it was almost impossible to get along through the crowded streets. The gallant troops were coming in by thousands from every

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loyal State in the Union. The Capitol and White House were common places of resort for soldiers. Arms were stacked in the rotunda of the one and the lobbies of the[Pg 28] other, while our "noble boys in blue" lounged in the cushioned seats of members of Congress, or reclined in easy chairs in the President's Mansion.

Camps of instruction were prepared near the city, while every hillside and valley for miles around was thickly dotted with snow white tents. Soldiers drilling, fatigue parties building forts, artillery practicing, and the supply trains moving to and from the various headquarters, presented a picture deeply interesting. As I rode from camp to camp and contemplated that immense army concentrating

its force on the banks of the Potomac, and saw with what zeal and enthusiasm the soldiers entered upon their duties, I could but feel assured of the speedy termination of the conflict, and look forward with eager anticipation to the day when that mighty host would advance upon the enemy, and like an overwhelming torrent sweep rebellion from the land.

[Pg 29] CHAPTER II.

MARCHING ORDERS--REMOVAL OF THE SICK--A YOUNG PATIENT--VISIT FROM HIS MOTHER--MARCH TOWARD MANASSAS--COLLECTING SUPPLIES--FATIGUES OF THE MARCH--PREPARATIONS FOR BATTLE--A CAMP PRAYER MEETING--DIVISIONS DETAILED--MY PLACE ON THE FIELD--"RATHER CLOSE QUARTERS"-- A BATTLE SUNDAY--SKULKING FROM THE FIELD.