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[Illustration: S. E. E. Edmonds
Engraved by Geo. E. Perine, N. Y.
ENGRAVED FOR THE NURSE & SPY.]
NURSE AND SPY IN THE UNION ARMY:
COMPRISING
The Adventures and Experiences of a Woman
in Hospitals, Camps, and Battle-Fields.
By S. EMMA E. EDMONDS.
WITH ILLUSTRATIONS.
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,
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 BATTLE-FIELD, 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
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.
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 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.
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
BATTLE-FIELD--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.
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 DUTCHMAN--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 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.
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.
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.
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 REPORT--JOYFUL NEWS--MY OWN
DISASTER--SCENES IN THE OLD MILL--WAITING ON THE WOUNDED--MY 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 ENEMY--TRYING TIMES ON
THE PENINSULA--THE ENDURANCE OF OUR SOLDIERS--LABORS OF MR. ALVORD.
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--GUN-BOATS--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.
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 MORTALLY 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.
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 FREDERICKSBURG--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.
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.
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
WASHINGTON.
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 GREETING--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.
[Illustration: 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 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.
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, 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.
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 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
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 consequence was our poor sick soldiers
suffered 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
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 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 being 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 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 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 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 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.