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THE BOYS m WHITE; 
 
 EXPERIENCE 
 
 OF 
 
 A HOSPITAL AGENT 
 
 IN AND AROUND WASHINGTON. 
 
 BY JULIA S. (WHEELOCK?) ^-^IiUl.v^A-a>^A. 
 
 The fittest place for maa to die / " 
 la where he dies for man." 
 
 NEW YORK: 
 PRINTED BY LANG-E <fe JET I L L IVI A N, 
 
 STEAM BOOK AND JOB PRINTERS, 20T PEARL ST.. 
 
 NEAR MAIDEN LANE. 
 
 1870. 
 
Entered, according to Act of Congress, in the year 1870, by 
 
 JULIA S. WHEELOCK, 
 
 In the Clerk's OfBce of the Supreme Court of the District < f Columbia. 
 
 . ^ 
 o 
 
 Printed by Lanoz & Hilluan, 
 
 207 Pearl Street, 
 
 Near Maiden Lane, N. Y. 
 
 // i 
 
PREFACE. 
 
 From September, 1862, to July, 1865, T was In the 
 hospitals in and around Washington. I kept a journal 
 of my experience, portions of which appear in this 
 volume. The journal was kept for my personal benefit, 
 and not for publication. Much of it was written late at 
 night, when so wearied by excessive labor, anxiety, and 
 excitement, that I would not unfrequently fall asleep 
 with the pen in my hand. I often sat upon a box or 
 some rude bench, and held my book on my lap as I 
 wrote, and now this journal, condensed, is thrown into 
 the lap of the public and of my friends, who have ear- 
 nestly requested that '"The Boys in White " may be em- 
 balmed, as well as the " Boys in Blue." My object in 
 going South was to help care for a wounded brother. 
 When I left home I expected to remain only until he be- 
 came able to travel ; but, upon arriviifg in Alexandria, 
 we found that death had already done its work. A lit- 
 tle mound of earth in the soldier's cemetery marked the 
 spot where that dear, almost idolized brother slept, and 
 
VI PREFACE. - - 
 
 tlius our bright hopes aiul fond anticipations were sud- 
 denly and forever blighted, I resolved to remain and 
 endeavor, God being my helper, to do for others as I fain 
 would have done for my dear brother. A field of labor 
 soon presented itself which I most gladly entered. Jus- 
 tice to our noble soldiers demands that I should here 
 state that, during my hospital and army experience of 
 nearly three years, I was unifoi'mly treated with the ut- 
 most courtesy and respect. I know it was thought and 
 even said by some, that a lady could not be associateil 
 with the army without louering her standard of moral ex- 
 cellence. I pity those who have such a low estimate of 
 the moral Avorth and true nobility of the soldier. 
 
 I have sometimes been asked if I did not feel afraid 
 when in the midst of so many soldiers. I can truthfully 
 say that I never knew what fear Avas when in the army, 
 for I felt that every noble boy in blue was my brother 
 and protector. What cause had one to fear, when brave, 
 heroic hearts and strong arms were ever ready to defend 'i 
 
 Any one, during Avar's dark hours, Avhose mission Avas 
 to do good, was almost an object of worship by those so 
 wholly excluded from home influences. For, if there 
 ever Avas a time Avhen the better angel of their nature 
 guarded the citadel of their hearts, it Avas in the pres- 
 ence of woman — %^hen she Avas a true I'epresentative of 
 wliat that sacred Avord implies. 
 
 I take this oppoi'tunity to express my sincere thanks 
 to the officers of the " Michigan Relief Association," 
 
PREFACE. Vll 
 
 with which I was connected, for their kindness and for- 
 bearance; to our military State agents, Dr. J. Tunne- 
 cliff and Rev. D. E. Millard, to whom I never appealed 
 in vain for aid or counsel ; also to military agents of 
 other States, and to the officers and agents of various 
 " State Reliefs." We were greatly indebted to the 
 Christian Commission for large supplies which we fre- 
 quently drew from their stores, and for occasional drafts 
 on the Sanitary Commission. Officers of the Govern- 
 ment, and hospital officials, as a rule, were kind and 
 obliging. Our thanks are also due to our Congressmen 
 and other Michigan gentlemen residing in Washington, 
 who were ever ready to assist us in our work. 
 
 That this little volume may be the means of renewing 
 the acquaintance and of strengthening the friendship of 
 those who labored together in this blessed work, as well 
 as of the soldiers themselves, is the earnest desire of my 
 heart. If this shall be the result, I shall feel that T have 
 not written in vain. 
 
T TAKE tlie liberty of publishing the following 
 private letter from Grace Greenwood : 
 
 "Washington, May lOth, 1869. 
 
 My Dear Miss Wheelock: 
 
 I am pleased to hear that you propose to make 
 a book of your varied and interesting reminiscences 
 of the war, and of the touching records of our brave 
 soldiers which you have treasured up. 
 
 I well remember seeing you at your post of duty 
 with the army, at the camp of a portion of the 
 Second Corps, on the Eapidan, in that critical time 
 of the great struggle, the winter of 1864, just before 
 the grand move of the army under General Grant, 
 which resulted in the fall of Eichmond. 
 
 I saw you at your lonely and sad, but most noble 
 and womanly work, and felt gratified that the poor, 
 sick soldiers had such a friend in their darkest 
 hours. 
 
Truly those past heroic days should be kept in 
 remembrance, and every faithful record of them 
 should be welcome to us. So I hope your little 
 literary enterprise may be successful. 
 
 Truly yours, 
 
 GKACE GREENWOOD. 
 
THE BOYS IN WHITE. 
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 
 JJETKOSPECT — nOME-LEAVING — LAKE ERIE — ALLEGHANIES— ACCI- 
 DENT — WASHINGTON— PROVOST MARSHAL — THE PRESENTI- 
 MENT — liLIGUTED HOPES — ORVILLE WUEELOCK — MY BRO- 
 THER'S GRAVE. 
 
 Alexandria, Va., Oct. 1, 1862. 
 
 Well, here I am, strange as it seems, in the rebel- 
 lious city of Alexandria! Alone, among strangers, 
 hundreds of miles from home and kindred, surrounded 
 by scenes new and strange ; scenes of sadness, of suf- 
 fering, of death. 
 
 As I look over the past, it does not seem possible 
 that only three weeks have elapsed since leaving 
 home. Ohl what a lifetime one may live in a very 
 sliort period,- when it is measured by heart-throbs 
 instead of years. While retrospecting, memory goes 
 back to the morning of the 10th of the month just 
 closed. Its dawn is calm and beautiful! Nine 
 
10 THE BOYS IN WHITE 
 
 o'clock finds me in the old red school-house in the 
 township of Ionia, Michigan, where are assembled the 
 rural children and youth for instruction. All are joy- 
 ous and happy. Three days more and the term will 
 close. This day promises to end as it began, full of 
 joy and gladness— yet, knowing that the fearful bat- 
 tles of Bull Eun and Chantilly had recently been 
 fought, we were anxiously waiting for tidings from 
 the loved one who had gone to battle for the "dear 
 old flag," and, if need be, die to maintain its honor. 
 But the interval that had elapsed since the occur- 
 rence of those bloody conflicts gave us reason to hope 
 that our soldier brother was safe. Nor voice, hor 
 spirit, nor sighing wind, nor playful breeze, told of 
 the future. But time on rapid wing approached with 
 tidings the most heart-crushing. A child is made 
 the bearer of the sad message. 
 
 About three o'clock, while engaged in hearmg a 
 recitation, there is a gentle tap at the door— a little 
 girl steps upon the threshold; her eyes are red with 
 weeping, and, in great agitation, she says: "Orville 
 is wounded; his limb is amputated. He has sent for 
 Anna, and she starts for Washington to-morrow ! " 
 My womanly heart said, that " Orville Wheelock, my 
 brother, must not suffer alone. I will accompany 
 Anna to Washington." 
 
 The dawn of the morning of the 11th was calm 
 
THE BOYS m WHITE. 11 
 
 and peaceful, but to us every breeze seemed laden 
 with siglis from some stricken heart. Little Minnie 
 gathered a bouquet of flowers to send to " dear 
 papa," and every blossom was a wish that he might 
 come home. At nine o'clock sister and I bade adieu 
 to friends, and in Ionia village we were joined by 
 Mrs. Peck, the sister of my brother's wife, who was 
 starting to Washington to care for her wounded hus- 
 band. Off at two o'clock. Soon the enterprising 
 little town of Ionia is lost in the distance. Familiar 
 objects fade from our view, and all becomes new and 
 strange — as this is my first ride over the Detroit and 
 Milwaukee Eailroad. The scenery is rather monot- 
 onous along the line of the road — the country most 
 of the way being new — though every few miles we 
 pass thriving little villages which have sprung up 
 within a few years as if by magic, and which north- 
 ern industry and enterprise will soon convert into 
 fine cities, and those dismal swamps and marshes into 
 beautiful meadow lands. At Detroit we take the 
 steamer " May Queen," bound for Cleveland. The 
 evening is delightful. The stars one by one shine 
 forth from the blue canopy above, and their gentle 
 light is reflected from the blue expanse below; and 
 while we gaze, the full-orbed moon emerges from 
 the waters, and, '' blending her silvery light with that 
 of her sister stars," adds new lustre to the scene. 
 
12 THE BOYS IN WHITE, 
 
 At eight o'clock we leave tlie shores of Michigan, 
 and are soon plowing our way through the blue 
 waters of Lake Erie. How pleasantly and quickly 
 would have passed the hours of that long night, 
 were it not for the sad mission upon which we 
 were going. The battle-field with its thousands of 
 mangled forms, the dead and the dying, and all the 
 horrors connected with such scenes of carnage, are 
 spread out before us. These, with the conflicting 
 hopes and fears, which alternately take possession of 
 our hearts, banish " tired nature's sweet restorer, 
 balmy sleep." 
 
 We land in Cleveland at 5 A. M., purchase tick- 
 ets for Washington via Philadelphia. After four 
 weary hours of waiting, we find ourselves comfortably 
 seated in the cars, and are hurried on toward our 
 destination. We arrive at Pittsburg at 2 P. M., 
 where we change cars, and hasten away, leaving the 
 dingy, smoke-wreathed city in the distance. 
 
 As we approach the Alleghanies, the scenery be- 
 comes picturesque and grand, often approaching the 
 sublime. Those mountain ranges with their lofty 
 peaks towering heavenward, those rocky cliffs and 
 deep gorges, those long tunnels through which we 
 pass, where in a moment midnight darkness succeeds 
 to the brightness of noon, producing feelings— one 
 might imagine — akin to a sudden exchange of worlds. 
 
THE BOYS IN "WHITE. 13 
 
 While passing through, these tunnels an almost, 
 breathless silence prevaits — scarce a whisper is heard 
 until we again emerge into the light. Next we de- 
 scribe a semi-circle around a sharp curve ; then w.e 
 pass through some deep cut ; across valleys, where now 
 and then we catch a glimpse of some little town with 
 its long rows of white-washed buildnigs, nestled cosily 
 at the foot of the mountains. New objects appear 
 for a moment and are gone, until at length the day 
 wears away, and night drops her sable curtain o'er the 
 scene. 
 
 We pass Harrisburg in the night, so we have not 
 even a glimpse of the capital of the old Keystone 
 State. All is hushed and still; we have just com- 
 posed ourselves for a little sleep, when suddenly there 
 is a crashing and jarring which throws many from 
 their seats ; but in a few moments all is explained — 
 the cars are off the track. The first thought is, that 
 some villainous "Eeb" had placed obstructions on 
 the track, but the truth is soon known : an innocent 
 horse is the cause of the accident, and " Johnny Eeb " 
 is for once wrongfully accused. 
 
 No one seriously hurt ; only a few moments' delay ; 
 the passengers are crowded into the few remaining 
 cars, and we are soon on our way again, leaving the 
 poor horse on both sides of the track. We arrive in 
 Philadelphia at four a. m., where we wait for the 
 
14 THE BOYS IN WHITE. 
 
 eleven o'clock train to Baltimore. We saw but little 
 of the city. Being very tired, and having our minds 
 constantly occupied with anxious thoughts and fear- 
 ful forebodings, we felt no desire for sio-ht-seeino-. 
 
 The seven long hours we have to wait at length 
 wear away, and once more we find ourselves hurrying 
 on toward the monumental city, where we arrive 
 about three P. m. The bloody scene which transpired 
 in the streets of this great and beautiful city, the 19th 
 of April, 1861, came fresh to memory. It was here 
 the loyal blood of Massachusetts' patriot sons was 
 first shed— not, however, by a manly foe, but by a 
 furious, disgraceful mob, which mad riot incited to 
 deeds of violence and blood. But, oh! what thou- 
 sands since then have fallen, and still the sword is 
 unsheathed I We would adopt the language of the 
 Psalmist: "How long, Lord, how long shall the 
 wicked triumph ? '' 
 
 After a short delay, once more the shrill whistle is 
 heard, and again we are moving on toward the na-- 
 tion's capital, where we arrive in good time. The 
 first object that attracts our attention is that magnifi- 
 cent building— the Capitol. But, as it is getting late, 
 we engage a hack, and go directly to Columbian Hos- 
 pital in search of Mr. Peck, having learned that he 
 was there ; but to the great disappointment of us all, 
 and especially of his poor wife, we found that he had 
 
THE BOYS IN WHITE. 15 
 
 been sent only tlie day before to Point Lookout, and, 
 it being impossible for her to procure transportation 
 to that place, the hope of seeing him had to be aban- 
 doned. Oh, how trying, after travelling three weary 
 days with a babe in her arms, to be just one day too 
 late. Too late ! IIow significant and full of meaning 
 those little words! How many have been one day 
 too late, and no hope of a re-union on earth ! It 
 now being too late to go to Alexandria — the boats 
 having already stopped running — the fond hope of 
 seeing the dear husband and brother that day had to 
 be given up. Oh, how could we remain even for 
 one night with only the Potomac between us and the 
 dear object of our search ! "What if this should be 
 his last night on earth? What if his released spirit 
 should take its everlasting flight ere the dawn of an- 
 other day ? How could we say, " Thy will be done " '? 
 But there is no alternative. We must wait. 
 
 On our way to Columbian Hospital we passed thou- 
 sands of our soldiers, some of them apparently having 
 recently arrived — judging from their clean uniforms — 
 while others had evidently seen hard service, looking 
 worn and tired, and well-nigh discouraged. We con- 
 cluded that they belonged to Pope's grand army, 
 which had so recently retreated from the disastrous 
 battle-field of Bull Run. We wondered how such 
 numbers could have been defeated. To us, having 
 
16 THE BOYS IN WHITE. 
 
 never before seen more than a single regiment at a 
 time, it was a vast arm^y. We began to realize that 
 we had a mighty foe to contend with, and as we look- 
 ed upon those war-scarred heroes— heroes, notwith- 
 standing the retreat— we could not help repeating to 
 ourselves: "Poor boys, how little you or we know 
 what lies before us ; there may be many battles to 
 be fought, and, perhaps, some more inglorious retreats. 
 Many of you will see home and friends no more; your 
 final resting-place will be upon Southern soil." 
 
 Early next morning we hastened to the Provost 
 Marshal's office to obtain passes for Alexandria. Ar- 
 riving at the office, hope almost dies within us, for wo 
 see this notice: "No passes granted on Sunday." 
 What is to be done, now? Shall we retrace our steps, 
 and wait another twenty-four hours in such terrible 
 suspense? No, we resolved not to leave until an effort 
 had been made, and the last argument exhausted in 
 setting forth the justice of our claim. We entered the 
 office, found it already filled with applicants, saw one 
 after another as they applied and were refused. 
 Tremblingly we crowd our way to the Marshal's 
 chair, and with the greatest respect, and more defer- 
 ence than is meet should be paid to mortals, request 
 passes to Alexandria. He straightens himself up, and 
 witli the cold dignity cf a prince, replies : "Don't you 
 know we don't give passes on Sunday ? Why do 
 
THE BOYS IN WHITE. 17 
 
 you ask ns to violate orders ? " Still acting as spokes- 
 man, I inquired: "Will no circumstances justify you 
 in granting a pass to-day ? " " Well, what are the cir- 
 cumstances,'' said he, in the same stern manner. Oar 
 story was briefly told, after which, with some hesita 
 tion, and watching us closely to see whether we were 
 deceiving him, he directed them to be made out. Oh, 
 what a load was that moment lifted from our hearts ! 
 Those little strips of paper, how precious! With tears 
 of gratitude we left the office, and immediately started 
 for the boat landing:;, and were soon on the steamer 
 "James Guy," and off for Alexandria, eight miles 
 down the river. How dehghtful, had we been on a 
 pleasure excursion ! Scenes and scenery so entirely 
 new! The forts along the river, with those n-on- 
 throated monsters looking defiantly upon us, almost 
 causing one to shrink back with terror, were a great 
 curiosity. The beautiful residence of Gen. Robert E. 
 Lee, now his no longer — having been forfeited by trea- 
 son — on Arlington heights, half hidden amid stately 
 forest trees and luxuriant evergreens, was pointed out 
 to us; also the Washington Navy Yard, the Arsenal 
 and the Insane Asylum. But what attracts our atten- 
 tion more than all else, are the multitudes of soldiers 
 with their snowy tents skirting the banks on either 
 side of the river, and extending back as far as the eye 
 can reach, covering every hiU-side and every valley, 
 
18 THE BOYS IN WHITE, 
 
 wliicli, with the desolate appearance of the country, 
 remind us that we are in the presence of war. 
 
 Soon the ancient city of Alexandria — ancient in 
 American history — heaves in sight. It presents a 
 gloomy, dingy, dilapidated appearance. As we set 
 foot upon the "sacred soil," we experience quickened 
 heart-beatings, for we know that this terrible suspense 
 will soon give place to, it may be, a dreadful reality. 
 As we pass up King street we pause a moment to 
 look at the building where the brave young Ellsworth 
 fell, drop a tear to his memory, and hasten on. Turn- 
 ing from King into Washington street, we notice a 
 soldier in full uniform with a shouldered musket, 
 pacing to and fro in front of what appeared to be a 
 church. We are told by the guard that it is the 
 Southern M. E. Church, but now used for a hospital. 
 We enter the building, make known the object of our 
 visit, but find he is not there. My poor sister could 
 go no farther; she seemed to have a presentiment that 
 her worst fears were about to be realized. "Oh!" 
 she says, "his wound is fatal, for he came to me in 
 my dreams only a few nights since, looking worn and 
 pale and haggard, having lost a limb in battle, and 
 seemed to say, ' My work is done, I'm weary and must 
 rest.' " She felt that his work was done, and if so, 
 well done, having " fought the good fight and kept 
 the faith," and that he had gone to receive the crown. 
 
THE BOYS IN WHITE. 19 
 
 And yet, amid these consoling reflections, thoughts of 
 her own desolation and the great loss she would sus- 
 tain if her fears were realized, would rush upon her 
 with an overwhelming force, crushing out life's bright 
 hopes, while the language of her heart was, " Who 
 will care for the fatherless now ? " — forgetting for the 
 time the promise of God, "Leave thy fatherless chil- 
 dren with me and I will preserve them alive." We 
 tried to comfort her, saying we should soon have him 
 with us; that one so strong, physically, would cer- 
 tainly survive the amputation of a limb ; and, bidding 
 her be of good cheer, Mrs. Peck and I hastened to the 
 next hospital — the Lyceum Hall — but to our anxious 
 inquiry met with the same reply as before. We cross 
 the street to the Baptist church, which is also used 
 for a hospital, our fears every moment increasing, 
 Happening to look back before entering this hospital, 
 to the one we had just left, we saw some one beckon- 
 ing to us to return. Hope began to revive ; we hur- 
 ried back and were told he was there, and doing well, 
 though still very weak. Our informant asked us if 
 we would see him ? " No," we replied, " not until we 
 have informed his wife," requesting him in the mean- 
 time to try and prepare his mind to see her, cautioning 
 him to break the news very carefully, fearing that the 
 excitement might prove injurious to one so weak. 
 Having given these instructions, I left Mrs. P., and 
 
20 THE BOYS IN WHITE. 
 
 . hurried back with a light heart and a quick step to 
 the hospital where my sister was waiting in such 
 agony of suspense. She heard my voice before reach- 
 ing the hospital, exclaiming at almost every step : 
 " I've found him ! I've found himl Oh, Anna, come 
 quickly ! " I did not realize that I was in the streets 
 of a city, attracting the notice of passers-by, nor did I 
 mucli care, for a deep anxiety and long days of sus- 
 pense had given place to joyful hopes and sweet an- 
 ticipations. 
 
 She rose to accompany me, hesitated a moment, and 
 then sank back upon her seat, and with a look almost 
 of despair, says: "Julia, are you sure, have you seen 
 him ? " I assured ker, that though I had not seen 
 him, there could be no mistake, for they certainly 
 would not have said he was there, had he not been. 
 Thus reassured she rose the second time, took my arm, 
 and we started. We had gone but a few steps when 
 our ears were saluted with the sad and mournful tones 
 of the fife and muffled drum, and on looking back we 
 saw a soldier's funeral procession approaching — a 
 scene I had never before witnessed, but one with 
 which I was destined to become familiar. IIow un- 
 like a funeral at home I No train of weeping friends 
 follow his bier ; yet one of our country's heroes, one 
 of the " boys in white," lies in that plain coffin. He 
 is escorted to his final resting-place by perhaps a 
 
THE BOYS IN WHITE. 21 
 
 dozen comrades, who go with unfixed bayonets, and 
 arms reversed, keeping time with their slow tread to 
 the solemn notes of the " Dead March," plaintively 
 executed by some of their number. 
 
 " Aye! follow Ms corpse to its ]a?t long rest, 
 With the fife and muffled drum ; 
 It is meet that he should be honored thus, 
 Who a soldier's work has done." 
 
 The tear of sympathy unbidden starts at the sight 
 of the "unknown," and for the bereaved friends who 
 weep in far off homes. In a few minutes we are at 
 the Lyceum Hospital where, instead of the realization 
 of our hopes, heart-rending tidings await us. He 
 who, but a few moments before, was the bearer of such 
 good news, again makes his appearance ; but why is 
 his countenance so sad? His own words will tell. 
 "I was mistaken, he is not here;" but something 
 either in his tone or manner indicated that he had 
 been there, and at the same moment we all inquired : 
 " Oh, where is he ? " " He is dead! " was the reply. 
 Oh, that terrible word—" dead ! " How suddenly it 
 blighted our fond hopes, and turned our anticipated 
 joy into the deepest grief. 
 
 From the hospital we were conducted to the Rev. 
 Mr. Reid's, my poor sister being carried in an almost 
 senseless conditioD, Where we spent a sleepless night 
 
22 THE BOYS IN WHITE. 
 
 brooding over our sorrow and shedding the unavail- 
 ing tear. Oh ! that never-to-be-forgotten day ! 
 A day not only of bright, but blighted hopes, a day 
 of mourning, of sadness and bereavement, a day that 
 revealed to an anxious wife that she was a widow and 
 her children fatherless ; a day that said to my sad 
 heart, " Thy brother has fallen." He died like thou- 
 sands of others, far from home and friends, with no 
 loved kindred near. But God had sent an angel of 
 mercy in human form — that noble girl. Miss Clara F. 
 Jones, of Philadelphia — to watch over and administer 
 to his wants. She watched him day by day as ho 
 grew weaker, she stood beside him in his dying mo- 
 ments, held his icy hand in hers, wiped the death dew 
 from his brow, received his last message for his wife 
 and child, and, when life had fled, prepared him as far 
 as she could for his burial. Such are her daily duties. 
 May God reward her with the rich blessing of his love. 
 My brother was one of those with whom religion 
 was a vital principle. He heeded the injunction of 
 the Saviour, "Go work in my vineyard." And when 
 the tocsin of war was sounded, and there was a call 
 for volunteers, he committed all to God, and cheerful- 
 ly responded to that call and hastened to the rescue of 
 his imperilled country, and, while battling' for freedom 
 and humanity, he felt that he was fighting for God, 
 and that he was still in his Master's servica 
 
THE BOYS IN WHITE. 23 
 
 The niglit of his death Mr. ReicI spent the evening 
 with him, speaking words of comfort and Christian 
 consolation. But to the dying saint death had no 
 terror, for "his anchor was cast within the veil," and 
 "that anchor holds." He could adopt the sweet 
 words of the poet : 
 
 "Father! the pearly gates unfold, 
 The sapphire walls, the streets of gold 
 
 Are bursting on my sight ;' 
 The angel bands come singing down, 
 And one has got my starry crown 
 And one my robe of white." 
 
 The morning of the 15th, sister Anna and I, accom- 
 panied by Rev. Mr. Reid and wife, Miss Jones and 
 Chaplain Gage, visited brother's grave. Oh! how 
 could we realize, as we stood by that little, narrow, 
 turfless mound, that dear Orville lay there? His 
 poor heart-broken widow threw herself upon his 
 grave and gave vent to her deep grief in sobs and bit- 
 ter tears. Nearly three hundred brave "boys in 
 white " lay side by side in the same enclosure, with 
 not even a stone to mark the place where they were 
 sleeping, nor a spear of grass growing upon their 
 graves, simply buried out of sight; but each little 
 mound is cherished, oh, how sacredly by some one I 
 
 Night winds are mournfully sweeping. 
 Whispering oak-branches wave 
 
24 THE BOYS IN WHITE. 
 
 Where your loved aslies are sleeping. 
 
 Forms of the true and the brave' 
 Silence reigns breathless around you, 
 
 All your stern conflicts are o'er; 
 Deep in the sleep that hath bound you. 
 
 Trumpet shall rouse you no more. 
 
 Sweet and serene be your slumbers! 
 
 Hearts for whose freedom ye bled. 
 Millions whom no man can number, 
 
 Tears of sad gratitude shed. 
 Never shall morn brightly breaking 
 
 Enter your chambers of gloom, 
 Till the last trumpet awaking, 
 
 Soimds through the depth of the gloom. 
 
 We returned to Mr. E.'s, feeling that the grave was a 
 poor place to go for consolation in times of affliction ; 
 but there is comfort in the promise, "Thy brother 
 shall rise again." If you ask where my brother shall 
 rise, I reply : " The scene of his death and burial is 
 to be the scene of hia resurrection." "How beauti- 
 ful the thought, that, when the trumpet sounds, the 
 dead shall come forth from the spot whereon they 
 fell. The sailor who found a watery grave will 
 emerge from his long deep resting-place ; the warrior 
 who fell upon the battle-field will rise side by side 
 with him who was slain by his hand, their feuds all 
 ended." 
 
 " Whole families will stand together on some green 
 
THE BOYS IN WHITE. 25 
 
 spot which they have adorned with care ; brother and 
 sister will rise side by side, and long parted friends 
 will re-unite." 
 
 *' They will rise to enjoy all that angels feel of the 
 celestial love and peace, to swell the anthem of the 
 redeemed, which, beginning upon the outer ranks of 
 the hosts of God, rolls inward, growing deeper and 
 louder until it gathers and breaks in one full deep 
 symphony of praise around the throne." "Worthy is 
 the Lamb who was slain, to receive honor, and power, 
 and glory, and dominion for ever and ever ! " 
 
 Viewed in this light, what a glorious idea the 
 resurrection* is! How does it destroy the fear of 
 death, and take awaj the dark appearance of the 
 gravel 
 
26 THE BOYS IN WHITE. 
 
 CHAPTER IT. 
 
 MR. REID — LOTAt, FRIENDS — VISIT TO THE LYCEUM — HOSPITAL — 
 MISS JONES — LIEUTENANT STEVENSON — THE DECISION — 
 FRIENDS — RETURN — THE FIRST WOUNDED — APPOINTMENT 
 AS AGENT — FAIRFAX SEMINARY — HOSPITAL OF THE FIRST 
 MICHIGAN CAVALRY — NEW SCENES — FIRST HOSPITAL WORK. 
 
 Our kind liost and his excellent lady were untir- 
 ing in their efforts to give consolation. We found 
 them to be the most devoted friends of the soldiers, 
 arkd the purest patriots of which our country can boast. 
 They had been driven from their home in Martins- 
 burg, Va,, where Mr. Eeid was preaching, and were 
 refugees for several months, Mr. E. barely escaping 
 with his life. They know full well what it costs to 
 be loyal to the flag of their country in these peril- 
 ous times, having sacrificed everything but life itself 
 in its defence. When treason became so bold and 
 threatening that he no longer dare pray, as had 
 been his wont, for the President of the United 
 States and his advisers, he would pray for those in 
 authority, " and the Lord knew," he says, " I did 
 not mean Jeff. Davis." Their sacrifice and sufferings 
 
THE BOYS IN WHITE. 27 
 
 have only made the fires of loyalty bum witli an 
 in tenser heat upon the altar of theh^ hearts. 
 
 The second day after our arrival, Chaplain Ander- 
 son, of the Third Michigan Volunteers, called to see 
 us ; also, some of the good loyal ladies of the city 
 — of whom I am sorry to learn there are so few — 
 and extended their kind sympathy. We felt very 
 grateful to those dear friends: we did not expect to 
 iind so much true sympathy among strxingers. But, 
 oh ! they could not heal the wound that death had 
 made. 
 
 Sept Wth. 
 
 To-day we visited the Lyceum Hospital, where so 
 recently dear Orville took his leave of earth. Only 
 a few days ago he was among the sufferers there ; 
 now he is forever at rest. The hospital is full of 
 the wounded from the late battles, suffering, oh, so 
 much, and yet so patiently ! There are many others 
 upon whom Death has already set his seal, and whose 
 places will soon be vacant, or occupied by others. 
 Oh, how I long to stay and go to work for them ! 
 Perhaps I might be the means of saving somebody's 
 husband or brother. 
 
 This hospital was in a most wretched condition 
 until the advent of Miss Jones, under whose wise 
 managemeut and untiring efforts it has greatly im- 
 
28 THE BOYS IN WHITE. 
 
 proved. Everything that woman can do will be 
 done by her for her " boys," as she calls them. She 
 is indeed an angel of mercy to those poor sufferers. 
 Mrs. May, wife of Chaplain May, of the Second 
 Michigan, called on us this afternoon. She is one 
 of those who has a heart to sympathize with the 
 afflicted everywhere. 
 
 During the day we have had some business to 
 attend to concerning my deceased brother's effects 
 and back pay. But now, as the shades of another 
 uight draw around us, and all is hushed and still, 
 what thronging memories come ! How keen, how 
 intense the agony of mind under God's afflictive 
 dispensations, and how hard at such times, without 
 large supplies of grace, to say from the heart, " Even 
 so, Father, for so it seemed good in thy sight ! " 
 
 SepL nth. 
 This morning we took leave of our kind host 
 and lady, the dear Miss Jones, and other friends, 
 and, with one long, lingering look at that hospi- 
 tal, around which, to us, a sacred solemnity still 
 lingers, hastened to the wharf and took the first 
 boat to AVashington. We had scarcely landed, when 
 a fine-looking officer approached us, and extended his 
 hand to my sister, inquiring at the same time, 
 "Did you find your husband?" She could make 
 
THE BOYS IN WHITE. 29 
 
 no reply ; there was no need of words, he understood 
 it all. We soon recognized the countenance of Lieu- 
 tenant Stevenson, of the Second Michigan Volun- 
 teers, with whom we fell in company on our way to 
 "Washington. In a moment he is gone, and we see 
 him no more; but the earnest solicitude of the 
 stranger to know whether our fond hopes were real- 
 ized, and his kind sympathy in our affliction, will 
 long be cherished as one of ■ the pleasant remem- 
 brances of this sad journey. And we will pray God 
 to watch over and protect him and return him in 
 safety to his dear family. But should he fall amid 
 the din of battle, or become a victim to disease, may 
 kind hands administer to his wants, and loving, sym- 
 pathizing friends comfort the bereaved widow and 
 orphans. We engage a room for the night at Mr. "^ 
 Treadway's, a family formerly from Detroit, now re- 
 siding at No. 541 H Street (which has since become 
 noted as the place where that dark assassination 
 plot was concocted which robbed the nation of its 
 chosen leader), and then call to see Hon. J. M. Ed- 
 munds, President of the Michigan Soldiers' Eelief 
 Association, to learn what was necessary to be done 
 in order to secure a pension for my sister. He re- 
 ceived us kindly, and gave us the desired informa- 
 tion. 
 
 My mind is at length made up to remain, and 
 
30 THE EOYS IN WHITE. 
 
 engage in the work of caring for the sick and 
 wounded, as my desire to do so has increased with 
 every day and almost every hour since our arrival. 
 I am also encouraged to do so by Mrs. Brainard, 
 an agent of the Michigan Association, boarding at 
 this place. 
 
 Sept. 18th. 
 
 Sister Anna and Mrs. Peck started for Michigan 
 this morning. One week ago to-day, we left homo 
 for this city. Oh ! what bitter experiences, what 
 anxious fears, what terrible suspense, what dreadful 
 realities have been ours in this one short week! 
 As I bade my sister " good-by " at the cars, she 
 exclaimed, " Oh, Julia ! How can I return to my 
 children without their father? Their injunction, 
 'Be sure and bring papa home with you,' still 
 rings in my ears." My heart was too heavily 
 burdened to reply ; the train moved on ; I retraced 
 my steps, and have spent the remainder of the day 
 in my room lonely and sad, reflecting upon the past 
 and trying to penetrate the future. 
 
 A few days after my sister's arrival home, in- 
 stead of joy and gladness, the friends meet with 
 bowed heads and- stricken hearts to observe the sol- 
 emn services of a soldier's funeral. Eev. Isaac Er- 
 rctt officiated. His sermon being extemporaneous, 
 
THE BOYS IN WHITE. 31 
 
 not even a synopsis of it was preserved. The fol- 
 lowing appropriate hymn was sung: 
 
 " Servant of God, well done ! 
 Rest from thy loved employ. 
 The battle fought, the victory won — 
 Enter thy Master's joy. 
 
 "At midnight comes the cry, 
 ' To meet thy God prepare I ' 
 He woke and caught his Captain's eye, 
 Then, strong in faith and prayer, 
 
 " His spirit, with a bound. 
 Left its encumbering clay ; 
 His tent, at sunrise, on the ground 
 -A darkened ruin lay. 
 
 " Soldier of Christ, well done ! 
 
 Praise be thy new employ ; 
 
 And, while eternal ages run. 
 
 Rest in thy Saviour's joy." 
 
 I remained at Mr. Treadway's until the 31st, and, 
 while awaiting an opening for work, visited hospi- 
 tals with Mrs. Brainard. The 25th, I saw for the 
 first time the wounded as they came from the battle- 
 field — the bloody field of Antietam. They were 
 taken to the Patent Office Hospital. Oh ! those 
 bloody, mangled forms will long be fresh in mem- 
 
82 THE BOYS IN WUITE. 
 
 ory. Some were able, with the help of a comrade, 
 to crawl up the stairs, while others were carried 
 up on stretchers. A few moans were heard, but 
 no complaining, and no loud groaning, as I expected 
 to hear. Mrs. B. had a basket filled with cakes 'and 
 crackers, which we handed them as they were car- 
 ried past us. How eagerly they were caught by 
 those who had an arm to raise. 
 
 The sight was too much for me ; I was completely 
 unnerved, and found it impossible to conceal the 
 emotions so deeply stirred in my inmost soul. I 
 returned to my room to weep over the sufferings 
 I was powerless to alleviate. Oli, cruel, cruel war ! 
 
 Sept. 29th. 
 
 This morning I received an appointment from 
 Judge Edmunds, as visiting agent for the society 
 of which he is the President. Alexandria is to be 
 my field of labor for the present — the very place I 
 had wished and prayed for, since there the object 
 of my hopes, only two weeks ago so bright, lies 
 buried. How rejoiced I am in the prospect of 
 work. I trust I shall be enabled to do some little 
 good — to alleviate some poor sufferer, and to en- 
 courage the desponding. 
 
 During my short stay in Washington I have seen 
 but little — speaking of the city itself — to attract 
 
THE BOYS IN WHITE. 33 
 
 notice. The public buildings are very fine, tbe Cap- 
 itol magnificent; remove these, and "Washington is 
 shorn of its beauty. 
 
 Sept. ^Qih. 
 
 I came over to Alexandria this morning, in com- 
 pany with Mrs. Brainard, Mrs. Colonel Fenton, 
 and Miss Moor. I have engaged board at Mrs. 
 May's, at five dollars per week. Soon after 
 arriving, an ambulance, which Mrs. M. had ordered, 
 reported,, and we all went out to Fairfax Seminary 
 Hospital, a distance of about three miles from the 
 city. This is a large hospital, and will accommodate 
 several hundred patients. It is situated in a delight- 
 ful place, standing on a high eminence, and com- 
 manding a fine view of the country for miles around. 
 It was formerly a theological seminary ; hence Semi- 
 nary Hospital. The patients appeared comfortable, 
 and, as a general thing, cheerful. The hospital wore 
 an air of neatness, which made it seem quite home- 
 like. On our way back we called at the hospital 
 of the First Michigan Cavalry, which we found much 
 more comfortable than I expected; in fact, I think 
 those large airy tents are much better for hospital 
 purposes than close rooms. The country, before the 
 war, must have been beautiful ; but now, so desolate 1 
 Fences gone, buildings in ruins, shrubbery destroyed, 
 fields uncultivated — all showino; the sad effects of 
 
84 THE BOYS IN WHITE. 
 
 desolating war — while in every direction may be 
 seen the " canvas home" of the soldier. Frequently 
 we passed squads of men under drill — recruits, I 
 suppose — their glistening bayonets and gleaming 
 swords sparkling and flashing in the sunlight, inno- 
 cent of the destructive work they will soon aid in 
 executing. Every now and then we caught sight of 
 the stars and stripes proudly floating from some 
 strongly - fortified place, with its big guns bidding 
 defiance to the enemy. At almost every step I was 
 reminded of that dear brother, who only three weeks 
 ago closed his eyes in death, and now lies buried in 
 yonder cemetery. He no more rallies at the bugle's 
 call, or starts at the tap of the drum, but he sleeps 
 with his comrades in arms, in the sacred soil " of his- 
 toric old Virginia" where, through the branches of the 
 tall cedars over his head, the sighing winds of au- 
 tumn sing his requiem, and the placid waters of the 
 Potomac murmur at his feet. 
 
 " Sleep, brother, sleep, for your last marcli is ended. 
 Thy bright morniug star has in midnight descended — ■ 
 Sleep 'neath the flag which your valor defended, 
 War's battle-drum shall awake you no more. 
 
 " Rest from life's wearisome troubles and sorrows. 
 Rest from the griefs which assail us each morrow, 
 Tours is the peace that we gladly would borrow, 
 Yours is a joy of a battle safe o'er. " 
 
THE BOYS IN WHITE. 35 
 
 Oct. \sL 
 To-daj, the date at which my journal begins, I have 
 spent nearly all my time in the hospitals ; in fact this 
 has been my first hospital work, though having been 
 to them before, but simply as a visitor. Now I have 
 something to do, and I am happy in the hope of 
 being able to do some good. The experience of this 
 day teaches me that no one — especially a lady — who 
 is in sympathy with our cause can visit these hospitals 
 without doing good. Her very presence is cheering 
 to the soldier. A kind, cheerful look, a smile of re- 
 cognition, one word of encouragement, enables him to 
 bear his sufferings more bravely. 
 
 I am now, where I have earnestly prayed to be 
 ever since the war began, among the sick and wound- 
 ed, that I might in some degree supply personal 
 wants and relieve present necessities ; yet I have never 
 seen an opening before. But that mysterious Provi- 
 dence "whose ways are past finding out" has appoint- 
 ed me a field of labor, the path hereto passing 
 through the deep waters of affliction. I sometimes 
 lojl like exclaiming, 
 
 O God ! I dare not pray, 
 
 Thou answerest in so strange a way. 
 
36 THE BOYS IN WHITE. 
 
 CHAPTER III 
 
 MICHIGAN RELIEF ASSOCIATION— ALEXANDRIA HOSPITALS— CON- 
 VALESCENT CAMP— FORT LYON — GENERAL BERRY'S BRIG 
 ADE — soldier's BURIAL — REBEL WOMEN — EVENING WORK 
 — DEATH OF MICHIGAN SOLDIERS. 
 
 Perhaps I ought here to give a brief account of 
 the Society with which I was connected. This As- 
 sociation was organized in the autumn of 1861, but 
 was not, according to the report of one of its officers, 
 called into full activity until the spring of 1862. 
 " This was the first organization of the kind upon 
 the Atlantic slope, and the last to leave it." Its offi- 
 cers at the time I became a member were : Hon. J. 
 M. Edmunds, of Detroit, President; S. York Atlee, 
 of Kalamazoo, and Mr. F. Myers, Vice-Presidents; 
 Dr. H. J. Alvord, of Detroit, Secretary ; and Z. Moses, 
 of Grand Rapids, Treasurer. 
 
 Mrs. Brainard and myself were at this time the 
 only regularly employed visiting agents, and were 
 the only agents who remained with the Association 
 year after year. Others were employed for a few 
 weeks or months, as the exigencies of the times de- 
 
THE BOYS IN WHITE. 87 
 
 manded. Our' time and labor were gratuitously be- 
 stowed, as were also the services of tlie officers; 
 hence it will be seen that it cost comparatively little 
 to keep the "institution" running — a large propor- 
 tion of all the funds received going to the direct re- 
 lief of our needy soldiers. The above-named officers, 
 with the exception of one of the Vice-Presidents and 
 the Secretary, remained with the Association during 
 the entire period of its existence, and were earnest 
 and efficient laborers. I willnow give a condensed * 
 report of my work for the month of October, 1862 : 
 
 This was my initiation month. I spent my time 
 in preparing and distributing supplies to the hospi- 
 tals in the city — of which there were fourteen, in- 
 cluding some twenty different buildings — and the 
 surrounding camps. These hospitals would accom- 
 modate from two to fifteen hundred patients each. 
 All of the largest and finest private residences, the 
 churches — with two exceptions — school buildings, and 
 hotels, were converted into hospitals. The largest of 
 these was the "Mansion House," formerly known as 
 the old " Braddock House," in one of the rooms 
 of which — at this time used for an office — General 
 George Washington held his Councils of War. The 
 same old furniture was still in use. 
 
 Our Michigan soldiers were scattered through all 
 these hospitals, and to find out and visit every one 
 
^^ THE BOYS IN WHITE. 
 
 was no small task, it being almost a day's work to 
 go through one of the largest. After having gone 
 the rounds once, and obtained a list of the namls of 
 those I was to visit, the number of their wai-d, and 
 what each one needed, the work of sup23ljing these 
 wants would have been comparatively light, were it 
 not for the changes which were constantly taking 
 place by death, discharges, transfers, furloughs, new 
 arrivals, and retui'ns to duty, which were of almost 
 daily occurrence. 
 
 In my visits to these hospitals I seldom went 
 empty-handed; sometimes taking cooked tomatoes 
 or stewed fruit, at others, chicken broth, picldes, 
 butter, cheese, jelly, tea hot from the stove, and in 
 addition to these, I would frequently buy oranl-es 
 lemons, and fresh fruit, according as the appe°tite 
 seemed to crave. Besides, I gave out clothing to 
 those most in need-such as shirts, drawers, socks, 
 slippers, dressing-gowns, towels and handkerchiefs,' 
 also stationery and reading-matter. During this 
 month I received a nice box of goods from Ionia. 
 Could the donors have known how much good that 
 one box did, they would have felt amply repaid for 
 all they ever did for the soldiers, and encouraged to 
 renewed eJBforts in the good work. 
 
 I made several visits to old "Camp Convalescent" 
 -very properly called "Camp Misery "-whicli was 
 
THE BOYS IN WHITE. 89 
 
 about a mile and a half from the city. Pen would 
 fail to describe one-half its wretchedness. Here were 
 from ten to fifteen thousand soldiers — not simply the 
 convalescent, but the sick and dying — many of them 
 destitute, with not even a blanket or an overcoat, 
 having little or no wood, their rations consisting of 
 salt pork and " hard tack," whatever else might have 
 been issued they had no fire with, which to do the 
 cooking, consequently much of the time they were 
 obliged to eat their pork raw. Oh ! how many times 
 my heart was wrung with pity, and indignation too, 
 on seeing those shivering forms with their thin, pale 
 faces, cold and hunger-pinched, sitting upon the 
 sunny sid^ of their tents, eating their scanty meal. 
 
 While our hearts were justly filled with, indigna- 
 tion toward the rebel government for its inhuman 
 treatment of their prisoners, should they not also 
 have been toward our own, for thus shamefully ne- 
 glecting those within its reach? I do not pretend 
 to say that this camp equalled Southern prison-pens 
 in degradation and wretchedness ; but they were be- 
 yond our control, while over this floated the flag of 
 our country. Think of men sick with fever, pneu- 
 monia, or chronic diarrhoea, eating raw pork and 
 lying upon the cold, damp ground, with only one 
 blanket, and, it may be, none, and the wonder will 
 be, not that they died, but that any recovered. I 
 
40 THE BOYS IN WHITE. 
 
 would not be understood to say that all in this 
 camp were thus feeble and destitute, but there were 
 many such; while, at the same time, there were 
 others, who, had they possessed a spirit of true man- 
 liness and patriotism, would have been ashamed to 
 have been seen hanging around the Convalescents' 
 Camp, but would have been found at the front, at 
 their posts of duty. 
 
 There were, at this time, some two hundred Michi- 
 gan men in this camp. Their tents were pitched on 
 a side-hill, so that, when it rained, the water would 
 run through them like a river, in spite of the little 
 trench surrounding each one. I was frequently told 
 that when there was a drenching rain Jihey were 
 obliged to stand up all night to keep their clothing 
 from being completely saturated, and, wrapping their 
 blankets around them, they like true soldiers sub- 
 mitted to their fate. 
 
 During the cold, chilly nights, those not fortunate 
 enough to possess a blanket were compelled to walk 
 to and fro the entire night to keep warm, thus pacing 
 off the long, weary hours while waiting for the dawn, 
 and, when the sun was up, lie down and sleep be- 
 neath his cheering rays, and so prepare themselves 
 for another night's tramp. Methinks there will be a 
 fearful account for some one to settle when the " final 
 statements " are forwarded to the Court of Heaven. 
 
THE BOYS IN WHITE. 41 
 
 In going to " Camp Misery " I always tilled my 
 ambulance — when I bad one — with quilts, under- 
 clothing, towels, handkerchiefs, pies, stewed fruits, 
 and whatever else I happened to have on hand. 
 Mrs. May and daughters usually accompanied me, 
 and assisted in distributing the goods. This was al- 
 ways a pleasant task ; pleasant, because some hearts 
 were made happier, and a few shivering forms more 
 comfortable. And yet there was sadness mingled 
 with all the pleasure experienced in this blessed 
 work. To have so many cups presented as the last 
 spoonful of sauce was dished out, and after the sup- 
 ply of clothing had been exhausted, to hear the ap- 
 peals — " Say, got anymore socks there?" "Drawers 
 all gone ? " " Can't you let me have a flannel 
 shirt ? " " I've the rheumatis awful." " Haven't an- 
 other of those quilts, have you ? " " Pretty cold 
 nights," — and not satisfied until they had taken a 
 peep into the ambulance to be sure there was not 
 something held in reserve for some one more highly 
 favored than themselves, would produce a sadness of 
 heart which could be relieved only by a continued 
 distribution of the articles needed. We could only 
 tell them to keep up good courage — that we would 
 come again soon, and leave them, a little comforted, 
 with the hope of being served the next time. 
 
 I have sometimes been told that soldiers were not 
 
42 THE BOYS IN WHITE. 
 
 half as destitute as tliey often pretended to be, and 
 that we were frequently imposed upon. Be that as 
 it may, the fact that imposition was practised upon 
 us by unprincipled men rendered the needy no less 
 deserving, and would not have justified us in ceas- 
 ing our efforts in their behalf. The soldier had my 
 confidence. I looked upon him as good and true, 
 consequently I might not have detected frauds as 
 readily as some ; neither do I believe I was imposed 
 upon as frequently as I would have been had I al- 
 ways doubted his word and suspected he was trying 
 to deceive me. 
 
 Then there was the camp of paroled prisoners, 
 where some fifteen hundred were waiting to be ex- 
 changed, who demanded not only our sympathy but 
 our supplies ; yet they were not as destitute as many 
 at Camp Convalescent, as clothing was issued by the 
 Government soon after their arrival. Neither were 
 they as reduced and emaciated as many who were 
 returned to us from Southern prisons during the 
 latter part of the war. The troops stationed at Fort 
 Lyons were also greatly in need. Upon one of my 
 visits to this fort, among other things wanted, one of 
 the sick — a young, delicate-looking boy — wished to 
 know if 1 couldn't bring him a feather-bed ; but the 
 nearest I could come to it was a good soft pillow. 
 There was so much needed and so many to be sup- 
 
THE BOYS IN WHITE. ' 43 
 
 plied, that the little I could do with the limited means 
 at my disposal seemed like a drop of the ocean. 
 
 After one of mj visits to these depots of misery, 
 I went out in company with Mrs. May and daugh- 
 ters to General Berry's Brigade, encamped near Mun- 
 son's Hill, a few miles from Alexandria, I found 
 several of my former friends and school-mates, while 
 others, alas ! were missing. Where were " Eldred," 
 and "Birge," and "Woodward?" Had they, too, 
 gone to swell the ranks of the "Boys in White?" 
 Ah ! yes ; young Birge, the Christian boy, was sleep- 
 ing at Fair Oaks ; Woodward, only a few weeks be- 
 fore, closed his eyes in death at Fairfax Seminary; 
 and Eldred — the gifted, the pride of his class — at 
 Georgetown. They left their books and college halls 
 for the camp, the bivouac, the battle-field, and a 
 soldier's grave. 
 
 "Let tliem rest, the fight is over, 
 And the victory bravely won ; 
 Softly wrap their banner round them, 
 Lay them low, their work is done." 
 
 One Lord's Day, while visiting my brother's grave, 
 I witnessed, for the first time, a soldier's burial ; and 
 a more solemn scene my eyes had never beheld. 
 The lone ambulance, the plain coffin, the sad strains 
 of music, the slow tread of the escort, the salute fired 
 
44 ' THE BOYS IN" WHITE. 
 
 over the grave, the absence of all mourning friendp, 
 rendered the scene peculiarly solemn and impressive ! 
 
 Who would believe that the human heart could 
 ever become so lost to all feelings of humanity as to 
 rejoice and exult over the sufferings and death of 
 even an enemy ? And yet I was told by the Eev. 
 Mr. Reid that he had seen those calling themselves 
 ladies dance to the tune of the "Dead March," and 
 clap their hands and exclaim, " Grood, good ! there 
 goes another Yankee ! " on seeing a soldier's funeral 
 procession passing slowly to the city of the dead. 
 This seems almost incredible, but Mr. R.'s word is 
 unimpeachable. Rebel women there were exceed- 
 ingly bitter toward the North — that "Hydra-headed 
 monster," Secession, being the great object of their 
 worship. All the finer feelings and tender sympa- 
 thies of woman's nature seem to have given place to 
 malignant hate and fiend-like cruelty. 
 
 I devoted my time evenings to cooking and pre- 
 paring things for distribution at the hospitals next 
 day. The 24th inst. I went to Camp Convalescent 
 with forty-two pies and several gallons of sauce. 
 The boys seemed to think a piece of dried-apple- 
 pie, however plain, one of the greatest luxuries 
 they ever enjoyed. The moment it was known 
 there were pies in camp our ambulance would be 
 surrounded, and we, the occupants, literally taken 
 
THE BOYS IN WHITE. 45 
 
 prisoners; some begging for themselves, others for a 
 sick comrade who was unable to leave the quarters. 
 At such times how earnestly I have wished that the 
 miracle of the " loaves and fishes " might be repeated. 
 The last three or four days of the month I spent 
 in going the rounds of the hospitals attending to 
 special cases; and ere its close many a noble heart 
 ceased to beat, many a manly form was cold in 
 death, and many a newly-made grave might have 
 been seen in the Soldier's Cemetery; yet compara- 
 tively few of the Michigan soldiers in the hospitals 
 I Visited died — only four, I believe — two of the 
 Eighth, one of the Sixteenth Infantry, and poor 
 William Eaton, of the First Cavalry, who lingered 
 beyond all expectation. He was the first Michigan 
 soldier that died to whom my attention was particu- 
 larly called, and for whom I had felt a special in- 
 terest, and his death seemed like taking another 
 from our already broken circle. 
 
 " Warrior, rest ! thy toils are ended, 
 Life's last fearful strife is o'er; 
 Clarion-calls -with death-notes blended 
 Shall disturb thine ear no more. 
 
 " Peaceful is thy dreamless slumber ; 
 Peaceful, but how cold and stern; 
 Thou hast joined that silent number, 
 In the land whence none return." 
 
46 THE BOYS IN WHITE. 
 
 CHAPTER IV. 
 
 MOUNT VERNON — JOHN DOWNEY — CHAPLAIN HOPKINS— IsrRS. 
 MUNSELL — COLD WEATHER — NEW ARRIVALS — GEN. BERRY 
 AND DR. BONINE — DEATH OF MASSACHUSETTS SOLDIERS — 
 THANKSGIVING RED TAPE — KIDNAPPING. 
 
 November ith. 
 
 As a party, consistiDg of Dr. Bonine and wife, Mrs. 
 May and daughters, and Mrs. Johnson, wife of Adju- 
 tant Johnson, of the Second Michigan volunteers, were 
 going to Mount Yernon this forenoon, they insisted 
 upon my going with them, and as I had never been 
 there, and fearing that another opportunity might not 
 present itself during my stay here, I consented to do 
 so, provided they would call at Camp Convalescent 
 on their way, as I had a few quilts to dispose of. 
 My request being granted, we are soon on our way ; 
 arriving at camp, we distribute our quilts, and head 
 our horses for Mount Vernon, seven miles from Alex- 
 andria. It is nearly noon when we arrive, and a few 
 minutes after we are within the same walls where 
 once had lived and died the "Father of his country." 
 The mansion is a two-story frame building, made in 
 
THE BOYS IN WHITE. 47 
 
 imitation of marble, with a colonnade fronting the 
 river. "We are conducted through the house — that is, 
 the portion of it open to the public — bj the gentleman 
 in charge of the estate, whom, I am sorry to learn, is 
 a secessionist. There are but few articles of furniture 
 left — an old harpsichord, table, sofa, a large blue plat- 
 ter, and a bedstead — is about all. The bedstead, said 
 to be Q, facsimile of the one on which that great and 
 good man died, stands in the room which witnessed 
 the closing scene of his life — a pleasant room on the 
 second floor, commanding a fine view of the Potomac. 
 As I stood and looked out upon the lovely landscape 
 before me, I could not help thinking how many times • 
 Washington had looked from the same window, upon 
 the same scenery — the same pleasant grove, the same 
 sweet flowers, the same grand old Potomac. But now 
 he sleeps peacefully amid all these beauties — he heeds 
 not the tread of the stranger — the sound of the war- 
 drum disturbs not his slumbers. 
 
 In one of the rooms is Washington's knapsack, hol- 
 sters, and medicine-chest. In the hall hangs the large 
 iron key of the ancient Bastile of France, presented to 
 General Washington by General La Fayette. The 
 ceilings are stuccoed and contain many curious de- 
 vices, such as flowers, human fi:gures, implements of 
 husbandry, etc. 
 
 Having finished our visit here, we repair to the 
 
48 THE BOYS IN WHITE. 
 
 flower-garden, througti which we are conducted by a 
 colored man, who claims to have been a slave of Gen- 
 eral Washington. " I've lived here right smart ; heap 
 o' years afore mass' and missis died," he tells us. 
 This garden is beautiful, but sadly neglected. The 
 greenhouse* contains many choice plants. A var- 
 iety of evergreens and stately forest trees, including a 
 large and beautiful magnolia — which we are told 
 Washington brought from Florida and planted with 
 his own hands — constitute a fine grove in front of the 
 mansion. We gathered a few stray leaves, which had 
 fallen to the ground, as precious mementoes of the 
 •place. But the most sacred spot is yet to be visited — 
 the vault — where are deposited the remains of that 
 noble couple, George and Martha Washington. We 
 approach the sleeping dead with slow and cautious 
 step, for it seems that we are treading upon holy 
 ground. Oh, what memories cluster around this ven- 
 erated tomb I The past and the present are strangely 
 linked together. The principle of universal liberty, 
 for which he fought, is that for which we are 'now con- 
 tending. In the outer apartment of the vault are two 
 large sarcophagi, which can plainly be seen through 
 the iron grating ; but the remains are deposited in the 
 inner apartment. On either side of the tomb are 
 monuments erected to the memory of different mem- 
 
 * Since burned. 
 
THE BOYS IN WHITE. 49 
 
 bers of the family. We gather a few. pebbles from 
 the vault as sacred relics from a consecrated tomb, 
 and leave the sainted dead to their silent slumbers. 
 
 We next direct our steps to the spring-house, which 
 is situated far down the bank ; we drink of the crys- 
 tal waters of the spring, take a peep into the house, 
 and clamber back up the steep hill, return to the 
 mansion, rest for a few moments, drink once more of 
 the sparkling water from the " old oaken bucket that 
 hangs in the well," bid farewell to Mount Yernon, and 
 are soon safely at home again ; and, though tired and 
 hungry, we feel that the trip has not been a lost oppor- 
 tunity. We saw nothing more of the rebel officer 
 whom we met on our way down, when we all so 
 much regretted that none of our party was armed, in 
 which case he would have been halted ; for the idea of 
 returning from a pleasure excursion with a captured 
 prisoner was not only romantic, but pleasing, espe- 
 cially as our party consisted — with one exception — en- 
 tirely of ladies. Mount Vernon has not, like most places 
 of the South, been visited with the ravages of war, it 
 being neutral ground, and held sacred by both armies. 
 
 LINES SUGGESTED ON LEAVING THE TOMB OF WASHINGTON. 
 
 Sleep on, brave warrior, sleep. 
 Thy work on earth is done ; 
 Sleep on — thy mission is fulfilled. 
 And thou a <?olden crown hast won. 
 
50 THE BOYS IN WHITE. 
 
 Sleep on, brave lieart, sleep on, 
 While o'er thy tomb we weep, 
 And bow in humbleness of heart, 
 With holy reverence meet. 
 
 Sleep on and take your rest, 
 
 noble patriot sire ; 
 
 By old Potomac's placid wave 
 
 We leave you sleeping sweetly there. 
 
 N'ovemher 5th. 
 
 Having heard that there was a young man in one of 
 the hospitals a»t Georgetown, who was with my dear 
 brother wliile he lay on the battle-field, after he had 
 received his fatal wound, I resolved to see him and 
 learn, if possible, the particulars of those long weary 
 days and nights of suffering, preceding his removal to 
 the hospital. I went, therefore, this morning, and, 
 after searching through five hospitals, found him, and 
 learned from him more of the care my brother receiv- 
 ed than I had ever known before. 
 
 This soldier, John Downey, belonged to the same 
 company with my brother — Co. K, Eighth Michigan 
 Infantry — and though himself wounded, he refused to 
 leave his friend until he saw him removed from the 
 field, each day managing to furnish a little some- 
 thing for him to eat, and a cup of hot coffee, and suf- 
 ferring himself to be taken prisoner rather than for- 
 sake his comrade. He tried to get a surgeon to dress 
 
THE BOYS IN WHITE. 61 
 
 his -wounds, but could not until it was too late, as each 
 had to wait his turn where there were so many to be 
 cared for. 
 
 Brother was wounded late in the afternoon of Sep- 
 tember 1, and lay on the field until the evening of 
 the 5th, arrived at Alexandria on the morning of the 
 6th, and died on the 9th. Before leaving the battle- 
 field he seemed to realize that he could not live, and 
 committed to the keeping of young Downey photo- 
 graphs of his family which he had carried with him 
 since first entering the service, saying, " Should I not 
 recover, please send these to my wife." The request 
 has been granted. He saw him as he was put into 
 the ambulance, after the amputation of his limb, for 
 that painful ride to Alexandria, a distance of twenty 
 miles or more. Noble boy ! I shall ever hold him in 
 grateful remembrance for his kindness to my dying 
 brother. 
 
 Hundreds of others were brought in that night in 
 the same way. Oh, what untold suffering those long 
 weary miles witnessed ! During that tedious journey, 
 at all hours of the night, whenever the train halted 
 for a few moments' rest, two ministering spirits might 
 have been seen going from ambulance to ambulance 
 with canteens of water, bathing inflamed wounds, ad- 
 justing the little cushions under bleeding "stumps," 
 administering some gentle stimulant to those weak 
 
52 THE BOYS IN WHITE. 
 
 and exhausted from the loss of blood, speaking words 
 of encouragement to the desponding, and commending 
 the dying to the Saviour. These were the Rev. Mr. 
 Hopkins, chaplain of the Mansion House Hospital, 
 and Mrs. Munsell, a lady whose soul seems absorbed 
 in her work for the soldiers — a Southern lady, a na- 
 tive of South Carolina, but loyal and true. They 
 were returning from the battle-field, where they had 
 been working night and day among the wounded and 
 dying. 
 
 As the cold weather set in unusually early, and 
 continued for some time, the number of sick increased 
 very rapidly. 
 
 The 18th instant, Dr. Cleland, of the Second Mich- 
 igan, came in from the front with two hundred sick, 
 one of whom died on the way. Large accessions were 
 also made to our hospitals from the surrounding 
 camps, especially the old Convalescent ; and new ar- 
 rivals always implied increased labor. Of the sick 
 thus brought in, death kindly relieved many of their 
 sufferings; yet I remember but two from Michigan 
 who died that month. These were Henry T. Gilmore 
 of the Eighth, and Daniel Morrell of the Fifth Volun- 
 teers. The last named I saw many times. Poor boy ! 
 he lingered days after it became apparent that he 
 must die. It was my privilege frequently to admin- 
 
THE BOYS IN WHITE. 53 
 
 • 
 
 ister to his wants, though I met with some opposition 
 from the surgeon-in-charge. He told me his patients 
 were sometimes injured by persons coming in and 
 distributing food indiscriminately to them ; and what 
 he would be glad for one patient to have, would be 
 injurious to another. But I still insisted upon taking 
 nourishment to Daniel, as he couldn't relish anything 
 cooked in the hospital. I finally obtained the doc- 
 tor's consent, provided I would bring only such and 
 such articles. Having previously learned from the 
 nurses what he was allowed to eat, I complied with 
 the surgeon's wishes. I always made it a rule to do 
 so, believing that their judgment was superior to 
 mine, or at least ought to be, though I sometimes saw 
 those whom I thought knew less. 
 
 Toward evening of the 10th, after visiting hospitals 
 all day, I called at the Lyceum Hall, where I found 
 Sergeant Colburn, a noble Massachusetts soldier, 
 dying. He had suffered long months from the effects 
 of three fearful wounds, yet he had always appeared 
 hopeful; but those ghastly wounds had made too great 
 a drain upon his system. Nature yielded to the stern 
 mandate of the " king of terrors." I sat by his bed- 
 side some two hours bathing his parched lips and 
 heated brow, and watching the flickering taper of life, 
 slowly yet surely burning out; but as there was a 
 prospect of his lingering some hours longer, and hav~ 
 
54 THE BOYS IN WHITE, 
 
 » 
 
 ing other duties to attend to, I rose to go, promising 
 to call again in the morning. He extended his cold, 
 bony hand, and bade me " good-by," while he gave 
 me a look that said, "You will not see me in the 
 morning." And sure enough, the next morning all 
 that Kemained of Sergeant Colburn was the clay ten- 
 ement robed in white. The brother whom he had so 
 anxiously hoped to see ere his departure arrived soon 
 after his death, and returned with the remains of this 
 once noble form to the stricken band at home. And 
 thus one after another sealed his devotion to his coun- 
 try with his life-blood, " all warm from his heart." 
 
 Never more the roar of. battle 
 E'er shall break our soldier's sleep — 
 Safe the rest they won, and o'er it 
 Angel sentries guardiance keep. 
 
 November 27th. 
 Thansgiving day, Miss Jones came on from Phila- 
 delphia with a sumptuous dinner for her boys in Ly- 
 ceum Hospital. She had eight barrels and five boxes 
 filled with good things, consisting of vegetables of all 
 kinds, fruits, roast turkey, nice home-made bread, but- 
 ter, cheese, pickles, jellies, tea, coffee, sugar, celery, 
 etc. It was a complete surprise, and, as may be ima- 
 gined, a joyful one. It was my happy privilege to 
 assist in preparing and distributing this beautiful 
 
THE BOYS IN WHITE. 55 
 
 Thanksgiving dinner. After all had eaten until they 
 could eat no more, there still remained several barrels 
 unopened, which Miss Jones took to Camp Convales- 
 cent and distributed among the poor, half-fed soldiers 
 belonging to her own State. What a luxury, roast 
 turkey at this camp ! When she retires this night, 
 how happy she will be in the thought of having made 
 so many hearts rejoice — while many a " God bless 
 you " will follow her to her home. Truly, it is more 
 blessed to give than to receive. 
 
 In all of our hospitals they have had an extra din- 
 ner, and, in some, pleasant gatherings in the evening of 
 all who are able to leave their rooms, at which speech- 
 es were made, toasts given, and a general good time 
 enjoyed. 
 
 ******* 
 
 Towards the latter part of November, I learned from 
 bitter experience the meaning of the phrase "red tape," 
 so commonly made use of in the army. 
 
 I also fell in with a practice which I had always 
 greatly abhorred, that of kidnapping — not black men 
 however, but white men — soldiers. But in this busi- 
 ness I never had — as many kidnappers must have — 
 any remorse of conscience. Perhaps it was because I 
 stole with the free will and consent of the stolen, but 
 somehow I felt that I was bidden " God-speed." I 
 know I had the benediction of the soldiers and their 
 
56 THE BOYS IN WHITE. 
 
 friends, and God's approval ; what more could I ask ? 
 My kidnapping consisted in bringing sick men from 
 Camp Convalescent without permission. My reason 
 for this course will be seen at length. At one of my 
 visits to this — as the boys called it — "confounded old 
 camp, " I found several Michigan soldiers very ill, ly- 
 ing upon the cold damp ground, with no fire, no medi- 
 cal attendance, little or notliing they could eat, with 
 such care only as their comrades, under the circum- 
 stances, could give. I resolved to get them admitted, 
 if possible, into some hospital before I slept. So go- 
 ing to the commanding officer — Col. Belknap — I told 
 him there were several sick men in camp whom I 
 wished to take with me to Alexandi'ia. He very po- 
 litely refers me to Dr. Jacobs, the surgeon-in-charge, 
 who will give permission to remove them. On call- 
 ing at his office, I found that he had left for Alexan- 
 dria only a few moments before. Hurrying back to 
 Alexandria, I find the doctor and make my wishes 
 known, and receive the reply, " I will gladly do so, 
 but you must first get a written statement from the 
 surgeon of the hospital where you wish to take them, 
 certifying that he will admit them ; then come to me 
 and I will give you a written permit to remove as many 
 as you like. " We drove over to Fairfax street Hospi- 
 tal in full faith that the required certificate would be 
 obtained ; but imagine my disappointment on hearing 
 
THE BOYS IN WHITE. 67 
 
 Dr. Eobertson — wlio, by the way, was one of the kind- 
 est and best surgeons it was my good fortune to meet 
 while in the army — say, " I wish I had the authority to 
 give you sufch a statement — you will have to see Dr. 
 Summers. " (I will here state that these hospitals 
 were divided into the First, Second and Third Divi- 
 sions. Dr. E.'s hospital was in the first division, of 
 which Dr. S. had charge, and, conseqiiently, subject to 
 his orders. ) My heart almost failed me as I turned 
 away, for I had but little hope of success left, and was 
 not much disappointed to hear Dr. S. sternly say, " I 
 have no aiithority to give you any such permission. 
 You will have to go to "Washington and see the Medi- 
 cal Director." It was now dark, and Saturday at that, 
 consequently I could not see the Medical Director be- 
 fore Monday. I returned home well-nigh discourag- 
 ed, but made up my mind that, if I lived to see ano- 
 ther day, I would go on my own responsibility and 
 bring them away. So early the next morning, " it be- 
 ing the first day of the week, " I sent for my ambu- 
 lance and started for camp, having first been assured 
 by Dr. Robertson that he would assume the responsi- 
 bility of admitting the boys into the hospital, in case I 
 should succeed in getting them out of camp. An 
 hour later I had the pleasure of seeing six of them 
 safely quartered in Dr. R.'s comfortable hospital, where 
 they were kindly cared for. One, however — Edward 
 
58 THE BOYS IN WHITE. 
 
 Furnam, sick with pneumonia — needed care only a 
 short time. He lingered a few days, and then went to 
 join the army composed of the "boys in white. " Of 
 all the soldiers to whose comfort it was my privilege 
 to administer, there is none whom I remembered with 
 feelings more peculiarly sad. His imploring Icok for 
 help as I saw him that Saturday evening in his tent 
 — ^his expressions of gratitude after his removal to the 
 hospital, the feeling experienced upon seeing, so soon, 
 so unexpectedly, his vacant bed, have left an indelible 
 impress on my mind. The others recovered, one of 
 whom I was joyfully surprised to meet at Portland, 
 Michigan, last winter; and who still claims that his 
 timely removal from camp was the means of robbing 
 Death of his prey. 
 
y^^^-< 
 
THE BOYS IN WHITE. 59 
 
 CHAPTER V, 
 
 A CRUEL EXPERIMENT — THE QUARREL — MY BROTHER'S LAST 
 LETTER — THE APOLOGY — SPECIAL CASES OP INTEREST — ^A 
 HAPPY MEETING — BATTLE OP FREDERICKSBURG — MCVEY 
 HOSPITAL — REV. J. A. B. STONE — CHRISTMAS — RUMORS — 
 CLOSE OP THE YEAR. 
 
 December 1st. 
 
 Quite a change in the weather. Though the first 
 day of winter, it is warm and pleasant. Have been to 
 three hospitals with various articles, both of food and 
 clothing. At the Baptist Church I saw a noble- 
 looking man cold in death, who might have been liv- 
 ing still but for the wicked experiment of a surgeon 
 in probing his wound, and then injecting a substance 
 which so irritated the nervous system that it produced 
 convulsions, followed by lockjaw; and death, in a few 
 hours, was the result. He was able to be about the 
 ward at the time the probing was done, but from that 
 moment he suffered the most excruciating pain, till 
 death came to his relief He leaves a wife and two 
 children to mourn his untimely death. For the truth 
 of this statement, I refer to Dr. Hammond — surgeon- 
 
60 THE BOYS IN WHITE. 
 
 in-charge — in whose absence the operation was per- 
 formed, and from whom I learned the above facts. 
 
 In St. Paul's Hospital, among the many serious 
 cases, there is one whose pale face and patient endu- 
 rance of suffering have enlisted all my sympathy. This 
 is a New York soldier, a beautiful young man of per- 
 haps twenty-two summers. He has received a mor- 
 tal wound in the body ; life is slowly ebbing away, 
 and he expects soon to receive a " starry crown, and 
 robe of white." 
 
 December 3c?. 
 
 Among the hospitals visited to-day was St. Paul's, 
 where I had a quarrel with a surgeon. As I entered 
 the hospital I met the doctor in one of the aisles. I 
 saw at once there was something wrong, but not for a 
 moment thinking that I was the " rock of offence," when 
 in an authorative manner he demanded to know what 
 I had in that bowl. " Tea, doctor," was my reply. 
 " Who is it for ? " " That New York man over there ; 
 he can't drink the tea made here, so I bring him some 
 occasionally — any objections, doctor?" " Pve no ob- 
 jections to the tea, but I don't want you to bring any 
 more here." Before I had time to reply,' he had left 
 the ward. As the poor fellow drank the tea, and re- 
 turned the bowl — being weak and childish — he burst 
 into tears and begged me to "come again," while 
 
THE BOYS IN WHITE. 61 
 
 Others expressed their regrets, saying, " The doctor is 
 real mean to act so." " ISfTever you mind, boys," said 
 I ; "I shall surely come again ; the doctor and I will 
 have a settlement, and we will find out what all this 
 means." I left the hospital, feeling deeply grieved at 
 the rude treatment I had received ; having given, to 
 my knowledge, no provocation whatever. 
 
 The evening after this unpleasant experience, I 
 received a letter from my widowed sister, enclosing 
 my brother's photograph ; also, a letter he had written 
 a short time before he was wounded — the last ever 
 traced by his dear hand for me. It was sealed and 
 directed, but not mailed, having been found after his 
 death in his diary and sent to his wife, who forwarded 
 to me. The following is the letter, written only 
 twelve days before the battle of Chantilly, where he 
 received that fatal wound : 
 
 " Camp near Cedar Mountain, Va., ) 
 
 August 18lh, 1862. j 
 
 *' Very Dear Sister — After so long a delay, I at- 
 tempt to answer your very kind letter, dated, I think, 
 about the first of July. I have not your letter with 
 me now, as I send all the letters I get to Anna. It 
 was about a month in tracing me out, which ac- 
 counts for your not receiving an answer sooner; 
 and, since receiving it, we have been constantly on 
 
62 THE BOYS IN WHITE. 
 
 the move, and, as I am still acting Orderly Ser- 
 geant, I have my hands full, as you may well im- 
 agine. I, as well as the rest of our regiment, have 
 seen some hard times since leaving home last Spring. 
 I have seen the time more than once that it would 
 have been a luxury to have lain down in the road, 
 or most any place. Had any one told me that I 
 could have endured what I have, I certainly should 
 not have believed him ; yet I am still in good health. 
 I wrote Anna yesterday. I told her you would have 
 to wait until we get settled before I wrote you, ex- 
 pecting to be on the move again to-day. But this 
 morning things looked as though we were going to 
 stay here a day or two, and I thought I would write 
 you a good long letter and give you a description 
 of the country and of our different marches, thinking 
 perhaps it would interest you ; but I had scarcely 
 began when the order came for 'three days' rations 
 in our haversacks ;' so, you see, we shall soon be on 
 the march again. "We are at present some four or 
 five miles from Culpepper Court House, and about 
 two from the late battle-ground. Jackson has re- 
 treated across the Eapidan, and I presume we shall 
 cross over in pursuit of him. He Tnust be overcome, 
 cost what it may. Do not forget to pray for me. 
 Do what you can to comfort and cheer Anna. Tell 
 her all will yet be well. Our regiment is in the 9th 
 
THE BOYS IN WHITE. 63 
 
 corps, whicli is attached to ' Pope's Grand Army of 
 the Potomac' You must watch the papers and keep 
 track of our brigade. Colonel Crist is in command ; 
 look for his brigade to learn the fate of the Michigan 
 8th. I have much to write, but must close. Eemem- 
 ber me at the Throne of Grace. 
 
 " Your brother, Orville Wheelock. 
 
 "P. S.— Direct to Co. K, 8th Mich. Vols., 9th Corps, 
 Washington, D. C." 
 
 " Like some bright vision of the night. 
 
 Or like a meteor's ray 
 Of brilliancy upon the sight, 
 
 He calmly passed away. 
 And thus a gentle spirit's gone 
 
 To seek its home above. 
 And mingle with that holy throng. 
 
 With Him whose name is Love." 
 
 December 6th. 
 
 Cold and unpleasant. Have been to St. Paul's 
 again — the hospital where I had the quarrel a few 
 days since — with some more tea and raspberry-sauce 
 for the sick. The doctor happened to be in, making 
 his " grand round." Now is my time, thought I ; so, 
 setting down my dishes, I approached him and asked 
 an explanation of his strange conduct toward me a 
 
C4 THE BOYS IN WHITE. 
 
 few days before. He replied, in anything but a plea- 
 sant tone : " You are a nurse in Wolfe Street Hos- 
 pital, and have no business to interfere with mine ; 
 and I don't want you to come here any more." " You 
 are mistaken, doctor. I do not belong to Wolfe 
 Street, or any other hospital," was my somewhat in- 
 dignant reply. " Well, where do you belong ? and 
 what is your business ? " On showing my appoint- 
 ment from Judge Edmunds, I noticed a sudden 
 change in his appearance, and I never saw any one 
 more profuse with apologies. " I acknowledge my 
 rudeness. I know I was hasty ; but I felt vexed to 
 think a nurse from another hospital should trouble 
 herself about my affairs. But it's all right now; I 
 do not intend to cease to act the part of a gentle- 
 man. I hope you will continue your visits to my 
 hospital. Come whenever it suits your convenience 
 best, and bring in for the boys any thing you see 
 fit. You need never trouble yourself to ask me ; I 
 will trust to your judgment." Of course I couldn't 
 help forgiving the doctor ; but, after all, I can't see 
 why I should be entitled to more consideration, or 
 my judgment considered superior to what it would 
 have been had I been a nurse in some particular hos- 
 pital. How much better it would be to treat every 
 one with true politeness, which costs nothing, and 
 thereby save ourselves much deep mortification. 
 
THE BOYS IN WHITE. 65 
 
 Decemher 11th 
 This morning I went to Camp Convalescent with 
 an ambulance filled with quilts, flannel shirts, socks, 
 towels, handkerchiefs, sixteen pies — which. I made 
 last evening — and two large pails of stewed fruit, 
 which I distributed among our needy soldiers. I 
 found three quite sick, for one of whom I procured 
 admittance to the "Examining Board" for discharge, 
 and took the other two to Fairfax Street Hospital, 
 in Alexandria. Came home, wrote two letters, and 
 then went with some delicacies to St. Paul's. 
 
 Poor Clark — the young man previously referred 
 to as being so seriously wounded in the body — was, 
 to all human appearance, dying. His grief-stricken 
 mother is with him. I remained two or three hours: 
 he still lingered. As it was getting late, and being 
 very tired, I came home, when Mrs. May went over 
 and stayed until a late hour with them. 
 
 Decemher 12th. 
 Cold and windy. This morning went again to St. 
 Paul's. To my surprise I found young Clark still 
 living, but another poor sufferer had passed away 
 before him ; he had just breathed his last. His 
 mother, who was with him when he died, was then 
 making preparations to take the body of the poor boy 
 to her home. As I could render no assistance, I left 
 
66 THE BOYS IN WHITE. 
 
 these scenes of mourning and grief, and went to other 
 hospitals. In visiting five, I found a large number 
 whose names were added to my list. This cold wea- 
 ther is causing much sickness. Another of our boys 
 — Henry Tenyck, of the 5th, for whom I have felt 
 a deep solicitude — is no more. In one of the hospi- 
 tals I saw a man who had been accidentally shot 
 through the lungs, for whose recovery, his physician 
 says, " there is no hope." Sad sights are an every- 
 day experience. Death is at work, as the lone am- 
 bulance on its way to the "silent city" too plainly 
 tells. Soon after returning home from a tour through 
 the hospitals, a gentleman called, who was in search 
 of a sick son, and wanted to know if I could give 
 him any information in regard to him. As soon as 
 the name — Frank Rowley — was mentioned, I recog- 
 nized it as the name of one of the boys whom I had 
 " stolen" a few days before from old " Camp Misery," 
 and, donning my hat and shawl, I accompanied the 
 anxious father to the hospital where his son was. 
 That joyful meeting of father and son I shall never 
 forget. As the young man caught a glimpse of his 
 father on his entering the room, he sprang up in bed, 
 and, with extended arms, exclaimed, *' Oh, my father ! 
 my father ! " while the tears chased each other in 
 quick succession down his pale cheeks. In a moment 
 they were clasped in each other's arms, and both 
 
THE BOYS IN WHITE. 67 
 
 weeping for joy. I left them to enjoy their visit 
 without interruption. The evening lias been devoted 
 to letter-writing for soldiers. 
 
 December 15 ih. 
 
 A terjible battle lias been raging all day at Fred- 
 ericksburg, but no particulars have been received. 
 "We can only hope and pray that the God of battles 
 may speed the right. 
 
 Have visited four hospitals : took clothing, wine, 
 and fruit. I first went to Prince Street Hospital, with 
 some clothes for Monroe, of the Sixteenth, another of 
 our noble, patient boys, who is as brave under suJffer- 
 ings as amid the dangers of battle. For months he 
 has lain upon his narrow cot, much of the time suffer- 
 ing intensely from a severe wound in the thighs, yet 
 never uttering a word of complaint. We hope the 
 crisis is passed, as he seems to be convalescing, 
 though yet very low. 
 
 My next visit was to the Methodist Episcopal 
 Church, with a bottle of wine for one very sick 
 with pneumonia, who has failed very rapidly during 
 the past few days. From here I went to the McVey 
 House, a hospital recently established as a branch 
 of Camp Convalescent. While there, two more brave 
 soldiers closed their eyes in death — one from Michi- 
 gan, and the other from Maine, They came from far- 
 
68 THE BOYS IN WHITK. 
 
 distant homes, but died together. In the same hos- 
 pital, with their cots only a few feet apart, they laid 
 their lives a sacrifice upon their country's altar at 
 the same time. 
 
 Dr. Holmes, of Lansing, is here to take the body 
 of young Morehouse home to his weeping relatives 
 and friends ; while the Maine soldier will soon sleep 
 with his comrades in yonder cemetery. 
 
 " Farewell ! A little time, and we, 
 Who knew thee well, and loved thee here, 
 One after another, shall follow thee 
 As pilgrims through the gate of Fear, 
 Which opens on Eternity." 
 
 My last visit was at Washington Hall, where I 
 found several new arrivals, some of whom are very 
 sick. Oh, how much there is to be done ! The en- 
 tire evening has been devoted to making pies and 
 stewing fruit, to take to the hospitals to-morrow, 
 though I have felt more like folding my hands and 
 weeping over the sad experiences of the day. 
 
 December IQth, 
 After visiting Fairfax Hospital, I went again to 
 Camp Convalescent with pies, stewed fruit, and under- 
 clothing. Mrs. May and Mrs. Bonine accompanied 
 me, and assisted in giving out my supplies to those 
 who seemed most in need, though that was rather a 
 
THE BOYS IN WHITE. 69 
 
 hard matter to decide. "We succeeded in getting four, 
 who were wholly unfit for service, admitted to the 
 "Examining Board" for discharge, and two others 
 who were very sick were brought by ns to Alexan- 
 dria, and admitted into Fairfax Street Hospital. Cou- 
 sin George Jennings, whom I found here about the 
 middle of last month, is still at the old carap; having 
 taken " French leave," he is now with us, and will re- 
 main until to-morrow. He is still quite lame from the 
 effects of a wound received on the 15th of last April, 
 at the battle of Wilmington Island, and there is no 
 prospect of his ever being fit for duty again; yet he is 
 kept, like multitudes of others, who ought to be dis- 
 charged and sent home to their friends. What a com- 
 fort to himself and family, could he have been with 
 them when his only son, a dear little boy of fifteen 
 months, was buried a few weeks ago. But no, he 
 must follow the intricate windings of " red tape " a 
 little longer. 
 
 ******** 
 
 Though the wounded from Fredericksburg are daily 
 expected, as yet none have arrived. Burnside's army 
 has been forced to fall back and recross the Eappa- 
 hannock. Our loss is estimated at ten thousand — 
 another great slaughter and nothing gained. Oh ! 
 when will these scenes of carnage cease ? Echo an- 
 swers, "when I " 
 
70 THE BOYS IN WHITE. 
 
 December \^th. 
 Have been busy this forenoon cooking and unpack- 
 ing the goods which I brought yesterday from our 
 storerooms in Washington. This afternoon cousin 
 Jennings' " leave " having expired, I ordered an ambu- 
 lance and took him back to camp — taking my sauce 
 and pies along of course — and brought back three sick 
 men to McVey Hospital. I had some trouble in get- 
 ting tbem admitted, as there was a new surgeon in 
 charge of the camp, whose office was in this building, 
 and none hereafter were to be removed without his 
 permission. It was now dark, and the nurses dare 
 not admit them without the doctor's knowledge. Dr. 
 Curtis was a stranger to me, and, not knowing what 
 kind of a reception I might meet with, I hesitated a 
 moment, quite undecided what course to pursue ; but, 
 finding there was no way but to go and see him, I ran 
 up-stairs to his office and related what I had done. 
 "Well," said the doctor good-naturedly, " you mustn't 
 do so any more, but come to me and I will give you 
 permission at any time to remove as many as you 
 wish. I am trying to get matters systematized, so 
 that I shall know just how many men I have in camp. 
 I only want to know who are removed, when and 
 where ; you may tell the ward-master to admit those 
 you have with you, and I will see that they are not 
 reported without leave." I left his office with a 
 
THE BOYS TN WniTE 71 
 
 ligliter heart than I had entered it, hastened down- 
 stairs,, did my errand, and returned home, where, to 
 my great surprise, I found the Rev. Dr. J. A. B. 
 Stone, President of Kalamazoo College. He has been 
 to Fredericksburg to look after his son, and obtained 
 for him a leave of absence. How many a father has 
 visited that gory field in search of sons, and found 
 them, if found at all, torn and mangled and bleeding, 
 or, it may be, already cold in death. 
 
 This evening I have been reminded of other days — 
 those years so pleasantly and profitably spent at Kala- 
 mazoo, which I shall always look upon as an era in 
 the history of my life ; but other scenes far different 
 now occupy my time. I am pursuing a course of 
 study altogether different, but perhaps not less in- 
 structive. Received a letter from John R. Stone of 
 Ionia, containing a draft for forty dollars, cheerfully 
 contributed by friends and acquaintances in response 
 to an appeal made them to defray for a time my per- 
 sonal expenses on account of the state of the finances 
 of our association. I thank those dear friends in be- 
 half of the soldiers, for it is in reality a gift to them. 
 
 December 23c?. 
 
 T spent the day in cooking at Mc Yey Hospital. 
 All were so kind — doctor, steward and nurses — and 
 the patients so grateful, that my work was a real 
 
72 THE BOYS IN WHITE. 
 
 pleasure. This hospital is not as comfortably sup- 
 plied as most hospitals in the city ; I have furnished it 
 witli a number of sheets, pillows, and towels, besides 
 what I have given to individual cases. During the 
 past few days hundreds of wounded have arrived 
 from Fredericksburg, among whom I have found a 
 large number of Michigan soldiers — fourteen in one 
 hospital. Doctor Stone accompanied me one day in 
 my hospital visits, as he wished to learn something of 
 the manner in which they are conducted. Before 
 leaving for Michigan he added ten dollars to the 
 amount I had received from home the day of his 
 arrival. The doctor carries home with him my heart's 
 best thanks. 
 
 December 25th. 
 
 Another "merry Christmas ! " " Merry," did I say? 
 Sad and sorrowful would perhaps be more appro- 
 priate. To me it has been a day both of joy and 
 sorrow. I spent most of it in Grace Church Hospital, 
 having been previously invited to assist about a din- 
 ner to which the inmates have done ample justice. 
 In all the hospitals, as far as I have yet learned, they 
 have had a nice Christmas dinner. This is indeed a 
 source of pleasure. But the thought that within the 
 past few days many a home circle has been broken, 
 many a hearth made desolate, and thousands of hearts 
 
THE BOYS IN WHITE. 73 
 
 wrung witli anguish, is cause enough for sadness. 
 Add to this the vast amount of suffering at present 
 endured ; list to the mournful music daily heard ; 
 behold the lone ambulance slowly moving on to 
 yonder cemetery; count there the newly-made graves; 
 think of the dark future into which we are plunging, 
 and it seems there would be no place left for joy. 
 But it is not always best to look on the dark side of 
 any picture ; this gloomy cloud which at present 
 hangs over our country may, after all, have a " silver 
 lining." All will yet be over-ruled for good; the 
 Almighty has, I believe, a hand in this war, and he 
 hath his own ends to accomplish. 
 
 " His purposes will ripen fast, 
 Unfolding every hour ; 
 The bud may have a bitter taste, 
 Bat sweet will be the flower." 
 
 December 31s<. 
 
 Busy as usual in going to the hospitals with divers 
 articles. There is great excitement in town from the 
 various rumors afloat — the rebels being reported " in 
 considerable force at Mount Yernon." Our com- 
 missary stores are in readiness to be removed at a 
 moment's notice. . ■ 
 
 With this day closes the year 1862. Oh, what 
 memories cluster around the pastl Terrible battles 
 
74 THE BOYS TX WHITE. 
 
 have been fought, precious blood has been shed, noble 
 lives sacrificed, "widows and orphans multiplied. 
 " The stars of night have wept o'er scenes of carnage," 
 the earth has been drenched with the blood of her 
 heroes, while the slain are in our midst. The sound 
 of the war-drum is still heard calling the brave to 
 the conflict. The lamp of sacrifice has not yet 
 been extinguished, but burns brightly on every loyal 
 hearth. 
 
THE BOYS IN WHITE. 75 
 
 CHAPTER VI. 
 
 MRS. MAY GOES TO THE FRONT — THE NEW HOME — IONIA FRIENDS 
 — THE TWENTY-SIXTH MICHIGAN INFANTRY — SOLDIER AC- 
 CIDENTALLY SHOT — A NEW YORK SOLDIER— SICKNESS IN 
 CAilP — PHILIP HACKER — SORROW OF FRIENDS — DEATH OF 
 LIEUTENANT BURCH — FALMOUTH — RAILROAD ACCIDENT — 
 ANOTHER SAD SIGHT — A MEETING AT THE CAPITOL — A 
 DAY IN WASHINGTON — THE MOVE — SAD MEMORIES. 
 
 My work for the month of January was so similar 
 %D that of previous months, that to give daily extracts 
 from my journal would only be a repetition of the 
 same oldstory. 
 
 Early in the month, my good friend, Mrs. May, 
 with whom I had boarded three months, went to the 
 front, taking her family with her, which compelled 
 me to seek a home elsewhere. But the*furniture * not 
 being removed, I remained at the same place until the 
 20th — Mrs^ Windsor, of New York, remaining with 
 me — when the furniture was sold at public auction. 
 I then went to live with Mrs. Munsell, at No. 82 
 Patrick street, the lady I have before mentioned as 
 
 * Which was confiscated property. 
 
76 THE BOYS IN WHITE. 
 
 accompanying the wounded from the battle-field of 
 Ciiantilij to Alexandria. I found in her a true 
 friend. But, ere the return of peace, she entered into 
 her rest, her life having been worn out in the loyal 
 cause. Her grave may be seen at a little Quaker 
 settlement near Sulphur Springs, Maryland, whither 
 she had gone to repair her wasted energies and declin- 
 ing health. 
 
 What fitting tribute shall we bring 
 
 Thy memory to enshrine ? 
 Fresh laurel-wreaths in early spring 
 
 For thee will love entwine. 
 
 Though missing my friends very much, and seeing 
 some lonely hours, the old saying that " there is no 
 great loss without some small gain," was verified in 
 this case, as Mrs. Munsell very kindly shared with 
 me the rations drawn from the Government, thus les- 
 sening my expenses. 
 
 I had scarcely become settled in my new home 
 when, unexpectedly, I received a call from some Ionia 
 friends. The surprise was as pleasant as complete. 
 Before leaving, one of the party placed a sum of 
 money in my hands, saying, " That is for your own 
 individual self;" but it went into the general fund to 
 help defray expenses, "self" being an after-considera- 
 tion. 
 
THE BOYS m WHITE. 77 
 
 I employed my time as usual — evenings, in making 
 pies, puddings, cu.stards, stewing fruit, writing letters, 
 making shirts, knitting socks, etc., and during tlie 
 day distributing my supplies among the sick and 
 wounded in the various hospitals. I also continued 
 visits to the camps, procuring discharges and bringing 
 away the sick. The weather, much of the time, was 
 cold and unpleasant, wind and rain, snow and mud, 
 seeming to be the order of the day. 
 
 During this month. Camp Convalescent was remov- 
 ed two miles farther away — near Fort Blenker — where 
 wood and water were plenty; and the erection of 
 barracks commenced, some of which were completed 
 and occupied before the close of the month. On the 
 whole, a great change for the better took place, but 
 there was still plenty of room for improvement. A 
 noble work was accomplished among those destitute 
 neglected ones by Miss Bradley of Maine — a sanitary 
 ao-ent, having her headquarters in this Camp. Many 
 a soldier can point to her as the means, under God, 
 of saving his life. 
 
 A short time before the Camp was removed, we 
 had a few days of severe cold weather. The sick 
 were brought into Alexandria, several of them so 
 nearly frozen that they never spoke afterwards. I 
 saw two such who were taken to St. Paul's; thej 
 survived only a few hours, and died without returning 
 
78 TUE EOYS IN WHITE. 
 
 to consciousness. Upon whom does the responsibility 
 rest? There was blame attached to some one — a fear- 
 ful neglect of duty somewhere. 
 
 The Twenty-sixth Michigan Infantry were at this 
 time stationed near Alexandria, and doing provost 
 duty in the city. As they had not been long enough 
 in the service to become acclimated, they suftered 
 much from sickness. Pneumonia, measles, typhoid 
 fever and small-pox altogether did fearful work in the 
 regiment. I supplied them from time to time with 
 butter, fruit, jellies, wine, eggs, chicken, etc., besides 
 pillows, towels, handkerchiefs, flannel (when needed 
 and to be had), stationery, and the like. 
 
 As the regimental hospital would not accommodate 
 all the sick, many were taken to Alexandria. At one 
 time I had on my list eighty names of men belonging 
 to this regiment, in one hospital. At that time I had 
 few acquaintances in the regiment, except among tho 
 sick, and " their name was legion." 
 
 I remember the first time we heard the tramp of 
 the soldiers of the Twenty-sixth. As they were pass- 
 ing our door, some one of the family remarked, " We 
 are safe now, for Michigan's on duty." Poor boys 1 
 some of them never knew what it was to perform a 
 soldier's duty, for they died before having an oppor- 
 ftmity to strike one blow in defence of liberty — sacri- 
 fices, nevertheless, to the cause. One of their number. 
 
THE BOYS IN WHITE. 79 
 
 Ira Ncash, was accidentally shot by a comrade the 6th 
 inst, from the effects of which he died the 25th. 
 During those weeks of suffering, he was a perfect em- 
 bodiment of patience. He entertained no feelings of 
 resentment toward his unfortunate comrade who was 
 the cause of his untimely death, but freely forgave. 
 His brother came on as soon as he heard of the acci- 
 dent, remained with him until he died, and then re- 
 turned home with his remains to the young wife so 
 soon left a widow, and the many friends who mourn 
 their loss. 
 
 Several of the Fifth Infantry wounded at Freder- 
 icksburg died during this, the first month of the year 
 — three in one hospital, all belonging to the same 
 company. The sister of one of these — Albert Foot — 
 came to see him, and with sisterly devotion watched 
 over him until failing health compelled her to return 
 home. Others of the same, and other regiments, died 
 in different hospitals, whose names space forbids men- 
 tioning. Oh, how often I thought of the friends in 
 far-off homes when the lives of their loved ones were 
 ebbing away. What would that fond mother have 
 given to have taken the place of the stranger by the 
 side of her dying boy; or that devoted wife, could 
 she have wiped the clammy death-sweat from the brow 
 of her departing husband ; or that loving sister to 
 have spoken words of comfort to cheer her soldier- 
 
80 THE BOYS IN WHITE. 
 
 brother throiTgh the " dark A^alley ;" or the affianced 
 to have performed the last kind office of affection for 
 the one "dearer than all others"? . . . . 
 
 The month of February witnessed a great decrease 
 in the number of patients in our hospitals, some hav- 
 ing been discharged, others returned 'to duty, a few 
 were transferred, while death removed its multitudes. 
 
 The Twenty-sixth lost many a noble man from its 
 ranks — something like eighteen or twenty. Among 
 others who closed their earthly existence during this 
 month was Corporal Philip Hacker of the Fifth, a 
 noble Christian young man, who had chosen the min- 
 istry as his profession. lie was wounded in the hip, 
 the ball never being extracted. He lingered an in- 
 tense sufferer six weeks. I watched over him with a 
 sister's solicitude; saw him day by day grow weaker, 
 his cheeks thinner and j)aler, until the sands of life 
 ran out, and "he was not, for God took him." His 
 poor sorrowing mother, who was on her way to see 
 him, had already reached Washington But, alas! 
 hers was the consolation that the grave affords. It 
 was hard for me to give him up, but who could 
 fathom the depths of that mother's grief? But her 
 cup was not yet full. After remaining with me a few 
 days, she went to see another son, who belonged to 
 the Second Infantry, then stationed at Fortress Monroe. 
 This proved to be their last meeting ; at the siege of 
 
THE BOYS IN WHITE. 81 
 
 Knoxville he fell mortally wounded, a Minie ball 
 having penetrated his brain. They left him buried 
 where he fell asleep, in Tennessee. 
 
 " O woman ! — noble, suffering heart — 
 Hope for a fairer dawn ; 
 The hand that dealt the trial 
 Will give a bright'ning morn." 
 
 It is the hope of this "bright'ning morn," the re- 
 union in heaven, that makes this bereaved mother's 
 grief endurable. It was sad indeed to witness the 
 sorrow of friends who had come to look up their 
 dear ones, and found them very often, alas ! already 
 dead or dying. I can see before me, even now, a 
 pale-faced sister watching by the bedside of a dear 
 brother; but soon he passes away. Again, I see an 
 aged father, bowed with the weight of years, whose 
 locks are white with the frosts of many winters, 
 watching day and night by his darling boy ; but, 
 after long weeks of suffering, the stern messenger 
 comes, and none can stay his hand. There, too, 
 comes the heart-broken widow, weeping bitter tears 
 o'er her early slain, whjle her children look in vain 
 for father's coming. Brothers, too, I see searching 
 for brothers, and friend inquiring for friend. 
 
 * * * -St * -x- 
 
 Among the many who died with that loathsome 
 disease, -in: 1! -pox, which prevailed to quite an alarm- 
 
82 THE BOYS IN WHITE. 
 
 ing extent, was the young and gifted Lieutenant W. 
 W. Burcb, of the Twent3'-sixth Michigan. 
 
 The following lines were written upon his death 
 by Sarah J, C. Whittlese}', of Alexandria, Va. As 
 they seem so aj^propriate, I will reproduce them: 
 
 " Toll, toll for liim, the youthful one, O funeral bell of time! 
 He died with manhood's morning sun just risen at matin chime. 
 Toll, toll for him, the youthful one, solemn bell ! O funeral 
 bell! 
 
 Cathedral bell of time ! 
 
 " Mourn, mourn for him, the youthful one, heart of life and 
 bloom ! 
 Death dimmed the splendor of thy sun, earth ! within his tomb. 
 Mourn, mourn for him, the gifted one, O kindred heart, O poet 
 heart ! 
 
 O heart of life and bloom. ! 
 
 " Moan, moan around the soldier's bed, O waves of the year's 
 springtide ! 
 Chant dirges o'er his buried head — in life's young spring he died. 
 Moan, moan around the soldier's bed, solemn waves ! O 
 sobbing waves ! 
 
 O waves of the year's spring-tide ! 
 
 " Weep, weep beside the stranger's rest, O heart of woman fair ! 
 Far from a mother's faithful breast he died, and slumbers there. 
 Weep, weep beside the stranger's rest, mother heart ! O 
 maiden heart ! 
 
 O heart of wuniuu fair I 
 
THE BOYS IN WHITE. 83 
 
 " Rest, rest within our Southern land, young soldier, good and 
 brave ; 
 A white-rose wreath the stranger's hand will lay upon thy orave, 
 
 For those who weep in far North-land — thy childhood's home 
 
 a stricken band. 
 
 Who mourn the lost and brave. 
 
 The 9tli of the month I went to Falmouth, with 
 nearly four thousand pounds of hospital stores, which 
 had been brought from Monroe, Mich., by Mr. Mar- 
 vin, designed expressly for those in the field. I was 
 accompanied by Mrs. Munsell and Mrs. Beckwith — 
 the latter a Massachusetts lady, whose husband was 
 killed a few months before — who were also taking 
 supplies to the army. We arrived at Aquia Creek 
 in time for the three o'clock train, and at four were 
 at Falmouth Station, where I had some trouble in 
 getting my goods together, but finally succeeded, and 
 then stationed myself as guard over them, remaining 
 on duty until I could send a distance of three miles 
 for transportation. Here Mrs. Munsell left me, as 
 she was going to a different part of the army. It 
 was about eight o'clock when Chaplain May jumped 
 upon the platform near where I was standing. No 
 lone sentinel at his post was ever more rejoiced to 
 hear the approaching footsteps of the "second relief" 
 than was I to see the chaplain that evening. He 
 brought an ambulance and large army-wagon, which 
 
84 THE BOYS IN WHITE. 
 
 were soon loaded, a guard placed over the remainder 
 of my stores, and we on our way, tlirougli darkness 
 and mud, to the camp of the Second Michigan, it 
 being nearly ten o'clock when we arrived. I was 
 delighted once more to meet my good friends, the 
 chaplain's family and Mrs. Bonine ; and after partak- 
 ing of a warm supper, which was in readiness, we 
 visited, until reminded by the small hours of the 
 night that it was time to retire. Presently we find 
 ourselves stowed away for the night, six of us in a 
 little cabin, perhaps eighteen feet by twenty, and are 
 soon lost in the land of pleasant dreams. 
 
 The next day was warm and agreeable. I assisted 
 in distributing some of the supplies which I had 
 taken down. Nothing was eaten with a better relish 
 than the pickles and sour-kraut. There seemed to 
 be a hankering for acids, the absence of which was 
 the cause of much sickness. 
 
 I made a short visit to the Lacy House, took a 
 stroll along the bank of the Eappahannock, across 
 which lies the once pleasant little town of Freder- 
 icksburg, but now battered and broken; beyond, the 
 long lines of rebel fortifications could be seen, from 
 before which Burnside was compelled to fall back 
 only two months previous. Our troops and the rebe!s 
 were picketing on opposite sides of the river, in speak- 
 ing distance of each other. 
 
THE BOYS IN WHITE. 85 
 
 The morning of the 11th I left for Alexandria, in 
 company with Mrs, Bonine, wife of Surgeon Bonine, 
 of the Second, who was starting for Michigan. This, 
 my first trip to the army — though full of interest, 
 and associated with pleasant memories — was not with- 
 out sadness, for a loved one was missing from the 
 decimated ranks of the Mic-higan Eighth, and the 
 grave was daily closing over "somebody's darling." 
 And, oh ! how many times I thought of the poor 
 woman we met, when on our way to Falmouth, who 
 was going to look after the remains of the last of 
 three sons who had died in Freedom's holy cause. 
 Sorrow - stricken, heart - broken, she sat with bowed 
 head, only speaking when addressed. Her grief was 
 too great for expression. When " Grandma Gage," 
 from a heart overflowing with joy, can exclaim 
 
 •' They're coining home ! they're coming home ! — 
 Those four dear boys of mine — 
 They're coming home from out the war : 
 How brigJU the sun does shine!" 
 
 she, from the bitterness of her soul, takes up the 
 sad lamentation : 
 
 " They have fallen J they have fallen ! 
 Where the battle-tempest roared — 
 Where the blaze of strife vt^as gleaming 
 On each bayonet and sword." 
 
80 THE BOYS IN WHITE. 
 
 As the Nintli Corps was under marcliing orders, I 
 daily looked for the return of Mrs. May and family, 
 but saw nothing of them until the 25th, when I again 
 took up my abode with them. 
 
 On the 19th of March, a sad accident occurred 
 near the Orange and Alexandria Depot. The cars 
 were thrown from the track, killing four soldiers in- 
 stantly, and severely wounding several others, two 
 of whom died before night, and one the next day, 
 while others lingered a few days, suffering more than 
 death, before it came for their relief. As soon as I 
 heard of the accident, I hastened, with others, to the 
 place, taking wine, lint, and bandages. Oh, shock- 
 ing sight ! There, in an open car, lay the mangletl 
 forms of the dead and wounded. As soon as possible, 
 the wounded were removed to the nearest hospital 
 and kindly cared for, but the greater part needed 
 care only a short time. 
 
 A few days after this, I witnessed another distress- 
 ing sight at Fairfax Seminary. A soldier of the 
 Twenty-sixth Michigan was dying from bleeding at 
 the nose, which had continued for several days. 
 Every effort to check the flow of blood proved un- 
 availing. It was pitiful to behold him. His face 
 was of marble whiteness, while the red current issu- 
 ing from both nostrils plainly indicated that the 
 fountain of life would soon be dry, and so it was. 
 
THE BOYS IN WHITE, 87 
 
 The brother who had come to care for him returned 
 with the lifeless form to a bereaved wife and three 
 fatherless children. 
 
 Toward the last of the month, I received another 
 box of goods from Ionia, and two from Jackson. In 
 one of the latter was some clothing for myself; so I, 
 as well as the soldiers, had reason for gratitude, 
 which, I believe, on the part of neither was wanting. 
 
 The evening of the 31st, I attended a meeting at 
 the Capitol. Admiral Foot — blessings on his mem- 
 ory — and " Andrew Johnson " were among the speak- 
 ers. The address of each was characteristic of the 
 man who delivered it. Admiral Foot, as might have 
 been expected, recognized the hand of God in the 
 war, and recommended the people to exercise more 
 faith in his over-ruling providence, firmly believing 
 that all would eventually work out, not only for 
 God's glory, but for the best interest of our country. 
 Mr. Johnson spoke at length of the state of affairs in 
 Tennessee, and of the nation generally. He believed 
 in meting out to traitors their just deserts — that stern 
 justice, without any sprinkling of mercy, should be 
 the portion of their cup. A slight change in his 
 policy since then ! ! ! During the evening, President 
 Lincoln, and several members of his cabinet, came in. 
 As they entered, the audience rose to their feet; 
 ladies waved their handkerchiefs, gentlemen threw 
 
88 THE BOYS IN WHITE. 
 
 up their hats, while cheer after cheer went up for our 
 chieftain, which echoed and reverberated through the 
 halls and great dome of the Capitol. Every heart 
 seemed to beat in unison with the great heart of 
 Abraham Lincoln, whose care-worn face too plainly 
 told that it was not the weight of years, but the sor- 
 rows of a nation, which were bearing him down. 
 None could look upon his sad countenance without 
 feelings of pity and a willingness to share the respon- 
 sibility which rested with such crushing weight upon 
 his shoulders ; and many were the expressions heard, 
 like the following : " Poor Father Abraham I " " God 
 bless him!" "Long live our President!"/^ 
 
 It being too late to return to Alexandria after 
 the close of the exercises, I improved the opportu- 
 nity next day of visiting, with the rest of our party, 
 some of the places of interest in Washington. Wc 
 first went to the Navy Yard, where to me everything 
 was new. We were shown through the different 
 workshops where the deadly missiles of war, from the 
 Minie-ball to the huge mortar-shells, were being rap- 
 idly manufactured to be sent upon their destructive 
 mission. Among the many things of special interest 
 were several pieces of cannon captured during the 
 revolutionary war. We paid a short visit to the 
 White House, but reserved the larger portion of our 
 time to be spent at the Capitol. This magnificent 
 
THE BOYS IN WHITE. 89 
 
 building, witb. its seven hundred and fifty feet front, 
 and covering an area of three and a half acres, is a 
 grand spectacle. I care not for the mighty cathedrals 
 of the Old World; here is beauty and sublimity com- 
 bined — sublime in magnitude, and beautiful in its 
 harmonious proportions. 
 
 Ascending the long flight of marble steps, we pause 
 a moment in the eastern portico to reflect on the 
 scenes which have there been enacted. This portico 
 is, in the language of one, " the vestibule to the great 
 political temple of the Union," where all of our Presi- 
 dents — from Jefferson down to our present incumbent, 
 "A. J." — have, in the presence of the assembled thou- 
 sands, taken the oath of office administered by the 
 Chief-Justice of the Supreme Court of the United 
 States. There were uttered those Christ-like words : 
 "With malice toward none, with charity for all." 
 We pass from this portico into the rotunda, and spend 
 a little time in admiring the elegant paintings which 
 adorn its walls. The finest of these are, I think, the 
 " Embarkation of the Pilgrims " and the " Baptism of 
 Pocahontas ; " but the most exquisite of all the paint- 
 ings in the Capitol is the "Western Scene," which 
 would require weeks of study to be fully appreciated. 
 The Senate-Chamber and House of Eepresentatives 
 are places of deep and thrilling interest. There were 
 many vacant seats once occupied by men who had 
 
90 THE BOYS IN WHITE. 
 
 sworn to protect the Government against all enemies, 
 foreign and domestic, but who, with violated oaths 
 and perjured souls, went over to the ranks of 
 treason. But neither paintings, nor statuary, nor ele- 
 gant rooms attracted my attention more than those 
 massive bronze doors, executed by Rogers, in Italy, at 
 great expense and a vast amount of labor. 
 
 The 20th of April, the Twenty-sixth Michigan, ac- 
 cording to orders, left Alexandria for the Peninsula. 
 How much we missed them when they were gone, 
 how sad we felt, and how we all cried when the 
 boat shoved out from shore that was to bear them 
 away to the field of strife ! How long the injunction, 
 "Take good care of WilliCj" rang in my ears! How 
 lonely that old building looked where Company " I '' 
 had been quartered ! How deserted the old camp- 
 ground appeared, how anxiously we watched for any 
 intelligence from the Twenty-sixth, and how frequent- 
 ly letters were received, ending with " Pray for mc," 
 and how often and earnestly we did pray that they 
 might all be kept from falling in the fierce conflict ; 
 but, if fall they must, that they might be made meet 
 for the kingdom of heaven. 
 
 Their sick were left at Alexandria. I had some- 
 thing over a hundred names of my list belonging to 
 this regiment. A large number were very ill, and 
 many of them soon went to their long home. Oh, 
 
THE BOYS IX WHITE. 91 
 
 what a long array of those poor sufferers pass before 
 me in imagination as I write! There is one deliri- 
 ous with fever ; he is constantly talking of home and 
 mother. 
 
 "My mother, dear mother, with weak, tearful eye. 
 Farewell, and God bless you forever and aye ; 
 Oh ! that I now lay on your pillowing breast, 
 To breathe my last sigh on the bosom first pressed." 
 
 But in the stillness of the night, with no dear mo- 
 ther there, he passed away. Here is another, a young 
 man from my own county, over whom for many 
 weeks I had anxiously watched ; his aged father is 
 sent for ; the poor boy still lingers day after day and 
 week after week, but at length he yields up his 
 "young life to the "King of Terrors," and the gray- 
 headed sire is bereft of the staff of his declining 
 years. Here again are two, lying side by side in 
 the same hospital; one lingers long with typhoid 
 pneumonia, the other is an intense sufferer with rheu- 
 matic fever, who goes only two days before his com- 
 rade. In the same ward is another — a Massachusetts 
 soldier — to whom it was my privilege frequently to 
 take some little delicacy. He is recovering from a 
 long run of fever; is able to be about the ward, with 
 a fair prospect of going home soon on furlough, when 
 he is suddenly seized with that disease of all others 
 the most dreaded — small-pox; he is removed to the 
 
92 THE BOYS IN WHITE. 
 
 "Pest House," and we see him no more. Here is 
 still another, wounded in the head ; he has become 
 a raving maniac, and is carried off to the Insane Asy- 
 lum. There are others, many others, but the cata- 
 logue would be too long to mention them all, yet 
 such will ever be held in sacred remembrance. 
 
 Oh ! sad memories of the past, how deeply are ye stirred 1 
 The dying soldier haunts me still! 
 
 Dying 'mong strangers — dying at night, 
 Far from his home and his kindred so dear, 
 
 Far from the loved ones he left for the fight, 
 
 When he bade them farewell, with a kiss and a tear. 
 
 Dying with fever — dying at morn, 
 
 Just as the sun in the East had arisen ; 
 Leaving his widow and orphans forlorn ; 
 
 But "tell them I died with my trust still in Heaven.' 
 
 Dying unconscious — dying at noon, 
 
 Lo ! his comrades are closing his eyes; 
 The work of the soldier forever is done. 
 
 But his spirit ascends to his God in the skies. 
 
 Dying at evening — dying alone, 
 
 Far, far away on the red field of strife. 
 With no kindred near he leaves his last moan, 
 
 And to the cause of his country yields up his life. 
 
 Though dying alone, morn, noon or night, 
 What matters it now the struggle is o'er? 
 
 And his spirit is clothed in spotless white, 
 
 With the marshalling hosts on the heavenly shore. 
 
THE BOYS IN WHITE. 93 
 
 CHAPTER Vll. 
 
 BATTLE OF CHANCELLORSVILLE — FAIRFAX COUKT- HOUSE — VISIT 
 TO THE FIRST MICHIGAN CAVALRY — BRIGADE HOSPITAL — 
 CHANTILLY — BULL RUN — THE BEREAVED BROTHER — MRS. 
 BLAIR — GOVERNOR BLAIR'S ADDRESS — RETURN TO ALEX 
 ANDRIA — BACK TO FAIRFAX — STOUGHTON HOUSE — EXCIT- 
 ING RUMORS — MOVEMENT OF THE ARMY — ALONE — NARROW 
 ESCAPE — MAINE LADY — AN EVENTFUL PERIOD. 
 
 The month of May was much more eventful, at 
 least with the Army of the Potomac, than any since 
 December. Early in the month the army under 
 General Hooker advanced on the enemy, and Sunday, 
 the third, commenced the disastrous series of battles 
 at Chancellorsville. All had the utmost confidence 
 in " old fighting Joe." But after a protracted struggle 
 of three days, he was compelled to fall back and re- 
 cross the Rappahannock. The loss on both sides was 
 heavy. Among the many brave men who there fell 
 was the gallant Berry. A few months previous, I 
 had the pleasure of meeting this noble officer. He, 
 with Surgeon Bonine, unexpectedly made his appear- 
 ance one cold morning in Alexandria, having travelled 
 all night through snow and mud in their retreat from 
 
94 THE BOYS IN WHITE. 
 
 Leesburg, whither they had arrived on their way to 
 join their command, which was encamped somewhere 
 near Snickers Gap, in the Blue Eidge; but, to avoid 
 falling into the hands of the rebels who had cut off" 
 their advance, they were compelled to make this hasty 
 retreat. They were weary and footsore, but early 
 next morning were on their way again, and, by taking 
 a different route, reached their command in safety. A 
 few more weary marches bring him down to Chancel- 
 lorsville, where rebel balls fulfil their bloody mission. 
 
 The rebels also lost one of their ablest generals — 
 the "invincible Stonewall." What greatly added to 
 the horrors of the scene was the burning of the woods, 
 in which many of the wounded are supposed to have 
 perished. Comparatively few of the wounded were 
 brought to Alexandria, and none for several days ex- 
 cept " Johnnies." 
 
 Having been laid up nearly four weeks with inflam- 
 matory rheumatism in my right ankle, I was com- 
 pelled to suspend operations until about the middle 
 of the month, when, upon resuming my duties, I found 
 a few of my old patients still quite sick, and some new 
 arrivals; but, on the whole, the number from Michi- 
 gan, as well as from other States, had greatly dimin- 
 ished since my last visit. 
 
 The 20th inst. I went to Fairfax Court-House in 
 company with Mrs. May and other friends. We had 
 
THE BOYS IN WHITE. 95 
 
 a brigade hospital at this place, there being four regi- 
 ments of Michigan Cavalry encamped in the vicinity, 
 three of which — viz., the Fifth, Sixth, and Seventh — 
 were scarcely six months from home ; consequently 
 these were suftering much from fevers and dysentery. 
 
 After visiting these hospitals, which we found quite 
 comfortable, yet lacking many things which the sick 
 greatly needed, we found quarters for the night with 
 the First Cavalry, where we were cordially welcomed 
 and comfortably provided for. This was my first 
 night in camp — the first time I slept in a tent — a 
 novel idea, then. 
 
 Next morning Colonel Town offered us an ambu- 
 lance, that we might visit Bull Run battle-field, which 
 we were exceedingly anxious to do before returning 
 to Alexandria,' having a twofold object in view when 
 leaving home; one being to see the field which had 
 been twice fought over so desperately, and every foot 
 of ground so hotly contested ; the other, to recover, 
 if possible, the body of Colonel Eoberts, of the First 
 Michigan Infantry, who was killed at the second 
 battle of Bull Run. Our instructions were such, from 
 one who saw him buried, that we felt sure we could 
 identify his grave. At eight o'clock A. M. we are on 
 our way with an escort of thirty men detailed from the 
 regiment, and several officers, Lieutenant Wheeler in 
 command. As Chantilly's once bloody field was but 
 
96 THE BOYS IN WHITE. 
 
 little out of our way, we visited that first. Oh ! what 
 feelings I experienced as I stood and looked out upon 
 that field, where, only a few months before, was mar- 
 shalled for deadly combat a mighty host of noble 
 heroes ! Among that number was my own dear 
 brother ; upon this very field he fell ; here for days he 
 lay beneath the scorching rays of a Southern sun, torn 
 and mangled, bleeding, dying — no hope of ever again 
 seeing home or wife or child. Then multiply his 
 case by thousands, and oh, what a scene was here 
 witnessed ! 
 
 No wonder the gentle moon veiled her face, and the 
 astonished heavens clothed themselves with blackness, 
 and the Almighty uttered his voice in thunder-tones, 
 while the howling of the elements strangely commin- 
 gled with the groans of the dying. 
 
 Spread out before us was that vast cornfield of 
 which we had read so much, where such desperate 
 fighting was done, and where so many hundreds fell. 
 The tree near which the bold and fearless Kearney 
 fell, was pointed out to us ; it was pierced with many 
 balls ; there were those old buildings, battered and 
 broken, to which man}'" of the wounded were taken, 
 and upon whose rude floor they breathed their last. 
 The strip of wood skirting the road bore marks of the 
 terrible conflict which raged there — trees pierced with 
 bullets, their branches scattered and torn, while the 
 
THE BOYS IN WHITE. 97 
 
 earth was ploughed with exploding shells. From many 
 of the little mounds scattered far aud near, human 
 bones were seen protruding, and sometimes even the 
 skulls were bare, so slightly were they covered. We 
 wandered over the field, picked up a few balls and 
 pebbles, and gathered a few wild flowers as sad 
 momeutoes of this sad place, and again " took up our 
 line of march." 
 
 Arriving at Centreville, we called to see General 
 Abbercrombie — the commandant of the post — to have 
 our passes extended, but, to our great disappointment, 
 failed ; it being contrary to orders to pass so small a 
 force beyond our picket-line, as the country was over- 
 run with guerrillas. We went on as far as Black- 
 burn's Ford, passing over part of the first Bull Eun 
 battle-field, the very place where our own Eichardson, 
 with his band of noble heroes, so bravely fought. 
 The country was one wide-spread desolation. At the 
 ford we hoisted the stars and stripes over the ruins of 
 the old bridge — which was burned by our troops in 
 their retreat nine months before — sang several national 
 songs, gathered a few relics, and, after resting our 
 horses and partaking of a cold lunch, returned to 
 Fairfax. Next morning all except myself returned to 
 Alexandria. Never shall we forget our visit to the 
 First Michigan Cavalry. The friendly cordiality that 
 was manifest ; the camp so neat and clean ; the dress 
 
98 THE BOYS IN WHITE. 
 
 parade and cavalry drill, such novelties ; the presence 
 of ladies spending a little time with their husbands in 
 camp, the hearty greetings of former friends, all com- 
 bined to make our stay pleasant. Alas! how many 
 of those brave boys, with their noble, kind-hearted 
 colonel, subsequently fell in their country's service ! 
 They sleep the sleep that knows no waking. 
 
 I remained at Fairfax until the 28 th, sharing the 
 hospitality of Mrs. Manning, matron of the Sixth. 
 During these few days several deaths occurred, one 
 peculiarly sad. He was the third of four brothers 
 who came out together and died in less than three 
 months' time. The fourth and only surviving one 
 had stood by the dying bed of each of the three, and 
 now he was alone. How deeply my heart was pained 
 for him in his threefold affliction! "Oh!" said he, 
 "I could bear it if father was only reconciled; but 
 he opposed our coming; he said we would all die, 
 that the South would never give up, and that it 
 would only be a useless sacrifice of life; but we 
 didn't think so, we felt that it was our duty to come, 
 and I have no regrets to off'er ; they died in a good 
 cause." 
 
 " And not alone an Ellsworth sleeps, 
 
 For guarding our bright starry banner, 
 And not alone the nation keeps 
 
 Its watch o'er Lyon's grave of honur. 
 
TIIK BOYS IN WHITE. 99 
 
 " Others have fall'n for that dear flaof, 
 Otliers as true and noble-hearted, 
 And be it ours to cherish still 
 
 The memory of the brave departed. 
 
 " Immortalized shall be each hand 
 
 That helped to make our arms victorious ; 
 70 live for liberty is grand. 
 To die for liberty is glorious." 
 
 "While here, I met for the first time Mrs. Grover- 
 nor Blair, whose presence was like sunshine. No 
 truer friend had the soldier than Mrs. Blair; she 
 was ever ready, heart and hand, to engage in work 
 for our soldiers. I also had the pleasure of listening 
 to the Governor's soul-stirring, patriotic address to the 
 Sixth Cavalry. A day or two before "leaving the 
 place I rode out to the Chantilly farm, some four 
 miles from Fairfax, on the Centre ville road. Upon 
 a portion of this farm the battle of Chantilly was 
 fought. It was once a large estate containing several 
 hundred acres. The large mansion was in ruins ; the 
 yard surrounding it contained several acres ; the 
 fences were all gone; yet it was lovely, even in its 
 desolation. A gravel carriage way, with shade-trees 
 upon either side, led from the two front gates to the 
 house; shrubbery and evergreens dotted the grounds. 
 In the rear of the mansion, near the garden, was a 
 pleasant vine -clad arbor — everything indicating a 
 
100 THE BOYS IN WHITE, 
 
 onc6 lin.ppy home, surrounded by every comfort. An 
 aged couple of colored people were living there in a 
 small cabin, probably their former quarters. The old 
 man said that he had lived there " a heap o' years," 
 "that massa and missus and de chil'en run'd away 
 Avhen the Yankees come." When asked if they had 
 been slaves, he replied, " Yes, missus, we'se alius 
 slaves till Massa Lincoln free us." " How old are 
 you, uncle?" some one inquired ; "I reckon I'se nigh 
 onto a hundred," was his reply. We rode away, 
 leaving the poor old couple to enjoy their solitude 
 and their freedom. 
 
 On returning to Alexandria, T hardly knew the 
 place. The town had been treated to quite "a scare." 
 The rebels had become very bold and threatening ; 
 it was expected that they would make a sudden dash 
 in some night. New lines of fortifications had been 
 thrown up, the streets stockaded, and cannon were 
 even placed in position ; but we had no occasion to 
 use them, and they were afterwards quietly removed. 
 
 The next day after my return I went to Camp Con- 
 valescent with fruit and clothing for our prisoners re- 
 cently paroled, who were very destitute, as all returned 
 to us from Southern prison-pens were. After return- 
 ing from camp I visited six hospitals and the head- 
 quarters of each division, and renewed my list of 
 names ; to my surprise I found only sixty-five from 
 
THE BOYS IN WHITE. 101 
 
 Michigan, and tlie majority of those convalescent. 
 Toward the last of May I received word from home 
 that I could no longer depend upon my friends to de- 
 fray my expenses — which they had been doing for 
 live months. I was therefore obliged to fall back, as 
 ray only resort, upon the Association. The first of 
 June I received instructions to return to Fairfax 
 Court-House and remain until further orders, to which 
 place I went the next day, in company with Mrs. 
 Brainard, taking quite a supply of hospital stores. 
 At Fairfax station, a couple of soldiers, who had kind- 
 ly assisted in loading our goods at Alexandria, again 
 lent us their aid, and succeeded in getting a wagon for 
 our stores, while we, soldier-like, made the distance on 
 foot. The day was excessively warm and the road very 
 dusty; but we rather enjoyed the walk — only four miles 
 — nothing for soldiers ! ! Arriving at the Court-IIouse, 
 we took leave of our friends. Brown, of the Twenty- 
 seventh Maine, I never saw again, as his regiment was 
 soon after mustered out of the service. Sergeant Bab- 
 cock, of the First Michigan Cavalry, I saw several 
 times afterwards, but for a long time before the close 
 of the war lost all track of him. I hope they have 
 both been spared to see the return of peace, and long 
 may they live to enjoy its blessings. 
 
 Mrs. B. and I went directly to the head-quarters of 
 the hospital of the Sixth, and after resting a few mo- 
 
102 THE BOYS IN" WHITE. 
 
 men ts and partaking of a dinner whicli the matron — 
 Mrs. Manning — prepared for us, we made a tour 
 througli the hospital, which consisted of several tent 
 wards and a large three-story brick house — the one in 
 which General Stoughton was captured by the rebels 
 a few months previous, I found that five had died 
 since leaving them a few days before ; there were 
 still many others very sick. We each called for a 
 towel and basin of water, and went to work bathing 
 the feverish brows and dry and husky hands of ty- 
 phoid's suffering victims. 
 
 Mrs. Brainard remained a couple of days and re- 
 turned to Washington. I was soon comfortably pro- 
 vided for. Doctor Wilson, the Brigade Surgeon, fur- 
 nished me with a good wall tent, which the boys 
 fitted up nicely by flooring, making table, bedstead 
 and chairs, and surrounding it with evergreens, which 
 made my little home as pleasant and inviting as one 
 could desire. 
 
 About the first work I did was to clean the brick 
 house of which mention has been made. I worked 
 hard two days and a half, assisted by several soldiers 
 detailed from the ambulance corps. The windows, 
 paint and floors looked as though they had been for a 
 long time strangers to soap and water. After I had 
 finished cleaning, and arranged the beds to my liking, 
 supplying those that were destitute with sheets and 
 
THE BOYS IN WHITE. 103 
 
 pillows, I made flower-vases and bouquets with flowers 
 gathered from Secesh gardens, and tried to make the 
 place assume a somewhat home-like appearance. The 
 Seventh seemed to suffer more from disease than the 
 other regiments, jet there was much sickness in all of 
 them. It was often my painful duty to stand by the 
 dying-bed and go down with the departing soul to the 
 " Eiver's " brink. And then another sad duty re- 
 mained — that of writing to the friends of the deceased ; 
 and I sometimes thought this the saddest part of all. 
 I never held a dying hand until the pulse grew still 
 without wishing I might exchange places with some 
 dear absent one. I will give an extract from a letter 
 received from a bereaved wife, which will express the 
 language of thousands of hearts : 
 
 " How thankful I am for your kindness to one 
 dearer to me than all earthly friends. Oh, it is hard 
 to give him up ! — it seems like tearing my poor heart 
 in pieces. I would have given worlds, had I pos- 
 sessed them, for the privilege of sitting by his side, 
 as you did, even for one short hour. Oh, how anx- 
 iously I had looked forward to his coming home, that 
 we might once more enjoy life together. My dear 
 husband did not go into the army for money or plea- 
 sure,- but because he felt it his duty to serve his 
 country in her hour of peril, and to defend the old 
 
104 THE BOYS IN WHITE. 
 
 flag which had alwaj^s protected liim. , . , His poor 
 little fatherless children, they know not what a bless- 
 ing they have lost ; but I am comforted with the 
 thou2:ht that he is at rest." 
 
 While I found much to do, I was quite well sup- 
 plied with material to do with — our association at 
 Washington sendiiicf me from time to time additional 
 supplies. I recollect at one time, among other things, 
 was a box of lemons, which was more acceptable than 
 anything else, coming at a time when the weather 
 was oppressively hot, and there being so many cases 
 of fever. The Christian Commission gave me per- 
 mission to draw from their stores such things as I was 
 not supplied with. During my stay at this place, 
 various and conflicting rumors were constantly afloat, 
 causing much excitement and some alarm. I speak, 
 from personal experience. I had not as yet become 
 accustomed to " camp rumors," and, though I did 
 not feel particularly afraid, I did feel at times a " little 
 agitated." 
 
 The evening of the 7th, a messenger was despatched 
 in great haste from division head-quarters to the hos- 
 pital department with orders to hoist a "red flag" 
 early the next morning, for it was reported that Lee 
 was advancing in the direction of Fairfax. 
 
 Soon we were summoned to go to work making 
 
THE BOYS IN WHITE. 105 
 
 flags. Accordingly we assembled in the basement 
 of the " Stoughton House," where a bright fire 
 was blazing on the hearth, and went to work. We 
 made two large flags, which at early dawn were 
 spread to the breeze, in elevated positions, which we 
 hoped would command the respect and consideration 
 of the rebel chief After finishing the flags, I packed 
 my trunk, that it might be in readiness to send to 
 Washington in the morning, should the report be 
 confirmed. As for myself, I resolved, with the other 
 ladies, not to desert the sick, but stay and share their 
 fate, whatever it might be. It was quite late when 
 we retired that night, and I must confess my sleep 
 was somewhat disturbed with unpleasant dreams: 
 several times I awoke and listened to hear the tread 
 of the advancing foe, but listened and looked in vain. 
 Again, on the 26th instant, there was considerable 
 excitement at our department. Moseby, it was feared, 
 would make a sudden dash into camp before morning, 
 and carry off considerable plunder, if no prisoners. 
 That evening Dr. Spalding was called to go to the 
 camp of the Sixth — some nine miles distant — to see 
 an officer who had been taken suddenly sick. Before 
 leaving, he handed me the key to his trunk, saying : 
 " If Moseby should make a dash in here to-night, try 
 and secure my papers, and, if possible, my money." 
 But I did not have a chance to display my bravery, • 
 
106 THE BOYS IN WHITE. 
 
 or to call into exercise my skill in secreting valuables; 
 and yet our fears were not at all times groundless, for 
 the country was infested with roving bands of guer- 
 rillas, ever ready for plunder. Occasionally a man 
 shot on picket by these desperadoes was brought in, 
 and not unfrequently a squad. of cavalrj^-men was sent 
 out to scour the country for these worse than rebels. 
 Skirmishes and battles were of frequent occurrence. 
 
 The 9th, a severe cavalry fight took place at Bever- 
 ly Furd, on the Rappahannock, and, a week later, 
 the battle of Aldie, Everything indicated that an 
 active, and, we hoped, a decisive campaign was about 
 to open. 
 
 The 14th, news was received that Hooker was on 
 the move, and early the next morning this report was 
 confirmed, for the wagon-train of the Twelfth Corps 
 was actually parked within sight. Soon the artillery 
 began to come in, and then the infantry. All day 
 and night troops continued to arrive, until the great 
 Army of the Potomac was encamped around us. The 
 thousands of camp-fires, and the fine martial music 
 discoursed by various bands, made it a scene surpass- 
 ingly grand. A day or two after, I witnessed the 
 artillery review by General Hooker. I have no words 
 
 to describe it. 
 
 ****** 
 
 But the ever-shiftins: scenes of war soon change the 
 
THE BOYS IN WHITE. 107 
 
 programine, and those wearj, foot - sore troops are 
 again on the move, as yet scarcely rested from theh' 
 fatiguing march from Fahnouth, through heat and 
 dust almost intolerable ; but, before leaving, a kind 
 providence sent a plentiful shower upon the thirsty 
 earth, laying the dust and cooling the heated atmos- 
 phere ; otherwise the number of those who gave out 
 by the way must have been greatly increased. 
 
 General Hooker retained his head-quarters at 
 Fairfax a few days longer, but was soon after super- 
 seded by General Meade, who, with this mighty 
 army, was soon engaged in the terrible conflict of 
 Gettysburg, 
 
 Hooker was soon after assigned to a command in the 
 West, and a few months later we hear of him " fight- 
 ing above the clouds" at Lookout. 
 
 "Ah! see where the chief leads on his stern band, 
 
 'Mid the swift hail of death so calmly advancing. 
 To strike the proud bulwarks by rebel hosts manned, 
 
 Death certain and quick from every side glancing. 
 'Tis now the mid-hour of the battle's dread light ; 
 Ohl faint soldier, say, how goes the fierce fight? 
 Our broad starry banner, our hope and our pride, 
 Doth it rise, doth it fall on the mountain's dark side? 
 
 " Amid the cannon's loud roar and the shriek of the shell. 
 The wave of fierce battle rolls louder and higher; 
 Enveloped in smoke, hoarse shouts alone tell 
 
 That our hopes are still rushing on through that fire ; 
 
108 THE BOYS IN WHITE. 
 
 But see where it glides up the mountain's dark side, 
 Now lost in the smoke, now flaunting out wide. 
 Ok, rebellion has fallen ! let traitors despair, 
 For our banner now floats in the mountain's pure air." 
 
 Later in the afternoon of the 24th, orders came to 
 break up our hospitals, and before daylight the next 
 morning the sick were all removed; at sunrise the 
 cavalry were on the move. Mrs. Maryweather, 
 matron of the Fifth, going with them on the march, 
 Mrs. Manning had an opportunity to go to Wash- 
 ington, on horseback, while I was left alone to get 
 away as best I could with the remainder of my stores. 
 Oh, how lonely and desolate everything appeared! 
 Tents struck, blankets, pillows, and dishes scattered 
 about, nothing left in the line of edibles but " hard 
 tack." Of all the loneliness I ever experienced that 
 day caps the climax. The first thing I did was what 
 any silly woman would have done — gave myself up to 
 a good cry ; and then I went to work packing up, and 
 trying to save the best of the bedding. About noon 
 a drizzling rain came on, which added gloom to loneli- 
 ness. I had about made up my mind that I should not 
 -get away that day, and was trying to fix up some nice 
 little speech to make to his excellency, Mr. Moseby, 
 in case he should give me a call, which, in all proba- 
 bility, he would do before morning — when, as mis- 
 ery likes company, T was not a little comforted to find 
 
THE BOYS IN WHITE. 109 
 
 that Rev. Mr. Chapin, a "Christian Commission " del- 
 egate, had not left the place, but was also waiting au 
 opportunity to remove his goods to the station, and 
 who would likewise be honored with tlie company of 
 this distinguished guest (! ) But my little speech was 
 never made, for about three o'clock transports came to 
 remove the hospital stores. On the arrival of the 
 first team, I hastily inquired of the driver if he would 
 take a few things for me to the Station. " Yes," he 
 replied, " and yourself in the bargain." What a sud 
 den change came over the face of everything ! Even 
 the misty rain, a short time since so gloomy, is now 
 just what we need to lay the dust. How pleasant and 
 cheerful the plain, homely face of the driver looks: no 
 fears now of " Moseby and Co." Being provided for 
 myself, I next interceded, successfully, too, for Mr. 
 Chapin. Our goods are soon piled into the wagon, 
 and we quite comfortably seated on the top of the 
 load with our heads reaching the canvas above ; but a 
 queen in her chariot was never happier than I. The 
 farewell look is given Fairfax, and we are off for 
 the station, but are too late for the train, so have 
 to wait until six o'clock, when the last train leaves, 
 and we have no more communication with the place 
 for several months. The balance of army supplies 
 not removed up to that time was burned. Arrived 
 at Alexandria about eight o'clock, in the rain and mud. 
 
liO THE BOYS IN WniTE. 
 
 In looking over the paper tlie next morning, about 
 the first thing I noticed was "Moseby at Fairfax 
 Court- House." Two Union ladies living a few miles 
 from Fairfax, in the vicinity of Vienna, were made 
 unwilling captives. 
 
 As I was returning from Washington the next 
 day, where I had been to look after my Fairfax 
 patients, I met on the boat a lady with a little child, 
 who had come from Maine to see her husband, 
 who was sick at Camp Convalescent. What a look, 
 almost of despair, was depicted on her countenance 
 when she learned that this camp was nearly four 
 miles from Alexandria, the going very bad, and 
 there being no public mode of conveyance. "Oh ! " 
 she exclaimed, "What shall I do? what shall I do'/ 
 Were it not for my child, I would go on foot." It 
 was my happy privilege to relieve her distress by 
 assuring her that a way should be provided. Arriv- 
 ing at Alexandria, I ordered an ambulance and 
 carried her to the camp. What a happy meeting! 
 Had I never before seen gratitude, I saw it then. 
 
 In working for the soldiers, every little deed of 
 kindness was so fully appreciated, and so richly 
 rewarded with thanks and tears, that there was a 
 pleasure experienced in it no where else to be found. 
 
 The month of July, 1863, was an eventful period 
 
THE BOYS IN WHITE. Ill 
 
 in the history of the nation. A period of hope aiul 
 fear, of joy and sorrow, of excitement and alarm, 
 of bloody conflicts, of defeat and victory, of untold 
 suffering and death. 
 
 Lee's advance into Pennsylvania, the terrible battles 
 of Gettysburg, of Falling Waters, the surrender of 
 Vicksburg and Port Hudson, the wearisome march 
 from Vicksburg to Jackson, in which so many died 
 from exhaustion, from thirst and the oppressive heat, 
 the re-taking of Jackson, the capture of Huntsville, 
 Morgan's raid into Ohio, the great draft riot in New 
 York, and much else of importance that transpired 
 during the month of July, are too well remembered 
 to need repetition here. The nation has not yet 
 forgotten the joyful tidings, that the discomfited Lee 
 was in full retreat from Gettysburg; nor the wild 
 bursts of enthusiasm, the shouts of victory that rent 
 the air when the news came flashing over the wires 
 that Vicksburg, "the city of an hundred hills," "the 
 heroic city," had fallen. Fortune, the "fickle god- 
 dess," so long, it would seem, in league with the enemy, 
 became propitious and smiled upon our cause. 
 
112 THE BOYS IN WHITE. 
 
 CHAPTER VIII. 
 
 PLACES OF INTEREST IN ALEXANDUIA — BALTIMORE — A SINGULAR 
 STORY — DEATH OP A MASSACHUSETTS SOLDIER — THE SERI- 
 OUSLY WOUNDED — ERIE — MY SISTER'S SICKNESS — HARRIS 
 BURG — YORK — REBEL WOUNDED — ^A PARALYTIC — WASHING 
 TON HOSPITALS — FREQUENT BATTLES — NEW ARRIVALS — 
 MRS. GRAY — AFFLICTED FRIENDS — DR. TRUE. 
 
 On returning to Alexandria I found comparatively 
 few Michigan men in the hospitals, and these mostly 
 convalescent; therefore my work in this place en- 
 tirely ceased for several weeks. 
 
 Among the few places of interest to a stranger visit- 
 ino; Alexandria is the little brick church where 
 George Washington used to worship. Though the 
 building has undergone repairs, the old-fashioned 
 square pew formerly occupied by this good man and 
 his family remains unchanged ; the plate on the door 
 bears this inscription : " Washington's pew." An- 
 other place of interest is the " Slave Pen." Within 
 this dingy enclosure thousands of human beings have 
 been crowded like cattle for the market, and from 
 thence brought forth to the auction-block. It still 
 
THE BOYS IN WHITE. 113 
 
 bears the name of liim wlio once trafficked in flesh 
 and blood. " Rice & Co., Dealers in Slaves," may to 
 this day be seen — though dimly — over the main en- 
 trance. A fresh coat of paint has been added, as if 
 ashamed to stand out boldly in the pure light of 
 liberty. But the place of all others of the most deep 
 and thrilling interest in this slavery-cursed city, is 
 the place where "the Boys in White" lie sepulchred. 
 At the present time^November, 1869 — instead of 
 three hundred turfless graves, as at my first visit, 
 til ere are more than thrice as many thousand grass- 
 covered mounds, each with a neat, white head-board 
 bearing the name of him who fell in freedom's holy 
 cause, or that saddest of all sad words, " Unknown." 
 
 To this sacred "rest" long pilgrimages will be made 
 through coming years by those who mourn the loved 
 and lost, and who, "with cautious step and slow," will 
 wander amid this sea of graves, anxiously looking for 
 some clierished name. 
 
 Near the entrance stands a little rustic chapel, oc- 
 cupied by a one-armed soldier, who has charge of the 
 grounds — -which are most beautiful, being interspersed 
 with trees, shrubbery and flowers, while cooling foun- 
 tains and pleasant arbors adorn the quiet place. 
 Henceforth, in the spring-time of the year, willing 
 hands will cull sweet flowers as a floral offering to 
 our heroic dead! 
 
114 TITE BOYS IN WHITE. 
 
 " Forever be these sacred fields 
 Decked in immortal beauty, 
 Where sleep the brave who fought and fell 
 
 For freedom and for duty. 
 They lie on glory's camping-ground, 
 
 On high their deeds recorded ; 
 No nobler act on history's page. 
 On fame's, no prouder lauded." 
 ******* 
 
 The 16th of July I was called to Washington, 
 where I received instructions to go to Baltimore, as 
 many of the wounded had arrived there from Gettys- 
 burg. I was greatly disappointed, for I had earnestly 
 hoped to be sent to Grettysburg, believing that I could 
 do vastly more good there than any where else at 
 that particular time. However, on the morning of the 
 18th I took the eleven o'clock train for Baltimore. 
 On the way I fell in company with a lady who called 
 herself Jimmeson, though her true name, she told me, 
 was Frank Abel, Her story was indeed a strange 
 one. It was as follows: Her husband entered the 
 service with the rank of captain in a Kentucky regi- 
 ment of cavalry, and she as his first lieutenant. Her 
 husband was killed at the first battle of Bull Run, 
 after which she was employed as a scout by General 
 Sigel. She had endured many hardships, visited 
 several battle-fields, and assisted — as she belonged to 
 the medical staff — in performing amputations and 
 
THE BOYS IN WHITE. 115 
 
 dressing wounds. She was once captured by the 
 Rebels and confined in Libby Prison several weeks ; 
 but at the time of which I write she claimed to be 
 a Government detective in the City of Washington, 
 and was then on her way to Baltimore to arrest a 
 woman with whom she had had a quarrel. What 
 became of her after we parted at Baltimore, whether 
 she found her victim or not, I never learned, for I 
 have neither seen nor heard of her since. 
 
 Arriving in Baltimore, I proceeded directly to the 
 Rev. Mr. Reid's, where I obtained board. This was 
 the same Christian family by whom sister and I were 
 so kindly and hospitably entertained when we first ar- 
 rived in Alexandria on our sad mission. 
 
 There were six hospitals in Baltimore, situated from 
 one to four miles apart. As a general thing I found 
 them more comfortable than any I had previously 
 visited ; and yet there was much suffering which the 
 most tender care could not alleviate. I will give a 
 single extract from my journal which will convey 
 something of an idea of the sad, distressing scenes 
 there witnessed : 
 
 July 28ih. 
 
 Visited Jarvis Hospital, and distributed lemons, 
 oranges, and blackberries. This has been one of the 
 saddest visits I have made since coming to Baltimore. 
 
116 THE BOYS IN WHITK. 
 
 In one of the wards was a sergeant of the Ninth 
 Massachusetts volunteers, dying. Ilis wife and moth- 
 er had just arrived. The dying man recognized 
 them, and, taking the hand of his wife, kissed her, 
 and then kissed his mother, bade them farewell, 
 closed his eyes, and was soon gone. The circum- 
 stances of his death are most a2;o:ravating. His 
 wound was dressed with bandasres and lint taken to 
 the hospital by rebel women, which, upon examina- 
 tion, were found sprinkled with cayenne pepper. He 
 suffered the most excruciating pain from the time 
 the bandages were first ussd, which so irritated and 
 inflamed the wound that death was the result. After 
 escaping the deadly effects of rebel lead, a fiend in 
 friendship's guise takes his life. A hundred deaths 
 at the hands of a manly foe would not be half so 
 trying. But this is only another example of the 
 malignity and cruel hatred born of and nursed by 
 Secession. At the dying man's head was one se- 
 riously wounded, and a great sufi'erer, while at his 
 feet was another, holding in his hand a letter from 
 home, containing the sad news that two of his chil- 
 dren lay at the point of death. His quivering lip 
 and tear-dimmed eye were more potent than words 
 in expressing his overwhelming sorrow. In another 
 ward was a poor man who had lost both eyes , by 
 his side was a young boy with a sweet, pale face, 
 
THE BOYS IN WHITE. 117 
 
 who, in addition to his wounds, w^s delirious with 
 fever ; a few cots from him was another young man 
 with five wounds, whose clenclied hands and con 
 vulsed frame expressed untold agony. A little far- 
 ther along was an old man with a deep sabre-cut in 
 his head, and another in the back of his neck; 
 another was suffering greatly with a wound in the 
 ankle. Time would fail me to mention the many 
 with an arm off, a leg amputated, wounded in the 
 head, in the lungs, and in every other conceivable 
 manner. From none of those with whom I have 
 conversed to-day have I heard one word of regret 
 expressed for going into the army; but, on the con- 
 trary, many were anxious again to cross sabres and 
 try their muskets with the enemy. It is an aston- 
 ishing fact that, notwithstanding all the suffering ex- 
 perienced in our hospitals, an air of cheerfulness 
 pervades them all. It seems unaccountable, unless 
 we look npon it as a miraculous display of God's 
 all-sustaining power and grace. 
 
 Next day I again visited the same hospital, taking 
 sundry articles for distribution. While there I at- 
 tended the funeral of the sergeant whose sad death 
 I have already noticed. Services were held in the 
 open air, beneath the spreading branches of beauti- 
 
118 THE BOYS IN WHITE. 
 
 ful shade- trees. The solemn scene was one not soon 
 to be erased from memoiy. The young wife and 
 aged mother were the only mourners to follow his 
 remains to the grave. But, alas! how many a poor 
 soldier dies with none to drop a tear to his memory 
 until the- intelligence is borne over mountains and 
 across valleys, through fruitful plains and gloomy 
 forests, to some humble cottage on the lawn. Oh! 
 then what tears are shed — and all the more bitter 
 because they cannot even fall upon the grave of him 
 they loved so well. And yet there is a still deeper 
 grief. Many there are, who, could they only know 
 where their dear ones sleep, would feel that the bit- 
 terest dreg was removed from their cup of sorrow. 
 Alas ! their fate will only be known when the great 
 book of God's accounts is unsealed. Many a heart 
 responds to the painful truth expressed in the fol- 
 lowing words: 
 
 " Not among the sufiFering wounded, 
 Not among the peaceful dead, 
 Not among the prisoners — ' Missint,^' — 
 That was all the message said." 
 
 On the evening of the 30th, as I returned from 
 my work, I found a letter informing me of the dan- 
 gerous illness of my eldest sister — Mrs. Clark — re- 
 siding in Erie Co., Penn., and an urgent request to 
 come to her immediately. At eight o'clock I was at 
 
THE BOYS IN WHITE. 119 
 
 the depot waiting for the first train going West. 
 Arriving in Erie I found my sister still living, 
 though but little hope of her recovery was enter- 
 tained ; yet it pleased a kind Providence to spare 
 her life. I remained with her until she was con- 
 sidered out of danger, and then returned to my hos- 
 pital work, leaving her in care of another sister — 
 Mrs. Smith — who had already been with her nearly 
 two years, her husband being in tlie army. I can 
 even now see the pale face of my poor sick sister as 
 she threw her arms around my neck and gave the 
 parting kiss, saying, as she did so, "I shall never 
 see you again on earth." Ah ! I have since expe- 
 rienced the bitter truth of those words ; for, in little 
 more than a year from that time, she went to her 
 eternal home. 
 
 " She is not dead, but sleepeth I " 
 Resting from the toils of life — 
 Safely moored her bark, and anchored 
 Far from earthly care and strife. 
 
 " She is not dead, but sleepeth ! " 
 Once the gracious Master said 
 To those who sought Him, weeping 
 And sorrowing for their dead. 
 
 " She is not dead, but sleepeth 1 " 
 In the grave so calm and still. 
 She waiteth for the trumpet's call 
 Resting in her Father's will. 
 
120 THE BOYS IN WHITE, 
 
 " yhe is not dead, but sleepetlil" 
 
 Thy blest words, O Christ, we trust ; 
 For though the body slumber long. 
 Thou wilt raise the mouldering dust. 
 
 Then cherished friends, long parted, 
 
 That glorious morn shall meet ; 
 All washed from sins in Jesus' blood. 
 
 And in a Saviour's love complete. 
 
 And kindred souls, united. 
 Their way to heaven shall wing; 
 
 While, with their songs triumphant, 
 The heavenly arches ring. 
 
 According to instructions, on my return to Wash- 
 ington I stopped at Harrisburg, and spent three days 
 in visiting the six hospitals in that city, looking up 
 Michigan soldiers, and supplying immediate wants. 
 Kebel wounded were scattered through all of these 
 hospitals, faring the same as our soldiers. Entering 
 into conversation with them, I inquired what hope 
 of success the South had left, and their unanimous 
 reply was, " Our cause is hopeless." The Federal vic- 
 tories of July had well-nigh discouraged them. They 
 expressed great surprise at the kind treatment they 
 received ; they had not expected this at the hands 
 of the hated " Yanks." 
 
 At York, the city so disgracefully surrendered to 
 the rebels a few months previous, there was but 
 
THE BOYS IN WHITE 121 
 
 one hospital ; it consisted of barracks built upon an 
 extensive plan. While here, I visited the city cerae 
 tery, where about fifty of "the boys in white" were 
 buried. As I stood by those turfless mounds, my 
 heart was deeply pained, and I wondered that, in a 
 large Northern city, no hand was found to plant a 
 single flower upon a soldier's grave. But though 
 neglected, though without turf or flower, 
 
 " On fame's eternal camping-ground 
 
 Their silent tents are spread. 
 And glory guards with solemn round 
 
 The bivouac of the dead." 
 
 The 2d of September I took leave of my sick and ''^ 
 wounded boys, of whom I found so many more than 
 at Harrisburg, and returned to Washington, where 
 the work of visiting hospitals in both that city 
 and Alexandria was assigned to me, as Mrs. Brain 
 ard had not yet returned from Gettysburg, whither 
 she was sent soon after the battles in July. My 
 first visit was to Alexandria. Among the many 
 whom I found in those hospitals was one peculiarly 
 sad case. Near the centre of a large ward lay one 
 whose motionless appearance attracted my attention ; 
 I noticed that he did not even make an effort to brush 
 away the flies that were crawling over his face. On 
 going to his cot I found that he was a complete para- 
 
122 THE BOYS IN WHITE. 
 
 lytic ; he could only move his head slightly and the 
 little finger of one hand. This severe shock of par- 
 alysis was occasioned by striking his head against a 
 stone while driving. He had then been in that condi- 
 tion several months, with very little perceptible 
 change; but he was hopeful, and believed that he 
 should get well. Poor boy ! I often thought how true 
 in your case the saying, " Were it not for hope, the 
 heart would break." During his stay at the hospital 
 I saw but little change for the better, and never heard 
 from him after he left it. I often think of the poor, 
 pale-faced, patient, hopeful paralytic, and wonder what 
 has become of him. 
 ^ ^ Of the fourteen large hospitals in Washington, ten 
 consisted of barracks and tents, containing from 
 twenty to thirty, and even as many as eighty wards 
 each. The barracks would accommodate from fifty 
 to sixty patients each, and the tent wards about twenty. 
 These buildings were not all constructed upon the same 
 plan, but were variously arranged. In some, the bar- 
 racks extended along three sides of a square enclosure, 
 with head-quarters at the front ; in others, they enclosed 
 a triangular piece of ground with head-quarters at the 
 apex; while in others this building was in the centre, 
 with barracks extending to the right and left, and tents 
 in the rear, and thus on for all the others — each being 
 constructed upon a plan independent of the rest. 
 
THE BOYS IN WHITE. 123 
 
 Within the enclosed space were the kitchen, dining- 
 room, chapel, and laundry, and the balance of the 
 ground was devoted to gardening purposes and to the 
 cultivation of flowers. The front yards were also beau- 
 tifully laid out, containing gravel walks, evergreens, 
 flower-beds, and in some were cooling fountains. The 
 barracks were long, one-story, whitewashed buildings. 
 In going through some of these, it seemed like enter- 
 ing the home of the fairies: the long row of cots on 
 either side of the ward, with their clean pillow-slips 
 and snowy counterpanes, the walls adorned with 
 paintings and beautiful frames made by convales- 
 cents, while to each piece of scantling overhead 
 were tacked sheets of red, white, and blue tissue- 
 paper curiously cut, each piece representing the differ- 
 ent corps badges. There was the new and full moon, 
 the plain and Maltese cross, the clover-leaf, the 
 diamond, the star, the acorn and the cross-sabre. The 
 slightest breeze would keep these silken curtains 
 gently swaying to and fro, making the sight really 
 enchanting. 
 
 All hospitals were not thus highly favored with 
 tasty wardmasters and nurses ; but in some they 
 seemed to vie with each other in seeing whose ward 
 should be the most gorgeously and beautifully 
 decorated. 
 
 The work of looking up from all these hospitals 
 
124 THE BOYS IN WHITE, 
 
 those belonging to any particular State was no light 
 task, yet it was done by several State associations 
 besides our own. Perhaps no more thorough or effi- 
 cient work of the kind was done by any State than 
 Massachusetts. Maine did a noble work for her 
 soldiers, but her agents were more generally employed 
 in the field, where there was a greater need of 
 laborers. At this time, Michigan men were largely 
 re])resented in the hospitals in Washington. At Lin- 
 coln I found seventy, at Finly forty, about the same 
 number at Campbell, a large number at Armory 
 square, and so for all the hospitals in the city, 
 besides the many at Camp Stoneman, Camp Conval- 
 escent, and Fairfax Seminary. 
 
 Every few days accessions were made to our already 
 large numbers by fresh arrivals from the army, as the 
 cavalry were almost constantly on the skirmish-line, 
 and engagements frequently occurring. The 13th of 
 the month — October — there was a brisk fight at Cat- 
 tell's Station ; the 14th, at Bristow Station ; the 18th, 
 near Manassas Junction, and a few days later at 
 Beverly Ford ; and thus the army continued to fight, 
 and the wounded to arrive. The sixth of the month 
 the steward of the Ninth Cavalry came from Culpep- 
 per with a large number of sick. He reported the 
 sick at that place in a very destitute and neglected 
 condition. On his return I sent a few things by him, 
 
THE BOYS IN WHITE. 125 
 
 only, however, wliat lie could take in the car with him, 
 as I could not get transportation for even one small 
 box. I tried to get a pass to go down with supplies, 
 but orders were imperative — there was no use trying. 
 Mrs. Gray, a lady from Pontiac, Michigan, worked 
 hard for weeks to obtain a pass that she might go and 
 see her sick husband, who was supposed to be lying 
 'at the point of death ; but all in vain. Tears and en- 
 treaties were alike unavailing. She frequently went 
 with me to the hospitals and assisted in the work of 
 distribution, thus trying to forget her own sorrow 
 while administering to the wants of others. Another 
 lady, Mrs. Brockway, came from Michigan to obtain, 
 if possible, the body of her son, who was killed a few 
 days before her arrival ; but she could go no further. 
 Through the influence of our State agent — Dr. Tunne- 
 cliff — the family succeeded in getting an order for his 
 body to be sent to Washington. For her husband 
 who was sick she obtained a furlough, and returned to 
 her home rejoicing while she mourned. 
 
 October 18ih. 
 Instead of attending church this morning,. 1 went to 
 Stanton Hospital w-ith delicacies for the sick. I will 
 mention a few special cases of suffering which I wit- 
 nessed in one of the wards, and which will be a fair 
 specimen of the average of such in the other wards. 
 
126 THE BOYS IN WHITE. 
 
 There was one poor man almost distracted witli pain 
 in his head, the effects of a sun-stroke ; the only re- 
 lief he could find was in bathing his liead in cold 
 water. Near him was one very low with typhoid 
 fever, uttering incoherent expressions about "battles" 
 and "marches," and " home " and " mother." A little 
 further down the ward was a poor fellow who was 
 brought in last night — having been picked up by the 
 road-side, in a senseless condition — and has not yet 
 returned to consciousness, nis physician says be can 
 not survive, and, as he has no papers, or any means 
 by which he can be identified, another will soon be 
 added to the long list of the "unknown." Soon after 
 returning home, a Mrs. Smith, from New Jersey, 
 called, and requested me to return with her to the 
 same hospital. She had come to see her sick son; 
 but, upon her arrival at the hospital last evening, 
 found that he was already dead, and was requested by 
 the surgeon, when she asked to see him, to wait until 
 this morning, as it was then late. On going to see 
 him this morning with the hope of following his 
 remains to the grave, she found, to her horror and 
 amazement, that he was already buried. The officer 
 wh.0 had charge of the burying was deeply grieved 
 that he had not been notified of the arrival of the 
 mother of the young man, while the doctor could 
 only plead forgetfulness as an excuse for not inform- 
 
THE BOYS IN WHITE. 127 
 
 ing him. The only consolation left her — and that a 
 poor one — was to visit his grave. An ambulance was 
 ordered, and we drove out to the "Soldier's Home." 
 It was now dark ; the undertaker directed us to the 
 spot, and there, by the aid of a lamp, that widowed 
 mother was permitted to look upon the newly-made 
 grave, which contained all that remained of her only 
 son, upon whose breast a few hours before the cold 
 earth had been heaped. While I wept with this sor- 
 rowing mother, I was filled with indignation at the 
 outrage to which she had been compelled to submit. 
 If that surgeon possessed the common feelings of hu- 
 manity, he would have ordered the body disinterred, 
 and thus have given the poor woman the little conso- 
 lation she might have obtained from gazing once more 
 upon the features of her darling boy ; but even this 
 sad privilege was denied her. To-morrow she returns 
 to her lonely home, whose light has been forever 
 extinguished. 
 
 ***** 9fr 
 
 Among the sick at Campbell Hospital, at this time, 
 were two Michigan soldiers, very low with typhoid 
 fever. The father of one of these was with him, and, 
 after a long illness, his poor, sick boy, unexpectedly 
 to us all, recovered. The other, poor Warren Max- 
 field — the patient, uncomplaining boy (all were boys 
 in the army) — lingered long weeks on the narrow 
 
128 THE BOYS IN WHITE. 
 
 space wliicli separates the "now from the hereafter" 
 before he began the other life. I never think of him 
 without recalling a little incident that occurred a few 
 days before his death. He wanted a small package of 
 gTcen-tea, which of course was granted; "for," he 
 said, " I really believe it would do me good. Not 
 that I care to drink so very much, but I want some to 
 smell of, it would seem so reviving, and would remind 
 me of home, for we always drink green-tea at home." 
 I relate his to show how all the influences and cus- 
 toms and associations of home were remembered and 
 cherished by those poor sick and dying soldiers. It 
 will be a consolation to his friends to know that in his 
 last sickness he was kindly cared for. If skilful 
 medical treatment and good nursing could have saved 
 life, neither he nor any in that ward would have died, 
 for, according to the testimony of his patients. Dr. 
 True was one of the most faithful and efficient sur- 
 geons to be found in any of our hospitals. When any 
 under his charge were dangerously ill, he would often 
 visit them four and live times during a single night, 
 watching every symptom and noting every change, 
 whether for better or worse, and only relinquishing 
 hope with the last expiring breath. Oh, how much 
 the world needs such humane, Christian physicians! 
 
THE BOYS IN WHITE. 129 
 
 CEAPTER IX. 
 
 MOBB TBOTTBLE WITH DOCTORS — DISCnATfOK-rArEKS DELATED— 
 RECORDS EXAMINED — THE REPORT — REMOVAL OF A SUR- 
 GEON — DISCHARGE BY DEATH — A SURGEON QUARRELS "WITH 
 ONE OF HIS PATIENTS — HIS REMOVAL — LOW STATE OF OUlt 
 FINANCES — THOUGHTS OP DISORGANIZING — THE APPEAL 
 FOR AID — RECEIPT OF GOODS — A SELF-SACRIFICING MOTHER 
 — BATTLE NEAR KELLY'S FORD. 
 
 October 19th. 
 
 I WENT to' Alexandria this morning to learn 
 whether the reports concerning the treatment of some 
 of our boys in a certain hospital in that city were 
 true. Arriving at the hospital, I asked for a list 
 of the Michigan men who were there, obtaining 
 which, I started to go through the wards, when an 
 orderly came running after me, saying : " The doctor 
 says you can't go through the hospital." This was 
 something new, and I began to think there was some 
 truth in the reports, I went directly to the doctor's 
 office and inquired what all this meant. He replied, 
 " You must have a written permit from Dr. Bently, 
 who is surgeon-in-charge of this division, before you 
 
130 THE BOYS IN WHITE. 
 
 can go through my hospital." I still insisted on 
 going through, without waiting to see Dr. B,, whose 
 office was nearly a mile from there. " Well, then," 
 he said, " I will go and see him myself, and you can 
 wait until I return," "But I can't wait, doctor; I 
 shall go through the wards while you are gone," was 
 my reply. He hesitated a moment, and then said : 
 " Well, you may go through them this time. I guess 
 it will be all right." " I know it will be all right, 
 doctor," I answered. He left the hospital, while I 
 made a tour of inspection through it, and, before 
 leaving, I was convinced that the reports in circula- 
 tion were not wholly without foundation. . . . Not 
 long after this, I called to see Dr. Bently and in- 
 quired if it were necessary for me to have a pass 
 from him, in order to be admitted to the hospitals 
 in his division, and then related the unpleasant inter- 
 view with one of his surgeons. " By no means," he 
 said. "And you tell the doctor for me, that you 
 have the privilege of visiting my hospitals as often 
 as you wish, and at such times as best suit your con- 
 venience. If you have any more trouble, let me 
 know." But I managed to fight my own battles 
 thereafter, without calling upon him again, and at 
 length gained the victory, as will be seen a few, 
 pages hence. 
 
 A few days after, I again visited the hospital, tak- 
 
THE BOYS IN WHITE. 131 
 
 ing with me, among other things, two large bottles of 
 blackberrj-wine, designed for special cases. At the 
 door I was informed by the guard that the doctor was 
 not in, and that he had given him positive orders to 
 admit no one — not even the President of the United 
 States — during his absence. I did not wish the sol- 
 dier to violate orders, but I did want to be admitted. 
 I finally obtained the desired permission from the 
 sergeant of the guard. I left the wine in care of one 
 of the nurses, with instructions to give none of it to 
 the patients until the doctor's return; if it met his 
 approbation, well. Seeing no cause for offence, I left 
 the hospital before his "highness" returned. But 
 upon my next visit I learned that the doctor, upon 
 his return, was mad with rage, and, seizing one of the 
 bottles, hurled it out of the window — the other was 
 saved by being hidden under the sick man's pillow 
 for whom it was intended— shamefully abused the 
 guard, threatened the sergeant (which, haply, was 
 all he could do, there being a limit to his power), and 
 declared that his orders should be obeyed. He for 
 whom the wine was hidden took it without the doc- 
 tor's knowledge, and recovered ; while the other — 
 poor Mr. Kinney — died a few days after. I do not 
 know that, in the former case, the wine hastened the 
 sick man's, recovery, neither do I believe that it 
 retarded it. As to the other, I do not think it would 
 
132 THE BOYS IN WHITE. 
 
 have saved life or hastened death ; but there being so 
 httle iiope of his recovery, and he so anxious to take 
 it, it seemed cruel and inhuman to deny him, Ijct 
 the case be as it may, with reference to those in ques- 
 tion, there were many instances in which blackberry - 
 wine was the means of saving life and restoring 
 health. 
 
 Not long after this, I made application to this same 
 high official (!) — a contract surgeon, with the rank of 
 lieutenant — for the discharge of two soldiers, viz., 
 Steven Benson, of the Seventh Michigan Cavalry, and 
 Daniel Peters, of the Sixth — the former sick with 
 eonsumption, the other with chronic diarrhoea. I was 
 informed by the doctor that these two persons had 
 already been examined for discharge, their papers 
 made out, and forwarded to the office of the Medical 
 Director for approval. This of course satisfied me; 
 but I always made it convenient, whenever I went 
 to Alexandria to call and inquire concerning them. 
 Weeks passed, and nothing was heard from them. I 
 again went to the doctor, and inquired " if he could 
 account for the delay," He replied: "I made u[) 
 my mind some days ago that they were lost, and have 
 had them made out the second time, and I have no 
 doubt they will be returned in a few days." I now 
 felt doubly sure that all was as he had said. 
 
 After waiting a reasonable length of time, I went 
 
THE BOYS IN WHITE. 138 
 
 over again — for T felt exceedingly anxious about them 
 — when, to my surprise, I learned that nothing had 
 yet been heard from them. I returned to Washing- 
 ton, went to the Medical Director's, and inquired why 
 it was those papers were so long delayed. The 
 records were examined, and I was informed that nc^ 
 such papers bad ever been received there. I insisted 
 that it must be, as they had been sent the second 
 time. The books were again referred to, and carefully 
 examined, but with the same result as before. I left 
 the ofl&ce, and immediately reported the facts to our 
 secretary, who reported the same to the committee 
 appointed by the Secretary of War, to investigate all 
 such matters. What weight this report had with the 
 committee I did not learn, but I was satisfied to know 
 soon after that that surgeon was removed from the 
 hospital. The discharge papers were then made out, 
 but ere their return to the hospital poor Benson had 
 received his final discharge from earth. Peters lived 
 to go home, but whether he recovered or found an 
 early grave I know not. 
 
 Not long after this I accompanied Mrs. Brainard 
 to one. of our hospitals in Washington. As we entered 
 the building, we were confronted by the surgeon-in- 
 charge, who demanded of Mrs. B. to know what she 
 had in that basket. "Flannel shirts and drawers," 
 she replied. " Well, you can't take them into my 
 
134 THE BOYS IN WHITE 
 
 hospital," was bis quick and irritable response, at the 
 same time seizino; the basket and endeavoring- to 
 wrench it from Mrs. B's. bands ; but, nothing daunted, 
 sbe gave a sudden jerk backward and cleared it from 
 the doctor's grasp, saying, as she found herself in 
 fall possession of her goods, " I understand my busi- 
 ness, sir, and am going to take mj things into the 
 hospital."' Mr. "Pomposity" passed on, and we 
 entered the office at our left, where we were greeted 
 with a gracefid salute by the ofl&cer of the day, who 
 pleasantly inquired, "What can I do for you this 
 morning ? " Our request, being made known, is cheer- 
 fully granted, and our basket is soon made lighter 
 and the sick boys happier. The difference there was 
 in officers will readily be seen from this incident. A 
 little "brass" did wonders for some; it made them 
 arrogant, overbearing, dictatorial and tj^rannical, while 
 with others it made no difference whether they wore 
 the corporal's stripe or the general's star. Garments 
 of blue, though bordered with gold, have no power to 
 crush the generous impulses of a noble soul. The 
 true gentleman is discernible in any garb, and under 
 all circumstances. The surgeon with whom we had 
 this encounter soon after got into trouble with one of 
 his patients. One cold morning before dajdight, one 
 of the wards of his hospital took fire. This patient, a 
 convalescent from pneumonia, was the first on the roof, 
 
THE BOYS IN WHITE, 135 
 
 where he remained throwing bucket after bucket of 
 water upon the burning building, until the iire was ex- 
 tinguished. As his clothes were dripping with water 
 when he descended, he applied for some dry ones ; but, 
 as none could be obtained from the ward, he appealed 
 to the surgeon, who ordered him back to his ward, tell- 
 ing him he could dry his clothes by the fire; he still in- 
 sisted upon having some, and the doctor still refused, 
 and again ordered bim to his ward. By this time the 
 soldier's anger was pretty well aroused, and, confront- 
 ing the doctor with clenched fist, says, " Take care, 
 doctor, I have smelled gunpowder, and that is more 
 than you have done," at the same time planting 
 a blow between his eyes that caused him to stagger 
 and nearly fall to the floor. Eallying from this stun- 
 ning blow, he called out, " Guards, guards, come and 
 take this man away." The order was obeyed, and 
 he was locked up in the guard-house. The conse- 
 quence was a relapse, which for a long time threatened 
 his life. But, once released without having charges 
 being preferred against him, and having a good under- 
 standing of military regulations, he found that he 
 had the advantage of the doctor, and he improved it 
 by preferring charges against him. The result was, 
 that in a few weeks we had another surgeon in charge 
 of the hospital — one whom the patients, as far as I 
 ever knew, honored and respected. 
 
136 THE BOYS IN WHITE. 
 
 I have known other surgeons who deserved as little 
 respect as those here referred to ; but, to the honor of 
 the profession be it said, they were not in the majority. 
 I knew many noble, skilful, self-sacrificing surgeons 
 in the army, whose whole energies were devoted 
 to the making of their hospitals pleasant and their 
 patients comfortable. 
 
 Toward the close of the month of November the 
 finances of our Association became very low. No 
 money was received to replenish our exhausted 
 treasury — no supplies reached us, if I mistake not, 
 except a few boxes from Lansing. Had it not been 
 for stores received from other States than our own, 
 our work would almost entirely have ceased. 
 
 In addition to what Mrs. Brainard received from 
 New York and Maryland, a nice barrel of goods 
 was sent me from Harbor Creek, Pa., another from 
 Portland, Me., and a firkin of pickles from an aged 
 lady living in Hampden, Maine. The work of pre- 
 paring these had all been done by herself; but her 
 labor was a thousandfold repaid in gratitude and 
 thanks and the good accomplished. 
 
 We occasionally drew from the Sanitary and Chris- 
 tian Commissions, and the various State Relief Asso- 
 ciations, and thus managed to keep at work. For 
 occasional drafts on the Sanitary Commission we 
 were indebted to the personal efforts of our State 
 
THE BOYS IN WHITE. 137 
 
 Agent, Dr. Tunnecliff. In the barrel of goods which 
 I have mentioned as coming from Maine, was a suit 
 of clothes once worn by Captain Crosby, of the 
 Twenty-second Maine volunteers, who was killed at 
 ihe battle of Port Hudson. The clothes were sent 
 by his patriotic mother, with the request that they 
 be given to some needy Maine soldier, as she wished 
 them to be worn out in the service in which her 
 dear son had fallen. What a noble example of self- 
 sacrificing devotion to country! 
 
 In order to lessen expenses, Mrs. Brainard — who 
 had returned from Gettysburg a month before — and 
 I took rooms together and boarded ourselves. A 
 meeting of the officers of the Association was called 
 to consider the subject of disorganizing ; but they 
 concluded to try and maintain the organization until 
 spring, for they could not bear the thought that 
 Michigan — the first to form a State Relief Associa- 
 tion at the National Capital — should be the first to 
 abandon it. An appeal was made through corre- 
 spondence, by our Secretary, to Governor Blair, mem- 
 bers of Congress, and other persons of influence in 
 the State, setting forth the exhausted condition of 
 our treasury and storeroom, and inquiring what course 
 to pursue. The uniforni response was: "Don't for 
 a moment think of discontinuing your labors as a 
 society." An appeal was then made to the people of 
 
138 THE BOYS IN WHITE. 
 
 our State, and not many weeks elapsed ere tlie call 
 was heeded, as the supplies received proved. Bat- 
 tles and skirmishes were of no unfrequent occar- 
 rence. A large number of wounded were brought 
 in from the battles near Kelly's Ford — Michigan not 
 losing as heavily as Maine and Wisconsin. The 
 Sixth Maine, in one engagement, lost eighteen com- 
 missioned officers in killed and wounded. 
 
 Among those who were passing, one after anoth- 
 er, into the unknown world, was "William Doyle, of 
 the Third Michigan volunteers, whose death was 
 sudden — unexpected. He was convalescing from in- 
 termittent fever, and had written to his wife, stating 
 the time she might hope to welcome him home, as 
 he had applied for a furlough which he was daily 
 expecting. He predicted rightly. The time of his 
 arrival was only a little delayed. But, alas ! only 
 the clay tenement returned to rest where loving 
 hands would bedeck its tomb with flowers, and the 
 tears of affection water his grave. 
 
 " Underneath the sod low lyinpf. 
 Dark and drear, 
 Sleepeth one, who left in dying 
 Sorrow here. 
 
 " Y6s, they're ever bending o'er liim 
 Eyes that weep ; 
 Forms that to the cold earth bore him. 
 Vigils keep. 
 
THE BOYS IN WHITE. 139 
 
 ' When the summer moon is shininjr 
 
 Soft and fair, 
 Friends he loved, in tears are twining 
 Chaplets there. 
 
 ' Rest in peace, thou gentle spirit 
 
 Throned above ; 
 Souls like thine with God inherit 
 
 Lile and lovel " 
 
L-iO THE BOYS IN WHITE. 
 
 CHAPTER X. 
 
 THE VETERAN RESERVE CORPS — UNWILLINGNESS TO SERVE IN 
 IT — FORTY DAYS IN THE GUARD-HOUSE — CLIFBURN BAR- 
 RACKS — EXPOSURE — AN OLD SOLDIER'S STORY — SUNDRY 
 DUTIES — CHRISTMAS — THE SURPRISE — PROFESSOR HOLDEN 
 — A BEREAVED MOTHER — VISIT TO THE ARMY — FIELD 
 HOSPITALS — STEVENSBURG — MRS. MAYHEW — CHAJ?EL SER- 
 VICE — RETURN TO WASHINGTON. 
 
 In the autumn of 1863 the Veteran Reserve Corps 
 was or2"anized. and all soldiers whom examininoc 
 
 O / CD 
 
 boards pronounced unfit for field service, but able to 
 do "light duty," were transferred to one of the three 
 battalions into which it was divided. Prior to being 
 assigned to either of these battalions, they were quar- 
 tered at Clifburn Barracks. In this camp there was 
 much suflering from exposure and neglect. Nights 
 were cold, barracks uncomfortable, bunks with no bed- 
 ding, except the soldier's blanket. Many a poor fel- 
 low lost his life in consequence of exposure during his 
 stay at Clifburn. In the majority of cases, the trans- 
 fer to this organization was made against the soldier's 
 wishes, who, if able to do duty, preferred to be sent to 
 his regiment. But a soldier's duty is to obey orders, 
 irrespective of his wishes. I recall several instances 
 
THE BOYS IN WHITE. 141 
 
 in which soldiers were severely punished for refusing 
 to serve in the " Invalid Corps," as it was called. I 
 will mention one. A soldier was kept in the guard- 
 house forty days, court-martialed three times, and he 
 still refused to put on the "Invalid" jacket. An 
 appeal in his behalf was finally made to the War De- 
 partment, when the Secretary ordered his release. 
 He had always been a good soldier, never refusing to 
 do duty in the field, and he insisted, as he could no 
 longer serve his country there, he should receive his 
 discharge. I knew others who would refuse to be 
 transferred, but, after lying in the guard-house a few 
 days, would- submit. One, who had been a good sol- 
 dier in the field, seemed to consider it a disgrace to 
 serve where there was no danger, or, if not a disgrace, 
 there was at least no honor attached to the service. 
 
 The hospital connected with this camp was never 
 as well supplied as those in the city. Disease in 
 almost every form found its way thither — fevers, 
 pneumonia, rheumatism, that insidious disease — con- 
 sumption, and even small-pox. Upon one of my next 
 visits to this hospital, I found a young man of the 
 Seventh Michigan, who was a great sufferer from 
 inflammatory rheumatism. He was extremely anx- 
 ious to go home, and requested me to see the surgeon 
 in regard to his discharge. On inquiry I found that 
 his papers wc>uld be ready as soon as he was able to 
 
142 THE BOYS IN WHITE. 
 
 travel. He was removed to Mr. Clark's — formerly of 
 Ann Arbor, at that time residing near the hospital — 
 where, with the most tender nursing, he so far recov- 
 ered as to be able to go home in a few weeks. He 
 continued to improve for a short time after reaching 
 home, but was suddenly taken worse and died ; and 
 another victim was added to the many occasioned by 
 neglect and exposure while at Clifburn. 
 
 It may be asked whose business it was to care for 
 these. I answer, the Sanitary Commission. After 
 the Government had provided barracks and blankets, 
 it was the place of this great organization to begin 
 where the Government left off, and to * have made 
 those convalescents comfortable. Thousands of dol- 
 lars were almost daily being poured into its coffers 
 by patriotic, self-sacrificing friends in the North, and 
 in three days' time, and even less, after those barracks 
 were occupied, they should have been supplied with 
 plenty of good, warm bedding; and vegetables, in 
 large quantities, should have been daily issued. 
 Many valuable lives would thus have been saved 
 to gladden homes now lonely and desolate. Let 
 honor be given where honor is due. This commis- 
 sion did, as it ought with the means at its disposal, 
 a world of good ; but there was at times bad manage- 
 ment somewhere, and an injudicious use of its funds, 
 for, while its supplies were wasting and rotting in 
 
THK r.OYS l.X WHITE. 143 
 
 store-bouses, soldiers were suffering and dying for 
 want of them. It may be argued that this could not 
 have been avoided, there sometimes being a scarcity 
 of help ; but that could easily have beea remedied, as 
 hundreds — yea, thousands — stood ready to "volun- 
 teer'' their services — all they wanted was the privi- 
 lege of working for soldiers. Or these wasting goods 
 might have been given to other societies, which would 
 have gladly received them, and with willing hands 
 prepared and distributed them to those for whom 
 
 they were designed. 
 
 ***** ^t 
 
 As I was leaving camp, after the visit to which I 
 have referred, I was met by a soldier who wished me 
 to ascertain whether his discharge-papers had been 
 forwarded to the office of the Medical Director. 
 
 I returned to the office and made inquiry concern- 
 ing them, and learned that they were to be forwarded 
 that afternoon. Notifying the soldier, I again started 
 for ^ome, but, before passing the limits of the camp, 
 I was hailed by an old man with silver locks and 
 bent form, who wished to know if I could do any- 
 thing for him, " If so, for God's sake," he said, " ren- 
 der me some assistance." I listened to his story, 
 whicli was indeed a sad one. It was as follows : 
 
 When the war broke out, he was the owner of a 
 handsome property in Missouri. He was driven from 
 
144 THE BOYS IN WHITE. 
 
 his home by rebel hordes, his buildings were burned, 
 and all personal property either destroyed or confis- 
 cated. He came North, when himself and three sons 
 enlisted in the Union army. His sons had all been 
 killed — the last one, a little drummer-boy, only a 
 few days before — and himself nothing but a wreck. 
 He had served nearly three years in the ranks as a 
 private soldier, and now asked to be discharged from 
 the service. " You have made a great sacrifice," I 
 said. " Yes ; but we did it cheerfully. The country 
 is worth it all, and a thousand times more," he answer- 
 ed. " If I could do any good by staying longer, I 
 would not ask to go home; but, you see, I'm of no 
 account now," holding up his thin, emaciated hands. 
 "The boys were fine lads; but they're gone, and I 
 shall soon follow." I was moved to tears by his piti- 
 ful story, and again retraced my steps to the office, 
 briefly related the old soldier's statement, and re- 
 quested that he might have an early examination, and 
 obtained a promise that he should. The poor old 
 man, on hearing this, was too grateful to express hi ^ 
 thanks; he could only say, ''God bless you! God 
 bless you, my child ! " His discharge at length cam(>. 
 He called to bid me " good-by," before leaving the 
 city ; but whether he now lives to enjoy the blessings 
 for which he fought, or has gone to meet his sous on 
 the further shore, I cannot Lell. 
 
THE BOYS IN WHITK. 145 
 
 Once again T endeavored to make my exit from 
 camp, but was met by two more requesting a similar 
 favor; but, not daring to trespass upon the doctor's 
 good-nature any more that day, I told them they 
 would have to wait until I came again, and so made 
 my escape. 
 
 Not long after this I spent nearly half a day in 
 running about trying to get transportation for a 
 soldier of the Nineteenth Maine, who had obtained 
 a furlough. How glad I was when I saw the poor old 
 man on his way to the depot, and how richly paid I 
 felt for my trouble, when he turned and said, as I 
 parted with him, " Good-by, God bless you ; I'll tell 
 my wife I shouldn't have got home these two days 
 if you hadn't helped me." Then, with what an elastic 
 step he hurried on, lest the train should leave him, 
 forgetting that he was weak and feeble. It will be 
 seen from these few incidents that our duties did not 
 consist altogether in preparing and distributing sup- 
 plies. In fact, that was but a small part of our work 
 — there were, at almost every visit, so many errands 
 to do, questions to answer, and messages to deliver, 
 that they greatly increased our labors, but these were 
 only parts of the great whole. 
 
 The 24th inst. Mrs. B. and I spent the entire day in 
 cooking, as we wished to surprise the boys at Clif- 
 burn by giving them a little something extra for din- 
 
146 THE BOYS IN AVIIITE. 
 
 ner the next day ; all the hospitals in the city were to 
 have a "Christmas dinner," and we feared this would 
 be wholly overlooked. Our fears proved true, as far as 
 those not in the immediate hospital department were 
 concerned. 
 
 Christmas came, bringing chilly winds and biting 
 frosts; but before noon we were on our way to Clif- 
 burn with well-filled baskets, accompanied by a 
 couple of soldiers who volunteered their assistance. 
 Arriving in camp, it was heart-sickening to see those 
 who had left homes of plenty, crowding around us, 
 and, like children, begging for a piece of " Christmas 
 pie ! " The remembrance would not be so sid could 
 all have been served, but there were hundreds who 
 received nothing; and, when all was given out, they 
 fell back a few paces, and gave three rousing cheers 
 for the Michigan ladies, those who received nothing 
 cheering with the rest. Oh, could these have shared 
 the bountiful Christmas dinners at home, how many 
 hearts would have been gladdened and made happy ! 
 As we were ready to start upon our mission that 
 morning, we were met at the door by Mr. Moses, who 
 surprised us, Mrs. B. and myself, with a present of 
 forty dollars each, in behalf of Michigan gentlemen 
 residing in Washington. The gift was truly ap- 
 preciated. 
 
 The 28th of the month, Mrs. Brainard left for 
 
THE BOYS IN WHITE, 147 
 
 MichiGfan, and did not return until about tlie 1st of 
 April ; so I was again left alone, with the work that 
 both had been doing devolving upon me. 
 
 Supplies continued to reach us — many through 
 the personal efforts of Mrs. Brainard. I also received 
 a nice barrel of goods from Brighton, Mich,, and 
 another from Harbor Creek, Penn,, also ten dollars 
 in money. The last day of the month, I was happily 
 surprised by receiving a call from Professor Uolden, 
 formerly of Kalamazoo College, He found me busy 
 at work preparing articles for distribution. After 
 asking many questions, and inquiring into the nature 
 of my work, and how long I had been engaged in it, 
 he said: "We didn't know what we were preparing 
 you for, when you were with us at Kalamazoo. We 
 never dreamed that you would so soon engage in a 
 work like this." Ilis heart was in full sympathy 
 with the good cause, and, when about to leave, he 
 placed a five-dollar bill in my hand, saying, as he did 
 so, " I will add so much to your Christmas present." 
 If, as he turned away, he was five dollars poorer in 
 purse, he was much more than that richer in bless- 
 ings. 
 
 One afternoon, as I was returning from Alexandria, 
 I met a lady on the boat, whom a few hours before 
 I had seen in a hospital anxiously inquiring for her 
 son. She was sitting alone in one corner of the 
 
148 THE BOYS IN WHITE. 
 
 cabin, roclcing to and fro, wringing her hands and 
 sobbing aloud, apparently oblivious to all around her, 
 I at once divined the cause of her sorrow, which her 
 own words confirmed — she was too late ! They were 
 just closing his coffin when she found him. It seemed 
 as though her poor agonized heart must break. He 
 was her only son, his term of enlistment had nearly 
 expired, and she was joyfully anticipating his speedy 
 return home, when the dreadful tidings reached her 
 that he was mortally wounded — accidentally shot by 
 a comrade. The first train that left after she re- 
 ceived this sad message was bearing her away from 
 her Eastern home to the coffin-side of her dead. The 
 hope of receiving from his own lips his last words 
 and dying blessing had buoyed her up during that 
 sad journey; but this last hope having been taken 
 from her, she was overwhelmed with grief No words 
 of mine could afford her consolation. Like Rachel 
 of old, she refused to be comforted. " My poor boy ! 
 oh, my poor boy ! " she continued to repeat amid tears 
 and sobs, until we parted at Washington. 
 
 The 14th of January, I went to the arm}^ with sup- 
 plies for our sick in field hospitals. Arriving at 
 " Brandy Station " — some seventy miles from Wash- 
 ington — I was set out in the mud with my goods, 
 no one to meet me as I expected ; cold, gray clouds 
 were hanging overhead, and a chilly wind whistling 
 
THE BOYS IN WHITE. 149 
 
 among the tents. Here, for tlie first time, I experi- 
 enced the great difficulty there was in finding any 
 particular regiment in the army. Each seemed like 
 a little isolated town, so wholly absorbed with its own 
 cares and duties that frequently the nearest encamD- 
 ment was neither known by name or number — recog- 
 nized only in the broad sense of " Uncle Sam's boys." 
 Yet there was a common interest and sjmipathy ex- 
 isting among all who wore the army blue ; no matter 
 what part of the Union they hailed from, they were 
 all enlisted in the same cause, fighting beneath the 
 same flag, and for the same grand result. 
 
 Having my goods removed to a little rise of ground 
 where the mud was not quite so deep, I climbed its 
 slippery side and took my post as guard ; but, in spite 
 of my vigilance, a firkin of butter was carried ofi", 
 though I recovered it — taken through mistake of 
 course ( ! ! ) 
 
 On inquiry, I was surprised to find that no one 
 there even knew that there was such a regiment in 
 the army as the Twenty-sixth Michigan — neither 
 could they tell me anything about Greneral Custer's 
 Cavalry Brigade. I next inquired for the First Divi- 
 sion, Second Corps — to which the Twenty-sixth be- 
 longed. "About four miles from here," was the re- 
 ply. It was getting late; there was no possible 
 chance that I could see to obtain accommodations at 
 
150 THE BOYS IN WHITE. 
 
 tlie station over night. The roads were almost im- 
 passable, and, as yet, I had no conveyance and no 
 prospect of procuring one before the next day. My 
 first thouglit was to store my goods and start on foot, 
 but I was dissuaded from this course by the boys de- 
 claring that I could never get through if I started ; 
 and I afterwards learned how utterly impossible would 
 have been the undertaking. But what was to be 
 done? Everything looked discouraging, and I almost 
 felt like giving up in dcspah'. I resolved, however, to 
 make one more effort to get some sort of a convey- 
 ance, and again inquired if there were not a Second 
 Corps ambulance still at the station ? I had asked the 
 same gentleman several times before, and every time 
 received a negative reply — a positive "no." Bat, not 
 knowing what else to do, I kept repeating my ques- 
 tion, and this time a doubtful answer was given by 
 one who really seemed to pity me in my de})lorable 
 condition ; and the very doubt expressed in his reply, 
 "I think not — however, I'll go and see," kindled a 
 new hope in my heart. In a moment he disappeared 
 behind boxes of "hard tack," bales of hay and sacks 
 of grain, while I remained in statu quo, being for once 
 the central object of attraction. This soldier was soon 
 the bearer of good news : the only ambulance remain- 
 in sf would leave in a few moments. The driver soon 
 made his appearance, who kindly olfercd to take me 
 
THE BOYS IN WHITE. 151 
 
 to the Twenty-sixth, as his regiment — the Eighty-first 
 Pennsylvania — was brigaded with tlie same and en- 
 camped near it. What goods I could not take with 
 me were stored with the Provost Marshal until the 
 next day. Those four miles through deep mud, over 
 corduroy roads and across bridgeless streams are at 
 length made in safety, and the driver returns to his 
 quarters rich in the possession of a few pounds of 
 sweet, yellow butter, while I am heartily greeted and 
 cheerfully welcomed to the cabin homes of the Twen- 
 ty-sixth. Many regrets are expressed that my letter 
 had not been received, in consequence of which no 
 one knew of my arrival at the station. But that tedi- 
 ous waiting in wind and mud is soon forgotten, for 
 familiar faces, pleasant smiles, and cordial greetings 
 are met on every hand. 
 
 I could hardly realize that this was the same regi- 
 ment that, nine months before, we bade adieu as it 
 left the shores of Alexandria for the seat of war 
 To some of their number, alas 1 it proved a lono- 
 farewell, for they were left sleeping their last sleep 
 on the bank of the James. After resting a little 
 and partaking of a warm supper, which was prepared 
 with neatness and dispatch, I paid a visit to the 
 hospital, which reminded me of the home of the 
 pioneer. It consisted of a low, one story log cabin, i 
 with two rude chimneys and a ruder floor. On' 
 
152 THE BOYS IN WHITE. 
 
 either side of the room was a row of cots, wliicTi 
 consisted of pine bouglis and a blanket laid across 
 poles elevated a little from the floor, with another 
 blanket, or perhaps two, for covering — sheets and 
 pillows they had none. These were occuj^ied bj 
 the sick. 
 
 As I passed through the hospital, stopping a few 
 moments at the bedside of each patient, and telling 
 them I had come with sanitary stores which had been 
 sent by friends at home expressly for them, their 
 countenances brightened, while some declared that 
 they felt a hundred per cent, better for knowing 
 they were thus kindly remembered. 
 
 Upon a calm, still day, with two blazing, crackling 
 fires, the hospital, though rude, presented a pleasant, 
 cheerful aspect; but, upon a damp, windy day, this 
 cheerful aspect was driven away by dense volumes of 
 smoke, which would come pouring down the chim- 
 neys, making it almost impossible to remain inside; 
 yet all seemed to think it was the best that could be 
 provided for them under the circumstances, and un- 
 3omplainingly submitted to their hard lot. There 
 was considerable sickness in the regiment at this 
 time, one great cause of which, I have no doubt, was 
 the location of the camp — it being low and wet, and, 
 I am sorry to say, was poorly policed. Death was 
 not an unfrequent visitor. Some three or four, in as 
 
THE BOYS IN WHITE. 163 
 
 many days, had obeyed liis stern mandate and gone 
 — all I whither? 
 
 " Ask not — the lonoTy heartlistone tells 
 Too plain the mournful story: 
 Gone, in their beauty and their pride, 
 To swell the ranks of glory." 
 
 At my next visit, a few weeks later, I was able to 
 report a great change for the better. In the absence 
 of superior oflficers, Major Saviers — a man possessing 
 rare executive ability — was in command. The camp- 
 ground had been drained, sidewalks of split wood 
 built, the streets bordered with evergreens, and many 
 other improvements made. 
 
 Leaving these poor sick men cheered with the 
 promise that, as soon as my goods arrived, they 
 should be made more comfortable, I was given carta 
 blanche possession of a little cabin, which I found 
 " swept and garnished " after the most approved stylo 
 of the soldier. A bright fire was blazing on the 
 hearth, a narrow cot — -similar to those in the hospi- 
 tal — stood in one corner of the room, a rude table iil 
 another, and a camp-chair in the third. These, with 
 a couple of shelves on one side of the cabin, contain- 
 ing sundry culinary articles together with the accou- 
 trements of war, constituted the owner's household 
 goods. Being quite weary I retired early, yet I can- 
 
15J: THE BOYS IN WHITE. 
 
 not say that I felt much rested next morning ; but I 
 wondered all the more how those poor sick men could 
 lie upon such beds. 
 
 As soon as my goods arrived I furnished the hos- 
 pital beds with sheets and pillows, the patients with 
 clean handkerchiefs and a few dressing-gowns, besides 
 dried fruit, jellies, wine, and butter, also papers and 
 magazines. I found several sick in their quarters 
 which the hospital could not accommodate; these I 
 visited and supplied with such things as they were 
 mostly needing. Never was anything, I am sure, re- 
 ceived with more gratitude than were those few sup- 
 plies, which it was my j^leasure to distribute. 
 
 This regiment, unlike many, was blessed with a 
 kind and faithful surgeon, and a chaplain worthy of 
 the name. My next visit was to the Fifth and Sixth 
 Cavalry; but there was far less sickness in these 
 regiments than when I visited them at Fairfax, not- 
 withstanding their increased hardships and exposures, 
 their frequent raids, skirmishes, and battles. But 
 many, for whom this toughening process was too se- 
 vere, had fallen out by the way, and were left to 
 sleep in unmarked yet honored graves. At the little 
 broken, dilapidated town of Stevensburg, where fences 
 and "hoops" were unknown, and sallow faces gave 
 evidence of the "dip" — where chimneys were lean- 
 ing irom perpendicular as if contemplating a change 
 
THE BOYS IN WHITE. 155 
 
 of base, and where windows could boast of more ragrs 
 than panes of glass — was our Cavalry Brigade Hos- 
 pital ; but it contained comparatively few sick. Good 
 nursing and proper food, no doubt, would have saved 
 any who were in the hospital at that time. The beds 
 were much better than those in infantry hospitals. 
 Each cot was furnished with a tick filled with hay, 
 which was obtained by cutting the horses' rations a 
 little short; but, in other respects, they were about 
 on a par with field hospitals generally. Here I dis- 
 posed of the remainder of my goods, and, on the 
 morning of the 17th, left the sick, with a promise to 
 come again soon, with a larger supply of sanitary 
 stores. Arriving at Brandy Station, I found the train 
 had left, and, not knowing what to do, I appealed to 
 the Provost Marshal, from whom, to my great relief 
 I learned that Mrs. May hew — an agent for the Maine 
 Association — had her head-quarters in an old building 
 not far away. The house was pointed out, and, in a 
 few minutes more, I was the welcome guest of this 
 excellent lady and her friend, Mrs. Painter, of New 
 Jersey. It being the Lord's day, we attended service 
 at the 0. C. chapel. That was a day long to be 
 remembered. How solemn the service! And what 
 a good class — or speaking-meeting — followed I What 
 a beautiful sight to see those brawny, stalwart sol- 
 diers stand up for Jesus I Early Monday mornin^' 
 
loG THE BOYS IN WHITE. 
 
 I assisted in feeding a train of sick: who were on 
 tlieir way from Culpepper to Washington. These 
 ladies held themselves in readiness to start with 
 broth, crackers, tea and coffee, as soon as a train 
 of the sick or wounded arrived. Who can estimate 
 the good thus accomplished bj those two earnest, 
 Christian women ? 
 
 At ten o'clock the same morning, I started for 
 Washington, accompanied by Mrs. Mayhew. When 
 in the vicinity of Union Mills — some twenty-five 
 miles from the city — a collision occurred a few miles 
 ahead of us, in consequence of which we were delayed 
 twelve hours. The day was gloomy, cold, and rainy ; 
 our car leaked badly. We were without food, nothing 
 to read, and, in fact, nothing to do but to sit still and 
 wait, and hope every moment that the train would 
 start. We were wholly unprepared for such an emer- 
 gency. Those twelve hours seemed lengthened into 
 as many days, and not until two A. M. were we safely 
 quartered in my own room, cold, hungry, and drench- 
 ing wet. Next day we both began to experience 'the 
 effects of a severe cold, which for some time seriously 
 threatened us, but we managed to keep at work. 
 
THE. BOYS IN WHITE. 157 
 
 CHAPTER XI. 
 
 ANOTHER VISIT TO THE AKMY — INCIDENTS — PONT MOUNTAIN — 
 PICKET LINE — THE MOVE — RETURN TO WASHINGTON — 
 LONG BRIDGE — CAPTAIN MASON — REMARKS ABOUT HOSPITAL 
 DUTIES — ARLINGTON — ^THK SOLDIERS' HOME. 
 
 The 21st ult., through the kindness of Colonel 
 Alger of the Fifth Cavalry, I obtained another pass 
 to go to the army, and, on the morning of the 27th, 
 again started with a fine lot of hospital stores. At 
 the station I met Dr. Beach, who was returning to his 
 regiment. The day was warm and pleasant, and in- 
 stead of a long, lonely ride, the journey is too soon 
 made. How desolate the country through which we 
 pass ! Marks of destruction, which ever follow the 
 train of war, are everywhere visible. The earth is 
 furrowed and ridged with long lines of rifle-pits, re- 
 doubts and redans. Breastworks and formidable 
 abattis are seen at various places along the line of the 
 road Occasionally a tall chimney is seen standing 
 like some lone sentinel, telling in language plainer 
 than words of "glory departed." Every few miles 
 we are reminded of the dangers to which we are ex- 
 
158 THE BOYS IN WHITE. 
 
 posed by broken cars, iron rails bent and twisted and 
 strewn along the side of tlie track, oausing us almost 
 to expect to leave one or more of our cars, if not our 
 bones, with the wreck of others, before arriving at our 
 place of destination. We pass some places of little 
 note before the war, but by it rendered not only his- 
 torical, but memorable. Such are Manassas, Catlett's, 
 Bristow, and Rappahannock Stations and Warrentoii 
 Junction. At or near each of these, battles have been 
 fought, and the earth drenched with hum.an gore. No 
 waiting this time at the station ; Greneral Custar's cai-- 
 riage — a confiscated barouche — is there before us. 
 Nearly dark when we arrive at camp. Soldiers are 
 never at a loss for expedients, and soon the dispensary 
 is converted into a temporary d welling-house, which, 
 with a bright fire blazing on the hearth, made my 
 little home look cozy and inviting. 
 
 Again,. as at mj former visit, the work of unpack- 
 ino-, assorting, and distributing to different hospitals 
 and those sick in their quarters had to be gone 
 through with. Most of the sick who were in these 
 hospitals upon my former visit had been sent away, 
 but they were filled with others quite as needy. 
 
 The afternoon of the 29th I rode out with Sergearit 
 Summerville to the camp of the Twenty-fourth Mich- 
 i;>-an to learn the condition of the sick and wh:it 
 they were most needing. The regiment was en- 
 
THE BOYS, IN WHITE. 159 
 
 camped in a beautiful place about a mile and a half 
 from the once pleasant little village of Culpepper." 
 The hospital I found entirely empty. A few had 
 been sent to the division hospital at Culpepper, but 
 none were dangerously ill. From both surgeon and 
 cha|)lain I learned that the health of the regiment was 
 never better, and that whatever stores I had designed 
 for them had better be given to those more needy. 
 Here for the first time I had the pleasure of meeting 
 that excellent lady, Mrs. Chaplain Way, Who 
 knows how far her kind care and advice and influ- 
 ence went toward not only restoring the sick to 
 health, but preventing sickness ? As the day was 
 far spent, and having about nine miles to ride, we 
 made only a short stay, and then headed our horses 
 for "home." 
 
 After passing through Culpepper, we struck across 
 lots for Pony Mountain. We were not troubled with 
 fences, but found plenty of mud and ditches to be 
 gotten over and through as best we could. On our 
 way to the Twenty-fourth, we rode over Pony Moun- 
 tain, instead of taking a circuit around it. It was 
 decidedly romantic climbing the steep ascent, clamb- 
 ering over rocks and urging our way through the 
 thick bushes, which at times almost impeded our 
 progress. On the top of the mountain was a signal 
 station. Here we dismounted to rest our horscj, 
 
160 THE BOYS IN WHITE. 
 
 while we took a good view of tlie surrounding coun- 
 'trj. The landscape before us was picturesque and 
 grand. The vast Army of the Potomac was en- 
 camped about us ; white tents clustered in every val- 
 ley and covered every hill-side. At our left lay the 
 village of Culpepper ; the Blue Eidge with its snowy 
 peaks loomed up in the distance ; while a little to 
 the southward, just across the Eapidan, was the ene- 
 my's country, with its long lines of fortifications 
 crowned with frowning, glistening guns. At the sta- 
 tion, the signal ofi&cer was making various evolutions 
 and movements with his little black and white flag, 
 conveying, perhaps, important messages to the com- 
 manding general. 
 
 Kemounting our steeds, we slowly proceed down 
 the steep declivity on the opposite side of the moun- 
 tain, and hurry on. We had gone but a short dis- 
 tance when we came to a large three- story brick 
 house, where, Mr. S. told me, the rebel sharpshooters 
 were once concealed to pick off our men as they pur- 
 sued the flying foe from Culpepper. A battery was 
 opened upon the building, and soon " Johnny reb " 
 was glad to evacuate his stronghold and beat a liasty 
 retreat. The family, in their frenzy, rushed into the 
 cellar for safely ; but there is little safety in the face 
 of an open battery. A large ball, striking the wall 
 near the ground, knocked in the bricks, hurling them 
 
THE BOYS IN WHITE. 161 
 
 in confusion across the cellar, killing an old man and 
 a little child. The whole building — roof, wall, and 
 windows — showed the folly of hoping for safety 
 within 
 
 The next morning I was invited by Dr. Beach to 
 take a ride along our picket-line. As my pass had 
 not yet expired, and being naturally a little fond of 
 adventure, the temptation was too great, and, in spite 
 of the dark, lowering clouds, the slow, drizzling rain, 
 and the prospect of a stormy day, we mounted our 
 steeds and galloped away. Our infantry pickets are 
 soon passed, and, as we approach the Rapidan, we 
 descend the bank, and ride for some distance along 
 the flat, only a few rods from the river. At our right, 
 across the river, are the rebel pickets ; at our left, our 
 own. These are the outposts of the two armies, each 
 mounted, and vigilantly watching the movements of 
 the other. About noon we called at a small wood- 
 colored house to^ rest. In this small building the 
 women and children representing three different fami- 
 lies were living. One of the ladies was a widow. 
 The husbands of the other two were in the rebel 
 army. They received us cordially — they dare not do 
 otherwise even had they felt disposed to, being at 
 the mercy of our army, and subsisting wholly upon 
 it. Dinner being ready we gladly accepted an invi- 
 tation to share their frugal meal, which consisted of 
 
162 THE BOYS IX WHITE. 
 
 pork and beans, corn-bread, and rice. After dinner 
 we rode over to Germania Ford and called on anoth- 
 er secession family. Here we found a woman and 
 two or three little children living alone. The lady's 
 husband had been in the rebel army, but was then 
 a prisoner, confined in the old Capitol, at Washing- 
 ton. She claimed to be a relative of the rebel 
 General Ashly. She was none of the "poor white 
 trash " of the South, and, though then very destitute, 
 she had seen better days. The children, ashamed 
 of their rags, ran and hid themselves behind the 
 house, and could not be induced to come in, though 
 the mother urged the little girl to come and play 
 for us on the piano. The lady played and sang 
 several beautiful songs. She was greatly pleased 
 that we had called. She urged me to stay until the 
 next day, and tried to exact a promise that I would 
 be sure and come again. " Oh ! " she said, " I am 
 so lonely ! I have not seen a lady before in months." 
 She was hemmed in between the two picket lines, 
 and could make her escape in neither direction. 
 Though still a rebel, she deemed their cause hope- 
 less, and earnestly wished for a speedy return of 
 peace. 
 
 The Twenty-Sixth was the last regiment visited 
 this time. My stay there, though short, was rendered 
 exceedingly pleasant, as Mrs. Dr. Eaymond and the 
 
THE BOYS IN WHITE. 163 
 
 wife of Commissary Patterson were spending a little 
 time in camp witii their husbands. About four 
 o'clock, the morning of the 3d (I believe) of March, 
 an order for " three days' rations in haversacks " was 
 issued, and at early dawn, each company, fully armed 
 and equipped, with " drums beating and colors fly- 
 ing," slowly filed out of camp, knowing not whither 
 they went — expecting, however, to cross the Eapi- 
 dan and engage the enemy. But fortune favored 
 them; for, while others crossed, met the enemy, 
 fought and fell, they were all permitted to return in 
 safety. Many a sad "good-by" was spoken that 
 morning, and many a " God bless you ! " went with 
 those brave fellows, while, with a prayer in our 
 hearts, we commended them to the keeping of Him 
 who holds the destiny not only of nations but of 
 individuals in his hands. At eight o'clock the same 
 morning I left for Washington, in company with 
 Lieutenant Grisson, who had obtained a fifteen-day 
 leave of absence. On our way to Brandy Station 
 we met the artillery-trains and long lines of in- 
 fantry moving toward the scene of conflict. When 
 within a mile of the station our ambulance broke 
 down, which we left sunk in the mud nearly to 
 the axles, and started on foot; but, while trying 
 to pick our way so as to avoid the deepest mud and 
 water, the shrill whistle of the locomotive is heard, 
 
IGi THE BOYS IN WHITE. 
 
 and the train comes rushing on from Culpepper. 
 We are admonished that there is no time to lose, 
 and, increasing our speed to a " double-quick,'' we 
 stop for neither mud nor water until we are safel\- 
 seated in the cars. Then the beautiful prospect of 
 riding with wet feet a distance of seventy miles, in- 
 cident to all the delays to be met with in travel- 
 ling over a military road, presents itself — cheering, to 
 say the least, and an excellent remedy for cold and 
 cough (?) 
 
 Upon our arrival in Alexandria, we learned that 
 there had been an accident tliat morning on the Long 
 Bridge, damaging it so much that the trains could not 
 pass over. The particulars of the accident were as 
 follows: — The draw had been opened for a boat to 
 pass, and was not yet closed when the train approach- 
 ed. The danger was discovered too late. With all 
 possible speed the breaks were put on and the engine 
 reversed ; but, being a down-hill grade, the train con- 
 tinued to move from its own weight and the velocity 
 which it had already acquired. On rushed the engine 
 into the open space and plunged headlong into the 
 river, dragging with it two or three cars freighted with 
 human beings, mostly soldiers returning from fur- 
 lou""hs. Many a poor fellow found a watery grave, 
 while others died soon after of the injuries received. 
 
 No doubt the prayer was continually being offered 
 
THE BOYS IN WHITE. 165 
 
 by friends they had left at home, that God wonld 
 shield them and cover their heads in the day of battle, 
 little dreaming that the grim monster, Death, lurked 
 by the wayside. 
 
 Leaving the cars, we hurry to the landing and take 
 boat to Washington. Sad, pale faces and stricken 
 hearts meet us at every turn. Captain Mason, of 
 the Eighty-first Pennsylvania, is among the passen- 
 gers. He is on his way to his home in Philadelphia, to 
 attend the funeral of his wife, having received a tele- 
 gram the day before announcing her death. 
 
 * -jfr * * * * 
 
 I had scarcely reached home when I received a call 
 from Hon. Mr. Upton and wife, of Michigan, Dr. 
 Alvord (our Secretary) and wife, and Mrs. Baldwin of 
 Pontiac — all anxious to hear from the front. Five 
 large boxes and two barrels of goods, which arrived dur- 
 ing my absence, must be unpacked and receipted for, 
 and a mail of thirteen letters promptly answered. 
 Hammer, chisel and pen are called in requisition, and 
 keep me company until a late hour. Dr. Alvord had 
 succeeded, after repeated and most persistent efforts, 
 in getting an ambulance detailed for me, which greatly 
 facilitated my work. I could accomplish much more, 
 .with far greater ease', than when I had to trudge on 
 foot, " toting " a loaded basket. To one unacquaint- 
 ed with hospital work and experience, it might seem 
 
166 THE BOYS IN WHITE. 
 
 an easy task to ride to a hospital some fine morning 
 with a well-filled ambulance, distribute its contents, 
 and return, load up and repeat the same again, and 
 even again. Were this all, it would have been com- 
 paratively easy and pleasant ; but it was this carried 
 out into detail, the minutias, that made the work 
 laborious. In a former chapter I referred to the many 
 errands there were to be done, not only for those 
 among whom I was expected more especially to labor, 
 but for others, for any and all, who appealed for aid. 
 I could not turn a deaf ear to a soldier's wants. 
 
 The winter of 1864, during Mrs. Brainard's absence, 
 and while boarding myself, was a season of fatiguing 
 labor, from early dawn until late at night. Eeturning 
 to my room after a busy day's work, I had the privi- 
 lege of getting my supper or going without it — and 
 the going without was often preferable. Supper dis- 
 posed of, the next thing in order was to transfer my 
 new list of names to the register, and note down any 
 removals from the hospitals, by death or otherwise 
 (I here refer particularly to Michigan men). Then 
 the long list of "wants," noted down during the day 
 for individual cases in the different hospitals visited, 
 must be examined, and the article prepared for distri- 
 bution. Then the mail, which night was sure to 
 brino", must be examined — and many of those letters 
 demanded not only a prompt reply, but often brought 
 
THE BOYS 1:N' WHITE. 167 
 
 addilional work. Here is one from a father, contain- 
 ing inquiries concerning his son, who, the last time he 
 heard from him, was stationed in one of the forts on 
 the south side of the Potomac ; but for several weeks 
 he has lost all trace of him, and requests me to try 
 and find him and deliver the enclosed letter. My 
 visit to the fort, a few days after, was unsuccessful ; 
 the boy had been sent to the army. The letter is 
 returned to the father, with what information could 
 be gathered. The next is from an anxious wife, ear- 
 nestly requesting me to see her husband, who is sick 
 in Washington ; but she forgets to mention his regi- 
 ment, or the hospital he is in. Another is from a 
 young lady wishing to obtain a situation as nurse, 
 and asks my advice and influence. Here is one from 
 a soldier at the front who wishes me to store a box 
 and valise for him until he shall call for them, desig- 
 nating the place where they may be found. In my 
 search for these I was successful, as may be seen from 
 an extract from my journal of February 23d, 1864, 
 which I will quote : 
 
 " This afternoon I have been in search of a box 
 and valise belonging to a soldier of the Seventh Michi- 
 gan Cavalry, which he left at a private house when he 
 was sent from dismounted camp to his regiment sev- 
 eral months ago. I succeeded at length in finding 
 them, about four miles from here, on the Alexandria 
 
168 THE BOYS IN WHITE. 
 
 road, at a small wood-colored house, witli liigli rickety- 
 steps, whose occupants evidently belonged to that 
 class known as ' poor white trash ; ' but they were 
 very kind and. obliging. The articles had been care- 
 fully stored, and were readily delivered up as soon as 
 they found I was authorized to get them." 
 
 On my return I improved the opportunity of pay- 
 ing a short visit to the Arlington House, the late resi- 
 dence of the rebel general, Eobert E. Lee, as I had a 
 desire to see where dwelt this rebel chieftain in the 
 days of his prosperity and loyalty. But, alas! its 
 glory has departed ; it is now occupied, as head-quar- 
 ters, by ofiicers who have command of the forts on the 
 south side of the Potomac. As the building stands 
 on an eminence, the northern verandah commands a 
 fine view of the Potomac and the city beyond. The 
 Capitol, in all its beauty and grandeur, looms up 
 before the beholder. There are but few articles of 
 furniture left, A few ancient paintings, said to have 
 been executed by some member of the Curtis family, 
 adorn the walls. The flower-garden, the large grove 
 of stately forest trees — including many acres — with its 
 broad carriage-ways and winding paths, remind one 
 of Pilgrim's enchanted ground, and a sweet desire to 
 linger among so many natural beauties takes posses- 
 sion of the mind ; but, as it was getting late, I had 
 only time to make a flying visit to the place, then 
 
THE BOYS IN WHITE. 169 
 
 jump into my ambulance and be off for home. Wc 
 are soon at the Long Bridge. The draw is open. A 
 large number of army wagons have collected on either 
 side of the draw, and, while waiting for it to be closed, 
 a train of cars aj)proaches, the horses become fright- 
 ened, when suddenly a four-horse team leaps over the 
 railing and plunges into the river beneath, dragging 
 wagon and all after them. In a moment the waters 
 close over them, and no trace of horses or wagon was 
 afterward seen. Fortunately the driver saved himself 
 by jumping from the wagon, when all hope of saving 
 his team had fled. 
 
 February 25 ih. 
 
 I have been to Douglas and Ilarewood hospitals, 
 accompanied with Mrs. Tunnecliffe, with flannel shirts, 
 blackberry sauce, and other delicacies • for the sick. 
 Nearly all the Michigan soldiers at Harewood are 
 convalescing. Poor Sergeant Eooks seems to be the 
 only one who is gradually failing. I fear his stay on 
 earth is short. 
 
 Before returning to the city, I drove out to the 
 " Soldiers' Home," near which thousands of the " boys 
 in white" lie buried, and their number is daily 
 increasing. The representatives of many a broken 
 home circle slumbers there. 
 
170 THE BOYS IN AVIIITE. 
 
 Sigli not, ye winds, as passinjr o'av 
 
 The chambers of the dead ye fly ; 
 
 Weep not, ye dews. 
 
 For these no more shall ever weep, shall ever sigh. 
 
 The " Home " was not, as many supposed, purchased 
 by Government, but by soldiers of the regular army. 
 The first sum appropriated for tliis object, $40,000, 
 was levied on tlie city of Mexico by General Scott. 
 Here the aged and disabled soldiers of the regular 
 army find a home. The building is large, beautiful, 
 and commodious. We were conducted through it by 
 Sergeant Charles Bussel, Company F, Fourth U. S. 
 Artillery, who is now sixty-three years old. He was 
 in active service thirty-one years — has been at the 
 " Home" seven years. At present it contains ninety- 
 six inmates. Everything is kept in the most perfect 
 order, and moves on like clock-work. From the 
 tower we had a fine view of the country for miles 
 around. Spread out before us was the city of 
 Washington, with its teeming multitudes and busy 
 thoroughfares ; its numerous spires pointing upward, 
 whither our thoughts should oftener turn; its long 
 rows of low white -washed buildings, whose mute 
 walls, could they speak, would tell sad tales of human 
 woe. Thither have been brought thousands of the 
 suffering "boys in blue," and from them have been 
 removed multitudes of lifeless " boys in white." 
 
THE BOYS 11^ WHITE. 171 
 
 A little to the westward lay Georgetown, with its 
 narrow streets and ivy-grown walls. A few miles 
 down the river Alexandria conld be seen. In the 
 distance was Fairfax Seminary, and across the river 
 the Arlington House, and the numerous forts which 
 skirt its banks. The estate contains three hundred 
 and fifty acres, a portion of which is under cultiva- 
 tion. Evergreens, shrubbery, and flowers surround 
 the " Home ; " gravel walks and carriage-ways lead to 
 and from it in different directions. But amid all this 
 beauty a solemn stillness reigns ; here the voice of 
 childhood is never heard, or woman's face ever seen, 
 except as an occasional visitor. These, it would seem, 
 are all that it needs to make it an earthly paradise.* 
 
 * I am here speaking exclusively of the " Home," without 
 reference to the other buildings near, viz. : the summer residence 
 of the president, and the residence of the governor of the estate. 
 
172 THE BOYS IN WHITE. 
 
 CHAPTER XTL 
 
 FAIRFAX COUKT-HOtJSE — SEARCH FOR A SOLDIER'S GRAVE — RE- 
 TTJBN OP THE RICHMOND RAIDERS — THIRD VISIT TO THE 
 ARMY — ACCIDENT — FIELD HOSPITALS — DEATH OF SOLDIEItS 
 ■ — GRACE GREENWOOD — LITTLE ANNA — BATTLE EXPECTED 
 — CAMP RUMORS — A SEVERE STORM — THE ONE HUNDRED 
 AND EIGHTY-THIRD PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS — ARMY 
 BE- ORGANIZED— GRANT TAKES COMMAND — REVIEW OF THE 
 SECOND CORPS — SOBER REFLECTIONS. 
 
 Saturday, the 12tli of March, I went to Fairfax 
 Court-HoiTse with supplies for the sick at that place, 
 having heard that they were in a very destitute con- 
 dition. There were there no Michigan soldiers at 
 Fairfax at this time, but as our motto was to do for 
 all as we had opportunity, it was thought best to 
 ascertain whether these reports were true, and if so, do 
 what we could to better their condition. At Fairfax 
 station, I visited the hospital of the One Hundred and 
 Fifty-fifth New York volunteers. It contained but 
 few sick, and none dangerously ill. At the Court- 
 House, there were two hospitals, viz. : the Seventeenth 
 New York Battery, and the Fourth Delaware volun- 
 teers. But finding these, contrary Jo expectation, 
 very comfortably supplied, I left oi- part of my 
 
THE BOYS IN WHITE. 173 
 
 goods and returned to Washington with the remain- 
 der. While at Fairfax I shared the hospitality of 
 Mrs. Anthony, whose husband was in command of 
 the battery on duty at that place. Sunday morning 
 I visited the place where were resting many of the 
 *' Boys in White." As I stood and looked upon 
 those lonely graves, memory recalled many sad expe- 
 riences ; for the very spot once occupied by our hos- 
 pitals, in which I had watched by the dying couch 
 of many a soldier who was now sleeping in his " turf- 
 bed" at my feet, was only a short distance away. 
 The grave of Peter Young, who died the morning we 
 evacuated the place the previous June, I was par- 
 ticularly desirous of finding, as his sister was extreme- 
 ly anxious to come on for his body; but for some 
 time after our troops left there was no communication 
 tion with the place, and the country was soon infested 
 with roving bands of guerrillas, rendering a visit to 
 that place hazardous, if not impossible. Not finding 
 his grave here, I started for another burying-ground 
 nearly half a mile from this ; but I had proceeded 
 only a short distance when I came upon a sentinel, 
 who refused to let me cross his beat, as I was with- 
 out a pass. I told him the mission upon which I 
 was going, but, like a good soldier, he still refused. 
 It being too late to return to head-quarters for a pass 
 — as the ambulance was already waiting which was to 
 
174 THE BOYS IN WHITE. 
 
 take me to ihe depot — I was compelled to abandon 
 the idea of further search, and retraced my steps witli 
 many regrets that I could not even convey to the sor- 
 rowing friends the poor consolation, that the silent 
 resting-place of their dear one was known and had 
 been visited. While at Fairfax there was considera- 
 ble excitement in I'egard to Mosby's guerrillas, who 
 were reported to be in the vicinity of Vienna. The 
 cavalry were sent in pursuit of them ; but every at- 
 tempt to capture them was eluded. Before I left for 
 Washington one division of Kilpatrick's Cavalry pas- 
 sed through the place, having just returned from their 
 Richmond raid, and were on their way to their old 
 quarters near Stevensburg. Both horse and rider 
 looked worn and weary. The real object of the raid 
 had not been accomplished. Richmond had not been 
 taken, and our starving soldiers were not released 
 from those vile prison-pens. 
 
 Monday, the 14th, I again went to the army with 
 supplies, and was instructed to remain until further 
 orders. The day was delightful, the air cool and 
 balmy. At the depot I fell in company with Mr. G. 
 A. Willett of Ionia, who was on his way to his post of 
 duty in the Second Corps. My trips to the army never 
 lost their novelty, for the country passed through con- 
 tained so much of deep and thrilling interest, 
 almost every station on the route having been the 
 
THE BOYS IN WHITE. 175 
 
 scene of bloody conflicts, and nearly every object that 
 met the eye was associated with some sad tale. When 
 within three miles of Brandy Station, the train was 
 thrown from the track, and four cars were completely 
 demolished. One man was killed, and many others 
 seriously injured. Fortunately the car we occupied, 
 though thrown from the track, was not overturned, 
 so we escaped unhurt. While waiting and deliber- 
 ating whether to start on foot, we were surprised by 
 the arrival of Lieutenant Chase, who was waiting for 
 me at the station ; but, hearing of the accident, he at 
 once hastened to the scene of the disaster, and, in a 
 few moments, we were on our way to the camp of the 
 Michigan Twenty-sixth, where we arrived a little be- 
 fore dark. 
 
 I took possession of Dr. Eaymond's cabin — who was 
 absent on leave, and, upon his return, took quarters 
 with the Adjutant — which Willie, our cook, had put 
 in the best house-keeping order, and who, during my 
 stay of six weeks, ever seemed to consider it a pleas- 
 ure to do all he could to make my home pleasant; 
 always taking the opportunity when I was absent at 
 other hospitals to wash my cabin floor, and to be sure 
 and have a bright fire blazing on the hearth upon my' 
 return. Dear Willie I long ere the 'dawn of peace, he 
 went to join the army on the other side of the river. 
 Among the thousands buried at Arlington may be 
 
176 THE BOYS IN WHITE. 
 
 seen upon one of the little head boards the name of 
 "William Brokaw, Company I, Twenty-sixth Mich- 
 i2;an Volunteers." 
 
 " Sweet be the death of those 
 Who for their country die ; 
 Sleep on her bosom for repose. 
 And triumph, where they lie." 
 
 My home being with the Twenty-sixth, of course a 
 larger share of my time was spent with this hospital 
 than any other; yet I made occasional visits to the 
 Third, Fifth, and Seventh cavalry regiments. The 
 First, Fourth, and Sixteenth infantry regiments I was 
 not able to visit at all. The general health of the 
 army at this time was considered good, though in the 
 aggregate there were many sick. It was impossible 
 to keep a correct record of the sick in all the lios})itals, 
 on account of the changes which were constantly 
 being made. 
 
 One class of patients would be brought in, remain 
 a few days, and then sent off to division or some gen- 
 eral hospital, and their places filled by others. 
 
 I seldom visited a hospital without missing some 
 •familiar face and greeting strange ones. The long 
 distance from one' regiment to another — being from 
 one to eight miles — with roads much of the time 
 almost impassable, made it extremely difficult to visit 
 
THE BOYS IN WHITE. 177 
 
 the same hospital very often. Rain, and consequently 
 mud, we had in no stinted measure. Sometimes the 
 rain would continue to fall for three or four days in 
 succession, and was usually accompanied with a cold 
 high wind, and not unfrequently with snow. 
 
 The 29th of March, during one of the severest 
 storms of the season, the One Hundred Eighty- 
 third Pa. volunteers went into camp a short distance 
 from us. This was a new regiment, wholly unaccus- 
 tomed to the hardships of camp hfe. All day long 
 they were exposed to a cold, drenching rain, with 
 nothing to protect them but their little shelter 
 tents. 
 
 Night came on; the storm continued; the wind, 
 which had blown a perfect gale all day, still whis- 
 tled through their open tents ; and thus, without fire, 
 and with saturated clothing, they spent the night in 
 the pitiless storm. As many as could be accommo- 
 dated came into our hospital and cook-room, grateful 
 for the privilege of sleeping upon the floor before the 
 fire. For twenty-four hours they were scarcely able 
 to make fire suf&cient to boil their coffee. Many a 
 poor fellow lost his life in consequence of exposure 
 to this merciless storm. 
 
 It was no uncommon thing for soldiers to be 
 brought in from the picket line, sick even unto death ; 
 but this was a duty that could not be neglected, no 
 
178 THE BOYS IX WHITE. 
 
 matter -what the weather, for ofttimes the safety of the 
 whole army depended upon its faithful discharge. 
 
 My stay with the army, notwithstanding the many 
 sad scenes so often witnessed and the lonely hours 
 sometimes experienced, was rather pleasant than 
 otherwise. Aside from the satisfaction there is in try- 
 ing to do good, there is a novelty connected with such 
 a life which gives to it many attractions. Soldiers 
 are always full of fun and good-natured jokes. Ex- 
 citing rumors, sometimes with, but oftener without 
 foundation, are constantly afloat, furnishing subjects 
 for conversation. Besides, there are occasional oppor- 
 tunities, even in the army, for intellectual entertain- 
 ments. One such was enjoyed by the Second Corps 
 soon after my arrival. We were favored with a visit 
 from thei gifted authoress and lecturer, "Grace Green- 
 wood." It was my privilege to listen to two of the 
 three lectures she delivered while there. These lec- 
 tures were rare treats ; they were like oases in the 
 desert. During her stay, she favored us with a call, 
 visited our hospital, spoke cheeringly to the sick, with 
 whom her heart was in fall sympathy. She also ac- 
 cepted an invitation to dine with us. She was ac- 
 companied by her little daughter Anna — a sweet 
 child of eight years. Ah 1 methinks many a father's 
 heart grew sad as he saw this little girl tripping gaily 
 through camp, or as he listened to her sweet singing. 
 
THE BOYS I>r "WHITE. 179 
 
 She must have reminded him of the dear little "An- 
 nie," or " Hattie," or " Nellie," he left at home, and 
 whom he might never again see. Perchance some sen- 
 tinel on his beat paused to wipe the unbidden tear 
 from his weather-beaten cheek as she crossed his path, 
 being reminded of his own precious daughter, the pat- 
 ter of whose feet he might hear no more forever! 
 
 Quite an exciting scene occurred one afternoon, oc- 
 casioned by one of the many rumors constantly afloat 
 in the army. All was iisually quiet, no apprehension 
 of immediate danger or sign of " a move," when sud- 
 denly we were startled by an order for the regiment 
 to be ready to move at a moment's notice, as it was 
 reported that the rebels had crossed the Eapidan, 
 driven in our pickets, and were already engaged with 
 the cavalry. Presently the order to " advance " is 
 received. Then comes the hasty preparations ; well- 
 filled cartridge-boxes are buckled on, muskets shoul- 
 dered, and the order, " fall in," quietly obeyed. Very 
 soon they are all drawn up in line of battle on the 
 ridge of a high hill in front of our camp ; batteries 
 are placed in position, and everything in readiness to 
 give the " chivalry " a cordial greeting. Things really 
 looked hke a fight; but before sundown all were 
 quietly withdrawn and returned to their old quarters 
 without even getting a sight of a rebel. As they 
 came filing into camp, some felt provoked, and all 
 
180 THE BOYS IN WHITE. 
 
 tUsappointed, for they had hoped to have a "brush" 
 — as they called it — with the enemy. To use their 
 own words, they were " spoiling for a fight." The in- 
 activity of camp life while in winter quarters was one 
 prolific source of demoralization in the army. The 
 true cause of the alarm was soon ascertained. A few 
 rebels did cross the river and drive in some of our 
 pickets, but they were soon driven back and compel- 
 led to re-cross. For a few days this furnished the 
 topic of conversation, and then something new came 
 up ; and when nothing new happened, the " boys " 
 would improvise something. 
 
 Toward the last of March I expected Mrs. Thomp- 
 son, formerly of Ionia, Michigan, to make me a visit 
 and bring a new supply of hospital stores. But I 
 looked in vain. The goods at length came, but she 
 was not with them, as she could not obtain a pass. I 
 was so greatly "disappointed that for a while time 
 seemed to pass more slowly ; my evenings were un- 
 usually lonely. The evening tattoo and morning re- 
 veille, and the warriors' calls of the drum, to which I 
 had ever listened with pleasure, now seemed only to 
 mock my loneliness, I tried to be reconciled, but 
 never could fully. I was obliged to adopt the lan- 
 guage of the old adage, " What can't be cured must be 
 endured." Toward the middle of April 1 began to 
 fcul somewhat anxious to return to Washino-toi'i, as all 
 
THE BOYS IN WHITE. 181 
 
 non-combatants were ordered to leave the army. 
 Greneral Grant had arrived and taken command in 
 person, and the work of re-organizing commenced. 
 The sick were being sent away as fast as possible, and 
 everything indicated a speedy move. However, I re- 
 mained until I had disposed of the new supply of 
 goods. 
 
 The review of the Second Corps on the 22d of 
 April, by General Grant, was a grand sight. It was 
 estimated that there were fifty thousand troops on re- 
 view that day. Then, in addition to these, were the 
 almost endless lines of ambulances and army wagons, 
 all having been repaired and newly painted ; every- 
 thing was in readiness for the opening campaign. To 
 one unaccustomed to seeing large armies, it would 
 seem that this corps alone was sufficient to meet and 
 successfully resist whatever force could be brought to 
 oppose it ; and yet what a small part of the vast army 
 of the Union, and only about one-third of the Grand 
 Army of the Potomac ! 
 
 Many of our sick I afterward found scattered 
 through, various hospitals in different cities. Among 
 these, there were three of the Twenty-sixth, for whom 
 I had felt the deepest interest and solicitude, who died 
 after arriving in Washington, viz., Sergeant Rooks, 
 privates Yan Decar and Miller. Each left a family to 
 mourn departed hopes. 
 
182 THE BOYS IN WHIT.'^. 
 
 The morning of tlie 23d, I bade " good-by " to tlie 
 few sick left in tlie hospital and returned to Washing- 
 ton. The day was warm and pleasant ; yet my heart 
 was sad, for it took no great stretch of the imagination 
 to look forward into the midst of the terrible conflict 
 about to begin, and to see many of the brave and the 
 noble fall ; to see the wounded and slain by thous- 
 ands, scattered far and near, with the advancing and 
 retreating armies marching and counter-marching over 
 their mano;led bodies, the bones of multitudes beinsf 
 left to bleach upon the plain and the earth made red 
 with human gore. Then the thought of the bitter 
 grief and unavailing tear which would so soon succeed 
 the long suspense and anxious fears which filled everj^ 
 home, if not every heart, in our land, left little room 
 for other than sad reflections. But every picture, 
 however dark, has its bright side, and so had this 
 fearful one. The hope of victory illumined its dark 
 background. It was this that buckled on the armor 
 and nerved every heart for the contest. 
 
THE BOYS IN" WHITE. 18( 
 
 CHAPTER XIIL 
 
 HOSPITAL WORK IN "WASHINGTON AND ALEXANDRIA — NE"W ARRI- 
 VALS OF THE SICK — NINTH CORPS — BATTLES OP THE WIL- 
 DERNESS — THE WOUNDED ARRIVE — EN ROUTE FOR FRED- 
 ERICKSBURG — FIRST NIGHT IN THE "BLOODY CITY" — OUR 
 QUARTERS — HOSPITAL VISITS AND HOSPITAL WORK — DIS- 
 TRIBUTING SUPPLIES — DISTRESSING SIGHTS — SAD INCIDENTS. 
 
 I AEEIVED in Washington -without accident this 
 time, though the rebels had become very bold, mak- 
 ing frequent raids upon the road, tearing up the track, 
 capturing the guard, and doing all sorts of mischief. 
 Immediately upon arriving in Washington, I expected 
 to start for Michigan on a short visit; but, as the 
 army was on the eve of a move, I yielded to the 
 urgent request of the ofl&cers of our Association, to 
 remain until the close of the opening campaign, and 
 resumed my work of visiting hospitals, in connection 
 with Mrs. Brainard, who had returned from her visit 
 home three months before. We found plenty to do, 
 as our hospitals were being filled with the sick daily 
 arriving from the army. Many were left from the 
 Ninth Corps, which passed through the city on the 
 25th instant, on their way to rejoin the Army of tho 
 
ISi THE BOYS IX WHITE. 
 
 Potomac, liaving been recalled from the "Westeni de- 
 partment, "wliere they were sent one year before. The 
 corps, at this time, numbered about thirty thousand. 
 They were over three hours in passing a given point. 
 Poor fellows, how worn and weary they looked ! 
 There was the Eighth 'Michigan, to which a dear 
 brother once belonged. How eagerly I watched for 
 Company K I But, oh ! a tall, manly form was miss- 
 ing. No familiar face met my eye, no well-known 
 voice greeted me ; but while his comrades were march- 
 ing on to victory and to death, he lay calmly sleeping 
 a few miles distant. No more fatiguing marches, no 
 more sleepless nights, no more suffering, no more 
 hunger or thirst or weariness for thee, brother; thy 
 last march is ended, the last battle fought, and the 
 victory won. Sleep peacefully, brother, until the 
 archangel's trumpet shall bid thee arise. 
 
 The 26th of the month I went to Alexandria, and 
 remained three days, visiting and distributing to the 
 sick and wouLded in those hospitals. While there. I 
 had the pleasure of seeing, for the first time, General 
 Burnside — that noble, generous officer, who always 
 did the best he could, if not always the most success- 
 ful He was then, and still is, loved for his honesty 
 of heart and integrity of purpose. 
 
 Two days more, which were spent in Washington — 
 one in visiting hospitals, the other in packing goods 
 
THE BOYS IN WHITE. 185 
 
 to take to the front and attending to home duties — 
 brings me down to the first of May. 
 
 It will be remembered that, early in this month, 
 the Army of the Potomac struck tents, buckled on 
 their armor, and, at the command of their gallant 
 leader, " whose name was a tower of strength," moved 
 on with their faces " wilderness- ward," to scenes of 
 fierce strife, carnage, and death. Soon a series of 
 battles commenced, which scarcely ended until the 
 fall of Richmond. It was a truthful saying, that the 
 battle of the Wilderness was the bloody initiation of 
 of the great campaign which was to terminate the 
 war. The 8 th of the month several hundred of the 
 more slightly wounded arrived. They had a serious 
 time in making theii' way from the battlefield to the 
 Rappahannock — a distance of nearly thirty miles — 
 no transportation being furnished them, as all the 
 ambulances were employed in removing the more 
 severely wounded. On their way they were attacked 
 by guerrillas, but finally succeeded in making their 
 escape, after killing several, without losing any of 
 their own number. Those who were unarmed fought 
 with broken muskets, clubs, and whatever else they 
 could lay hands on. 
 
 As reports of the fighting continued to reach us, 
 and none of the more serious cases arrived, we ap- 
 plied for passes to go to Fredericksburg — that being 
 
186 THE BOYS IN WHITE. 
 
 the new base of supplies for tlie array, and wliitlicr 
 thousands of the wounded were removed from the 
 battlefield — which we finally obtained through our 
 State Agent, Dr. Tunnecliffe, late in the afternoon of 
 the 10th. Early next morning, Mrs. Johnson, Mrs. 
 Brainard, and myself, in company with other volun- 
 teer laborers, went to the wharf with our goods, that 
 we might be in readiness to take the first boat that 
 should leave for Belle Plain. 
 
 While waiting, three boats filled with the wounded 
 arrived. They were crowded, from the upper-deck 
 to the hold, with scarcely room to pass between those 
 mangled forms, who were sufiering not only from 
 wounds, but famishing with hunger. Their hunger, 
 however, was soon relieved, for a large number of 
 delegates of the Sanitary and Christian Commissions 
 were present, with plenty of hot coffee, milk-punch, 
 lemonade, crackers, and the like, which were dis- 
 tributed with a liberal hand to all. As fast as pos- 
 sible they were removed to hospitals, where they 
 could be better cared for. About four o'clock P. m., 
 we went on board the steamer Wenonah. Before 
 leaving the wharf a letter was handed me, dated, 
 " Chancellorsville, May 7th, 1864." I will quote a 
 single paragraph: "The Twenty-Sixth are all right, 
 but the Fifth are badly cut up ; Major Mathews re- 
 ported mortally wounded." Oh I how such reports 
 
THIC BOYS IN WHITE. ICT 
 
 increased our impatience, and lengthened tlie wait- 
 ing moments into hours, and the hours into da3^s. 
 But at length we leave the shores of 'Washington. 
 -Every heart beats high with the hope that the morn- 
 ing will find us amongr the wounded at Belle Plain. 
 But we had proceeded only a few miles when a col- 
 lision occurred, injuring our boat slightly, yet sufli- 
 cient to cause her to anchor off Alexandria for the 
 night 
 
 May Villi, 1864. 
 
 At six o'clock this morning, the Wenonah, richly 
 laden with hospital-stores and volunteer laborers, left 
 Alexandria and steamed down the Potomac. Fort 
 Washington is soon passed. Mount Yernon left in 
 the distance, and other places of less importance ap- 
 pear and recede from view. 
 
 As we near our place of destination, cannonading 
 is heard, rapid and heavy. A terrible battle is 
 raging. Oh ! how we long for " the wings of the 
 morning," that we may fly to the relief of the wound- 
 ed ; but our anxiety does not accelerate our speed. 
 About one o'clock we anchor a short distance from 
 Belle Plain, where we remain until nearly dark, when 
 Ave are all taken on board the Young America; 
 and carried over to the landing ; but we cannot go 
 ashore, as we would be entirely without shelter for 
 
188 TUE BOYS IN WHITE. 
 
 the night, and the rain, which has been falling all 
 the afternoon, still continues. 
 
 Before leaving the "Wenonah, it was suggested bj 
 some one that we have a prayer-meeting, and that those 
 wishing to attend would assemble in the cabin, which 
 in a few moments was filled to its utmost capacity 
 with delegates from both the Sanitary and Christian 
 Commissions, the ladies on board, and officers and sol- 
 diers. Among the number present were many emi- 
 nent Christian men and ministers of the gospel, the 
 names of a few of whom I obtained, viz. : Drs. Smitli, 
 Castle, Porter, McLaughlin, of Philadelphia, Dr. How- 
 lett, of Washington, and Dr. Dobbins, of Trenton, 
 New Jersey. Among the ladies present was one 
 whose name has become a household word in thou- 
 sands of homes throughout our land, because of her 
 untirino; efforts in behalf of the sick and wounded. 
 
 I refer to Miss Clara Barton, of , Massachusetts. 
 
 The meeting was a most solemn and impressive one. 
 The afternoon was dark and gloomy, the sky overcast 
 with clouds, and the rain falling; while ever and anon 
 our ears were saluted with the boom of the cannon, 
 which plainly indicated that the conflict was still rag- 
 ing, and every moment new names were added to the 
 long list of sufferers. The solemnity of the occasion, 
 
THE BOYS IN WHITE. 189 
 
 and the deep impressions then made, must — it seems 
 to me — follow each of us through life. 
 
 Nine o'clock next morning we were taken into a 
 barge and carried ashore. The wounded were arriv- 
 ing by hundreds, and I may say thousands, to await 
 transportation to Washington. The two great Com- 
 missions and a few State Beliefs were there with 
 abundant supplies of food ; so all hands went to worlc 
 feeding those poor, suffering, half-starved soldiers witli 
 crackers, hot coffee, and light bread — which we cut 
 into slices and spread with apple-butter. Thus we 
 worked on, wading through mud to the top of our 
 boots until noon, when, in company with Mrs. John- 
 son, I started with part of our goods for Fredericks- 
 burg — transportation being furnished us through the 
 kindness of Lieutenant Chase, of the Ambulance 
 Corps. The mud was deep and the roads badly cut 
 up ; but fortunately we did not share the fate of some 
 of the wounded, whose ambulances were overturned 
 on their way to Belle Plain. It was after dark when 
 we reached the Kappahannock, which we crossed on 
 pontoons, and nearly eight o'clock when we arrived at 
 the head-quarters of the Christian Commission in the 
 "bloody city" of Fredericksburg. On our way we 
 met several thousand prisoners captured by the Sec- 
 ond Coi-ps the day previous. Among these were 
 Generals Edward Johnson and George H. Stewart. 
 
190 THE BOrS IN WHITE, 
 
 It was said tliat General Johnson was so affected as to 
 shed tears when General Hancock extended to him 
 his hand after he was taken, declaring that he pre- 
 ferred death to captivity. But the other, with an air 
 of haughtiness, replied: "I am General Stewart, of the 
 Confederate army, and under present circumstances I 
 decline to take your hand." General Hancock's dig- 
 nified reply was : " And under any other circum- 
 stances, General, I should not have offered it." 
 
 We, with three other ladies who were on a similar 
 mission, found quarters for the night in the parlor of 
 the worthy (?) ex-Mayor Slaughter's fine residence, 
 upon whose carpet we had the honor of sleeping ! ! 
 Being verj^ tired, we slept soundly, in spite of our hard 
 bed. Part of the building was used for a hospital. 
 j\[rs. Slaughter was still there, but her husband, not 
 caring to fall into the hands of the " hated Yankees," 
 had left for parts unknown. 
 
 I will again add a few extracts from my journal 
 
 May lOth. 
 Early this morning the Provost Marshal obtained 
 for us a house to which our goods were soon removed, 
 after which we were ready for duty. The building 
 had once been a store ; the counter and shelves being 
 left, we occupy them with goods. The family in an 
 adjoining room consists of an old lady and one daugh- 
 
THE BOYS IN WHITE. 191 
 
 ter, who, of course, claim to be loyal. Ilowever, 
 they are very kind, and gave us a large upper room 
 with good beds, and otherwise comfortably famished 
 for a sleeping apartment. No one could listen to 
 their story without feelings of pity. They have suf- 
 fered much during the war, being obliged to share 
 their hospitality with both friend and foe, exposed to 
 dangers from the missiles of destruction and death 
 which have made such wide-spread desolation, and left 
 in ruins this once beautiful city. Their own building, 
 and even the room in which I write, bears testimony 
 to the terrible effects of shell and ball. 
 
 A stove was furnished us in the morning, the 
 "boys" supplied us with wood, and we went to work 
 with a right good will, Mrs. Johnson to cooking, and 
 I to visiting hospitals and distributing as fast as she 
 could cook. 
 
 Such scenes of wretchedness and of terrible suf- 
 fering I have never before witnessed. I found the 
 wounded lying upon the hard floor without pil- 
 lows, and many without a blanket, so closely crowded 
 together that there was scarcely room to pass between 
 them. Officers and soldiers are lying side by side. 
 There, if never before, they are all on a common 
 level. To the untold suffering experienced from 
 broken bones and shattered limbs, is added that of 
 hunger, many having eaten nothing for three and four 
 
192 THE BOYS IN WHITE. 
 
 days previous to their arrival here ; and thus they are 
 dying not only of wounds, but of starvation. 
 
 In the six hospitals to-day visited, I found many 
 Michigan soldiers, and among these are several of the 
 Twenty-Sixth volunteers, from whom, only a few 
 weeks since, I parted at Stevensburg, when imagina- 
 tion was so busy picturing these horrid scenes. 
 Among this number is Colonel Saviers, wounded in 
 the lungs ; Captain Johnson with a foot amputated ; 
 Lieutenants Grisson and Dopson severely, though less 
 seriously wounded; Mr. Waters with amputated thigh, 
 and many others whose names I do not recall. The 
 food which I have to.-day distributed consisted almost 
 entirely of chicken-soup and crackers, in dealing out 
 which I made no distinction, but gave to all as far as 
 my supplies would go. 
 
 Early this evening I went out again in company 
 with Mrs. Johnson, and remained until twelve o'clock, 
 dressing wounds and doing what I could to relievo 
 the suffering of our poor boys. Among the man}'- 
 incidents to-day observed worthy of note, I will men- 
 tion but two. While distributing my crackers an 1 
 soup to the inmates of a large church, where there ai-(3 
 perhaps a hundred and fifty or two hundred poor su ('- 
 ferers lying side by side upon the floor, nearly all 
 seriously and many mortally wounded, my ears wei j 
 saluted with the voice of song, and, looking around to 
 
THE BOYS IN WHITE. 193 
 
 see from 'wiiom it came, . I saw a poor fe]lo-w with a 
 severe wound in botli arms, whom some one had 
 raised up from his hard bed. He was sitting on the 
 floor and leaning against the wall, singing as cheer- 
 fully, and apparently as joyously as if he were seated 
 at the social hearth with his own dear family. It was 
 a scene which brought tears to my eyes, for the voice 
 of song strangely mingled with dying groans, and I 
 thought that one who could shut his eyes to the scenes 
 of distress around him, and so far forget his sufferings 
 'as to attune his heart and voice to singing, must in- 
 deed have experienced the blessedness of the Chris- 
 tian's hope. In this hospital is another with eight 
 wounds. He lies on a stretcher entirely helpless. 
 While feeding him I entered into conversation with 
 him, when, to my surprise, I found that he entertained 
 hopes of recovery — which seems to me would be al- 
 most miraculous.* The rest of our party arrived this 
 afternoon with the balance of our goods. 
 
 Sunday, the 15lh. 
 
 Another busy day. It has seemed but little like 
 
 the Sabbath. After taking supplies to four different 
 
 hospitals, and distributing, and working among the 
 
 wounded nntil late in the afternoon, I came home and 
 
 * Some two j'ears ago, to my great astouishmeut, I met this 
 •man, vvlio, thougli laaviug recovered, is badly crippled for life. 
 
194 THE BOYS IN "V^'IIITE. 
 
 prepared cliicken-sonp, and carried to Planter's Hotel 
 — assisted by Mr. Green — sufficient for nearly four 
 hundred men. Michigan soldiers of the Ninth Corps 
 are here largely represented. Among these are many 
 seriously wounded. My attention was particularly 
 called to two such by Chaplain May — viz., Captain 
 Donohue of the Eighth volunteers, and Lieutenant 
 Joss, of the Second, each with an amputated thigh. 
 But little hope is entertained of their recovery. I 
 tried to speak encouragingly to them, having been re- 
 quested to do so by the surgeon, Dr. Fox; yet it 
 seems almost wrong to endeavor to inspire with hope 
 of recovery those for whom nearly all hope has fled. 
 Promising to see them often and do all I could for 
 them, I left, feeling that it would be only a short time 
 that they would need anything, except the soldier's 
 blanket and a few feet of earth. 
 
 In this hospital I found several wounded in the face, 
 among whom is Sergeant Clark, also of the Eighth. 
 The ball lodged somewhere in the mouth, and has not 
 yet been found. It is very distressing to see him ; his 
 tongue is swollen to an immoderate size, and protrudes 
 from his mouth. He is unable to speak, or take nour- 
 ishment, except liquids. There are hundreds of cases, 
 each peculiarly sad, and each presenting itself as an 
 object of sympathy. 
 
 Among the hospitals I have visited to-day, is the 
 
THE BOYS IN" WHITE. 195 
 
 Old Theatre, where I saw so many terribly mangled 
 bodies last evening. I took a quantity of pillows, 
 chicken-soup, and crackers. The moment I entered 
 the hospital, oh, what begging for pillows came from 
 all parts of the room 1 " Please, give me a pillow, I'm 
 wounded in the head, and my knapsack is so hard," 
 said one. Another wants one for the stump of his 
 arm or leg. " I don't think it would be so painful if 
 I only had a pillow, or cushion, or something to keep 
 it from the hard floor ; there, that small one will do 
 for me; please lady, let me have that." "Oh," said 
 another, "if I onl}^ could have one of those pillows for 
 my back ; it is all raw from lying on the hard floor ; 
 Oh ! can't you spare me one ? " For a few moments I 
 stood with the pillows in my arms, nnable to decide 
 what to do. I could not supply all, and to whom 
 should I give ? The calls did not cease until the last 
 one was given out, and then the cry was, "Can't you 
 bring more ? " Concluding they were as needy as any, 
 I came home, got another armful, and returned, thus 
 supplying the worst cases in that room. While there, 
 an incident occurred, to which I can never refer with- 
 out weeping. As I was busy dishing out my broth, 
 a friend of mine. Lieutenant Grisson, who was himself 
 wounded, said : " I wish you would see if you can't 
 do something for that captain who lies the third from 
 me ; he is dreadfully wounded." On going to him, I 
 
196 THE BOYS IN WHITE. 
 
 inquired if tliere "was anjtliing I could do for him, and 
 if he would like a little broth. "Just a little, if you 
 ])lease," he said. After placing a pillow under his 
 head, and another under his back, I fed him as mucli 
 as he wished, then asked what more I could do for 
 him? He looked up with tearful eyes, and said: 
 "Oh, you are so kind, I don't know what to call you, 
 unless it be sister." "Very well," I replied, "I'll be 
 your sister; but tell me, Captain, is there nothing 
 more I can do for you before I go." "If you will 
 please write a few lines to mother." Taking her ad- 
 dress, I inquired whether there was anything in par- 
 ticular he wished me to write. I shall never forget 
 the expression of his countenance as he looked up and 
 said : " Oh ! give her some encouragement, but tell her 
 I'm trusting in God." He hesitated a few moments, 
 and then added : " It will be so hard for mother, for 
 she is a widow, and I am her only son." I tried to 
 speak a few words of comfort, telling him that if his 
 trust was in God all would be well, for his hopes were 
 anchored upon a sure foundation, and the one in 
 whom he trusted would be the widow's God. In a 
 moment the thought of the anguish that would soon 
 pierce that lone widowed mother's heart, rushed upon 
 my mind, and poor, weak human nature was over- 
 come, and I could only bow my head and weep. The 
 poor fellow seemed fully conscious of the fact that he 
 
THE BOYS IN WHITE. 197 
 
 must die ; and wliile he would have his motlier know 
 the worst, he wished the sad intelhgence to be gently 
 broken. The language of his heart seemed to be, 
 " Who will care for mother, now ? " 
 
 * •Sf * * * * 
 
 After giving out the rest of my supplies, I bade the 
 " boys " good - evening, with a promise to see them 
 again soon, and left this wretched hospital only to 
 visit another nearly, if not quite, as bad. This was 
 formerly a large grocery-store, only a short distance 
 from our quarters. Mr. Grreen and Mrs. Johnson 
 accompanied me to this abode of misery. As we 
 entered the building, oh, what a sight met our eyes ! 
 A small piece of candle was burning upon the counter 
 — it being about nine in the evening — which but 
 dimly lighted the large room, making the bloody 
 scene before us all the more horrifying. There lay 
 the wounded, stretched upon the floor side by side, in 
 close proximity, weltering in blood and filth. 
 
 They were faint and hungry, some having only a 
 short time before arrived from the battle-field, with 
 wounds still undressed, their blankets and clothing 
 saturated with blood, and not unfrequently covered 
 with vermin. It was a sight well-calculated to appal 
 the stoutest heart ; but, nerving ourselves for the task,< 
 we went to work feeding those poor sufferers, bathing 
 and dress'ng their wounds. While busy, a call from 
 
198 THE BOYS IN WHITE. 
 
 behind the counter attracted my attention, and on 
 going to ascertain who was there I found two soldiers, 
 who said thej were nearly starved, and wished to 
 know if we hadn't something for them too. " Cer- 
 tainly," I replied, and, taking a large cup, I filled it 
 with hot broth, and crept along on my hands and 
 knees to where they were lying, for I did not dare 
 trust myself to walk, fearing I should stumble over 
 them, as it was so dark, the candle having been re- 
 moved to another part of the room, and the space 
 between them and the counter so narrow. 
 
 I learned that one of them belonged to the Eighth 
 Michigan. When I told him that I too was from 
 Michigan, the poor boy burst into tears and wept 
 aloud. " Oh," said he, "can't you get me out of this 
 filthy place? for it seems as though I shall be eaten up 
 alive." But, as every spare foot of space was occu- 
 pied, we were obliged to leave them there for the 
 night, but requested the nurse to remove them in 
 the' morning, even if they had to be taken out of 
 doors. I came home late in the evening, weary and 
 foot-sore. Since then, have written several letters for 
 soldiers, and the midnight hour finds me still with 
 
 pen in hand. 
 
 ****** 
 
 The wounded have been arriving since early this 
 morning ; new scenes of distress await us on the mor- 
 
TUE BOYS IN WHITE. 199 
 
 row. " As we look around, we see the work of death 
 on every side. Eank after rank is falling on the 
 battlefield of life, and the cold earth on which we 
 tread is arched with graves." 
 
200 THE BOrS IN WHITE. 
 
 CHAPTER XIV. 
 
 ■WRETCHED CONDITION OP OUR HOSPITAL — A REBEL FAMIIA' — 
 HOME DUTIES — ARRIVAIi OP THE WOUNDED — SAD SCENES 
 AND INCIDENTS — BATTLEFIELD OF DEC. ISl'H, 1862 — 
 TENT HOSPITALS — MR. WATERS — PAPER MILL HOSPITAL — 
 THE CITY EVACUATED — THE SLAUGHTER ESTATE — MRS. 
 WASHINGTON'S MONUMENT — NINTH CORPS BURYING-GROUND 
 — FAREWELL TO THE BLOODY CITY, 
 
 Monday^ IQth. 
 Early tliis morning I started out, accompanied by 
 one of the " boys " detailed to assist us, for an old 
 four story factory, situated in the outskirts of the city, 
 with beef-soup, crackers, and pillows. Another re- 
 volting scene, one from which the mind instinctively 
 turns, was there witnessed. I found the wounded, as 
 in other hospitals, lying upon the hard floor, some 
 with but many without even a blanket. Everything 
 in the shape of knapsacks, haversacks, canteens, and 
 even boots, are used for pillows. For one to stand 
 and look in upon them in all their destitution and suf- 
 fering, and to hear the begging for pillows upon which 
 to rest aching heads, wounded limbs, and broken 
 bones, and to see the empty cups held up for a little 
 
THE BOYS IN WHITE. 201 
 
 soup — "just a little, please," — would bo a soul-sicken- 
 ing sight ! A mere spectator could not live here ; not 
 if lie liad a heart to feel for others' woes. There must 
 be something to stimulate; and the hope of being 
 able, though in a small degree, to alleviate the suffer- 
 ing seen on every hand nerves one for the work and 
 enables him to labor on week after week composedly, 
 ■it may be, amid scenes the most revolting, with ghast- 
 ly death staring him in the face at every turn. This 
 is no place for idlers or the faint-hearted. Strong 
 nerves, brave hearts, and willing hands are needed. 
 My next visit was to the hospitals on the Heights, 
 where I found a large number who have, to-day, ar- 
 rived from the battlefield. Many of these were 
 wholly unprovided for; some were lying upon the 
 ground, others sitting upon old boxes, benches, and 
 even the wood-pile, while the hot sun was pouring his 
 searching beams upon them. Among these seemingly 
 neglected ones was a poor fellow who had lost part of 
 his lower jaw ; his swollen face was bound around with 
 an old blood-stained bandage, and the bloody water 
 was running from his mouth. He could not speak, 
 but looked, oh, so imploringly for help I I resolved 
 to do something for him. My first thought was to 
 provide for him a bed ; but where was the bedding to 
 come from ? It was suggested that I should go to a 
 "Secesh" family, living about eighty rods from there, 
 
202 TnE EOYS IN WHITE. 
 
 and try and beg some. I readily yielded to tlie sug- 
 o-estion; but, on making known my errand, the woman 
 — I can not call ker lady — of the house utterly refused 
 to let me have any, saying that they needed what little 
 they had for themselves. I did not doubt her word, 
 but told her she must try and divide with me, even if it 
 were no more than a couple of quilts or blankets, as I 
 wished to fix a bed for a soldier who was very badly 
 wounded. But she still refused. " Very well," I re- 
 plied, " I shall report you to the Provost Marshal," 
 and turned to leave, when an old gentleman — her 
 father, I concluded — said, " I reckon we can spare a 
 couple of blankets and a mattress; " and, without wait- 
 ing for her consent, went into an adjoining room and 
 brought them out. This was better than I expected, 
 and more than I had asked for ; but, on seeing the blan- 
 kets, I recognized them as belonging to " Uncle Sam." 
 The look of gratitude the poor boy gave, as he lay 
 down to rest upon his new bed, with a clean bandage 
 about his face, will never be effaced fi:om memory. 
 ****** 
 A few words in regard to our home-duties, per- 
 haps, would not be amiss. We made our coffee in a 
 caldron-kettle, stewed our fruit in a large copper 
 boiler, and made our soups, puddings, and tea over 
 the stove. It took one to attend to the storeroom, 
 one or two busy cooking, and several constantly 
 
THE BOYS IN" WHITE. 203 
 
 employed carrying and distributing supplies to tlio 
 various hospitals. Our rooms were continually be- 
 sieged with weary, hungry soldiers, who were more 
 fortunate than their comrades in not being wholly 
 disabled. To all such, wherever they hailed from, 
 coffee, and crackers were famished as long as the 
 supply lasted. Among the soldiers detailed to assist 
 us were Leonard Sears and George ■ Taylor, of the 
 Eighth Michigan ; James Meade and Frank Phillips, 
 of the Twentieth ; Hall, of the Fourth ; Lewis Gridley, 
 of the Second ; and one whose name I have forgot- 
 ten, whom we always called " Curly." Poor boy! he 
 was mortally wounded at the battle of Cold Harbor, 
 and died while en route for Washington. In addition 
 to the above there were three from the Twenty- 
 Sixth, whose names I have not. These were not 
 able-bodied men from the ranks, but convalescents 
 from the hospitals, who were detailed at different 
 times and places during the summer of 1864. They 
 were faithful to duty, and did us excellent service. 
 
 Tuesday^ the 17 ih. 
 The wounded still arriving. Early this morning a 
 long train came in and parked across the way from 
 us. Among those who assisted in the work of feed- 
 ing these was Chaplain "Way, of the Twenty-Fourth 
 Michigan Infantry, who always seems to know just 
 
£04 THE BOYS IX WHITE. 
 
 what, when, and where to do. lie is always willing 
 to assist, and always at work. 
 
 Many of these had been in the hands of the rebels, 
 and were nearly starved. Most of them were se- 
 riously, and many mortally wounded. Death was at 
 work while on their way from the field ; his cold, icy 
 fingers had chilled the life-current in the hearts of 
 some. There was one poor man with both thighs 
 amputated. As I handed him a cup of wine, he 
 raised up, drank a few swallows, and, without a mur- 
 mur or even a groan, lay down again. Instead of 
 complaining at his hard lot, he had a word of thanks 
 for this small favor. " Oh, what bravery this ! " 
 thought I, as I passed on to the next ambulance. 
 After all had been fed, the train moved on toward 
 Belle Plain, where they are to be taken on board 
 transports and carried further North. The suffering 
 experienced during that tedious ride, what pen can 
 portray? During the day I have been to several 
 hospitals, with soup, crackers, milk-punch, tea, etc. 
 One of these, formerly a stable, I found in a most 
 deplorable condition. The wounded, terribly man- 
 gled and covered with blood, were lying upon the 
 floor. Many of these were rebels. Only a few hours 
 had elapsed since their arrival from the field of bat- 
 tle. A more heart-sickening sight I have not wit- 
 nessed since coming to this bloody city. I could 
 
THE BOYS IN WHITE. 205 
 
 not pass them bj neglected. Though enemies, they 
 were nevertheless helpless, suffering human beings. 
 I deemed it best to act in accordance with the in- 
 junction: " If thine enemy hunger, feed him." 
 
 With these few extracts from my journal, some- 
 thing of an idea can be formed, not only of our work 
 while in Fredericksburg, but also of the wretched 
 condition of our hospitals — though, in most of these, 
 great improvements were made before the place was 
 evacuated. Cots were furnished, and other comforts 
 supplied, which it was impossible to have at first; 
 for the wounded were brought in, not only by hun- 
 dreds, but by thousands. Day after day, long trains 
 freighted with human suffering continued to arrive, 
 until it was estimated that there were at least ten 
 thousand wounded in the city at a time. All the 
 public buildings — the Court-House, churches, hotels, 
 warehouses, factories, the paper mill, theatre, school- 
 buildings, stores, stables, many private residences — 
 and, in fact, everything that could give shelter was 
 converted into receptacles for the wounded, until 
 Fredericksburg was one vast hospital. 
 
 Our daily duties were so similar, that an account 
 of one day's work would be a fair specimen of every 
 day's. We knew no rest until the wounded were all 
 removed. Night ever found us weary and foot-sore. 
 There was a large number of faithful laborers at Fred- 
 
206 TUE BOYS IN WHITE. 
 
 ericksburg. The different commissions and State 
 associations were there, each with a noble corps of 
 earnest workers. Among these untiring ones was 
 Mrs. General Barlow, whose husband commanded the 
 First Division, Second Corps. Many of the improve- 
 ments made in our hospitals — especially of the Second 
 Corps — were the result of her personal efforts. She 
 worked on through sunshine and storm, until her over- 
 taxed system yielded to the ravages of disease, and 
 she fell a martyr to the cause she had so faithfully 
 served. But the laurels she won " are unfading, and 
 will be verdant in heaven." Among the many faith- 
 ful workers in Fredericksburg, I knew of none who 
 accomplished more than Mrs. Samson, of Maine, and 
 Miss Hancock, of Pennsylvania. They were not only 
 earnest and faithful, but efl&cient — going where many 
 would not think of venturing, overcoming obstacles to 
 others insurmountable, yielding to discouragements 
 never. Heat or cold, storm or sunshine, distance or 
 danger, were never allowed to interfere with duty. 
 There were many others whose noble deeds are re- 
 corded on high. 
 
 We were aided in our work by a number of volun- 
 teer laborers, who, one after another, remained a few 
 days or weeks, as they had opportunity. Among 
 these were Colonel Barnes, Messrs. Bayley and Wal- 
 lace, of Detroit; also, Messrs. Thompson, Moses, Pierce, 
 
THE BOYS IN" WHITE. 207 
 
 Horton, Willcox, and Green. Each day's work w[t3 
 full of incident, sad yet interesting. One morning, 
 accompanied by Mr. Horton, I went with supplies to 
 one of the hospitals, which I found in a most destitute 
 and neglected condition. It was filled with wounded, 
 brought in the night before. As yet they had eaten 
 nothing, neither had they been visited by a surgeon, 
 consequently their wounds remained undressed. The 
 hospital was filthy beyond all comparison. After 
 dishing out our soup and crackers to those poor half- 
 starved men, Mr. H, began the work of dressing 
 wounds, while I started in search of a surgeon, or 
 some one, to assist him. At the Cavalry Corps Hos- 
 pital — more than a mile distant — I secured the ser- 
 vices of Steward Smith; and, as we were hurrying 
 back to that abode of wretchedness, we were over- 
 taken by Steward Dennis, of the Sixth Cavalry, who 
 volunteered to assist us ; and very soon both were at 
 work in good earnest, while I hastened " home " to 
 replenish our supply of rags, bandages, shirts, drawers, 
 pillows, and handkerchiefs ; and then, assisted by the 
 nurse, began the work of cleaning the hospital. Be- 
 fore leaving, all had been fed, wounds dressed, clean 
 clothing provided, the worst of the filth and dirt 
 removed, and a large quantity of lemonade made for 
 the "boys." One poor fellow died during the da}-, 
 and three more before morning. In a few days, those 
 
208 ■ THE BOYS IN WHITE. 
 
 wlio survived were removed, and the hospital again 
 filled with others. Thus thej continued to come 
 and go, until the last wounded were brought from 
 the field. 
 
 The next day I made another visit to the hospitals 
 on the " Heights." Mr. Marvin, a C. C. delegate, 
 accompanied me. The • heat was oppressive. The 
 perspiration di'opped profusely from our faces while 
 climbing that long hill with our loaded baskets. We 
 found a large number of new arrivals. In the open 
 air, near one of the hospitals, amputations were being 
 performed, and, from the pile of dissevered limbs near 
 by, it was evident that the number was fearfully large. 
 A young man in one of the wards, who had just been 
 brought from the amputating - table, and had sufiS- 
 ciently recovered from the effects of chloroform to 
 realize his loss, was most bitterly deploring it. To 
 him his loss was irreparable. All efforts to pacify 
 him were made in vain ; he gave himself up to weep- 
 ing, lamenting his great misfortune. 
 
 But his was an exceptional case. The language of 
 the wounded was oftener in accordance with the spirit 
 of the following touching poem : 
 
 " The knife was still ; the surgeon bore 
 The shattered arm away ; 
 Upon his bed, in painless sleep. 
 The noble hero lay. 
 
THE EOYS IN WHITE. 209 
 
 He woke, but saw tlie vacant place 
 
 Where arm of his had lain, 
 Then faintly spoke : ' Oh ! let me seo 
 
 My strong right arm again.' 
 
 " ' Good-by, old arm 1 ' the soldier said. 
 
 As he clasped the fingers cold ; 
 And down his pale but manly cheek 
 
 The tear-drops gently rolled. 
 'My strong right-arm, no deed of yours 
 
 Now gives me cause to sigh ; 
 But 'tis hard to part such trusty friends — 
 
 Good-by, old arm ! Good-by ! 
 
 "'You've served me well these many years. 
 
 In sunlight and in shade ; 
 But, comrade, we have done with war — 
 
 Let dreams of glory fade. 
 You'll never more my sabre swing 
 
 In battle fierce and hot ; 
 You'll never bear another flag. 
 
 Or fire another shot. 
 
 " ' I do not mourn to lose you now 
 
 For home and native land ; 
 Oh ! proud am I to give my mite 
 
 For freedom, pure and grand. 
 Thank God, no selfish thought is mine, 
 
 While here I bleeding lie ; 
 But bear it tenderly away. 
 
 Good-by, old arm 1 Good-by!'" 
 
 I often wondered at the cheerfalness and fortitude 
 witli wliicli tliej bore not only tlieir great losses, but 
 
210 THE BOYS IN WHITE. 
 
 SO mucli pain. If tlicy were heroes amid the fierce 
 conflict of battle, thej were equally so when suffering 
 in hospitals. On our return from this sad visit we 
 were joined by Captain "Williams, of the Seventh 
 Michigan Infantry, who pointed out to us the battle- 
 field of December 13th, 1862, and the very places 
 where Michigan regiments were stationed; also the 
 line of works charged on and carried. As I gazed 
 upon those long lines of fortifications, "rising one 
 above the other, tier upon tier," upon which rebel bat- 
 teries were planted that mowed our men down so 
 fearfully as they advanced in solid phalanx, facing 
 those unyielding guns which continually belched 
 forth their missiles of death, I did not wonder that 
 they were compelled to fall back. It seems like mad- 
 ness to have attempted to carry such works by direct 
 attack. It was done at a fearful loss of life. The 
 blood poured forth on that eventful day quenched the 
 light in many a home. The battle work of thousands 
 was that day completed, and they left sleeping upon 
 the " green couch of our final rest." By how many, 
 ere the heart grew still, might not the confession and 
 the earnest appeal expressed in the foUowiug have 
 been made? 
 
 " I'm no saint ! 
 But, boys, say a prayer — tliere is one that bef^ins 
 ' Our Father,' and then says, ' Forgive us our sins ; ' 
 
TTTE BOYS IN WHITE. 211 
 
 Don't forget tliat part, say that strongly, and tlien 
 I'll try to repeat it, and you'll say 'Amenl' 
 All ! I'm no saint ! " 
 
 Not far from the 20tli of the month, tent hospitals 
 were erected about a mile and a half from the city 
 along the south bank of the Rappahannock, to whicli 
 many of the more seriously wounded were removed, 
 as the atmosphere, being so much purer than in tho 
 city, would greatly favor their recovery. To. one of 
 these tents Mr. Waters — whom I had previously men- 
 tioned — was taken. The evening before his removal, 
 when I took him his supper — consisting of tea and 
 custard, which he had requested — I found him in 
 great distress of mind. He had heard it rumored that 
 he was to be removed, but knew not whither, and 
 anxiously inquired, "What does it all mean?" He 
 was well aware that frequently, when soldiers were 
 given up to die, they were taken into what was called 
 the " death ward," and the poor man thought that was 
 where he was to go ; but when he learned where he 
 was going, and the reason therefor, the tears started 
 from his eyes, and, with quivering lips, he exclaimed, 
 "Oh! I thought my death-warrant was sealed." 
 "Well, what if it were; are you afraid to die?" I 
 asked. " Oh, no," he replied, " for my trust is in 
 Jesus. I feel that all would be well with me were I 
 to die ; but I have a large family who need me so 
 
212 THE BOYS IN WHITE. 
 
 mucli ; for tlicir sakes I hope my life will be saved.'' 
 When about to leave him he extended his hand, say- 
 in"", "Now be sure and find me at the other hospital, 
 won't you? " The promise was made and kept, but I 
 found him fast sinking into the grave. He expressed 
 little hope of recovery, but a good hope in Jesus. He 
 was soon after removed to Washington and taken to 
 Armory Square Hospital, where he lingered until the 
 26th of June, when he exchanged his suit of blue for 
 a robe of white, and laid him down to rest. After I 
 had taken my leave of Mr. W. — the evening in ques- 
 tion — and as I was hastily leaving the hospital, my 
 attention was attracted to a soldier who was weeping 
 and sobbing as though his heart would break. On 
 going to him I recognized one to whose wants I had 
 frequently ministered. On inquiring the cause of his 
 trouble, " Oh, dear ! " he exclaimed, " the doctor isn't 
 going to let you bring anything more into the hospi- 
 tal ; but, if you don't, I shall starve to death." I 
 could scarcely convince him that it was only a rumor, 
 and that I should continue my visits as before, but he 
 would not relinquish his hold on my hand until lie 
 had exacted a positive promise that I would surely 
 come again; and not until my next visit was he fully 
 reassured that all was right. In a few days my poor 
 one-armed boy was sent off, and I saw him no more. 
 The same evening I again visited "Planter's Hotel."' 
 
THE BOYS IN WHITE. 213 
 
 Edward Fisher, whom I found in the afternoon peace- 
 ful and happy, was now raving with delirium. Ap- 
 proaching his bed and calhng him by name, I asked if 
 he knew me; for a moment he appeared rational, 
 looked up and smiled, but the next he was wild and 
 delirious again. He had already given an arm for his 
 country, and now he was about to offer his young life a 
 sacrifice upon the same altar. Ere the morning's dawn 
 he was enrolled in the army of the " Boys in White." 
 
 Upon one of my visits to the Paper Mill Hospital 
 I found seventy men who had eaten nothing for 
 twenty-four hours. Although late in the afternoon, 
 I promised the " boys " that they should have some- 
 thing to eat before I slept that night ; so hurrying 
 home I made farina and corn-starch puddings for these 
 seventy hungry men. But, before returning to the 
 hospital, rations had been issued, which, together with 
 the puddings, they declared just made a good meal. 
 At that late day I knew of no excuse for being short 
 of government rations, and there must have been 
 great neglect on the part of some one ; though when 
 we first occupied Fredericksburg it was almost impos- 
 sible to procure transportation sufl&cient to convey 
 supplies from Belle Plain, a distance of twelve miles 
 from the city, and twenty -five or thirty from the army. 
 Much suffering and many deaths were the unavoidable 
 result. 
 
214 THE BOYS IN WHITE. 
 
 Presently it began to be rumored tliat the city was 
 about to be evacuated. It was thought by many that 
 either Bowling Green or Port Eoyal would be the 
 new base of operations — though all was conjecture. 
 But soon the order to evacuate was received ; conse- 
 quently our supplies, not yet disposed of, were packed, 
 transportation procured, passes obtained, and every- 
 thing put in readiness for a move. Wednesday, the 
 25th of May, all the Michigan delegation, except my- 
 self, went on board transports bound for "Washington. 
 As I had a promise of transportation to the " new 
 base," I greatly preferred going there to returning to 
 Washington. Our tent hospitals were not broken up 
 nntil the 27th, though the last of the wounded -(in the 
 city) were removed the 25th, That morning I visited 
 the Amputation Hospital — so called from the fact that 
 nearly all the wounded there had been subjected to 
 the amputating knife. This, I believe, was the last 
 hospital in the city broken up. Most of the patients 
 in it at this time were from Michigan. Among the 
 number was a brave Indian chief, who had received a 
 mortal wound, and died soon after arriving at Wash- 
 in o-ton. The others, as far as I know, recovered. The 
 afternoon of the same day I made another visit to our 
 tent hospitals, taking sundry articles for distribution, 
 among which was a bottle of sherry brandy, for Mr. 
 Waters, who, I knew, would greatly need stimulants 
 
THE BOYS IN WHITE. 215 
 
 during his tedious journey to Wasbington. That day 
 I took my farewell leave of him. In one of the wards 
 was a man in the agonies of death, alone and uncon- 
 scious. Taking a fan, I stood by his cot and brushed 
 away the flies, which were buzzing and swarming 
 around him like bees. But the struggle was soon 
 over; he died without returning to consciousness. I 
 deeply regretted afterwards that I did not obtain the 
 address of some member of his family, and write the 
 anxiously awaiting friends, whose dreadful suspense, 
 perhaps, was not relieved until the official announce- 
 ment of his death reached them. 
 
 The Slaughter estate, on which these tents were 
 pitched, was a lovely place. The site of the mansion 
 was delightful, A beautiful flower-garden, in which 
 various kinds of roses blossomed abundantly, making 
 the very atmosphere heavy with their fragrance, gra- 
 dually sloped toward the river. But the old house 
 was deserted ; it bore fearful testimony to the destruc- 
 tive effect of balls, of both friend and foe. I never 
 saw a building more completely riddled with shot and 
 shell 
 
 The afternoon of the 26th, in company with four 
 other ladies, who were also waiting transportation, I 
 paid a visit to the tomb of Mrs. Mary Washington. 
 The monument had evidently been struck by a can- 
 non-ball, as the top was broken off, and lay in frag- 
 
216- THE P30YS IN WHITE. 
 
 ments on the ground. We gathered up a few pieces 
 as sacred momentoes of the spot where repose the 
 ashes of that noble woman — the mother of the 
 "Father of his Country." As we stood in silence, 
 gazing with solemn awe upon her grave, we covild not 
 help thinking of her son — that little boj, who once, 
 perhaps, played in childish glee upon the very ground 
 where we were standing, and who with his little 
 hatchet cut the favorite cherry-tree, growing, as some 
 affirm, upon the spot where that monument now 
 stands. Then the beautiful lesson taught by his truth- 
 ful simplicity, and the deep impression it made upon 
 our minds in early life, were recalled; also the purity 
 of his after life, his noble record, his philanthropic 
 deeds, his peaceful death. With reflections like these 
 we leave this venerated tomb, and slowly wend our 
 way to the soldiers' burying-ground, and pay our last 
 tribute of respect to the hundreds of brave men who 
 were there restiog from their labors, and " whose 
 slumbers will not be broken until the reveille of the 
 resurrection morn shall a^ake them." 
 
 "Soldiers' graves are thickly scattered 
 
 O'er tlie valley and the lea ; 
 They are sleeping on the mountains, 
 
 They are sleeping by the sea." 
 
 The morning of the 27tli, a detachment of cavalry 
 was sent out to the "wilderness" (o recapture some 
 
THE BOYS IN WHITE. 217 
 
 of our wounded who had been for several days in the 
 hands of the rebels. Before night thej returned with 
 forty of those poor half-starved men, whom I assisted 
 in feeding after they were taken on board the steamer 
 "George Weems." About nine o'clock that eve- 
 ning I went aboard the same boat. It was filled to its 
 utmost capacity with the wounded, nurses, agents, 
 officers and refugees. Next morning — as we had not 
 left Fredericksburg — while waiting for the tide to 
 come in, I went ashore and returned to our old quar- 
 ters, nearly a mile and a half distant. Mrs. May hew 
 and Mrs. Samson of Maine accompanied me. Having 
 found the forgotten articles, which I was in search of, 
 we retraced our steps ; but, supposing we had plenty 
 of time, we strolled leisurely along, gathering flowers, 
 and stopping a moment to gaze upon the lonely, de- 
 serted hospitals that we passed, in which so many 
 distressing sights had been witnessed, and so much 
 suffering experienced. 
 
 On our way, several "Secesh" women greeted us 
 with, " Good-by, Yanks ; glad you're going — reckon 
 you won't get back here again." We most heartily 
 responded to their expressions of joy. If they were 
 rejoiced to have us go, we were no less so to leave. 
 When within a few rods of the landing, the whistle 
 blew, the plank was taken in, the water-wheel began 
 to revolve, and the boat to shove out from the shore. 
 
218 THE BOYS IN WHITE. 
 
 If we never before knew tlie meaning of the phrase 
 "double quick," I think we then learned it; while the 
 thought of being left in rebeldom every moment ac- 
 celerated our speed. Hands extended to aid ns were 
 eagerly grasped, and with a desperate leap, as for life, 
 we jumped on board. Had we been left, no alterna- 
 tive would have remained to us, except that of march- 
 ing the overland route with the troops, the last of 
 whom were then slowly filing out of town ; for this 
 was the last boat of any description that left Freder- 
 icksburg, and all communication with the place that 
 day ceased. At ten o'clock we bade farewell to the 
 " bloody city " with its hundreds of sleeping braves. 
 But we could not forget the sad experiences of the pre- 
 vious two weeks. 
 
 The weariness, the fatigue, the oppressive heat, the 
 care and anxiety, the sick, the wounded, the dying, the 
 dead; the long trains of ambulances freighted with 
 human suffering, the bloody scenes, the torn and 
 mangled bodies, the newly-made graves, were all fresh 
 in mind, and, being securely locked in the halls of 
 memory, can never be forgotten. 
 
THE BOYS m WHITE. 219 
 
 CHAPTER XV. 
 
 £o 
 
 PORT ROYAL — FROM PORT ROYAL TO WHITE HO^SE — ARRIVAL OJ 
 AGENTS WITH SUPPLIES — BATTLE OF COAlt. HARBOR — SICK 
 AND WOUNDED SOLDIERS — MAJOR LEWIS — A MASSACHUSETTS 
 SOLDIER — EVACUATION OF WHITE HOUSE — A SAD ACCIDENT — 
 THE DELAY — LAND AT CITY POINT — ^ARRIVAL OP MR. HOW- 
 ARD WITH SUPPLIES — A CALL PROM GENERAL GRANT. 
 
 After considerable delay, and entertaining many 
 fears lest we should be attacked by guerrillas wbo 
 were occasionally seen along the shore — until we were 
 joined by a gunboat, under the protection of which 
 we felt secure — we arrived at Port Eoyal Sunday 
 morning at eight o'clock. Here we left the " George 
 Weems," which was e7i route for Washington, and 
 went on board the exchange. While lying at anchor, 
 services were held by the chaplain of the Sixth Wis- 
 consin volunteers. His sermon — from the words, 
 " The Lord is my shepherd " — was full of comfort. 
 Those present upon that occasion will, I am sure,, ever 
 love to refer to it as one of the bright spots in their 
 army life. Before arriving at Port Eoyal a touching 
 incident occurred. A rebel soldier was dying, and, in 
 great distress of mind, he asked to be prayed for. We 
 
220 THE BOYS IN WHITE. 
 
 gatliered around his bed — a few professing Christians 
 — and tried to point him to the " Lamb of God, who 
 taketh away the sins of the world." Precious words 
 of promise were read from the ISTew Testament and 
 praj^er offered in his behalf, after which he seemed 
 more composed, but he sank rapidly — as a wound in 
 his neck had broken out afresh and was bleeding pro- 
 fusely — and died, as we hope, trusting in Jesus. Late 
 in the afternoon, learning from Dr. St. Clair, master 
 of transportation, that another boat would leave the 
 next day having better accommodations, I went 
 ashore and put up for the night with a rebel family, 
 which at that time consisted of an elderly ladj^ and a 
 little girl. I learned from the old lady that her hus- 
 band was dead, and that her two sons were in the 
 rebel army. Her servants had all deserted her. She 
 appeared lonely and disconsolate, not having even the 
 hope of victory to cheer her. 
 
 Her house was an old-fashioned vine-clad cottage; 
 the kitchen, with its huge fire-place and massive iron 
 kettles, where the servants had formerly done the 
 work, being separated from the main building, as is 
 customary in the South, A large garden near by was 
 filled with vegetables and flowers and interspersed 
 with shade-trees and shrubbery, the whole being sur- 
 rounded with a fine boxwood hedge. In one part of 
 the house w^ere the head-quarters of Dr. Snow, of the 
 
THE BOYS IN WHITE. 221 
 
 Ninth Corps. Being detained here, contrary to expec- 
 tation, until Monday evening, I endeavored to make 
 myself useful by assisting about the cooting for the 
 doctor and " mess." We got up quite a sumptuous 
 dinner, consisting not only of pork, " hard tack " and 
 cofiPee, as usual, but, in addition, " flour gravy," stewed 
 goose, berries, and " hoe-cake." Our Port Eoyal din- 
 ner will certainly not soon be forgotten by those who 
 partook, for it was a right royal one. 
 
 Shortly after sundown we took leave of our kind 
 hostess and went on board the steamer "Ocean 
 "Wave," bound for White House Landing, which place 
 had been decided upon as the " new base." We 
 anchor and await the tide next morning, when we find 
 ourselves sailing down the Rappahannock. It is 
 afternoon when we enter the Chesapeake bay, ninety 
 miles from Port Royal. The day was extremely 
 warm, but a fine breeze blowing from the bay renders 
 the heat quite endurable. The scenery, portions of 
 the way, was fine. I enjoyed the passage very much, 
 especially as it afibrded a good opportunity for rest 
 and preparation for another hard campaign. 
 
 About seven in the evening we ran upon a sand-bar 
 and anchored for the night. The next morning we en- 
 tered the York river, and at five p. M. the Pamunkey. 
 
 The waters of this river, unlike those of the York, 
 are dark and muddy, its banks low and marshy ; be- 
 
222 THE BOYS IN WHITE. 
 
 sides, the river is very crooked and the elianncl nar- 
 row ; consequently, it was not at all surprisinj^ that 
 we ran asfround af]jain soon after dark, where we were 
 obliged to remain until the tide came in the next 
 morning. Point Lookout, where we had an extensive 
 hospital, had been passed, also Yorktown — a place of 
 great historical interest, rendered so, not only during 
 our late war, but the Ecvolutionary also. Here Lord 
 Cornwallis surrendered his sword to General George 
 Washington. Here also, nearly a century later, Mc- 
 Clellan's mighty army encamped for weeks, besieging 
 the fortifications of the rebels, which they finally 
 evacuated in safety, while his own brave men died by 
 hundreds and thousands, of disease contracted in. the 
 pestilential swamps of the Chickahominy. 
 
 Tuesday, the 2d of Jane, we land at White House, 
 our new field of labor. No wounded had yet ar- 
 rived, though a long train of ambulances could be 
 seen, on the opposite side of the Appomattox, wait- 
 in f^ for the river to be bridged in order to cross 
 over. At the same time could be heard the boom- 
 ing of guns, warning us to be in readiness to bind 
 up the wounds they were making. 
 
 A delegation from the Sanitary and Christian Com- 
 missions went over by boat, with supplies for those 
 having already arrived. Our hospitals were not yet 
 established, though, before night, a large number of 
 
THE BOYS IN WHITE. 22o 
 
 tents were in readiness to shelter tlie wonnded as 
 soon as they should arrive. Soon after landing I 
 learned of the timely arrival of Messrs. Kellogg, Cater, 
 and. Lapand, from "Washington, with supplies ; but, a 
 cold, drenching rain coming on, which lasted all 
 night, and having no shelter for our goods, they 
 were not taken from the barge until nest day, when 
 Dr. St. Clair kindly loaned us a large tent, and a team 
 with which to bring up our goods. In a short time 
 all were hard at work. Mrs. Nowell, of Philadel- 
 phia, volunteered to assist us, and remained with us 
 several days. We cooked over a range outside of 
 our tent until a stove was procured — which was al- 
 ready promised me by Dr. Burmaster, Surgeon in 
 charge of the Second Corps hospitals. At night wo 
 made two tents of one, by putting in a canvas parti- 
 tion; and for beds, spread our blankets upon the 
 ground, which, if not the best substitute for feathers 
 or mattress, answered very well. My first night at 
 this place I was provided for by Dr. Snow, who gave 
 me possession of one of his unoccupied hospital-tents, 
 sent me a stretcher and blankets for a bed, also a 
 warm supper and breakfast — a kindness fully appre- 
 ciated and gratefully remembered. 
 
 The 3d inst, the wounded were arriving nearly all 
 day from the battle of "Bwtl Harbor, among whom 
 I found a cousin — Licuti/nant Tracy, of the Seventh 
 
 (€o(cL. 
 
22i THE BOYS IX WHITE. 
 
 Michigan Infantry — whose brother was wounded at 
 the battle of the Wilderness. "Frank" will not, I 
 am sure, soon forget the many times he drew rations 
 from the "Michigan Eeliefi" at Fredericksburg. 
 
 The afternoon of the same day the rest of the 
 Michigan agents and three Pennsylvania delegates, 
 \h. : Mr. Eitz, ]\Irs. Price, and Miss Sayles, arrived 
 with a large supply of hospital- stores and two addi- 
 tional tents. At this place the Michigan and Penn- 
 sylvania Associations worked together. We had our 
 goods in common, and endeavored, to the extent of 
 our efforts, to relieve suffering. 
 
 We remained at White House until the 14th — at 
 least I did. The wounded were almost constantly 
 arriving, as battles were daily being fought. Work 
 was the order of the day, and I trust I shall not be 
 considered egotistical when I say we did work early 
 and late. Rest belonged only to the past, or was 
 looked forward to in the future ; it had no connec- 
 tion with the present. 
 
 Going to the numerous hospitals v/ith supplies of 
 all kinds ; cooking soups, puddings, custards ; making 
 tea, coffee, lemonade, milk-punch; preparing "special 
 diet" for individual cases, dressing wounds, bathing 
 burning brows, receiving dying messages, writing to 
 friends of the disabled and deceased, were among 
 our dailv duties. Sad and distressinsr scenes met us 
 
THE BOYS IN" WHITE. 225 
 
 at every turn. Death was a daily visitor. Graves 
 almost hourly increased in numbers; and even then 
 the demand was not fully met, for it was no uncom- 
 mon sight to see, in going from tent to tent, from 
 one to half-a-dozen lifeless forms wrapped in their 
 blankets, mutely pleading for burial. 
 
 Not unfrequently the sick and wounded were oblig- 
 ed to lie a long time upon the ground in the burning 
 sun, before shelter could be provided. The 6th of the 
 month, a large number belonging to the Ninth Corps 
 were thus unsheltered and unprotected from the heat 
 of day and the chilling dews of night. Among these 
 there was one whose emaciated form and imploring 
 look particularly attracted my attention, and seemed 
 to demand special aid and sympathy. This was 
 James E. Eouse, a member of the Michigan Second. 
 Placing my umbrella over him, I finished distributing 
 my lemonade and crackers, and then tried to find a 
 vacant place in some tent to which I could remove 
 him ; but without success. The best I could do was 
 to make a bed on the shady side of one of the tents, 
 underneath the ropes, which I covered with a shel- 
 ter-tent. To this he was taken, bathed, and provided 
 with clean clothes. The few days he remained there, 
 I took him his meals regularly. A cup of tea and a 
 few mouthfuls of toast were about all he would take at 
 a time. At length he was removed into a hospital. 
 
22G THE BOYS IN WHITE. 
 
 He still continued to fail, and in a few days ho was 
 gone. But instead of being sent to Washington, as I 
 was told, lie liad been removed into another tent, 
 where I found him the evening before leaving the 
 place, dying. As I approached his bed — if bed it 
 could be called — he recognized me, and tried to speak, 
 but was too far gone to say much. A few words 
 about home, in which I caught the words, " wife — my 
 children," were all I could understand. Soon he be- 
 came unconscious, and apparently near his end. Ee- 
 maining as long as I could be of any service, I return- 
 ed to my quarters, and called again early next morn- 
 ing to see him, but he was gone. I learned from the 
 nurse that he died during the night, and was already 
 buried. 
 
 Sunday, the 5th, among the many who were brought 
 from the field, was the body of Major Lewis, of the 
 Eighth Michigan volunteers, who fell mortally wound- 
 ed at the battle of Coal Harbor. Dr. Fox, of the 
 ■same regiment, came in with the body, and was the 
 first to break the heart-rending news to the widowed 
 wife. 
 
 The coat in which he fell was left in my care, 
 and forwarded to her the first opportunity. Oh ! sad 
 reminder of bloody scenes and a hero's death ! His 
 last words were about wife and country. He would 
 ha\ e her know that, even in death, she was not for- 
 
THE BOYS IN WHITE. 227 
 
 gotten. "But," said he, "I would live that I might 
 serve my country longer.'^ 
 
 " Rest on, embalmed and sainted dead, 
 
 Dear as the bloody grave ; 
 No impious footsteps here shall tread 
 
 The herbage of your grave. 
 Nor shall your glory be forgot 
 
 While Fame her record keeps, 
 Or honor points the hallowed spot 
 
 Where valor proudly sleeps." 
 
 There was one I cannot fail to mention. A noble 
 Massachusetts soldier was mortally wounded, yet un- 
 conscious of his fate, until informed of it by a Christian 
 surgeon, who advised him, if he had any accounts with 
 eternity to settle, to attend to them at once. "What,'' 
 he quickly replied, " am I going to die ? " He ap- 
 peared greatly distressed, for the thought of death had 
 not before entered his mind. Taking from under his 
 pillow photographs of a beautiful-looking woman and 
 sweet little girl — his wife and child — ^he looked at 
 them a few moments with tear-dimmed eyes, and then 
 exclaimed : " My God ! Can I leave them ? Shall I 
 never see them again ? " Oh, it was hard for him to 
 die and leave them, but he never saw them more, for 
 in a few days he was numbered with the " Boys in 
 White." 
 
 The 10th inst, having received a call from Surgeon 
 
228 THE BOYS IN WHITE. 
 
 Bonine — who was in charge of the third division 
 Ninth Corps hospital, situated at the extreme front — 
 for supplies, I sent an ambulance load of stores, con- 
 sisting of canned fruits and meats, condensed milk, 
 loaf-sugar, pickles, lemons, wine, brandj, etc., which I 
 drew from the Sanitary and Christian Commissions, 
 and to his care they were entrusted for distribution, as 
 the appeal was for himself as well as those in his 
 charge. Hear his words : "For God's sake, Julia, send 
 me something I can eat, or I shall die." 
 
 Perhaps there are those who might think I did 
 wrong in trusting to care of a " doctor " sanitary stores. 
 Now while I would not, for a moment, excuse the 
 course pursued by many army surgeons during the 
 war, in appropriating for their own use articles de- 
 signed only for the sick, yet there were times and 
 places — especially during an active campaign — when 
 a faithful surgeon, working night and day among 
 scenes the most revolting, needed, and was justly en- 
 titled to, something more than "hard tack." When 
 far from the base of supplies, and not even a sutler in 
 the army, money was of little account. Let one such 
 as Dr. Bonine have fainted at his post of duty, and 
 many lives would have been sacrificed in consequence. 
 All honor to surgeons, as well as to other ofhcers who 
 are faithful in the discharge of duty. 
 
 The 11th, it was rumored that the place v;as soon to 
 
THE BOYS IN WHITE. 220 
 
 be evacuated, and the next morning an order to that 
 effect was received ; accordingly o.ur goods were ptxch- 
 eJ, and Sunday afternoon were put into a barge ready 
 to be sent to the new "base." The wounded were 
 being removed as fast as transportation could be pro- 
 cured, though at this time there were nearly two thoa- 
 sand not yet sent off; besides, the afternoon of the 
 same day. Dr. Smith, of the Twenty-seventh Michigan 
 volunteers, came in with sixty more, forty of whom 
 were Michigan. men, and, therefore, especially entitled 
 to our supplies. The doctor immediately appealed to 
 us for aid ; but, our goods having all been removed, he 
 applied to the Sanitary Commission. 
 
 It having been suggested that a part of the Mich- 
 igan delegation should remain with a portion of our 
 supplies, until all the hospitals were broken up, Mrs. 
 Johnson and myself volunteered to stay ; but it being 
 neither convenient nor thought best to have any of our 
 stores brought back, we applied to the Christian Com- 
 mission, and obtained permission to draw on them; 
 but our stores and cooking-utensils being gone, we 
 could accomplish but little, and, by the request of one 
 of the Sanitary agents, went and assisted in their low 
 diet kitchen. Mrs. J. finally concluded to go with 
 the rest of our agents, who left Monday evening, the 
 13th inst., and the next day, at 5 P. M., I went on 
 board the steamer " New Jersey," and was soon sail- 
 
230 THF, BOYS IN WHITE. 
 
 ing down the Pamunlvey on our way to City Point, 
 leaving, forever it may be, "White Ilouse," with not 
 only its hundreds and thousands of its newly-made 
 graves, but also the many grass-covered mounds of 
 McOlellan's braves. 
 
 " Bend in love, azure sky ! 
 
 Sliine, O stars ! at evening time. 
 Watch wliere heroes calmly lie, 
 In their faith and hope sublime." 
 
 The ground occupied by our hospitals at this place 
 consists of a large estate containing five thousand 
 acres, formerly owned by the widow Custus, after- 
 wards the wife of George Washington. The mansion, 
 I am sorry to say, was burned during the war, and, at 
 the time I was there, nothing remained to mark the 
 spot where it stood except the tall chimneys. A few 
 days after arriving at this our field of labor, Mrs. 
 Plumb, one of our agents, returned to Washington 
 with a brother, whom she found severely wounded. 
 We regretted to lose her services, for we had no more 
 efl&cient worker than Mrs. P. Though meeting her 
 there for the first time, I soon learned to highly es- 
 teem and love her, as every one must who knows her, 
 for she is a noble Christian woman, just such an one 
 as was needed in the army. Another excellent lady 
 who came to assist us in our work was Mrs. Gridley, 
 
THE BOYS IN WHITE. 231 
 
 from Hillsdale, in whom we found an earnest and 
 eflicient laborer — a lady in every sense of tlie word. 
 Her two sons were serving tlieir country — one in the 
 army, the other in the navy. 
 
 Mrs. Mahan, also of Hillsdale, having volunteered 
 her services, was at this time employed in Washing- 
 ton. She remained about six months, and returned 
 home, leaving a record bright with noble deeds. 
 Among the many from my own State who were en- 
 gaged in the work of caring for our soldiers, I know 
 of none whose zeal for and devotion to the cause sur- 
 passed that of Mrs. Tunnecliffe and Mrs. Millard, 
 wives of our State agents in Washington. Early and 
 late, they might be found either in a crowded office, 
 endeavoring to render assistance to the numerous 
 applicants who appealed to them for aid, or out on 
 some errand of mercy, looking after the neglected and 
 those who seemed to have no helper. One of our 
 number — Mr. Eitz, of Pennsylvania — who was de- 
 voted, soul and body, to the cause he was serving, 
 has long since ceased from his labors and received his 
 reward. Others are scattered far and wide, no more, 
 perhaps, to meet, until the final "muster-roll" is 
 called. 
 
 It was my pleasure, while at White House, fre- 
 quently to meet that good man, Professor Estabrook, 
 whose efforts in behalf of the suffering have caused 
 
C32 THE BOYS IN WHITE. 
 
 iiis name to be clicrislied in tliousands of homes 
 bcj-ond the limits of our own State. He is one of 
 tliose of whom it was said : " Ye are the light of the 
 world." 
 
 "We arrived at City Point, the 18 th. Had a plea- 
 sant passage from White House, though a little 
 tedious, as we were delayed at Fort Powhattan, on 
 the James, from Thursday evening until Saturday 
 morning, by the army crossing the river on pontoons 
 a few miles below us. On our way we passed the 
 famous Rip Raps, where many of our soldiers and 
 others were sentenced, for various crimes, to hard 
 labor during the war. The place where that brilliant 
 engagement between the little Monitor and the iron- 
 clad Merrimac occurred, March 9th, 1862, was pointed 
 out to us. The accommodations on the "New Jersey" 
 were good. All the ladies were provided with comfort- 
 able state-rooms ; but we came to short rations before 
 arriving at our place of destination, as we divided 
 with some sick soldiers who were with us, and were 
 delayed thirty-six hours. 
 
 A sad accident occurred about two o'clock the 
 morning after leaving White House, while anchored 
 in the Pamunkey waiting for the tide. All was still 
 as midnight, when suddenly there was heard a plunge, 
 struggling, splashing, and cries for liclp from below. 
 At the same instant several voices were beard ex- 
 
THE BOYS IN WHITE. 233 
 
 claiming, " A man overboard ! " A life-preserver was 
 immediatelj thrown him, but, there being a heavy 
 mist on the surface of the water, it floated past him 
 imnoticed. The incoming tide was rapidly bearing 
 him away. I endeavored, but in vain, to tbrow him 
 my life-preserver, by crowding it through the small 
 window of my state-room as he floated by. A life- 
 boat was lowered and two men went in pursuit ; soon 
 another boat followed. The poor fellow's cries for 
 help could still be heard. I watched him out of sight, 
 and even then I could hear him call out, " This way, 
 this way, gentlemen, hnrry up ; I can't keep up much 
 longer;" and then the re^jly, "We're coming, we're 
 almost there, keep up good courage." At length the 
 splashing of the oars dies away, and the voices become 
 fainter and fainter; yet we can still hear the boatmen 
 call, "Where are you?" and the reply, very faintly, 
 "Here, here, this way 1 " but soon it ceases, and we all 
 wait in almost breathless silence for the return of the 
 life-boats. Soon we catch the sound of the splashing 
 oars, and eager voices are heard asking, " Did you 
 save him ? " Our hearts almost cease to beat and 
 the blood nearl}^ freezes in our veins as we hear the re- 
 ply, " No, he went down when we were almost in 
 reach of him." Ob, how much harder for the dear 
 friends at home to part with him thus than if he had 
 fallen in battle ; that they might have expected, but 
 
234 THE BOYS IN WHITE. 
 
 this they were wholly unprepared for. Landing at 
 City Point, I reported to Dr. Dalton, medical director, 
 but was disappointed in finding that the rest of our 
 agents had not yet arrived, though they left White 
 House twenty-four hours in advance. The cause of 
 the delay, however, we learned from Mrs. Johnson, 
 who arrived toward evening the same day. There 
 had been an order issued that none of the State Relief 
 Associations should be permitted to go the new 
 "base" without permission from the Secretary of 
 War. Hence they had no alternative but to remain 
 at Fortress Monroe until they could despatch some 
 one to Washington for the requisite passes, which de- 
 layed them until the 22d. 
 
 The goods belonging to the Christian Commission, 
 which were loaded in the same barge with ours, were 
 removed to another boat, and Mrs. Johnson came on 
 as one of their delegates. While in doubt as to what 
 course to pursue, being without supplies, we were 
 here, as at White House, providentially provided for 
 by the arrival of Mr. Howard from Washington with 
 hospital stores. Before morning the wounded began 
 to arrive, and with their arrival began our work. 
 Our hospitals were not yet established, though the 
 location was decided upon. It was situated about a 
 mile from the Point, along the bank of the Ai)poma- 
 tox ; and the next day scores of tents went up, which 
 
THE BOYS IN WHITE. 2oO 
 
 were soon filled witli the wounded. Soon after land- 
 ing at City Point I was joyfully surprised in meeting 
 an old friend — Mr. Fox, of Kalamazoo — a volunteer 
 laborer in the cause of humanity. But the great 
 event of the day was the honor of a call from General 
 Grant, the great American hero, who came into our 
 tent, sat perhaps twenty minutes, conversed freely 
 about the war, and seemed to take a great interest in 
 the work in which we were engaged. To the inquiry 
 whether he would be in Eiehmond by the 4th of 
 July, he shook his head and replied, " No, not by the 
 fourth ; I have not laid my plans to that effect. I 
 shall go there ; I'm just as sure of it as can be, but we 
 have more hard fighting to do first." He then added: 
 "I am nearly worn out, for I have scarcely had a 
 day's rest since the war began." Before leaving he 
 gave each of us his autograph, shook hands and bade 
 us "good-by." We assured him he should still have 
 our prayers, as he already had our confidence. He 
 thanked us, and was gone. 
 
236 THE BOYS IN WHITE. 
 
 CHAPTER XVI. 
 
 AfAJOR BATINES — HOSPITALS ESTABT.ISnED — MKS. JOHNSON RE- 
 TURNS TO WASHINGTON — ARRIVAL OF MRS. GIBCS — IIEJl 
 RETURN WITH A WOUNDED SON — CAVALRY HOSPITAL — 
 AM TAKEN SICK WITH TYPHOID FEVER — REV. MR. JOSS — 
 HOT WEATHER — A SEVERE STORM — LEAVING CITY POINT — 
 KEBEL OFFICERS — THE RELAPSE — RETURN TO MICHIGAN — 
 A DARK PERIOD — MY SISTER'S BEREAVED FAMILY — THE 
 CALL OF DUTY. 
 
 As I have before stated, the rest of our agents, with 
 the balance of our goods, arrived the 22d. Mrs. 
 Brainard, however, remained only one night, having 
 received orders to return to Washington, where her 
 services were greatly needed. Our work here was so 
 similar to that at White House, that it is not necessary 
 to enter into details. I will only mention an instance 
 or two, and then pass to a more general account of our 
 work. The day after arriving at City Point, the 
 wounded began to come in in large numbers. Quite 
 early in the morning a long train of ambulances filled 
 with mangled bodies arrived, and halted a short time, 
 until a hospital boat was in readiness to receive them. 
 While busy at work, a soldier came to me in great 
 
THE BOYS IN WHITE. 237 
 
 haste, and begged me to go and see his major, saying : 
 " He is dreadfully wounded." Leaving my work, I 
 accompanied him. We hastily passed ambulance 
 after ambulance, until it seemed as though we never 
 would reach the last one. At length he stopped, and, 
 pointing to one of them, said, " He is in that one." 
 Carefully springing upon the step at the rear of the 
 ambulance, and looking in, I saw Major Barnes, of the 
 Twentieth Michigan, lying by the side of a brother offi- 
 cer, who was also badly wounded. On inquiring what I 
 could do for them, "Oh," said Major B., "if you could 
 only get me out of this ambulance, for it does seem as 
 though I shall die if I stay here much longer." I pro- 
 mised to see what could be done, but found that the 
 train would so soon move to the landing, that it was 
 thought best not to make any change until it reaches 
 its destination. I can never forget the look almost of 
 despair depicted on his countenance as I reported this, 
 for all hope of recovery seemed to have left him. Still 
 anxious to do something for him, I hurried back to 
 my tent, and soon returned with a cup of tea and a 
 pillow. "Oh," he exclaimed, as he drank the tea, 
 " that tastes so good." Placing the pillow under his 
 head, I bade him be of good cheer, and, with a heavy 
 heart, stepped down from the ambulance. The train 
 moved on, and I saw him no more. A few days after, 
 I learned that he died before reaching Washint^jton. 
 
238 THE BOYS IJST WHITE. 
 
 Oil! those sad sights! those tedious, toilsome days! 
 How glad we sometimes were to have the darkness of 
 night hide from view the revolting scenes witnessed by 
 day, when the cooling breeze would fan fevered brows 
 and wounds inflamed, and gently lull to sleep. But 
 even then the moans of some poor sufferer would 
 often reach our ears, causing us to wish for immortal 
 bodies, which would neither wear out nor become 
 weary. But 
 
 " The hopes, the fears, the blood, the tears 
 That marked the bitter strife, 
 Are now all crowned by victory 
 That saved the nation's life." 
 
 Our hospitals at this place were very extensive. 
 The Second, Fifth, Sixth and Ninth Corps were large- 
 ly represented in this department. Tents continued 
 to go up until our little canvas village assumed the 
 proportions of a city. The Cavalry Corps also had a 
 large hospital about two miles from here. Day after 
 day the wounded came pouring in from the battles and 
 skirmishes so frequently occurring. Cannonading was 
 daily heard, frequently rapid and heavy; and oc- 
 casionally the rattle of musketry and the screeching 
 of shells saluted our ears, while the smoke of battle 
 could plainly be seen, and sometimes even the man- 
 o3Uvering of the troops — thus mingling with our ar- 
 
THE BOYS IN WHITE. 239 
 
 duous duties great excitement, and occasionally 
 alarm. 
 
 In less than two weeks after landing at City Point, 
 Mrs. Johnson left me and returned to "VYasliington for 
 a few days' rest. Mrs. Gibbs, a lady who was devot- 
 ing lier time and strength to the cause her husband 
 and son were serving, arrived the day she left ; yet I 
 greatly missed her, for we had worked together nearly 
 six weeks. Her services, especially as a " dresser," 
 were invaluable. Mrs. G., finding one of her sons 
 among the wounded, remained only a week, and then 
 returned with him to Washington, and I was again 
 left alone, as flir as ladies' help in our own dej^art- 
 raent was concerned ; and yet I was not alone, for 
 nearly every loyal State was there represented by 
 a corps of faithful laborers, all earnestly " engaged in 
 the same noble work. Mr. Howard* remained in 
 charge of the tents containing our supplies, and 
 worked with a zeal that knew no respite until our 
 Association, having completed its work at the front, 
 was recalled from the field. While here I fi-equent- 
 ly met "Bridget," of the First Michigan Cavalry, 
 and occasionally "Anna," of the Third Infantry, 
 whose services, according to the testimony of the 
 surgeons of those regiments, were invaluable. They 
 
 * He lias also ceased from Ms labors, having died of typhoid 
 fi!V'3r two years ago. 
 
2-1*0 THE ]10YS IN WHITE. 
 
 remained witli their respective regiments until the 
 close of the war — sharing the ever- varying and shift- 
 ing fortunes of the same. 
 
 I made but one visit to the Cavalry Hospital while 
 at City Point, on account of its long distance from the 
 other hospitals. It was situated in a most delightful 
 place. A beautiful lawn with its green carpeting 
 gradually sloped toward the river, which rolled peace- 
 fully along at the foot of the hill, its banks skirted 
 with a variety of trees, beneath whose grateful shade 
 convalescents reclined, some with books in hand, others 
 playing at cards, or some other " innocent" amusement, 
 to while away the tedious hours of the long, hot day. 
 The tents were the most comfortable of any I ever saw 
 in the field. Each patient was provided with a good 
 bed, not the narrow hospital cot, but what are called 
 single beds, and furnished with mattress, sheets, pil- 
 lows, and a "patched" quilt, in lieu of the coarse 
 army blanket. The wards were decorated with ever- 
 greens, and everything looked neat and clean. In- 
 stead of clouds of dust, the air was bright and clear. 
 Compared with our Infantry hospitals, surrounded 
 with sand and dust, it seemed like an earthly paradise. 
 But, amid all these natural beauties, many a brave 
 heart ceased to beat; for Death sought out this lovely 
 retreat, and bore hence his victims. Though far more 
 comfortable, the sick were no better supplied with del- 
 
THE BOYS IN WHITE. 241 
 
 icacies tlian tliose in other hospitals. Hence we di- 
 vided our stores with them, sending, from time to 
 time, such things as thej most needed. 
 
 While there was so much to be done, duties daily 
 increasing, mj work for the summer was rapidly 
 drawing to a close. The fever which had so long- 
 threatened me finally obtained the mastery. The 6th 
 of July. I did my last day's work at that place. 
 From that time until I left City Point — four weeks 
 later — I was almost entirely confined to my bed. 
 During that illness I learned from sad experience 
 how to sympathize with the sick around me; but, 
 when comparing my condition with theirs, I found I 
 was so much better off than they, that I had no heart 
 to complain. While I had a bunk — narrow and hard 
 though it was — many of them had none. My tent 
 could boast a floor, theirs could not. Besides, I was 
 daily supplied with ice and numerous other articles 
 which many a poor soldier did not get. For these 
 things, I was indebted to the Kev. Mr, Joss, of the 
 Sanitaiy Commission, but for wkich, especially the 
 ice, I do not think I should now be here to express 
 to him, through these pages, my gratitude. Though 
 having good medical treatment, I feel that, under the 
 blessing of God, I owe my life to this reverend 
 gentleman. 
 
 I have ever looked upon my acquaintance with 
 
242 Tl'E BOYS IN WHITE. 
 
 Lim as strikingly providential. While at Fredericlrs- 
 burg, I was led by the providence of God to care for 
 a brother of his, who was supposed to be mortally 
 wounded, but who finally recovered, and, hearing of 
 my illness, directed this brother to find me and return 
 the favors shown him. They were returned an hun- 
 dredfold. Oh ! that hot, dusty July ; those long, 
 weary days and sleepless nights; the scorching sun, 
 beating down upon my tent ; the swarms of flies ; that 
 little rusty tin pail, out of which, for the want of 
 something better, I dranh my gruel ; the heated, suffo- 
 cating atmosphere ; the anxiety to be at work ; how 
 fresh in memory I 
 
 As the season advanced, the heat became more 
 intense and the dust more intolerable. The long 
 trains of army wagons that were constantly moving 
 to and fro, only a few rods from us, were scarcely 
 visible, being so completely enveloped in clouds of 
 dust 
 
 On the night of the 24th, there was a sudden and 
 most grateful change in the weather. A heavy rain- 
 storm came up, accompanied with high wind and 
 severe thunder and lightning. It was a gloomy night, 
 yet full of grandeur. My tent swayed to and fro ir 
 the wind ; bright flashes of lightning and almost Egyp- 
 tian darkness rapidly succeeded each other, while the 
 crashing of thunder was far more grand than a^^y di-?- 
 
THE BOYS IN WHITE. 24C 
 
 cliargc of artillery of Imman invention. Many tents 
 were blown down, whose occupants were left to tlio 
 tender mercies of tlie storm. When the morning 
 dawned we seemed to be in a new world. The air 
 was clear and pure, our clean white tents glistened in 
 the sunlight, the slow -moving trains were in full 
 view, the trees and bushes were relieved of their 
 dusty coats, and all nature, animate and inanimate, 
 seemed to rejoice. 
 
 The 2d of August, I left City Point, in company 
 with Mrs. Johnson (who had been with me some ten 
 days), and was taken to Washington. On the steamer 
 — the "Yanderbilt" — on which we took passage, 
 were twenty-one rebel ofl&cers, prisoners of war. As 
 they frequently passed my window, I entered into 
 conversation with them. The war, as a matter of 
 course, was the subject discussed; but they all, with 
 one accord, acknowledged the hopelessness of their 
 cause, and confessed that it would have been better 
 had they not appealed to the sword. They said they 
 had no desire to divide the Union ; but they thought 
 their " rights " had been infringed upon, and for thej^o 
 they were fighting. I inquired what " rights " they 
 had lost, or had been " infringed upon." All were 
 silent a moment, then one replied : " Our rights in 
 regard to slavery." The interference of the ISTortli 
 with this institution they believed to be the cause of 
 
244 THE BOYS IX WHITE. 
 
 the war ; and yet tliey confessed tliat, if it were even 
 £0, it was no just cause for declaring war. I never 
 conversed with a rebel who could give an intelligent 
 answer to the questions concerning the loss of his 
 " rights," but thej would invariably fall back, as a 
 last resort, upon the interference of the IST^sth with 
 slavery. 
 
 Arriving in "Washington, I was taken to the house 
 of a lady widely known for her labors of love for the 
 soldiers — a loyal Washingtonian, the only one of her 
 family who remained true to the cause of freedom 
 and right during the dark days of the rebellion. The 
 fatigue of the journey brought on a relapse, so that I 
 was not able to leave the city for five weeks. I then 
 returned to Michigan, and remained through the 
 winter, recruiting my health and collecting money 
 for the benefit of the soldiers. 
 
 I learned during that illness, as I never could in 
 health, how to appreciate the gratitude so often mani- 
 fested by soldiers, even for trifling favors. I can now 
 understand the feelings expressed by a wounded sol- 
 dier in a letter received from him since the close of 
 the war, in which he asks if I remember the flowers I 
 gave him while in a hospital at Fredericksburg ; and 
 then spoke of the good they did him, and the tears 
 he shed over them. " Why," he added, " for a while 
 they caused me to forget my pain, and I felt a renew- 
 
THE BOYS IN WHITE. 215 
 
 cd courage to bear my sufferings more bravely, for to 
 nae they were a token of sympathy, and I felt that I 
 was not forgotten." As I perused this letter, how 
 vividly I recalled a little incident that occurred in my 
 own experience, while sick at City Point. One after- 
 noon, Dr. Smith, of the First Michigan Cavalry, 
 brought me a bunch of beautifal wild-flowers, most 
 delicately tinted. I had not seen a flower, or scarcely 
 a green leaf or a spire of grass for weeks before, which 
 caused them to be the more fully appreciated. Oh, 
 liOVvT many times during those lonely hours they were 
 as a friend to me, with whom I conversed ; and often- 
 times tears would unbidden start as I gazed ujjon 
 their loveliness, for of all the beautiful things in this 
 beautiful world, they alone adorned my " canvas 
 home." The}'' were placed in a cup by my bed, where 
 they remained until they began to wither, and their 
 little petals to fall off; then I pressed them in my 
 Bible, and I still cherish them as sweet mementoes 
 f i'om a fragrant oasis in that sandy desert. 
 
 The simplest favor was sometimes most blessed in 
 its results. The following I had entirely forgotten until 
 reminded of it bj the soldier long after he was mus- 
 tered out of the service. The summer of ISGi, while 
 in a hospital at "White House landing, he had a severe 
 attack of neuralgia. As I was passing one day through 
 the ward in which he was lying, he inquired if I knew 
 
246 THE BOYS IX WHITE. 
 
 of anj-tliing that would relieve him, I recommemLHl 
 something — I do not remember what — which I pro- 
 mised to bring him the next day ; but when, returning 
 to mj quarters, I began to think of his sufferings, and 
 his look of appeal for help, I could not rest until m}^ 
 remedy had been tried. Though nearly night, and 
 more than half a mile distant, I returned with the me- 
 dicine, bathed his face, gave directions for its use, and 
 left him with the assurance that it would help him. I 
 never saw him again, until the time to which I refei-, 
 when he called my mind to this circumstance. " Oh," 
 said he, " that medicine acted like a charm ; it effected 
 a perfect cure ; for from that hour neuralgia and I 
 parted friendship." 
 
 The summer of 1864 was a dark period — perhaps 
 the darkest in the history of the rebellion. Thou- 
 sands, yea, tens of thousands of lives were sacrificed 
 at the battles of the Wilderness, Spotsylvania, Coal 
 Harbor, and those in the vicinity of Petersburg, seem- 
 ingly to little or no purpose ; yet they all had refer- 
 ence to the grand result soon to be achieved. The 
 terrific explosion of the SOth of July was distinctly 
 heard at our quarters, a distance of ten miles. Among 
 the many who fell upon that fearful day, was the eld- 
 est son of Kev. Alfred Cornell, of Ionia — an exemp- 
 lary. Christian young man, whoso life was full of pro- 
 mise. But as "Death loves a shining mark,' one of 
 
THE BOYS IN" WHITE. 247 
 
 his deadly shafts was aimed at him. The object of 
 those weeks of mining was not obtained ; Petersburg- 
 was not taken, Eichmond was lost, and our starving- 
 soldiers must wait many more long months before the 
 day of their release dawns. Oh! how many times 
 during war's dark hours we felt like exclaiming, 
 
 "The dead are everywhere! 
 
 The mountain-side, the plain, the wood profound. 
 All the wide earth, the fertile and the fair. 
 Is one vast burying - ground 1 " 
 
 But we are comforted with the thought that they 
 died not in vain. No, 
 
 "They have fallen, they have fallen. 
 
 In the battles of the free. 
 And their fame will be remembered 
 
 In the ages yet to be. 
 «*****♦ 
 " They have fallen, they have fallen, 
 
 In a high and holy cause. 
 Fighting for our starry banner, 
 
 For our country and its laws ; 
 For the glorious cause of freedom, 
 
 For the land our fathers loved; 
 For the rights, which, spite of sceptres, 
 
 Man proclaimed and God approved. 
 
 "They have fallen, they have fallen. 
 In the fierceness of the strife. 
 Leaving us to bear the battle. 
 And the bui'den of this life; 
 
218 
 
 THE 130 rS IN WHITE. 
 
 Wliil(i t-licir disrmbodicd spirits 
 Winji' their way to rualiiis above, 
 
 Wliere they sinj;^ their songs of triumph 
 Hound tlie great white throne of love." 
 
 The following is tlie amount of money collectcil 
 while in Michigan, in the winter of 1865: 
 
 Proceeds Children's Fair, 
 Soldier's Aid Society, , 
 Proceeds Oyster Supper, 
 
 Kalamazoo, 
 South Jackson, 
 
 Muir, 
 Salem, . 
 
 Collection, Baptist Church, . " . . 
 
 Cash, Pontiac. By request, name not given, 
 
 Social, Ionia, including a few individual con- 
 tributions, 
 
 Proceeds Oyster Supper, Northfield, 
 
 ' Tableaux, . . Galesburg, 
 . . Chelsea, . 
 
 Collection, Episcopal Church, Ann Arbor, 
 Dutch M. E. Church, " " 
 
 From Brighton 
 
 Individual contributions, 
 
 Total. ...... 
 
 $10 35 
 
 4 00 
 50 00 
 75 00 
 43 85 
 30 15 
 Iti 00 
 
 60 70 
 25 35 
 25 00 
 37 00 
 28 35 
 2 75 
 
 5 00 
 1 50 
 
 $400 00 
 
 In regard to the children's fair here mentioned, 
 I would say that it was held by only three little 
 children, viz. : Ella May, Frank and Ida Knappin, 
 The weather was cold and rainy, but they did not 
 mind the cold, for their hearts were in their work. 
 Tlic tableaux at Chelsea were gotten up almo^st 
 
THE BOYS IN WHITE. 249 
 
 entirely tlirongli the earnest efforts of Miss Josie May 
 and Miss White, who, I believe, have never before 
 had credit therefor. 
 
 Ilad I begun my work of collecting a little earlier, 
 before the holiday season was over, daring which fairs 
 had been held, and various other means employed 
 to raise money, I might have doubled, and perliaps 
 tripled the amount collected ; for nearly every place 
 I visited I was met with, " Why didn't you come 
 sooner ? A week or two earlier, and we might have 
 raised twice as much as we now can." But if the 
 money only went for the desired object, it mattered 
 little through what channel it was conveyed. I would 
 take this opportunity to acknowledge publicly the 
 receipt of thirty dollars from friends in Muir and 
 vicinity, ten from South Jackson, and twenty from 
 Salem, besides a few dollars from individual persons 
 as a present to myself. I here renew my thanks to 
 each and every donor ; for it was only through occa- 
 sional donations of this kind that I was enabled to 
 continue my work so long. One of my former teach- 
 ers at Kalamazoo, to whom I was indebted thirty 
 dollars for money hired while in school, kindly took 
 up the note, thus relieving me of all anxiety of how 
 that debt, though small, was to be paid. 
 
 I know of no better way than through the pages 
 of this little book to notify the members of the Twcn- 
 
250 THE BOYS IN WHITE. 
 
 tj-sixtli regiment of Michigan Infantry of the beauti- 
 ful gold watch, with chain, pin, and corps badge, pur- 
 chased with the money so generously donated by 
 themselves in the spring of 186i. It is handsomely 
 engraved with name, date, and regiment. To me it 
 has a value far exceeding its intrinsic worth, for many 
 of those represented in the gift are now " sweetly em- 
 balmed and hid away in white." Those who survive 
 will please accept the gratitude of the recipient, by 
 whom their memory will ever be sacredly cherished. 
 
 I returned to Washington via Harbor Creek, Penn., 
 where I visited the bereaved family of my sister who 
 died the previous October. Had I consulted my own 
 ease or pleasure, I should have yielded to the earnest 
 entreaties of those motherless boys, and remained with 
 them while their loss was so fresh in memory and so 
 keenly felt; but duty pointed her finger to the thou- 
 sands of sick and wounded in our hospitals, many of 
 whom, like themselves, were boys in their teens, hav- 
 ing been tenderly reared, each one some mother's dar- 
 ling or some father's fond hope, far from home and its 
 comforts, their young lives going out one after an- 
 other in those distant hospitals, in the camp or on the 
 field of carnage — and I could not turn a deaf ear to 
 her call. Fifty dollars more, contributed by friends 
 in Harbor Creek for soldiers, were added to the 
 amount collected in Michig-an. 
 
THE BOYS IN WHITE. 251 
 
 CRAPTUR XVII. 
 
 PALL OP RICHMOND — SURRENDER OP LEE — MT RETURN TO -n^ASII- 
 INGTON — THE ILLUMINATION — THE ASSASSINATION OF THE 
 PRESIDENT — HIS REMAINS IN STATE — FUNERAL OBSEQUIES 
 — THOUGHTS AND REFLECTIONS UPON HIS LIFE AND MANY 
 VIRTUES — HOSPITAL WORK IN "WASHINGTON, ALEXANDRIA 
 AND SURROUNDING CAMPS — THE ARMY RECALLED — THE 
 MICHIGAN "home" — TRIP TO BALTIMORE AND ANNAPOLIS 
 — HOSPITAL DISCONTINUED — THE GRAND REVIEW — CLOSING 
 REFLECTIONS. 
 
 / I ARRIVED in Washington tlie evening of the 13th 
 of April, the night before that great national calamity, 
 the assassination of our beloved President 
 
 The evening of my arrival there was a grand illumi- 
 nation of the city in honor of our recent victories, 
 which resulted in the fall of Eichmond, the surrender 
 of Lee, and the overthrow of the rebellion. 
 
 Lights gleamed from nearly every window — the 
 "White House was beautifully illuminated and gaily 
 decorated with the stars and stripes — numerous small 
 flags floated from the windows, while larger ones were 
 festooned over the doors or proudly waved from lofty 
 flag-staffs. ye starry emblems of libei-ty, what 
 rivers of blood it has cost to maintain your honor I 
 
252 THE BOYS IN WHITE. 
 
 The stately Capitol, with its myriads of lights blaz- 
 ing from its windows and surrounded with brilliant 
 transparencies, looked indeed like a "city set upon a 
 hill, whose light cannot be hid." The streets were 
 thronged with admiring spectators. The President, 
 with the General-in-chief of our armies, rode up and 
 down Pennsjdvania avenue — alas! for the last time 
 together — rejoicing that the dove had at last returned 
 to the ark with the olive branch of peace. yE very 
 loyal heart beat high with hope, not only ai the na- 
 tional capital, but throughout the length and broadth 
 of our land. The voice of praise and thanksgiving 
 ascended to Him, who, ruling among the nations of 
 the earth, as well as in the armies of heaven, had 
 crowned the cause of right with victory. 
 
 Mothers wept for joy for the "dear boys" who 
 would soon "come marching home." Wives with 
 anxious hearts anticipated the moment when they 
 should welcome their heroic husbands' retruTi. Chil- 
 dren waited impatiently to hear " father's " well-known 
 footstep. Ev^en those who had nothing to expect, 
 whose dear ones were numbered with the slain, shared 
 in the general joy. 
 
 All were happy — the white man that the war was 
 over, the black man that he was free. But this re- 
 joicing is of short continuance. Treason calls for an- 
 other victim — the country's foremost man and best. 
 
THE BOYS IN WHITE. 253 
 
 While tlie cliilclren rejoice, tlie father himself is 
 stricken down. The nation's life is sealed with the 
 blood of its martyr head ! The fruit of those long 
 3'ears of toil will be reaped by others. The work for 
 which he was raised up being accomplished, he enters 
 into his rest; and this almost universal rejoicing is 
 succeeded by a world-wide grief. On the night of the 
 14th an assassin commits the dark and villainous deed 
 that plunges the nation into the deepest woel The 
 next morning, at twentj^-two minutes past seven, the 
 solemn tolling of bells announces the death of Abra- 
 ham Lincoln! 
 
 y,The following is an extract from my journal of 
 April 15th, 1865: "Soon the sad tidings will be 
 borne with the speed of lightning to the remotest 
 part of our country and of the civilised world. 
 The wild excitement which might be expected seems 
 hiTshed to silence for want of words to express the 
 deep emotions which stir the heart. Many anticipate 
 a riot before morning. Strict orders have been issued 
 from the War Department, death being the penalty of 
 a traitorous sentiment uttered. No one is allowed to 
 leave or enter the city. Trains have stopped running, 
 except for the mail ; boats can neither land at nor 
 leave the wharf. 
 
 "J. Wilkes Booth — a stage-actor — is supposed to 
 be the murderer. A large reward has been offered for 
 
254 THE BOYS IN WIIITP]. 
 
 his arrest. If he is canght during the present state 
 of excitement, the law will be robbed of its due, for 
 the crj of every loyal heart is : * Avenge the death 
 of our President.' Washington, so recently decor- 
 ated with flags, is now draped in mourning; those 
 starry banners, but yesterday so proudly floating in 
 the breeze, now droop at half-mast, and are wearing 
 the emblems of woe^ Only last evening the country 
 was bewildered with joy ; to-day the nation is bowed 
 with a sorrow so great 'that the huge earth can scarce 
 support it.' All nature mourns. Even the elements 
 seem to share in the general gloom. Darkening clouds 
 fill the heavens, and water the earth with their tears. 
 Oh, can we believe that this black cloud which hangs 
 over our national horizon has a ' silver lining ? ' Has 
 this dark picture a bright side ? No ray of sunshine 
 is seen on its gloomy background. In the death of 
 Abraham Lincoln the country has sustained an irre- 
 parable loss. His place none can ever fill. A great 
 and good man has fallen. In him were exemplified 
 the true principles of Christianity : he was kind, mer- 
 ciful, forgiving, and generous to a fault. How truth- 
 fully has it been said, that ' he was great in goodness, 
 and good in greatness.' Oh, how cruel ! after four 
 years of trial and burden, such as none other ever 
 bore, that Treason should take his precious life ; but 
 he lived to see that victory, final and complete, had 
 
THE BOYS IN WTIITE. 255 
 
 percliecT upon our banner. If life consists in deeds, 
 not years, liow few liave lived as long as he," 
 
 yf ****** 
 
 /'It was my sad privilege to see the remains of onr 
 lamented President twice while lyiag in state — once 
 at the White House, and again at the Capitol. Em- 
 blems of mourning were everywhere visible. Dark- 
 ened rooms, with gas dimly burning, added to the 
 oppressive gloom. Suppressed sobs and bursts of 
 grief were heard, as one after another took the fare- 
 well look of him they loved. Strong men, unaccus- 
 tomed to tears, wept beside his bier. 
 
 He was stricken down in the midst of his useful- 
 ness, at a time when the nation greatly needed his 
 wise counsels and righteous administration. 
 
 His funeral obsequies were observed in "Washing- 
 ton, Wednesday, the 19th instant. The solemnities 
 of the occasion I will not attempt to describe ; that 
 has already been done by abler pens. That long pro- 
 cession, consisting of infantry, cavalry, and artillery, 
 with various bands; the Marine Corps and band; offi- 
 cers of the army and navy; Congressmen; merabei-s 
 of the Cabinet; the Diplomatic Corps; various orders 
 and lodges; Governors of States; the clergy, of all 
 denominations ; clerks from the different departments, 
 and thousands of private citizens, all wearing the 
 badge of moarning ; flags and banners, draped and at 
 
256 ruE BOYS in white. 
 
 half-mast; tlie dirge-like music; the tolling of bells 
 and firing of guns — rendered it the most solemn scene 
 ever witnes.:5ed on this continent. None but au ej^e- 
 witness can form any adequate conception of that 
 solemn pageantry. Thousands thronged the side- 
 walks, windows, verandahs ; and trees were filled 
 with weeping spectators^// 
 
 The morning of the 21st, the remains were removed 
 to Baltimore, en route for his Western home and final 
 resting-place. The busy world moves on, and, though 
 we see his face no more, he will long live in the 
 memory of a grateful people. History will love to 
 record his virtues. His name will be handed down 
 to future generations, linked with that of Washington, 
 " and many iwU rise up and call him blessed," 
 
 Well has it been said, that, "in the death of Abra 
 ham Lincoln, the world has lost its greatest philan- 
 thropist, the nation its purest patriot, the people their 
 best and kindest friend. His life was the brightest 
 page in our country's history, his death the nation's 
 deepest sorrow." But he has left a bright reoord. 
 Oh ! that all, not only as a nation, but as individuals, 
 might emulate his example, cultivate his virtues, live 
 for God and humanity as did Abraharfi Lincoln. " He 
 lived not only for a day, but for all time. His life 
 was gentle, his death peaceful, his future all glory." 
 
 In referring to my journal, I find, under date of 
 
'lilK EOVS IX WHITE. 257 
 
 April 21st, tlie following: "One week ago to-niglit 
 tlie assassin's hand was imbued in innocent blood, 
 and, a few hours later, the great heart of Abraham 
 Lincoln forever grew still 1 This is, surely, a myste- 
 rious dispensation of God's providence, and we are 
 led to ask, ' Oh, Lord ! why was it ? ' Yet, while we 
 mourn, it b'ecometh us to bow in submission to Him 
 who knoweth the end from the beginning, and, 
 though he has permitted this wicked deed, we know 
 that ' he *i3 too wise to err ; ' that he ' worketh all 
 things after the counsel of his own will,' causing 
 even the wrath of man to praise him." 
 
 I will here give an extract — which seems so appro- 
 priate — taken from an oration delivered by Senator 
 Foot on the death of Senator Collamar, both of Yer- 
 moiit, and both now no more: "Abraham Lincoln — 
 clarum nomen — the poor Kentucky boy, the martyr 
 President, who had saved a country and redeemed a 
 race — the martyr President, who, having saved his 
 country from the greatest rebellion of all history, 
 and redeemed a race from the bondage of centuries, 
 falling by the assassin hand of Treason, went down 
 to the grave amid a nation's tears, and amid a na- 
 tion's requiem of wailing, yet bearing with him to 
 tlic tomb more of the world's affections, more of its 
 sympathy, and more of its honors, too, than were 
 ever accorded to other man, or prince, or potentate 
 
258 THE BOYS IN WHITE. . 
 
 of earth, and whose highest eulogium is spoken in 
 the universal lamentation," 
 
 There was no time during the war that I experi- 
 enced more fatigue in my work than the last three 
 months. The reason, perhaps, was, that I had not 
 fully regained my strength after my sickness at City 
 Point. Then our hospitals were so scattered — several 
 of them being situated in the extreme limits of the 
 city — some of which were immensely large, contain- 
 ing from seventy to eighty wards. Besides these, 
 there were two extensive hospitals in Alexandria, 
 viz. : Sough and Sickles' barracks. All the hospi- 
 tals in that place were merged iu these two. Then 
 there was Fairfax Seminary, and a large hospital at 
 Camp Stoneman. 
 
 The field was large, but, with large supplies to 
 draw from, and a well-filled treasury, we were ena- 
 bled to accomplish a good work. About the middle 
 of April, our Association established a "Ilome" for 
 the benefit of Michigan soldiers. Here a large num- 
 ber were daily fed, and many of them supplied with 
 tobacco, stationery, etc. Our expenses were necessa- 
 rily increased, and I hope the additional good ac- 
 complished more than compensated for the extra ex- 
 pense ; but I have always felt that more good would 
 have been done had all our means gone to the di- 
 rect relief of the sick and wounded iu our hospitals 
 
THE BOYS IX WHITE. 259 
 
 and tlie surrounding camps. That good was accom- 
 plished by the establishment of the "Jlome," no one 
 can. deny; but that more would have been done 
 without it, I firmly believe. 
 
 Early in May, the Association purchased a horse 
 and buggy, which greatly facilitated my work, and 
 enabled me to accomplish much more, with less fa- 
 lifruc, than before. 
 
 Not long after this Mrs. Brainard returned from her 
 work at the front. Washington was assigned her, and 
 I was sent to Baltimore. I left my field of labor not 
 Avithout many regrets, for I had tried so hard to get 
 my work reduced to anything like system, that I was 
 loth to leave it ; besides, the army of the Potomac had 
 been recalled. Sherman's troops were arriving; our 
 hospitals were receiving every day new accessions to 
 our already large numbers, and it did seem to me that 
 Washington was the very place where the greatest 
 good could be done ; but it was thought best for me 
 to go, for a few days at least, and I did so. There 
 were only five hospitals there at that time — one having 
 been discontinued a few days before my arrival, and 
 two others soon after. I found about fifty Michigan 
 soldiers in these hospitals, all of whom, except four, 
 were convalescent. After supplying the wants of these, 
 I went to Annapolis, visited St, John's hospital — the 
 only one there at that time — where I found but two 
 
2t50 THE BOYS IN WHITE. 
 
 Michigan soldiers, wlio were considered to be in a dan- 
 gerous situation. One of these was sick with small- 
 pox, and the other badly wounded in both hi]).s. 
 There seemed to be a G:reat demand amono; the conva- 
 lescents and paroled prisoners for tobacco, which I 
 supplied them, also with stationery, and such articles 
 of clothing as each was needing; besides giving to 
 those without money a few shillings a piece. 
 
 I returned to Baltimore the aftcrno(^n of the same 
 day, without stopping at the camp of paroled prisoners 
 as I had designed, for the rain was falling almost in 
 torrents when the train passed through the camp; con- 
 sequently my contemplated visit to those poor paroled 
 prisoners was never made — something I shall ever 
 look back upon with regret At Baltimore, I made 
 another tour through the hospitals, distributing sundry 
 articles, which I promised at my former visit, and then 
 returned to Washington, where a certain number of 
 hospitals were assigned me as my special field of la- 
 bor; yet I did not confine myself entirely to these, 
 but made several visits to the surrounding camps with 
 supplies, not only for those sick in the regimental hos- 
 pitals, but also in their quarters. Soon the hospitals 
 in the city began to be broken up, and befoi-e tho 
 close of the month of June, several were entirely dis- 
 continued. I can never effiice from memory the feel- 
 ings of loneliness experienced in passing through those 
 
THE BOYS IN .WHITE. 201 
 
 empty liospitals. Eacli ward seemed like a haunted 
 house, where the spirits of the departed still lingered. 
 IIow sug-'J-estive even the number of these barracks or 
 tents, many of which would bring to mind vivid recol- 
 lections of painful scenes therein witnessed. In one, 
 even now, I see the wasting form of Cyriis Cobb: a 
 severe wound is sapping the very fountain of life ; all 
 his bright dreams of home, of that dear mother he so 
 loved, and of whom he daily spoke, of other kindred 
 anddoved ones, of fature plans and prospects, vanisli 
 at the approach of death ; but we trust he has entered 
 a better than any earthly home — even an heavenly. 
 Near his cot I see a lingering consumptive — a Mary- 
 land soldier — the unnatural brilliancy of whose eye 
 admonishes us all that the time of his departure is at 
 hand. 
 
 In another ward lies one, whose beaming coun- 
 tenance indicates peace with God. The amputating 
 knife has removed the shattered limb, but it avails 
 nothing. When asked concerning his future pros- 
 pects, " all bright," is his cheerful answer. Soon there 
 is another vacant bed, and the brother returns Mdth 
 the remains, sad and lonely, to his home in Pennsyl- 
 vania, while the departed one sweetly sleeps in Jesus. 
 Here too is another who has given his strong right 
 arm for his country ; he is convalescing, and is antici- 
 pating a speedy return home. But the fital fever 
 
262 THE Eors in white. 
 
 seizes liim, and, in a few days, William McCormick is 
 no more. Thus I might continue to enumerate such 
 instances for nearly every ward in our hospitals, but 
 the memory of them is too painful. It is like living 
 over again those days of sad experiences. 
 
 " Through all rebellion's horrora, 
 Bright shines our nation's fame ; 
 Our gallent soldiers, perishing, 
 Have left a deathless name." 
 
 The grand review of the army took place on the 
 23d and 24th of May. It was estimated that one hun- 
 dred and fifty thousand (150,000) troops passed in 
 review. It was a grand spectacle — a sight never 
 before and never again to be witnessed on this conti- 
 nent. 
 
 Those gallant officers in full military uniform, 
 mounted upon prancing steeds, galloping up the 
 broad avenue ; the admiring crowd showering both 
 horse and rider with beautiful wreaths and bouquets; 
 the graceful salute a la miliiaire ; the throwing up ol 
 hats, the waving of handkerchiefs and the loiid huzzas 
 tliat rent the air, made it an exciting scene. There 
 was General U. S. Grant, the calm, self-possessed, 
 heroic soldier, whose brow was crowned with the 
 wreath of victory bravely won on a hundred battle- 
 fields. There, too, was General Sherman, the invinci- 
 
<^ 
 
 THE BOYS IN WHITE. 265 
 
 ble, wlio lias yet to learn the meaning of tlie word 
 defeat, and whose great " Marcli to the Sea " has won 
 the applause of an admiring world. The brave and 
 gallant Meade, who so long and well commanded the 
 army of the Potomac, and who hastened the over- 
 throw of the rebellion by turning the tide of battle at 
 Gettysburg, was among the number. The hero of «aA''A' 
 Winchester — General Phil. Sheridan — too, was there ; ■^ |..^^^ 
 also that great cavalry rider, General Kilpatrick, ^- >*' 
 with a corps of subordinate officers — among them our 
 own Custer, of whom we have been so proud. There 
 was General Bumside, the noble, generous soldier, | 
 
 whose heroisms never shone on the victorious field 
 with a brighter lustre than after the defeat at Fred- \ 
 
 ericksburg; who, when efforts were being made to 
 exonerate him from all blame, manfully stepped forth, 
 and, with a moral heroism less human than divine, \ 
 
 confessed to the world that he alone was responsible '' 
 
 for that defeat, acknowledged his inability to com- 
 mand so large an army, and humbly asked to be I 
 relieved and assigned to a subordinate position. 
 Afterwards, the old Ninth Corps, under his victorious i 
 leadership, covered itself with glory and honor. But, J 
 "in that bright constellation of noble heroes," none ' 
 shone with a purer radiance — though perhaps with I 
 greater brilliancy — than that one-armed Christian j 
 soldier, Major-General 0. O. Howard. j 
 
L'G4 THE BOYS IN WHITE. 
 
 " O soldier ^Yitll the empty si eeve. 
 The nation gives you blessino^, 
 » And woman's hand shall keep for yon 
 
 Its tenderest caressing." 
 
 The navy was likewise largely represented by offi- 
 cers of different rank, foremost among whom was 
 Admiral Farragut — once "lashed to the mast." The 
 first day, the army of the Potomac — those heroes of 
 so many battles — passed in review ; the next, Sher- 
 man's grand columns. It would seem impossible for 
 one to look back upon those war-worn veterans, those 
 battle-scarred heroes, whose trusty swords, wielded by 
 strong arms, had gotten us the victory and saved the 
 life of the Republic, and hear their stately " tramp, 
 tramp, tramp," for six successive hours, causing the 
 earth to tremble beneath their firm tread, proudly 
 bearing aloft their tattered banners, under which 
 they had fought and their comrades fallen, without 
 his heart swelling with emotions of deep gratitude and 
 his eyes becoming dim with tears. Neither the ser- 
 vices nor the hardships of the soldiers can ever be fully 
 appreciated or estimated. Oh I those long fatiguing 
 marches — the lonely picket post — the cold, damp 
 bivouac — the scorching heat — the weary months speut 
 in hospital — the loathesome confinement in prison- 
 pens, those ante-chambers of hell, compared to which 
 the meanest jail or penitentiary or almshouse was a 
 
THE BOYS IN WHITE. 265 
 
 paradise, and the exchange would have been hailed 
 with far great joj than was the fairy isle of Oalipso by 
 the wrecked Tdlemaque, but the escape from which 
 was a thousandfold more difficult than his from this 
 enchanted isle 1 
 
 In retrospecting the past, I find conflicting emotions 
 alternately taking possession of my heart, emotions 
 l)oth of joy and sorrow. There are many pleasant 
 remembrances connected with my " army life ; " but, 
 all I there are also many sad reflections. My experi- 
 ence, though varied, sometimes joyous and again 
 heart-rending, I would not take a fortune for. Good 
 opportunities were afforded for the study of that great- 
 est of all studies, human nature. Every trait of the 
 human heart might be detected, not only the evil pas- 
 sions, but also the God-like virtues. There were 
 many pleasures experienced in working for the sol- 
 dier. It was pleasant to meet, not only old friends 
 and acquaintances, but to form new ones. It was 
 pleasant to see countenances light up as one entered 
 the wards where the sick and wounded were lying. 
 It was pleasant to know that your efforts, however 
 Immble, were gratefully appreciated — yea, an hun- 
 dredfold. And there was a melancholy pleasure ev^n 
 in administering to dying wants ; but the best of all 
 M^as the consciousness of doing good ; but the sad re- 
 fle3 ions far outweigh all the pleasant experiences. It 
 
266 THE BOYS IN WHITE. 
 
 is sad to think of the desolate homes, of the broken 
 family circles, of the lonely firesides, of the many sor- 
 rowing ones all over our land. It is sad to think of the 
 thousands of widowed wives and fatherless children, of 
 so many loving mothers who wait in vain for the return 
 of their darling boys, and of aged fathers who have 
 none upon whom to lean, the staff of their declining 
 years having been broken. It is sad to see so many 
 crippled youth, so many empty sleeves. 
 
 " Empty sleeves ! oh, sad reminders 
 
 Of that long and dreary night, 
 Mournful tokens of the battle, 
 
 Saddest traces of the fight ; 
 Telling iis how heroes suffered 
 
 For their country and the right. 
 
 " But those empty sleeves are hallowed 
 By the grave the battle leaves — 
 
 Mournful pride and saddest glory. 
 Noblest gift our land receives. 
 
 Honor to those gallant heroes ! 
 Honor to those empty sleeves ! " 
 
 When we think of the untold millions spent, and 
 the myriads of liv^es sacrificed in crushing out the re- 
 bellion — for " from Western plain to ocean-tide are 
 stretched the graves of those who died" — the piice 
 seems too costly. But how truthful the following : 
 
TUE BOYS IN WHITE. 267 
 
 " Some things are worthless, and others so good 
 That nations who buy them pay only in blood." 
 
 Aod only when we remember the grand result acliiev- 
 ed — " that the canker of death, dark slavery's stain," 
 is wiped out forever, and our glorious Union main- 
 tained — can we feel that the three hundred thousand 
 graves where sleep the " Boys in White " were not 
 made in vain. 
 
 •' Noble souls I oh, how heroic 
 
 Was the sacrifice they made, 
 When the awful tide of treason 
 
 By their own life-blood was stayed, 
 And their manhood's strength and glory 
 
 On their country's altar laid. 
 
 " They have bought their country's freedom, 
 
 Sealed with blood and bitter pain ; 
 They have fought, and they have suffered. 
 
 But their work was not in vain : 
 Over all our rescued country 
 
 Floats the starry flag again." 
 
 But, as the rainbow of peace now spans the politi- 
 cal horizon, may we not soon hope for the fulfilment 
 "of the prophetic words of the immortal Lincoln, in the 
 the closing paragraph of his first inaugural address ? 
 " The mystic chords of memory, stretching from every 
 battlefield and patriot grave to every living heart 
 
268 
 
 THE BOYS IN WHITE. 
 
 and liearth - stone all over our broad land, will jet 
 swell tlie chorus of tlie Union, when touclicd, as 
 they surely will be, b}" tlie better angels of our 
 nature." 
 
V 
 
 THE BOYS IN WHITE. 269 
 
 As a fitting and appropriate conclusion to this little 
 book, and in keeping with the thoughts and incidents 
 recorded in the last chapter, we insert the following 
 poem, composed, as we are informed by the author, 
 during the delivery of Mr. Bancroft's celebrated 
 eulogy, in the Hall of Representatives, on the first 
 anniversary of the death of Mr. Lincoln : 
 
 ABRAHAM LINCOLN— ANNIVERSARY POEM. 
 
 BY V. J. BAXTER. 
 
 [Written April 14, 1866.] 
 
 What troubled woe 
 Speaks to a nation of her glories slain ? 
 What sudden grief tells of our glories slain ? 
 
 Whose paricidal blow 
 Has struck her heart and filled her cup of pain? 
 
 Why sound the bells 
 So mournfully upon the air of night ? 
 Why volley forth the guns upon the night. 
 
 With sudden peal that tells 
 Of darkling horror and of dire affright ? 
 
 The mom shall ope 
 With a dread tale that tells of dark eclipse— 
 Of a dark deed that throws its black eclipse 
 
 On all a nation's hope, 
 And smites the joy that filled a nation's lips. 
 
270 THE BOYS IN WHITE. 
 
 The waning light 
 Goes out in many a home as sinks the day 
 Which lights a nation's life — the glorious day 
 
 Which made our joy so bright — 
 A risen sun — a lump of feeble clay ! 
 
 " Dust unto dust ! " 
 Death calls — earth fades — Heaven opens full in view , 
 A glorious Heaven meets his raptured view. 
 
 No gates shall bar the just — 
 His mighty soul in triumph enters through \ 
 
 Througli tears and gloom — 
 Through seas of blood — through stormy deeps of woe - 
 He brought our land safe through its bleeding woe ; 
 
 Yet on his honored tomb, 
 Emblems of peace, fair, fadeless lilies grow. 
 
 For if the sword 
 Owed to his hand its prestige and renown- 
 Smote all his foes and won his high renown- 
 
 His voice was but the word 
 Through which his people's voice and will were shown. 
 
 His country's cry 
 
 Was to him as the might}' voice of God ; 
 
 His people's voice was as the voice of God- 
 Till called of Him on high 
 
 To glory's courts, where angels never trod ; 
 
THE BOYS IN WHITE. 271 
 
 And now we weep — 
 Weep that a nation's sins have laid him low — 
 Weep that our proud crimes thus have brought him low — 
 
 Grieve o'er his peaceful sleep, 
 Wrought by the vile assassin's vengeful blow. 
 
 And well may tears, 
 The agony of blood, and ever-during shame — 
 Tears of remorse and never-ceasing shame, 
 
 Flow on through endless years. 
 And consecrate for aye his deathless name. 
 
 The kingliest name 
 That graced our living earth's historic page — 
 Gilding anew the old historic page 
 
 Of all her deeds of fame — 
 The crowning soul — the glory of our age. 
 
 Stricken and low ! 
 Aye, let us weep — weep for the guilt and crime— 
 The ingrate sense — the coward guilt and crime ! 
 
 Dissolve in tears and woe 
 The darkling horrors of this monstrous time 1 
 
 His name breathe not. 
 His thrice-accursed name, whose brutal hand— 
 Whose foul, polluted heart and brutal hand 
 
 A demon's purpose wrought, 
 And whelmed in grief our glad, rejoicing land. 
 
272 THE BOYS IN WHITE. 
 
 No fame be his ! 
 His crime too dark for name, too vile for ecorn- 
 A namelQSS deed of guilt, too vile for scorn — 
 
 Oblivion's dread abyss 
 Be his abode, through ages still unboru ! 
 
 To Thee, Great God ! 
 We bow our stricken hearts, and lift our cry — 
 Humble our prostrate souls and bring our cry ; 
 
 We feel Thy chastening rod — 
 Oh 1 grant Thy loving favor ere we die 1 
 
 We see Thy hand I 
 Through all these years Thy ruling hand was shown- 
 In war's dread fianie Thy mighty hand was shovva 1 
 
 Our torn and bleeding Land 
 Felt Tliy protecting arm around her thrown. 
 
 Yet our proud heart 
 Was still uplifted, full of vaunting boasts — 
 Claiming the victory with our selfish boasts. 
 
 Till vengeance' sudden dart 
 Struck down the mightiest from our chosen hosts. 
 
 And then we saw — 
 Saw through the tears and anguish of our pain — • 
 Our quickened flood of grief and blinding paiu — 
 
 The fiat of Thy law 
 The joy and clamor of our pride restrain 1 
 
THE BOYS IN WHITE. 273 
 
 Humbly we kneel ! 
 Oh ! guide us still, our Father, through the sea 1 
 Our way has led us through a great Red Sea 1 
 
 And we have felt the seal 
 Of blood's baptizing — pensioned thus of Thee I 
 
 Now through a year 
 Of unspent sorrow, still we gaze and weep ; 
 Still in our grief we backward gaze and weep — 
 
 Still tremble in our fear, 
 And shudder o'er fresh phantoms as we sleep. 
 
 And still we look 
 Forth to the future with a nameless dread — 
 Still the dark problem fills our path with dread ; 
 
 Time's yet unwritten book 
 Hangs ponderous and fearful o'er our head. 
 
 Our leader slain ; 
 Our greater Moses laid in smouldering dust, 
 A nation's heart bowed with him in the dust. 
 
 We turn our hope in vain 
 To seek a chieftain worthy of his trust. 
 
 No marvel here ! 
 Two kingliest come not haply bom and twinned — 
 Each age its one great soul, nor matched, nor twinned. 
 
 Owning no mortal peer — 
 Go is his £>'lory in our age unkinned. 
 
274 THE BOYS IN WHITE. 
 
 His mantle fell — 
 On whom is not yet shown — ^yet sure its folds 
 Are buried not — its rich and loving folds 
 
 Shall lay some blessed spell 
 On him who most his noble spirit holds. 
 
 Qfeat chieftain ! rest ! 
 Our hearts shall go as pilgrims to thy tomb ; 
 Our spirits mourn and bless thy martyr tomb ; 
 
 We deem thy lot is blest ; 
 Our love shall rob our sorrow of its gloom 
 
 All coming time 
 Shall ne'er despoil thy glory of its crown — 
 Each year shall set its jewels in thy crown — 
 
 Each day bell's passing chime 
 Shall add a tongue to speak thy just renown, 
 
 WAsniNeTON, D. C. 
 
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