\ "^^0* <.'< 
 
The Lady Nurse of Ward E 
 
AMANDA AKIN 
 
 (April, 1863) 
 
The Lady Nurse 
 of Ward E 
 
 BY 
 AMANDA AKIN STEARNS 
 
 p^jr 
 
 NEW YORK 
 
 THE BAKER & TAYLOR COMPANY 
 
 1909 
 
Copyright, 1909, by Amanda Akin Stearns 
 
 Published, September, 1909 
 
 248389 
 
 \Lc>- 
 
 THE TROW PRESS, NEW YORK 
 
THE VOLUNTEER NURSES 
 
 WHO GAVE THEIR SERVICES DURING 
 
 THE CIVIL WAR TO THE 
 
 ARMORY SQUARE HOSPITAL 
 
 AT WASHINGTON, D. C. 
 
PREFACE 
 
 Perhaps it is not known to many 
 that the Armory Square Hospital 
 was constructed through the desire 
 of President Lincoln to have one as 
 complete and comfortable as could 
 be devised, near the steamboat land- 
 ing. In 1862 he called D. Willard 
 Bliss, Surgeon, United States Volun- 
 teers, from a Michigan regiment, to 
 organize a system of general hos- 
 pitals in and about Washington. Qne 
 result of his coming was the speedy 
 erection of this one, on Govern- 
 ment land, about the Armory, oppo- 
 site the Smithsonian grounds. All 
 of Dr. Bliss's far-seeing suggestions 
 and ingenious, though simple, ar- 
 rangements to aid in caring for the 
 sick and wounded were discussed 
 weekly with the President. So later 
 the hospital came to be considered 
 [7] 
 
Preface 
 
 the most complete and best conducted 
 institution of its kind during the Civil 
 War. By the spring of 1863 Dr, Bliss 
 had gladly accepted the offered ser- 
 vices of a sufficient number of ladies 
 to serve as nurses, one for each of the 
 ten wards, when gradually the profes- 
 sional or paid ones had left. A special 
 diet kitchen was built with funds con- 
 tributed by their Boston friends, and 
 early in 1864, at President Lincoln's 
 suggestion and with his practical as- 
 sistance, flower beds were arranged 
 between each of the long barracks, 
 which proved indeed grateful to tired 
 eyes and weary hearts. He came 
 often to visit the hospital and shake 
 hands with the soldiers, always with 
 a kind word, when his eyes had a sad, 
 far-away look, and he often paused 
 before those suffering most intensely 
 to utter a warm " God bless you." 
 
 A. A. S. 
 
 Akinside, Quaker Hill, N. Y 
 September, 1909. 
 
 [8] 
 
The Lady Nurse of Ward E 
 
The Lady Nurse of Ward E 
 
 Armory Square Hospital, 
 
 Washington, D. C, 
 
 April 28, 1863. 
 
 My Dear Sisters : You are no doubt 
 anxiously looking for a " sign of life '^ 
 from me, but I can tell you initiation 
 into hospital life of such a novice is 
 not ligbtly to be spoken of, and until 
 my ideas ceased floundering and I 
 could recognize my old self again, I 
 could not trust myself with a pen. 
 The feeling of a " cat in a strange gar- 
 ret " has now quite left me. With the 
 first effort the work took hold of me 
 so firmly that my own identity seemed 
 for a time lost. It is inexplicable why 
 I should have come here, and how eas- 
 ily I have fitted in the place. 
 
 Arriving at Washington 6 p.m. with 
 my uncle, who could not persuade me 
 to wait until morning, we entered the 
 hospital at the general oflfice (the only 
 opening from the street). I boldly 
 
 [11] 
 
The Lady, Nurse of Ward E 
 
 asked the surgeon in charge at the 
 desk for Dr. Bliss. " He has gone 
 home," was the curt reply. After tell- 
 ing him who I was, as if some one 
 ought to be expecting me, I asked for 
 Miss Piatt, the only one I knew. He 
 gave me a quizzical look through his 
 spectacles, and for reply said to an or- 
 derly nodding in a corner, " go and find 
 Miss Piatt." Saying to my disgusted 
 relative, " It is all right ; I understand. 
 Good night," I followed my guide, with 
 a courage bom of necessity, through 
 loosely boarded passageways, coming 
 out at the back of the long white- 
 washed wards, where the convales- 
 cents were sitting outside (to me then 
 a grim-looking lot), until we came to 
 Ward C, at the entrance of which we 
 
 met Miss P , with hands full of 
 
 some patient's supper, which on see- 
 ing me she gracefully handed to an 
 attendant, and welcomed me to her 
 room, an enclosure boarded off from 
 the convalescents' " grub " room, 
 when I was thankful to feel that I 
 had arrived. 
 
 [12] 
 
The Lady Nurse of Ward E 
 
 As the supper hour had passed I 
 seemed to be an " elephant " on every- 
 one's hands, until a young woman 
 nurse, who shared the room — Miss 
 Hill, of Belmont, Mass. — came in, and 
 taking in the situation began "moth- 
 ering " me, and never ceased until, in 
 spite of "red-tape" regulations, she 
 brought me some supper, and had 
 another iron bedstead, etc., put in that 
 room. I shall never cease to call her 
 "Mother" Hill. Being slightly re- 
 freshed I assented to Miss P 's in- 
 vitation to go in her ward, when she 
 went to make her last rounds and give 
 out the night medicines. I meekly 
 followed through the long ward, un- 
 able to return the gaze of the occu- 
 pants of twenty-six beds, to the table 
 in the center, and with a sinking heart 
 watched her raise the head of a poor 
 fellow in the last stages of typhoid, 
 to give him a soothing draught. 
 Could I ever do that! For once my 
 courage failed. On returning, my 
 friend informed me the man could live 
 only a few hours, and as they were 
 [13] 
 
The Lady Nurse of Ward E 
 
 carried out soon after death I must 
 not be disturbed if I heard them, and 
 saw the lights th-e other side of our 
 partition. That was sufficient to 
 keep my already overstrained nerves 
 tense until they passed, and I saw 
 the lights winding to the House of 
 Death. After that, exhausted, I slept 
 through my first night in a hos- 
 pital. 
 
 With the morning came new life. 
 Surgeon-General Bliss was early in 
 his office. I reported to him, and was 
 soon installed as nurse in Ward E. 
 Our ward master, " Jobes,'' a Penn- 
 sylvania boatman, with wife and chil- 
 dren at home, beamed a welcome at 
 me on every occasion, and when the 
 surgeon in charge of the ward (my 
 quizzical friend of the evening previ- 
 ous) came to visit his patients and did 
 not notice the newcomer, Jobes took 
 the first opportunity to say, " This is 
 the lady who is to have charge of the 
 ward," the only reply we received, ac- 
 companied with a little nod, was 
 " Humph ! " evidently not approving 
 
D. W. BLISS 
 
 Surgeon U. S. Volunteers 
 
The Lady Nurse of Ward E 
 
 of a lady's presence in a hospital. As 
 you can imagine, that touched my met- 
 tle, and was a good tonic, so I went to 
 work. Having ascertained that he 
 was from " way-off '' Erie, Pa., I said 
 to myself, " He will find out what a de- 
 termined young woman from New 
 York can do." As there had been no 
 woman in the ward for a week the 
 big-hearted " Jobes's '' unsystematic 
 ways were evident on all sides. For 
 the first two days it rained incessant- 
 ly, and I looked at Miss Piatt passing 
 to and fro from Ward C with a smil- 
 ing face, humming to herself, in as- 
 tonishment unable to see aught but 
 satisfaction in trying to relieve the 
 suffering and discharge my duties 
 properly; but since I have become 
 a part of the system, it is another 
 thing. 
 
 It is like the solar system: every 
 ward revolves on its own axis, with 
 its own surgeon, nurse (feminine), 
 No. 6, or orderly for both, ward mas- 
 ter, cadet surgeon to dress wounds, 
 three attendants and two night watch- 
 [15] 
 
The Lady, Nurse of Ward E 
 
 ers — all together revolving around 
 Dr. Bliss, the surgeon in charge. The 
 " reveille " sounds at 6 a.m., and we 
 have just time to dress and arrange 
 our rooms before we go to our wards 
 to dispense the medicines, which is a 
 responsible part of our duties. Then 
 come the breakfast for the men, to 
 the dining room attached to each 
 ward, and the special diet for those 
 who cannot leave their beds, which the 
 nurse, with the assistance of her or- 
 derly, gives out according to the 
 doctor's prescription. Every bed is 
 numbered, and the men are so desig- 
 nated. After our own breakfast, we 
 meet the surgeon in our ward, who 
 makes his prescription on a card 
 hanging by each man's bed. His or- 
 derly brings the cards to our table for 
 us to make the orders for medicine 
 and send to the dispensary, or if for 
 special diet to send them to that kitch- 
 en. The medicine chest is placed 
 upon a table in the center of the ward, 
 which also contains the stimulants, 
 our especial charge, of which we keep 
 [16] 
 
The Lady Nurse of Ward E 
 
 the key ; alongside it are our own table 
 and chair, that being our special post. 
 
 Besides our regular morning duties 
 there is the constant supervision and 
 care of so many worn and suffering, 
 and yet so grateful patients; letters 
 to be written, etc. One poor boy in 
 our ward, without a relative in the 
 world, has made many friends here. 
 He has daily visitors and presents 
 from outside, and no one thinks he 
 has too much. He has been confined 
 to his bed for eight months with a 
 wound from which at times he suf- 
 fers intensely, with very little hope of 
 any improvement. He never com- 
 plains, but is ready with a merry 
 laugh at the doctor's jokes. 
 
 We again dispense the medicines, 
 etc., before 12 m., the hour for the 
 men's dinner. As the hospital now 
 is not crowded, the engagements of 
 late having been in the South, we 
 get a few hours for rest or a 
 walk before 5 p.m., when we resume 
 our duties at the medicine chest, etc. 
 We spend the evenings trying to en- 
 [17] 
 
The Lady *Nurse of Ward E 
 
 tertain our men (Mother Hill calls 
 them boys). 
 
 At a quarter to nine, when the night 
 watchers come, we give our last direc- 
 tions and retire. " Jobes " says, 
 " The men have got quite a liking 
 for me already," which may sound 
 strange to you, and would be better 
 understood if you saw the respect so 
 universally paid to us. We pass up 
 and down among these rough men 
 without fear of the slightest word of 
 disrespect. They feel their depend- 
 ence upon us for comfort and enter- 
 tainment, and the difference in the 
 wards where there is no "lady" 
 shows how much can be done for them. 
 In one ward (C) there is a melodeon 
 a kind friend sent to Miss Piatt, and 
 the convalescents are very happy to 
 have the ladies come and sing with 
 them. 
 
 Our cadet surgeon told me to-day 
 that he was musical and could play on 
 three instruments by ear, and we have 
 one " stuttering " man who, sitting up 
 in bed, his wounded limb having kept 
 [18] 
 
The Lady Nurse of Ward E 
 
 him there two months, sings by the 
 hour and makes jokes for all about 
 him. I do not write of the sad 
 things which occur daily and hourly 
 before me, and to which it seemed at 
 first I should never get professionally 
 accustomed. Although there are so 
 few in the hospital, there are deaths 
 every day. A strong, able-bodied 
 man who accidentally shot himself is 
 in our ward, life and death struggling 
 with him for the mastery. He is a 
 German, and as he is a stranger to 
 all, he scarcely speaks. I wrote a let- 
 ter for him to his wife, for which he 
 was very grateful. 
 
 The hospital is pleasantly located 
 opposite the Smithsonian Institution 
 grounds, now beautifully green ; with 
 the Capitol on the other side, though 
 at a little distance, its elevation 
 brings the fine building in full view. 
 You will understand we are in bar- 
 racks, the walls of rough boards, pa- 
 pered inside, but still comfortable. 
 There are men to sweep, to attend to 
 the fires, etc. We have other volun- 
 [19] 
 
The Lady Nurse of Ward E 
 
 teer nurses, among them may be men- 
 tioned Miss Lowell, of Boston; Miss 
 Low, niece of Senator Hale, of 
 New Hampshire; Professor Felton's 
 daughter, of Cambridge, and Miss 
 Griggs and Miss Marsh from Massa- 
 chusetts. We meet at table in the 
 rough room Dr. Bliss has had ar- 
 ranged so that we could be apart from 
 the general dining room ; but we have 
 not the leisure to be very sociable. 
 There has been a little " earthquake " 
 here since my arrival, which revealed 
 to the volunteer nurses that we were 
 under army regulations. Dr. Bliss 
 was suddenly arrested and taken to 
 the Capitol jail, and an army surgeon 
 put in charge of the hospital pro 
 temps. It so happened that the next 
 day was pay day for all the soldiers 
 and employees of the hospital. Imag- 
 ine our virtuous disgust and indigna- 
 tion on being called to the general 
 office to receive a month's pay for our 
 service! We had to take it, being a 
 small elephant on the officer's hands, 
 to which later we became for the day 
 [20] 
 
The Lady Nurse of Ward E 
 
 reconciled, and went to market to se- 
 lect some treat for our boys. The 
 upheaval was brought about by a 
 dishonest steward, who had been dis- 
 charged by Dr. Bliss, and who report- 
 ed some pecuniary embarrassments 
 of which he had knowledge, etc., to 
 Secretary Stanton, and got an order 
 for Dr. Bliss's arrest. You may imag- 
 ine the consternation, a silent uproar, 
 though outwardly all was calm. Sen- 
 ators Hale and Chandler were tele- 
 graphed for. Miss Piatt and Mrs. In- 
 gersoll (widow of the Attorney Gen- 
 eral of Maine) went to Surgeon Gen- 
 eral Hammond, to the provost mar- 
 shal, and lastly to Charles Sumner, 
 and to Secretary Stanton himself. So 
 Dr. Bliss is liberated on parole, and 
 demands an investigation. Of course, 
 there was great rejoicing when he re- 
 turned to the hospital, and probably 
 there will never be a time to call it up 
 again. 
 
 Though writing hurriedly, I hope I 
 have given you a clear impression of 
 the life to which I have devoted my- 
 [21] 
 
The Lady Nurse of Ward E 
 
 self for the present, as I could not re- 
 main at home inactive when there was 
 so mnch need of service. 
 
 Always assured of your affection- 
 ate interest and sympathy, I am, 
 Lovingly, 
 
 Your Sisteb. 
 
 Armory Square Hospital, 
 
 Washington, D. C, 
 
 May 14, 1863. 
 My Dear Sister Gulie : I must first 
 tell you that my trunk arrived safely 
 yesterday, and you may believe the 
 pleasure it gave me was not alone 
 from its contents, but the sisterly in- 
 terest and care shown in everything. 
 Tell Annie the hat is a beauty, but a 
 little too fine to go through the gen- 
 eral office. However, it is needed for 
 church, and other times, and the old 
 one will serve when we go out in haste 
 after supper for a little walk. We 
 can go to church only on Sunday even- 
 ings as the mornings are occupied by 
 the weekly tour of " inspection," when 
 Dr. Bliss with his staff of ward sur- 
 [22] 
 
The Lady Nurse of Ward E 
 
 geons, head clerks, etc., pass in pro- 
 cession through the wards, every man 
 by his bed, and we at our posts. You 
 will find this letter to be a hurried and 
 disconnected one. 
 
 Since the wounded from the battle 
 of Chancellorsville have arrived, our 
 life has become very exciting and ab- 
 sorbing. I write anywheres, in ward 
 or room, for the moment, with mind 
 on many other things. If I had writ- 
 ten last Saturday or Sunday I would 
 scarcely have been able to speak of 
 anything but our poor wounded sol- 
 diers. We looked for them the first of 
 the week, and when the heavy ambu- 
 lances went past in procession, taking 
 those least wounded to more remote 
 hospitals, I, at least, became pos- 
 sessed of an undefined dread. On 
 Thursday morning at daybreak they 
 arrived, about one hundred and fifty, 
 and on Friday one hundred more. 
 The sound of the general ward mas- 
 ter's bugle took us out of our beds. I 
 shall never forget the scene as we 
 looked from the window into the dark- 
 [23] 
 
The Lady Nurse of Ward E 
 
 ness, only relieved by the lanterns in 
 the hands of those waiting to receive 
 them, as the ambulances were driven 
 slowly up one by one, and their bur- 
 den carried in either on a stretcher 
 or between two men, if only the lower 
 limbs were injured. My friend had 
 already " wrestled " herself into her 
 clothes, and I did not tarry. The 
 wounded had been put in haste on the 
 floor, on chairs, anywhere, but all ner- 
 vousness was gone when I saw their 
 brave hearts reflected in the faces of 
 those able to sit up. One man at once 
 arrested my attention ; he was sitting 
 by the stove, with one foot covered 
 with bloody cloths, drawn over his 
 knee, his clothes torn and soiled, tell- 
 ing some listeners about the battle in 
 exciting terms, with his bright black 
 eyes glistening, and forgetting the 
 loss of two or three toes! Even the 
 severely wounded men who could 
 speak were cheerfully waiting their 
 turn to be bathed and put in bed, 
 thankful to get to such a comfortable 
 place. Poor fellows! many of them 
 [24] 
 
The Lady Nurse of Ward E 
 
 had been shelled out of three hospitals 
 after they were wounded, and as one 
 said to me, " were obliged to ' ske- 
 daddle,' even if they had but one leg." 
 One poor fellow brought in our ward 
 was so blackened and burned by a 
 powder explosion that some one re- 
 marked, ^' There is not much use 
 bringing him in," but on dressing his 
 burned face we found his eyes had 
 been protected (probably by his 
 hands, which were fearfully burned), 
 and that he was determined to live. 
 When we consulted as to whether he 
 could take food, he very quickly an- 
 swered beneath the plasters which 
 covered his face, " that he could eat 
 if we would put something in his 
 mouth ; his jaws were stiff because he 
 had had nothing to use them on, since 
 he was wounded on Sunday." You 
 may believe not many minutes passed 
 before I had a cup of hot coffee and 
 toast, pushing it into his mouth in the 
 best way possible. His feeding was 
 my special care for some days ; he al- 
 ways knew my voice, and when I did 
 [25] 
 
The Lady Nurse of Ward E 
 
 not come lie would tell the attendant 
 " he wanted his mother to feed him." 
 Since the bandage has been occasion- 
 ally lifted from his eyes, I think he 
 feels disappointed in not finding me 
 as motherly looking as he expected. 
 
 Time will not permit to tell you 
 more. Suffice it to say, they are a 
 brave, noble set of fellows, and with 
 scarcely an exception bear their great 
 sufferings without a murmur. There 
 has been but one death in our ward; 
 there was no hope for him when he 
 came. The ball had passed through 
 the spine and paralyzed his lower 
 limbs, so we could not regret when he 
 was relieved from suffering. 
 
 Perhaps I ought not to write you 
 these sad details, but they have ab- 
 sorbed my mind completely, and I 
 know your thoughts and hearts are 
 equally and deeply interested in this 
 fearful war. It is most interesting 
 to hear the men conversing and com- 
 paring notes about the battle. One 
 Zouave boy, about eighteen, says to a 
 friend, who had hobbled in from an- 
 [26] 
 
The Lady Nurse of Ward E 
 
 other ward, "Why, I thought you 
 were dead. They said your head was 
 blown off," and then both fell to talk- 
 ing about it in an amazing manner. 
 Their wounds had been dressed as 
 well as could be expected, hurriedly 
 in a field hospital, not neglected as the 
 New York Herald reports. They say 
 "Joe," as they call General Hooker, 
 "is the man, and that he is a brave 
 and good general." You probably re- 
 ceive the war news nearly as soon as 
 we do, and probably with more de- 
 tails. " Stonewall " Jackson is dead. 
 Hooker has been reinforced, and has 
 recrossed the river. Our hospital is 
 thronged with visitors after 1 p.m. 
 Secretaries of relief societies are look- 
 ing up the men belonging to their 
 States. Mothers are looking for their 
 sons; sisters for their brothers, etc., 
 etc. It is a little world by itself, but 
 the same God rules over all, and we 
 are thankful. A gallant old gentle- 
 man in Congress (brother of Owen 
 Love joy, the noted Abolitionist) was 
 introduced to us by Mrs. IngersoU. 
 [27] 
 
The Lady Nurse of Ward E 
 
 He says, "We can take care of the 
 soldiers, and he will take care of ns," 
 so he comes quite often to accompany 
 us in a walk after supper through the 
 Capitol grounds. He writes verses, 
 and is a friend of Mrs. Sen. Lane. To- 
 morrow evening, for diversion, he is 
 to take a party of us to another hos- 
 pital, where they have theatrical en- 
 tertainments. Miss Piatt's married 
 sister is in town and will go with us. 
 Dr. Jenkins, of Yonkers, came in to 
 see me before leaving. You know he 
 has been actively connected with the 
 Sanitary Commission, and his wife 
 was with you in those successful 
 charades Mrs. Livermore arranged 
 for the benefit of the soldiers. One 
 day I was glad to meet the Eev. F. W. 
 Ware, of Boston, whom I failed to see 
 when I was invited to his house near 
 the city by his wife's sister. Miss Rice. 
 I like Miss Felton very much. She 
 sent to my ward yesterday a half 
 dozen games and puzzles for my men. 
 Mr. John Ware had sent her a quan- 
 tity, and she was glad to share them. 
 [28] 
 
The Lady Nurse of Ward E 
 
 The New England ladies here are con- 
 stantly receiving valuable boxes of 
 good and useful things, which are dis- 
 pensed liberally. Miss Hill has fur- 
 nished Miss P and me with all the 
 
 condensed milk, wine, etc., we need at 
 present. Please tell Annie to send 
 half worn shirts, neckties, etc., to put 
 in my box. Our attendants think it 
 a great thing to get a white shirt for 
 Sunday, and you know, poor fellows, 
 they soon leave them behind when 
 transferred. Through Jobes, I re- 
 ceived a compliment from our old sur- 
 geon this morning. " He was glad 
 they had changed matrons. I was 
 worth a dozen of the one who pre- 
 ceded me." It has made me feel quite 
 proud as you may remember he re- 
 ceived me with a nod and a " Humph." 
 Please tell Mrs. Hamilton that the 
 men in my ward favorably received 
 me because I was thought to be a Mc- 
 Clellan woman, and yesterday I was 
 called to the ward master's room and 
 presented with a plaster figure of the 
 general, which I have had placed on a 
 [29] 
 
The Lady Nurse of Ward E 
 
 bracket (made by one of the men), 
 over the door, which called forth an 
 expression of disapproval from my 
 radical Boston friend. Sister Griggs, 
 who said " McClellan is doing noth- 
 ing but organizing an army." Pre- 
 cious little I know what he is doing, 
 but I told her if my sick or maimed 
 soldier boys had been under his 
 command, and wanted it there, it 
 would remain. No politics in the 
 army ! 
 
 Many kind letters come for me 
 often, which are very comforting. 
 Mrs. Secretary Wells and a friend 
 come often to our ward, and assist me 
 in writing letters for the men; there 
 is so much to be done after a battle. 
 Many come offering to assist, but 
 their lack of sense or offieiousness, 
 and sometimes their mischief -making, 
 oblige us to be very circumspect. 
 
 The Smithsonian grounds opposite 
 are such a treat to us. We can run 
 there for a few moments, and the com- 
 plete change renovates mind and body. 
 
 The weather now is fine ; a few days 
 [30] 
 
The Lady Nurse of Ward E 
 
 are very warm, so that the men lying 
 in bed suffer much. 
 With much love to all, 
 
 Affectionately, 
 
 Your Sister. 
 
 Armory Square Hosiptal, 
 Washington, D. C, 
 
 June 13, 1863. 
 My Dear Sister : It seems to me, as 
 day after day passes with its unceas- 
 ing round of duties, that the time for 
 writing home will never come. If the 
 hour or so of leisure on which we 
 count in the afternoon is taken up by 
 something unexpected, either of pleas- 
 ure or care, whatever we have ap- 
 pointed for it must be deferred. When 
 we come to our rooms unusually 
 weary. Sister Hill or I make a cup of 
 tea (Sister Piatt makes the coffee), 
 and we discuss hospital affairs over 
 it, which for the last fortnight have 
 been exceedingly interesting since our 
 Dr. Bliss has been reinstated. This 
 life is one of constant interest and ex- 
 citement, like a journey through for- 
 [31] 
 
The Lady. Nurse of Ward E 
 
 eign lands. The scene constantly 
 changes, the principal actors and con- 
 veyance alone remaining the same, 
 and the important feature of one day 
 is obliterated by the one equally so 
 of the next. I should regret very 
 much that I was not keeping a journal 
 if I did not know it would rob me of 
 necessary rest. It is late now; there 
 goes the " night watch," and officer of 
 the day making their rounds, and old 
 Mason says, " There's a light in 
 there," but it is my surgeon. Dr. 
 Stuart ; so there is no danger of my 
 being reported. I was determined to 
 make a commencement to-night on this 
 sheet, which has been waiting for me 
 a fortnight. I feel the want of time 
 for letter writing or scribbling in my 
 journal as much as any sacrifice I am 
 making, and should dearly love to 
 write hospital sketches. To-day be- 
 ing Saturday, I had my medicine chest 
 to arrange for Sunday's inspection, 
 which detained me in my ward after 
 dinner; then a letter to write for a 
 poor wounded soldier (who will prob- 
 [32] 
 
The Lady Nurse of Ward E 
 
 ably not live) to his mother. He was 
 wounded in a cavalry skirmish and 
 brought here from Culpepper night 
 before last. Then followed a short but 
 interesting conversation with him 
 about his past and rather reckless life, 
 and his hope for the next ; then a cool- 
 ing drink for Jobes and some of the 
 attendants, who had been scrubbing 
 and scouring for Sunday ; a little con- 
 versation with stuttering " Joe," who 
 has been suffering from a swollen 
 throat, having taken cold since he has 
 laid away his crutches and gone out on 
 a pass ; then a slight rebuke to Tommy, 
 an old man attendant, who is a capital 
 nurse, only he insists, occasionally, on 
 giving medicines which the doctor has 
 not prescribed. Now and then strays 
 in " Scott," the former bugler, now 
 in the dispensary, a right pleasant fel- 
 low, who wishes to borrow a piece of 
 music to practice on the bugle, and I 
 must needs go and try it on the piano, 
 which now occupies a conspicuous 
 place in the center of our ward, the 
 only one in the hospital. Scott is very 
 [33] 
 
The Lady Nurse of Ward E 
 
 fond of music, so I have made his 
 acquaintance since the piano came. 
 Then the time arrived to give out 
 medicine, and the afternoon was spent, 
 leaving me only a few moments to 
 change my dress for supper. On leav- 
 ing my room the general ward 
 master's call sounded, which an- 
 nounced that more wounded had ar- 
 rived, and everyone was on the alert 
 in a moment. One hundred wounded 
 came; they were the most severely 
 wounded from the battle of Chancel- 
 lorsville, and they have been lying six 
 weeks at Potomac Creek and have now 
 been sent here through fear of the 
 rebels reaching there. 
 
 The same routine must be followed 
 before the poor man is put to bed : his 
 card made out and hung at the head of 
 his bed; his clothes, which are taken 
 off, made into a parcel, labeled for the 
 knapsack room; and an account en- 
 tered in the ward master's book, which 
 in Ward E is kept by the "lady 
 nurse " — an agreement between Jobes 
 and myself, he being not much of a 
 [34] 
 
The Lady Nurse of Ward E 
 
 bookkeeper ; as he has always insisted 
 upon taking charge of the night med- 
 icines (mostly pills and castor oil), 
 I readily assented to have him con- 
 tinue in charge. It is not every nurse 
 here that has a Jobes, who when 
 Father Wilson at the cookhouse pro- 
 tests that " there are too many special 
 diets on Ward E's list, and he will 
 have to report the nurse there," tells 
 him " to go to the d — 1," and makes 
 out the diet list himself, and " he can 
 report him " ; Jobes must swear a lit- 
 tle, though he has the kindest heart 
 imaginable. 
 
 Good night, I must go to rest. 
 
 Sunday, June 14th, 2 p.m. — Hooker 
 and his army are " skedaddling " as 
 fast as possible — at least the sick and 
 wounded are. One hundred more 
 wounded arrived here this morning, 
 about 4 A.M. Everyone had to fly, sur- 
 geons and all. For a time all was con- 
 fusion — reports, with the new ones in- 
 cluded, to be made out. Everything 
 paused with surprise until finally one 
 [35] 
 
The Lady Nurse of Ward E 
 
 wheel set the rest in motion. As there 
 was no diet requisition made out for 
 the new arrivals, there was a " skir- 
 mish " in getting something for them 
 to eat. My head is filled with prescrip- 
 tions and diet lists. These last ar- 
 rivals were mostly from Aquia Creek, 
 which has been deserted. It is sad in- 
 deed to see so much suffering and sac- 
 rifice of all that makes life dear, and 
 nothing accomplished toward putting 
 an end to the rebellion. 
 
 It is a great advantage to have a 
 room at the end of one's ward, and 
 when Dr. Bliss returned I applied for 
 it, as we were still three in one room. 
 He consented, but a girl from the linen 
 room had taken possession of it, and 
 it required an order from Dr. Bliss, 
 through the general ward master, to 
 get her out again. Fearing I would 
 get the " blues " from the lead-colored 
 army blankets tacked on the floor, I 
 walked out and bought some matting. 
 Jobes assisted me in getting some fur- 
 niture here and there from the Quar- 
 termaster's stores, etc. (I have been 
 [36] 
 
The Lady Nurse of Ward E 
 
 in the army long enough not to ques- 
 tion), and now feel that I have a liome 
 here. As every door must be opened 
 Sunday morning for inspection, my 
 self-respect rose, when Dr. Bliss, at 
 the head of his train, paused a mo- 
 ment at my table, on his return 
 through our ward, to say approvingly, 
 " You have made a great improvement 
 there." 
 
 Some friends of Miss Lowell in Bos- 
 ton have given three hundred dollars 
 toward building a separate house on 
 the grounds for the "lady nurses" 
 (as we are called), and Dr. Bliss saj^s 
 it shall be done at once, trusting for 
 more donations if necessary. 
 
 Some friends came in, one evening, 
 accompanied by a man with a fine 
 tenor voice, to sing for us. I wish 
 you could have seen how the soldiers 
 enjoyed his medley songs. 
 
 Sunday, 4 p.m. — I cannot write long 
 without interruptions. We have short 
 religious services in the wards on Sun- 
 day afternoons. The chaplain, with 
 [37] 
 
The Lady ISFurse of Ward E 
 
 others from outside who wish to speak 
 to the soldiers, pass from ward to 
 ward; the melodeon goes with them, 
 and Sister Piatt plays the hymns 
 when there is no one to relieve her. 
 I always expect to be in Ward E when 
 they come, both for my own comfort 
 and the example to others. The sol- 
 diers join in the singing, and the most 
 careless are glad to hear a prayer for 
 their wives and children. I have been 
 to church only twice, but comfort my- 
 self in thinking if I do not hear much 
 preaching, I am trying to practice 
 what they preach. 
 
 Sunday, 9 p.m. — Oh dear me, the cry 
 is " Still they come ! " and we are 
 overflowing; they come now without 
 order, and are received with but little 
 ceremony. Our forces are obliged to 
 retreat and have already made bon- 
 fires at Falmouth, and as soon as all 
 the wounded can be removed will 
 probably do the same at Aquia Creek. 
 Those who have arrived say it was 
 distressing to see the confusion and 
 [38] 
 
The Lady Nurse of Ward E 
 
 the efforts of the wounded, to get to 
 some means of transportation. It 
 seemed to me this evening, as I sat at 
 my table adding to the list of med- 
 icines — writing down, name, regi- 
 ment, list of clothing, etc., of the new 
 arrivals, calmly looking at the poor 
 maimed sufferers carried by, some 
 without limbs, on a " stretcher " — 
 that I had forgotten how to feel, and 
 when I went to the open door and 
 glanced upward to Night's glittering 
 mantle, it seemed as if I were entirely 
 separated from the world I had left 
 behind. Certainly, " I am not myself 
 at all." 
 
 While I write, and it is very late, 
 there is a constant rumbling of am- 
 bulances, or loaded wagons passing, 
 cars are whistling, bells ringing, 
 trains coming and going. I suppose 
 you will hear about the possibility of 
 the rebels reaching Washington ; they 
 were fearful of a raid at Alexandria 
 last week, only six miles below us, and 
 set up defenses. But I must not write 
 longer. Good night. 
 [39] 
 
The Lady^Nurse of Ward E 
 
 Monday Evening. — It is surprising 
 how soon the new arrivals become ac- 
 customed to our order of things, and 
 soldierlike, while suffering, are on the 
 lookout for something to " drive dull 
 care " and sharp pain away. Since I 
 have rented a piano which stands in 
 the center of the ward, you would be 
 amused to see your sister at the piano, 
 and our Dr. Stuart with his violin 
 (we are now on the best of terms), a 
 respectable crowd of soldier boys be- 
 hind us, playing all kinds of jolly mel- 
 odies, and later the plaintive ones, 
 which we tell our wondering neigh- 
 bors, prepares our patients for sleep 
 better than their soothing medicines. 
 Of course, when receiving newly 
 wounded, or the suffering is too acute, 
 and all are too occupied and weary, or 
 a soul is trembling on the verge of 
 eternity, it is forgotten and out of 
 place. 
 
 But I must go to rest; with one lov- 
 ing thought of home which embraces 
 you all. 
 
 Affectionately, Your Sister. 
 [40] 
 
The Lady Nurse of Ward E 
 
 Armory Square Hospital, 
 Washington, D. C, 
 
 June 28, 1863. 
 Dear Sister: Fearing you may get 
 anxious when you read to-morrow^s 
 papers I write a few words this morn- 
 ing. We have been much amused with 
 some of the headlines of the New York 
 papers, but for the last few days it 
 has looked gloomy here, and to-night 
 we have some palpable proofs that the 
 rebel heads are turning this way. Two 
 men were brought into Ward E this 
 afternoon, wounded this morning in 
 a cavalry skirmish only six miles from 
 " Chain Bridge." They say the 
 " Rebs " shouted '' they intended to 
 take breakfast in Washington to-mor- 
 row." The soldiers say " they wish 
 the Rebs ivould throw some shells 
 into Washington to wake up the Cabi- 
 net, and make them show more activ- 
 ity and earnestness, or give it up en- 
 tirely." It seems to me either Jeff 
 Davis himself or the other " ould 
 boy" has taken the reins of govern- 
 ment in his hands. 
 [41] 
 
The Lady Nurse of Ward E 
 
 As you can imagine there is much 
 excitement here, not that they expect 
 Washington to be taken, but the neces- 
 sity of doing something. There is 
 constant signaling from the Capitol, 
 and we hear bugle calls and wagons 
 leaving town, but this is only what is 
 expected when our troops are moving. 
 Our little hospital world goes on as 
 usual. I have not yet told you of 
 President Lincoln's visit to our ward 
 a fortnight or more since. It was 
 pathetic to see him pass from bed to 
 bed and give each occupant the warm, 
 honest grasp for which he is noted. I 
 hear that he is especially interested 
 in this hospital, and has suggested 
 having flower beds made between the 
 wards with plants from the Govern- 
 ment gardens, which Dr. Bliss is hav- 
 ing done. His homely face with such 
 sad eyes and ungainly figure did not 
 fill my youthful idea of a " President 
 of the United States " ; but it was a 
 grand thing for him to come and cheer 
 our soldier boys with his presence. 
 No doubt the fearful responsibility 
 [42] 
 
The Lady Nurse of Ward E 
 
 of his office weighs heavily upon 
 him. 
 
 Two more volmiteer nurses have 
 arrived, so the last paid ones will be 
 relieved to-morrow. One is to be 
 my roommate, Miss Southwick from 
 Boston, daughter of P. E. South- 
 wick, a leather merchant. She has 
 been in a hospital at Alexandria for 
 a year, so is quite an old soldier in the 
 service. She has added a small cheap 
 bureau to our room, and given me two 
 drawers of it, so we fraternize nicely. 
 One day last week I was favored by 
 a visit from Lieutenant W. G. Dick- 
 son, Headquarters, north of the Poto- 
 mac, a friend of Miss Sherman, who 
 had written him an introductory let- 
 ter, and he had come to see if he could 
 be of service to me. Yesterday one of 
 his orderlies brought me an exquisite 
 bouquet of rare flowers with his card. 
 
 Yesterday we received a patient 
 formerly from New York City, now one 
 of General Heintzelman's clerks. He 
 left a position in the American Ex- 
 change Bank to join the army (George 
 [43] 
 
The Lady Nurse of Ward E 
 
 Sliephard). He is not very ill, and he 
 has not put on hospital clothes; his 
 bed is near my desk, so he often comes 
 and helps himself to special diet, and 
 we talk about New York because we 
 can. 
 
 Our good old Dr. Stuart was very ill 
 last evening. He has most severe at- 
 tacks of rush of blood to the head and 
 almost loses his senses. He depends 
 on Jobes to care for him. I ventured 
 in to see him last evening as he called 
 for some tea, and he was glad to have 
 me assist in holding his head, while 
 Jobes " cupped " the back of his neck. 
 
 I received Mrs. Brewer's (wife of 
 Eev. D. E. Brewer of Yonkers) parcel 
 of flannel shirts, etc., remaining on 
 hand when the society disbanded, and 
 our attendants in Ward E are de- 
 lighted with the scarlet shirts. They 
 wear them under blue flannel blouses, 
 and are proud of them. Please send 
 all that I requested, as we do not ex- 
 pect to be upset here by the rebels — 
 our hospital is too important an in- 
 stitution. Don't forget the cake as my 
 [44] 
 
The Lady Nurse of Ward E 
 
 appetite wavers, and many days I 
 take my tea and a piece of cake for 
 dessert. 
 
 Monday, 11 a.m.— The " Eebs " did 
 not come to take breakfast with us, 
 and we did not wait for them. I have 
 made out the morning report for 
 Jobes, also the medical officer's report, 
 and " Kamsdell," the head clerk (since 
 he has found out who has arranged 
 Jobes's book), says he thinks of hav- 
 ing me transferred to the General Of- 
 fice. Each wardmaster's report was 
 called for, so the surgeons could make 
 their reports. Jobes's book, which I 
 found incoherent, to say the least, I 
 rearranged, and have continued to 
 keep it, so it is one among the very 
 few which is satisfactory, and Johes 
 is very proud of it. 
 
 How do you like my long rambling 
 journal letters? They tell me that no 
 mail leaves Washington to-day. I 
 hoped to have sent this before any ob- 
 struction came. Perhaps you had bet- 
 ter defer sending me anything until 
 [45] 
 
The Lady Nurse of Ward E 
 
 you are sure the mails and express 
 can go through. As there is no more 
 fighting at present, our ward is com- 
 paratively quiet. Last week it was 
 whitewashed and some improvements 
 made in the rear. This week we are 
 to have new mosquito nets. Sister 
 Piatt has a very interesting patient, a 
 young lieutenant, wounded in the 
 head, whose life, or at least his reason, 
 she saved by sending post-haste for 
 the leeches, which the doctor pre- 
 scribed, and which could not be fur- 
 nished in the hospital. He is now 
 convalescent, or sufficiently so to be 
 moved. His sister, Mrs. McKinley of 
 Philadelphia, has come to take him 
 home. Being somewhat at leisure I 
 joined her and Sister Piatt in a morn- 
 ing visit to the White House and Cap- 
 itol. We saw the fine statue which is 
 to be placed on the dome of the Cap- 
 itol, the new Senate chamber, etc., etc. 
 The grounds are beautiful, but so far 
 we cannot get to them often. Now 
 comes the old man to tune the piano 
 and renew the rent, and Jobes follows 
 [46] 
 
The Lady Nurse of Ward E 
 
 in a few moments, handing me five 
 dollars, contributed by Dr. Stuart and 
 the men; they are so anxious to keep 
 it. Please thank Will Ogden for the 
 papers received this morning. The 
 men are looking at them now, and 
 often buy papers brought in the ward. 
 I was much interested in a letter writ- 
 ten by Mrs. Swissholm from " Camp- 
 bell Hospital " in the New York Trib- 
 une Uncle J sent, as I received 
 
 the lemons in our ward from her hand, 
 and was glad to know her impres- 
 sions. 
 
 Monday Evening. — This is a per- 
 fectly splendid evening, and, with 
 Sisters Hill, Piatt, and Marsh I have 
 been enjoying it from the window of 
 Miss Piatt's room while our bugler 
 gave us some sweet music. Forget- 
 ting the red tape around us we ap- 
 plauded, and at the same time 
 watched the signal lights from the 
 dome of the Capitol, causing a 
 strange ebb and flow of feeling, alter- 
 nate joy and sadness, a strange mix- 
 [47] 
 
The Lady Nurse of Ward E 
 
 ture of thoughts of peace and war- 
 fare. 
 
 Lieutenant Dickson came to see 
 me again this evening — is he not 
 kind*? He is so dignified, yet always 
 agreeable. It is a great pleasure to 
 see and talk with him. He assured 
 me that Washington was not in any 
 danger of being disturbed, though the 
 rebels passed within four or five 
 miles of these fortifications last night 
 on their way to Harrisburg. The re- 
 port to-night is that McClellan is 
 called to take Halleck's place; that 
 Stanton is superseded by Butler and 
 Hooker by Meade. Once more let us 
 have faith! I believe Father Abra- 
 ham and his advisers have been pret- 
 ty well frightened, and will now put 
 aside personal ambitions and politics, 
 or is it simjDly inexperience? 
 
 My journal letter goes on as I 
 could not mail it to-day. "^Yhen Will 
 
 thinks it is safe to send it, I 
 
 would like some money in Govern- 
 ment bills. New York money is re- 
 fused by some people here. 
 [i8] 
 
The Lady Nurse of Ward E 
 
 I am writing partly because I do 
 not wish to retire yet. Dr. Stuart is 
 out, in town. Jobes wished to go out 
 — something unusual — and there is a 
 man in the ward who has been de- 
 ranged all day, and this evening is 
 quite wild, so I have taken the re- 
 sponsibility of giving him some med- 
 icine without a prescription, and wait 
 for their return. 
 
 Let me hear from you immediately. 
 Affectionately, 
 
 Your Sister. 
 
 Armory Square Hospital; 
 Washington, D. C; 
 August 7, 1863. 
 
 Dear Sisters : I was delighted to get 
 your letters, but you must not expect 
 me home quite so soon. I do not think 
 I can leave before September, al- 
 though our duties are light and the 
 hospital goes on in a quiet, method- 
 ical manner. Dr. Bliss goes to Bos- 
 ton next Monday, and Miss Lowell ac- 
 companies him. He wishes the rest 
 of the ladies to remain until he re- 
 [49] 
 
The Lady Nurse of Ward E 
 
 turns — then our house is to be fin- 
 ished about that time, when I could 
 choose a room and attend to the mov- 
 ing of our few belongings, leaving 
 Sister Southwick to keep house. I 
 should prefer not to return until there 
 was need — about the last of October 
 — and must not ask for too long a fur- 
 lough, if I wish to retain a right to 
 my own ward. 
 
 August 10th. — The weather is ex- 
 ceedingly hot, as you can easily imag- 
 ine, even with a breeze. Fortunately, 
 we have very little to do in our wards. 
 The attendants are faithful, yet the 
 patients still in bed look wistfully at 
 us when we leave. They want some- 
 thing to keep them cheerful. A few 
 days since, the beds not needed dur- 
 ing the day were all put out of doors 
 for an airing, and we had only seven 
 who could not be moved. The poor 
 boy with typhus fever died a few days 
 after the fever turned, when we 
 thought his life was to be spared. 
 His father arrived only in time to 
 [50] 
 
The Lady Nurse of Ward E 
 
 take his lifeless body home, which was 
 embalmed, as all the soldiers are who 
 die here. He blessed No. 6 and my- 
 self over and over for our care of his 
 dying boy, and gave ns the wine, etc., 
 he brought for him. All the other 
 fever patients are convalescent. In 
 fact the whole hospital is so comfort- 
 able, comparatively, that I tell them 
 we are becoming gay and dissipated. 
 We have had a number of pleasant 
 things to enjoy during the past fort- 
 night. The anniversary of the hos- 
 pital was celebrated last Saturday, 
 and we had a very pleasant evening. 
 Ward F was decorated with flags, 
 evergreens, and hanging baskets of 
 flowers; the beds were taken out, 
 seats brought in, and a platform ar- 
 ranged at each end — one for a band 
 of music, the other for Dr. Bliss, the 
 distinguished guests, and the chap- 
 lain, who presided. Eepresentative 
 Kellogg from Michigan made a fine, 
 humorous speech, informing Dr. Bliss 
 that he was the recipient of seven 
 cases of elegant and rare surgical in- 
 [51] 
 
The Lady Nurse of Ward E 
 
 struments, valued at $480, which his 
 friends in the hospital wished to pre- 
 sent to him as an expression, etc., etc., 
 and Dr. Bliss made a charming little 
 speech in reply, in which, as a matter 
 of course, he alluded so beautifully to 
 the ladies here that afterwards one 
 old gentleman said to him, " he did not 
 know of which he was most proud, his 
 new instruments or his lady nurses." 
 There was music by the band; then 
 J. M. Edmunds of the Land Office 
 made a short speech. Mrs. Fowl, 
 an accomplished singer, gave us 
 " Red, White and Blue," all joining in 
 the chorus. After the crowd dis- 
 persed, Dr. Bliss, who has a fine tenor 
 voice and belongs to a musical family, 
 with his brother and niece sang for us. 
 We have little extempore concerts in 
 the ward now quite often, as we have 
 found among our patients two good 
 violinists, a pianist, and one to play 
 bass viol. You will wonder how there 
 can be any gayety or amusement 
 among so much suffering. That is all 
 borne and seen, as unavoidable, and 
 [52] 
 
The Lady Nurse of Ward E 
 
 anything that will keep them from des- 
 pondency, and will not add to anyone's 
 sufferings is welcomed with pleasure. 
 
 I send you a letter written by Walt 
 Whitman for a Washington paper 
 descriptive of one of these little con- 
 certs the soldiers enjoyed so much. 
 
 A soldier's life is one of strange 
 contrasts, to which it was difficult at 
 first for us to become accustomed. 
 One afternoon we had a " reading " 
 in the ward by the Hon. Mr. Lyon, 
 " The Prisoner of Chillon," and poems 
 by Thomas Hood, which I at least en- 
 joyed. 
 
 Among other interesting events, 
 one night a hah^ arrived. A wife of 
 one of the soldiers, who came to see 
 her husband, gave birth to a fine boy 
 at the chaplain's house on the night of 
 her arrival. Our surgeon, Dr. Stuart, 
 was called, and the child is soon to be 
 christened " Stuart Jackson " for him 
 and the chaplain. The mother had no 
 clothing for herself or child, but soon 
 received enough to last a year. We 
 all prophesy he is born to be a soldier. 
 [53] 
 
The Lady INTurse of Ward E 
 
 We have enjoyed two long drives in 
 Dr. Bliss's Michigan wagon; an ac- 
 count of which I send you in rhyme, 
 as Sister Southwick insisted on my 
 writing it out, promising " to do some- 
 thing for me while I was writing " — • 
 your old offer repeated. 
 
 The other drive was still more in- 
 teresting. We, Sisters Piatt, Hill, 
 Southwick, and I, had a nice ambu- 
 lance and driver, according to an order 
 from Dr. Bliss. Being obliged to go 
 to the Provost Marshal's Office for a 
 pass, we sent in our driver with Dr. 
 Bliss's written request to get one, but 
 word was returned that we were all to 
 go in, for which our surgeons try to 
 tease us, saying it was not at all nec- 
 essary. The office was filled with 
 clerks and dignitaries, and you may 
 believe we had some jokes among our- 
 selves. I whispered to Miss Piatt, 
 rather louder than was necessary, 
 that they ought to tie a piece of red 
 tape around each of our necks, and if 
 they did not describe us as pretty 
 good-looking we would not sign the 
 [54] 
 
The Lady Nurse of Ward E 
 
 paper. We drove over the " Long 
 Bridge " into Virginia, " ole Virgin- 
 ny," and many miles to Fort Corcoran 
 
 and Fort de Kalb, where Sister S 
 
 has a friend (Mrs. Colonel Tannat), 
 her husband having command of the 
 fortifications. He gave us a pass to 
 go inside, and we were obliged to show 
 it to three before we were allowed to 
 enter. Then an orderly showed and 
 explained everything to ns, which was 
 of great interest. On our return at 
 sunset we had a most beautiful view 
 of Washington and Georgetown. We 
 crossed the bridge to the latter, and re- 
 turned that way. The roads in Vir- 
 ginia were worse even than " cordu- 
 roy," and on our return from the fort 
 we were obliged to hold on to one an- 
 other. 
 
 I must also tell you of a new ac- 
 quaintance, George Wood, Esq., au- 
 thor of " Peter Schlemyl," etc. 
 
 We often now spend an evening at 
 Mrs. Irving's. On one occasion, a fine- 
 looking, middle-aged gentleman with 
 gold-rimmed spectacles came to me, 
 [55] 
 
The Lady Nurse of Ward E 
 
 and commenced an interesting conver- 
 sation (rather sentimental I thought 
 at the time) about our hospital, etc., at 
 the close of which he said he should do 
 himself the pleasure of coming to see 
 us. I did not know who he was, and 
 thought no more of it, until later he 
 came to my ward with Sister Griggs, 
 who had met him before, and intro- 
 duced himself as an author, etc. He 
 expressed much interest in our antici- 
 pated anniversary, and accepted our 
 invitation to attend with pleasure. 
 Another noted author, Walt Whit- 
 man, visits our hospital almost daily. 
 He took a fancy to my fever boy, and 
 would watch with him sometimes half 
 the night. He is a poet, and I believe 
 has written some very queer books 
 about " Free Love," etc. He is an 
 odd-looking genius, with a heavy 
 frame, tall, with a turned-down By- 
 ronic collar, high head with straggling 
 hair, and very pinh rims to his eyes. 
 When he stalks down the ward I feel 
 the " prickings of my thumbs," and 
 never speak to him, if not obliged to 
 [56] 
 
The Lady Nurse of Ward E 
 
 do so, thougli I hear some of the other 
 ladies offer him a cup of tea, which 
 he enjoys with the relish of a little 
 talk with them. With all his peculiar 
 interest in our soldier boys he does 
 not appeal to me. 
 
 Sister S and I have just now a 
 
 pleasant companion — a sweet, pretty 
 girl, just from boarding school — Miss 
 Fox, sister to a major who was 
 brought into Sister Southwick's ward 
 a fortnight since in a critical condi- 
 tion, but is now doing well. They be- 
 long to a clergyman's family living 
 near Eochester. She is the only 
 daughter and has four brothers in the 
 army — one a chaplain, one a major, 
 another a captain, and the last a lieu- 
 tenant. The major is very pleasant. 
 He sent me an " enigma,'^ having ar- 
 ranged it to pass away the time, which 
 I solved and took to him in Ward H 
 last evening, and enjoyed a very 
 pleasant talk with him. 
 
 The weather is so exceedingly hot 
 and our wards are in such a comfort- 
 able condition I regret that I cannot 
 [57] 
 
The Lady Xurse of Ward E 
 
 be at home now, and we nurses are 
 tempted to go to Point Lookout on the 
 seashore, or to Gettysburg, where 
 nurses are needed, and we would have 
 good mountain air, but fear Dr. Bb'ss 
 would never forgive us. However, the 
 few weeks will soon pass. I shall be 
 so happy to be at home and see you 
 all again, and perhaps remain into Oc- 
 tober. 
 
 With love, 
 Affectionately yours. 
 
 [58] 
 
A SCENE IN HOSPITAL 
 
 Written by Walt Whitman, 1863. 
 
 I MUST give you a scene from one of 
 the great Government hospitals here. 
 I go to them every day to inspirit the 
 drooping cases, and give the men little 
 gifts, sometimes of articles, sometimes 
 of money. Two or three nights ago, 
 as I was trying to keep cool, sitting by 
 a wounded soldier in the Armory 
 Square Hospital, I was attracted by 
 some pleasant singing in an adjoining 
 ward. As my soldier was asleep I left 
 him, and entering the ward where the 
 music was, I walked halfway down 
 and took a seat by the cot of a young 
 
 BrookljTi friend, S. K , badly 
 
 wounded in the hand at Chancellors- 
 ville, and who has suffered much, but 
 who at that moment in the evening was 
 wide awake and comparatively easy. 
 He had turned over on his left side to 
 get a better view of the singers, but 
 [59] 
 
The Lady. Nurse of Ward E 
 
 the plentiful drapery of the mosquito 
 curtains of the adjoining cots ob- 
 structed the sight. I stepped round 
 and looped them all up so that he had 
 a clear show, and then sat down again 
 by him and looked and listened. The 
 principal singer was a young lady 
 nurse of one of the wards, accompany- 
 ing on a melodeon and joined by the 
 lady nurses of other wards. They sat 
 there making a charming group with 
 their handsome, healthy faces, and 
 standing up a little behind them were 
 some ten or fifteen of the convalescent 
 soldiers, young men, nurses, etc., with 
 books in their hands, taking part in 
 the singing. Of course, it was not 
 such a performance as Medori or 
 Brignoli and the choruses at your 
 New York Fourteenth Street Acad- 
 emy of Music take a hand in; but 
 I am not sure but I received as 
 much pleasure under the circum- 
 stances sitting there as I have had 
 from the best Italian compositions, ex- 
 pressed by world-famous performers. 
 The scene was indeed an impressive 
 [60] 
 
The Lady Nurse of Ward E 
 
 one. The men lying up and down the 
 hospital in their cots (some badly 
 wounded — and, perhaps, never to rise 
 thence), the cots themselves with 
 their drapery of white curtains, and 
 the shadows down the upper and lower 
 parts of the ward; then the silence 
 of the men and the attitudes they took 
 — nothing to interrupt the singing — 
 and the whole combination was a sight 
 to look around upon again and again. 
 And there sweetly rose those fresh 
 female voices up to the high, white- 
 washed wooden roof, and pleasantly 
 the roof sent it all back again. They 
 sang very well; mostly quaint old 
 songs and declamatory hymns to fit- 
 ting tunes. Here, for instance^ is one 
 of the songs they sang : 
 
 HOMEWARD BOUND 
 
 Out on an ocean all boundless we ride ; 
 
 We're homeward bound — homeward bound; 
 Toss'd on the waves of a rough, restless tide, 
 
 Yet homeward bound, homeward bound. 
 Far from the safe, quiet harbor we've rode, 
 Seeking our Father^s celestial abode. 
 Promise of which on us each He bestowed, 
 
 So we're homeward bound. 
 [61] 
 
The Ladv IN'urse of Ward E 
 *■ • 
 
 Wildly the storm sweeps on us where it roars, 
 
 Yet we're homeward bound; 
 Look! yonder lie the bright heavenly shores, 
 
 Where we're homeward bound. 
 Steady, O pilot, stand firm at the wheel; 
 Steady! we soon shall outweather the gale; 
 Oh, how we fly 'neath the loud-creaking sail, 
 
 As we're homeward bound. 
 
 As the strains reverberated through 
 the great edifice of boards, it was 
 plain to see how it all soothed and was 
 grateful to the men. 
 
 The singers went on; they sang 
 " Home, Sweet Home," and a beauti- 
 ful h}Tnn called " Shining Shores.'^ I 
 saw one of the soldiers near me turn 
 over and bury his face partially in his 
 pillow; he was probably ashamed to 
 be seen with wet eyes. Since I have 
 mentioned it, let me give a verse or 
 two: 
 
 SHINING SHORES 
 
 My days are gliding swiftly by, and I, a Pilgrim 
 stranger, 
 
 Would not detain them as I fly, those hours of 
 toil and danger; 
 
 For oh, we stand on Jordan's strand, our friends 
 are passing over. 
 
 And just before, the shining shores we may al- 
 most discover. 
 
 [62] 
 
The Lady Nurse of Ward E 
 
 We'll gird our loins, my brethren dear, our dis- 
 tant homes discerning, 
 
 Our absent Lord has left us word, let every lamp 
 be burning; 
 
 For oh, we stand on Jordan s strand, our friends 
 are passing over, 
 
 And just before, the shining shores we may al- 
 most discover. 
 
 Such were the fine and vivifying 
 songs these girls sang there for all 
 our sakes, until quite late in the night. 
 The sounds and scene altogether have 
 made an indelible impression on my 
 memory. 
 
 SOLDIERS, TALKS, ETC. 
 
 Soldiers you meet everywhere about 
 the city, often superb-looking young 
 men, though invalids, dressed in worn 
 uniforms, and carrying canes, or, per- 
 haps, crutches. I often have talks 
 with them, occasionally quite long and 
 interesting. One, for instance, will 
 have been all through the Peninsula 
 campaign under McClellan, narrates 
 to me the fights, the marches, the 
 strange, quick changes of that event- 
 ful campaign, and gives glimpses of 
 [63] 
 
The Lady Nurse of Ward E 
 
 many tilings untold in any official re- 
 ports or books or journals. These, in- 
 deed, are the things that are genuine 
 and most precious. The man was 
 there, has been out two years, has 
 been through a dozen fights, the super- 
 fluous flesh of talking is long worked 
 off him, and now he gives me little 
 but the hard meat and sinew. 
 
 I find it so refreshing to talk with 
 these hardy, bright, intuitive Amer- 
 ican young men (experienced soldiers 
 with all their youth). The vital play 
 and significance of their talk moves 
 one more than books. Then there 
 hangs something majestic about a man 
 who has borne his part in battles, 
 especially if he is very quiet regard- 
 ing it when you desire him to un- 
 bosom. I am continually lost at the 
 absence of blowing and blowers 
 among these old-young American mili- 
 taires. 
 
 But in the hospitals I have talked 
 
 most with the men for months past. 
 
 I have found some man or another 
 
 who has been in every battle since the 
 
 [64] 
 
The Lady Nurse of Ward E 
 
 war began, and have talked with them 
 about each one, in every part of the 
 United States, and many of the en- 
 gagements on the rivers and harbors, 
 too. I find men here from every State 
 in the Union, without exception. 
 (There are more Southerners, espe- 
 cially Border State men, in the Union 
 army than is generally supposed). I 
 now doubt whether one can get a fair 
 idea of what this war practically is, 
 or what genuine America is, and her 
 character, without some such experi- 
 ence as this I have had for the past 
 seven or eight months in the hospitals. 
 
 [65] 
 
DIARY. 
 
 November 4, 1863. 
 Left home for Washington, return- 
 ing to my hospital duties — a fatiguing 
 day's ride on the railway, though from 
 Philadelphia I was enlivened by the 
 interesting conversation of a gen- 
 tleman who asked the privilege of 
 occupying the half of my seat. Af- 
 ter finishing our papers and tak- 
 ing a slight nap I concluded a 
 little conversation would relieve 
 the embarrassment of such a close 
 proximity, and saw that he was 
 very politely waiting for me ; so I ven- 
 tured a remark, and when the ice was 
 once broken, conversation did not 
 
 cease until we reached W , when 
 
 he escorted me to the car, and left it 
 at Seventh Street to put me on the 
 one which passed Armory Square 
 Hospital, where he bade "Adieu," 
 with a " God bless you," and '' Happy 
 [67] 
 
The Lady Nurse of Ward E 
 
 to have met you." I wonder ivho he 
 is ! Eeceived a pleasant welcome 
 from friends at the hospital and from 
 my soldiers in Ward E. My bright- 
 eyed Johnny — the ^' Pet," so yomig 
 and winning, when the spasms of suf- 
 fering were over — was not there to 
 greet me, but I pray God is awaiting 
 me in heaven. My hospital sisters 
 took me to our " chateau," and Sister 
 Southwick found some supper for me 
 at the chaplain's, after which we went 
 to Ward B, where Sister Piatt was 
 presiding at one of her little evening 
 concerts to amuse the patients. 
 
 November 5, 1863. 
 Miss Low retained my ward until 
 evening, giving me an opportunity to 
 unpack. After dinner I rode in am- 
 bulance to the " Dismounted Camp " 
 with Sisters Southwick, Griggs, and 
 Hill, and Drs. Draper and Banister, 
 which gave us a very good idea of the 
 front. " Dahle," former Orderly, who 
 had been at the hospital only two days 
 before I returned, and reported him- 
 [68] 
 
The Lady Nurse of Ward E 
 
 self at the camp, recognized the es- 
 tablishment and came to meet us. We 
 inspected their hospital cooking ap- 
 paratus, tents, officers' quarters, which 
 were very nicely arranged, and last 
 but not least, tasted their coffee which 
 " Dahle " offered us after cleaning a 
 cup. On my return reported to Dr. 
 Bliss, who gave me AVard E, and sent 
 word to Miss Low to report to him. 
 Mr. Ramsdell came in with a pleasant 
 welcome in the evening. 
 
 November 6, 1863. 
 Spent most of the day in my ward; 
 I find my Philadelphia student (who 
 is acting " No. 6 " while Patterson is 
 at home on a short furlough to vote) 
 very companionable and agreeable. 
 Sister Hill came in for a little talk in 
 the evening. Mr. Ramsdell also called 
 (I don't know what for), though he 
 said " to see if my hair was arranged 
 differently," as he protests against the 
 change — the new " Waterfall." 
 
 [69] 
 
The Lady Nurse of Ward E 
 
 * 
 
 November 7, 1863. 
 Endeavored to get my ward in order 
 for to-morrow's inspection. Mrs. Sec- 
 retary Welles and her sweet niece 
 came in the afternoon; they wel- 
 comed me so cordially with a kiss 
 I was much pleased and shall 
 avail myself of their kind invitation 
 to visit them. Played over some of 
 my music on Miss Felton's piano. 
 Wrote until very late — commenced a 
 journal letter for my sisters at home. 
 
 November 8, 1863. 
 Not one hour for quiet meditation. 
 Miss Piatt was absent spending a week 
 with Mrs. Colonel Whistler at Fort 
 Corcoran. " No. 6 " and I were in- 
 vited to join our choir and follow the 
 melodeon through all of the services 
 in the different wards, which lasted 
 until five o'clock. In the evening I at- 
 tended the Episcopal church on Sev- 
 enth Street with Sisters Southwick 
 and Griggs, and Dr. Banister. 
 
 [70] 
 
The Lady Nurse of Ward E 
 
 November 9, 1863. 
 I was aroused about three in the 
 morning by our " orderlies " coming 
 for the keys to our medicine chests, 
 and giving information of the arrival 
 of the wounded from the late engage- 
 ment at Eappahannock Station, where 
 they say our troops have gained a vic- 
 tory, but oh! at what a fearful price. 
 I never witnessed such suffering be- 
 fore — such frightful wounds. Nine 
 died on the way here, one also very 
 suddenly in our ward. I made him 
 some toast water which he took from 
 my hands and drank, thanking me for 
 it, then went to my supper; when I 
 returned in about twenty minutes his 
 bed was empty. Although suffering 
 severely he showed such a meek and 
 quiet spirit, I feel confident that he 
 inherits one of God's gracious prom- 
 ises — " Blessed are the meek." I was 
 completely occupied all day, using my 
 leisure moments to write letters for 
 the men, conversing with visitors, who 
 throng the hospital — retired weary 
 with the sight and sound of suffering 
 [71] 
 
The Lady Nurse of Ward E 
 
 and saddened with the thought of find- 
 ing another empty bed in the morn- 
 ing. May God have mercy on the poor 
 sufferers ! 
 
 November 10, 1863. 
 
 Another empty bed as we feared, 
 and one of our lieutenants, wounded 
 near the lungs, breathes as if his hours 
 were numbered — Lieutenant Waite of 
 the Sixth Maine; the other one. Lieu- 
 tenant Potter, wounded in the arm, is 
 very comfortable. Mailed a letter for 
 home to-day. 
 
 November 11, 1863. 
 
 I was excited and delighted this 
 morning to find Lieutenant Waite 
 much more comfortable, conscious, 
 and able to take nourishment; his 
 cousin, who is in the Quartermaster 
 General's office, is staying with him. 
 He showed me this evening the carte 
 de visite of the Lieutenant's sister 
 and the lady to whom he is engaged, 
 both beautiful and very interesting in 
 appearance. What agony they must 
 suffer ! Am happy to record my " eta- 
 gere" has been painted and var- 
 [72] 
 
The Lady Nurse of Ward E 
 
 nished, so I can commence to put my 
 ward in order. I was delighted to see 
 Dahle, who called at " The Chateau " 
 this afternoon, and related to me his 
 
 experiences since he left W , which 
 
 were very interesting as he has been in 
 active srvice. I hurried to the ward 
 to attend to " Special Diet." Spent 
 the rest of the morning in Ward F, 
 where we had the melodeon, some 
 singing, and the violinist. 
 
 November 12, 1863. 
 Beautiful day. " One of summer's 
 jewels which she let fall when gather- 
 ing up her treasures to depart." Had 
 lunch en fa7nille, at the " Chateau " ; 
 I was surprised to hear from Miss 
 Felton that James Gibbons, a brother 
 of my old teacher, Professor Gibbons, 
 was the author of the " New Gospel of 
 Peace." Read a very ludicrous and 
 characteristic letter from Walt Whit- 
 man to his " fellow comrades," as he 
 called the soldiers. As they failed to 
 understand the jumbled sentences 
 written on foolscap, they brought it to 
 [73] 
 
The Lady Nurse of Ward E 
 
 me. He was spending a vacation with 
 his mother in Brooklyn, and his love 
 for them was repeated in many inco- 
 herent sentences. I could only im- 
 agine it was written very late at night 
 and he had taken " a drop too much." 
 Had a long and satisfactory conver- 
 sation with Dr. Bliss about the " Spe- 
 cial Diet." Lieutenant Waite's brother 
 arrived. 
 
 I mended my bags in the evening. 
 They are so serviceable. They were a 
 happy thought of our friend, Mrs. 
 Livermore, through whom I offered 
 my services to Dr. Bliss. They were 
 made at her suggestion by our 
 church sewing society at Yonkers, N. 
 Y., to button over the top of the iron 
 bedstead, in which the occupant could 
 keej) his toilet articles, home pictures, 
 etc. I was surprised by a call from 
 Dr. Bobbins, who has left Pittsburg 
 and who is again waiting for an open- 
 ing at Armory Square. 
 
 [74] 
 
The Lady Nurse of Ward E 
 
 November 13, 1863. 
 Lieutenant Waite died at six o'clock 
 this morning ; what grief for those two 
 young hearts! Enjoyed some fine 
 music in Mrs. Wilson's room, by the 
 Captain of the "Invalid Corps," do- 
 ing guard duty. 
 
 November 14, 1863. 
 Being Saturday I have been more 
 than occupied. Had my canary 
 brought from Ward H. Arranged my 
 " etagere," the shelves and table on 
 which rests my medicine chest, and 
 the ward generally, until nearly five 
 o'clock. Found Miss Piatt at the 
 " Chateau " and chatted awhile with 
 her. After tea proposed having music 
 in our ward, as we have so many pa- 
 tients in bed, but Miss Marsh insisted 
 upon having it in hers. Mr. Eamsdell 
 came in and spent an hour with me, 
 then we went to find Sister Hill, who 
 was in G, with the music. It is rain- 
 ing furiously, and " No. 6 " borrowed 
 an umbrella and came home with me. 
 
 [75] 
 
The Lady Nurse of Ward E 
 
 November 15, 1863. 
 Inspection as usual, our ward pro- 
 nounced " perfect." Funeral services 
 for the Maine men (nine in number) 
 were held in the open air; the Flag 
 which they had so nobly defended was 
 draped over their coffins and wreaths 
 of white flowers laid on their breasts 
 (which are to be sent home to their 
 relatives). The chaplain and others 
 made a few remarks, and all the Maine 
 people and agents in town followed, 
 with many from the hospital, in car- 
 riages, to the soldiers' cemetery. At- 
 tended the Wesleyan Chapel with Dr. 
 Baxter in the evening, whom I found 
 conversable, and enjoyed my walk 
 very much. 
 
 November 16, 1863. 
 Found my Philadelphia student act- 
 ing orderly ill in bed, with an abscess 
 forming in his throat, which would 
 have been quite serious for me, as well 
 as himself, if my old " No. 6 " (Pat- 
 terson) had not returned. I made and 
 applied poultices all day to his throat, 
 without losing my presence of mind, 
 [76] 
 
The Lady Nurse of Ward E 
 
 like the heroine of Fannie' s story, who 
 could not remember where it was to be 
 put. He amused and entertained me 
 very much, and we could not resist 
 joking even when he could hardly 
 speak. Mr. Ramsdell passed the most 
 of the evening in my ward, which 
 made an otherwise dull one very 
 pleasant. 
 
 November 17, 1863. 
 Found my especial patient some- 
 what better, the swelling having bro- 
 ken. Received a call from Surgeon 
 Smith, who had in his charge all the 
 officers outside of the hospital and 
 visits those at the chaplain's daily. 
 He had also in his care Clara Okell's 
 father, who is dangerously injured, 
 and came to tell me that she was with 
 him and would come to see me per- 
 haps to-morrow. I went in to see 
 Colonel Millett, as Mrs. Jackson, the 
 chaplain's wife, insisted; found him 
 very cheerful and agreeable. Dr. 
 Baxter came in also, and it is un- 
 necessary to repeat my favorable im- 
 pression of him. Found a wee little 
 [77] 
 
The Lady >\irse of Ward E 
 
 mouse inside of my packing trunk and 
 invited ^' No. 6 '' down to punish him 
 for his presumption; he also took a 
 large picture which I brought from 
 home to the ward and hung it very 
 nicely. After dinner I invited my 
 Philadelphia friend to accompany me 
 to the ^^ Chateau/' or " Shamoh " as 
 he calls it, as he was still feeling mis- 
 erably, and thought perhaps the sight 
 of a comfortable room and chair would 
 do him good. Gave him some cherry 
 brandy and cake, taught him to play 
 backgammon, so he returned quite 
 refreshed. Lovely Indian summer 
 weather; but could not make the ex- 
 ertion to take a walk; played back- 
 gammon in the evening. 
 
 November 18, 1863. 
 An anniversary which made me 
 quite thoughtful, and perhaps a little 
 sad. Miss Okell came to see me with 
 Surgeon Smith. It was delightful to 
 see a face from Yonkers. I went into 
 the chaplain's to wait for her escort, 
 who was still busy with his dis- 
 [78] 
 
The Lady Nurse of Ward E 
 
 tinguished patients, who afterwards 
 came in and chatted awhile. The 
 chaplain as usual offered a few jokes. 
 Attended Miss to the ambu- 
 lance, while Dr. S paused to have 
 
 a conversation with Dr. Bliss, whom 
 we met. Waited a few moments after 
 giving out " Special Diet " to see the 
 men paid. Friend Conyers came to 
 the " Chateau " and tacked up my cur- 
 tain. I found his note of thanks with 
 his now useless bandage on my table. 
 It grieves me to see my noble-hearted 
 " 49 " suffer such intense agony, and 
 makes me restless and determined to 
 have something done to alleviate it, 
 though I fear amputation will alone 
 
 suffice. Went with Friend C to 
 
 Miss P 's ward to hear the music, 
 
 but she had decided not to have it 
 there this evening, so called on Miss 
 Griggs and Dr. Banister and ar- 
 ranged an impromptu concert in Ward 
 A, which the patients seemed to enjoy 
 verv much. 
 
 [79] 
 
The Lady ^^l^se of Ward E 
 
 November 19, 1863. 
 Feeling quite indisposed I yielded to 
 Miss Griggs's persuasions to consult 
 Dr. Alcan. Requested a special pass 
 of Dr. Bliss for Conyers, to accom- 
 pany the ward master and assist him 
 in selecting clock, etc., for our ward, 
 as he had collected over thirteen dol- 
 lars, with which to make improve- 
 ments. Received the riding skirt from 
 Miss Okell by Dr. Smith. Mrs. and 
 Miss Irving called. I intended to go 
 out and select a piano, but felt weak 
 and nervous (something unusual for 
 me), and after the ladies returned to 
 their wards I enjoyed the delicious 
 quiet of the twilight and the fading 
 sunset behind the varied and fanci- 
 ful architecture of the Smithsonian. 
 There was not an interruption but one 
 — the boy who brought my tea — until 
 a short time before " taps " Miss 
 
 G and Dr. Banister came in; but 
 
 I had no spirit for conversation and 
 retired behind " the scenes," or screen. 
 
 [80] 
 
The Lady Nurse of Ward E 
 
 November 20, 1863. 
 I passed a miserable night and did 
 not leave my bed until my breakfast 
 was brought, of which I could eat very 
 little — the toast being tough and sour. 
 Although feeling very weak I have 
 spent an unusually interesting day — 
 in fact, our little reception room was 
 not without visitors from 9 a.m. until 
 4 P.M., though I retired to my room at 
 three. In the morning my friends 
 here called — Conyers, Miss Irwin, 
 Mrs. Wilson, Dr. Stuart (who came 
 professionally), and Johnny Hege- 
 man, who returned last night, and 
 Mrs. Jackson, by whom I sent some 
 pickled plums to her two interesting 
 patients, and Dr. Dexter. At dinner 
 
 time Mrs. J brought me some very 
 
 nice pudding, though Mrs. Wilson had 
 sent me an abundance, for which I had 
 a very good appetite, not having had 
 any breakfast. At 1 p.m. the escort 
 and band of music came to take Major 
 Wheeler's body (of the Fifth Wiscon- 
 sin, though late of Boston, and which 
 has been lying in state in a tent put 
 [81] 
 
The Lady Nurse of Ward E 
 
 up for it yesterday soon after he died) 
 to the train. His sweet young wife 
 sustains herself beautifully under her 
 great grief, but was quite overcome 
 when the lieutenant of his regiment 
 came to the door of our little room to 
 find her, as we had invited her and her 
 friends to sit here while waiting the 
 arrangement of the ceremonies. Sis- 
 ter S opened the door of our bed- 
 room, that she might rest a moment 
 in seclusion and weep unrestrainedly. 
 When the body was placed in the 
 hearse, the low, solenm music of the 
 band was very impressive. The body- 
 guard stood on either side, with their 
 bayonets reversed; the large escort 
 were outside the gate, and when the 
 hearse and carriages had passed out, 
 it moved on in sad procession to the 
 dirgelike music. Colonel Millett, to 
 whom I sent an invitation to share our 
 window, as he is too much of an in- 
 valid to stand, was as agreeable as 
 usual. Immediately after the proces- 
 sion left Dr. Draper came in, soon fol- 
 lowed by a lady (Miss Smith), who 
 [82J 
 
The Lady Nurse of Ward E 
 
 belongs to an old family here and is 
 quite a character, I should imagine. 
 Her conversation was most fluent and 
 cultivated, which I enjoyed exceeding- 
 ly, although I could not coincide with 
 some of her opinions. In expressing 
 her bitter sentiments against Seces- 
 sionists, she included her own sister, 
 and forgot the Christian charity which 
 we are taught by our blessed Saviour's 
 example and jDrecept to cultivate 
 above all things. Our French sur- 
 geon, Dr. Alcan, made us the last call 
 before tea. Fortunately I had retired. 
 Mrs. Jackson brought me my tea, 
 which was so good and homelike that 
 it turned my thoughts thitherward. 
 Mrs. Wilson sent me some supper, too, 
 which I gave to the guard, who was 
 then pacing up and down before the 
 window, and the poor fellow's grati- 
 tude gave me double pleasure. The 
 ladies returned home early, and a Mr. 
 Pond, from the Treasury Depart- 
 ment, accompanied Miss Griggs and 
 spent a half hour. I retired early. 
 
 [83] 
 
The Lady Nurse of Ward E 
 
 November 21, 1863. 
 
 This was one of Beecher's rainy 
 days, *^ pouring with a good will," so 
 there was no going to my ward, and 
 to tell the truth I did not feel much 
 like it. Dr. Stuart, Conyers, and my 
 ward master each paid me a formal 
 visit this morning. After dinner the 
 ladies assembled in our little recep- 
 tion room, according to " Special Or- 
 der '^ from Dr. Bliss to meet him, but 
 the hour passed and he did not keep 
 his engagement. I have since heard 
 he was ill and that he went home. 
 
 We read Edward Everett's splendid 
 oration at the consecration of the Na- 
 tional Cemetery at Gettysburg. The 
 prayer by the chaplain of the Senate 
 (Eev. Mr. Stockton) was sublime, and 
 our President's brief remarks were 
 more than eloquent and worthy of the 
 occasion; so we all sewed and read 
 and had quite a social meeting, else I 
 would have been very lonely this dis- 
 mal day. Augustus brought me my tea 
 and a bowl of nice oyster soup, which 
 I divided with the guard pacing up 
 [84] 
 
The Lady Nurse of Ward E 
 
 and down in the rain, and I enjoyed 
 his part as much as my own, when he 
 returned the bowl by the open window 
 looking so well pleased. Miss Piatt 
 came in early, and I was delighted to 
 see her, having played " solitaire " 
 quite long enough; it was very fortu- 
 nate that she did, for the stupid guard 
 (not the one to whom I gave the oys- 
 ters) let a drunken man pass belong- 
 ing to one of the wards, and seeing our 
 light, concluded to call ; but Miss Piatt 
 sprang to the doors and locked them, 
 so he went on and I gave the guard a 
 short lecture (professionally). 
 
 November 22, 1863. 
 I dressed at my leisure, not wishing 
 to go to my ward until after inspec- 
 tion, and called on Mrs. Jackson and 
 stayed until I saw the train of medical 
 officers pass out. I enjoyed a chat with 
 the two patients, who were agreeable 
 as usual. Spent the day in my ward, 
 as I could not expose myself to the 
 damp earth, and was unwilling to re- 
 main a prisoner in the " Chateau." I 
 [85] 
 
The Lady Nurse of Ward E 
 
 found one of my soldiers very weak 
 from hemorrhages and Dr. Stuart 
 vainly endeavoring to keep off one of 
 his violent attacks of headache, so 
 kept moving about, determined that 
 another surgeon should come to at- 
 tend our patient. I increased his stim- 
 ulants and succeeded at last in getting 
 Dr. Keenan here. Had a very pleas- 
 ant conversation with No. 49. After 
 reading to him a chapter from the 
 New Testament, I attended services in 
 Ward F, where we had quite an inter- 
 esting speaker; the Baptist choir was 
 also present, but our chaplain was ab- 
 sent. I was too much fatigued to go 
 farther after reporting to Mr. Green, 
 who conducted the services, that we 
 could not have him in " E '' to-day. I 
 returned to the ward and read a sweet 
 little poem, " Charlie, the Drummer 
 Boy," aloud to some of my soldiers 
 gathered about the stove, who seemed 
 very much interested. I went with 
 Conyers to Ward C, to assist in sing- 
 ing and then home thoroughly fa- 
 tigued. 
 
 [86] 
 
The Lady Nurse of Ward E 
 
 November 23, 1863. 
 Miss Griggs accompanied me to se- 
 lect a piano. I was so fortunate as to 
 find one, but she will be obliged to wait 
 a week as pianos are in such demand 
 at this season. I bought a pretty- 
 lamp, also, for our ward. I was 
 obliged to rest a while, before going 
 there, on my return — I am so weak 
 since my three days' indisposition. I 
 arranged to send ambulance and men 
 after the piano, and sent Dr. Stuart 
 after the pass for them. Conyers is 
 so full of spirits, keeps us all lively, 
 and amuses me greatly. I spent the 
 afternoon with Sisters Piatt and 
 Griggs sewing and chatting, more of 
 the latter. This was a musical even- 
 ing; two officers (captains), formerly 
 in Ward F, came from Georgetown, 
 where they were transferred to offi- 
 cers' quarters which they do not like 
 at all, after their comforts here under 
 Sister HilPs supervision, and being 
 musical they sang and played on the 
 melodeon. We went to hear them and 
 invited them to come to Ward " E," 
 [87] 
 
The Ladv Nurse of Ward E 
 
 ^ • 
 
 and the audience followed. Miss 
 Piatt, Conyers and others sang. 
 Cross, a patient in Ward C, and some 
 one else played violins, with Curtiss 
 accompanying them on the piano. 
 Mrs. Wilson's eldest daughter (who, 
 by the way, is very pretty) also joined 
 us, so we had quite a concert and in- 
 augurated our piano in " E." 
 
 November 24, 1863. 
 This was a rainy morning, and feel- 
 ing miserable, sent for my breakfast. 
 I had just reached the ward and was 
 making out " Special Diet " fortu- 
 nately, when Dr. Bliss came in pre- 
 pared to find fault with our special 
 order for milk; but being at my post, 
 I was able to explain satisfactorily. 
 I practised my music after dinner, 
 which I enjoyed much; wrote in my 
 journal, played backgammon with pa- 
 tients, and had music in the evening. 
 No. 39 quite comfortable — in fact, we 
 had given him so much punch and it 
 was so strong that he was inclined to 
 be talkative. There was melodeon 
 [88] 
 
The Lady Nurse of Ward E 
 
 music and singing in " C,'^ but I de- 
 clined the invitation to join. Ee- 
 ceived a letter from home this morn- 
 ing, which raised my drooping si)irits, 
 but was disappointed because they 
 fail to order my carte de visites. I 
 was amused, however, by the news 
 generally, particularly that of the 
 three engagements, and of the pur- 
 chase of a town house. What next? 
 
 November 25, 1863. 
 I was in my ward all day, and was 
 very busy. I cut the paper for ward 
 master and Conyers to put over the 
 windows where the old fringe was 
 torn, which annoyed me so much all 
 summer. New stoves were put in the 
 ward. Two of our worst cases were 
 removed to ^^ I," which is also in Dr. 
 Stuart's charge at present, and two 
 others to " K," as Dr. Bliss is at last 
 sensible of the fact that we had more 
 wounded than any other ward, and 
 too many for the good of the patients, 
 so feel quite relieved of care. After 
 
 dinner I found Sister S suffer- 
 
 [89] 
 
The Lady IJfurse of Ward E 
 
 ing from severe headache; gave her 
 an emetic, etc. I made arrangements 
 with " N. York Relief man," who is to 
 
 furnish Miss P and myself with 
 
 oysters and cranberries for our sol- 
 diers on Thanksgiving Day (to-mor- 
 row). When I returned to my ward 
 I found Conyers finishing the paper, 
 and as No. 6 went out I took Johnny 
 
 H for orderly, who assisted me 
 
 in framing some pictures, gave out the 
 medicines, etc. There was music for 
 an hour. 
 
 Thanksgiving Day, November 26, 1863. 
 The unclouded sky and exhilarating 
 atmosphere were types of the sun- 
 shine and joy in hearts made glad by 
 a holiday. Our soldiers seemed to en- 
 joy their freedom and the good things 
 prepared for them, and as that is the 
 one especial object to which we are 
 devoting ourselves at this time, we 
 were happy too. We also had a fine 
 dinner for which we were thankful, 
 not having fared very sumptuously of 
 late ; Dr. Alcan having kindly remem- 
 [90] 
 
The Lady Nurse of Ward E 
 
 bered us by sending some of his nice 
 French cordial with his compliments, 
 we made ourselves quite merry with 
 toasts, the first being to Dr. Alcan^s 
 health, " Long may he wave," offered 
 
 by Miss Piatt, to which Miss A 
 
 added, " Before the grass grows over 
 his grave " ; the second to " Our Sur- 
 geon in charge " ; the third, " The 
 Laziest Surgeon in the Hospital " ; 
 the fourth, " Mrs. Gray, who sends us 
 such palatable ' Special Diet ' for our 
 soldiers " ; the fifth and last, to " Mr. 
 Wilson: may he live to provide us 
 with another Thanksgiving dinner, 
 and as much longer as his wife de- 
 sires." 
 
 The band of music I enjoyed ex- 
 ceedingly — it was just the sunset 
 hour. Mr. George Wood, the author 
 of " Gates Wide Open," otherwise 
 styled, "Peter Schlemyl," called for 
 the first time since my return, and ac- 
 companied Miss Griggs and myself to 
 the " Reading in H " by Miss Harriet 
 Fanning Read, in whom we were dis- 
 appointed, though I enjoyed as I 
 [91] 
 
V 
 
 The Lady Jfurse of Ward E 
 
 should anyone who read comprehen- 
 sively one of Shakespeare's plays. 
 Sister Southwick presented me with 
 " Hospital Sketches," by Louisa M. 
 Alcott; Miss Marsh treated us with 
 Boston mince pie at the " Chateau " in 
 the evening, over Vv^hich we gossiped 
 a while before retiring. 
 
 November 27, 1863. 
 With regret we said " Good-by " 
 and parting good wishes to Dr. Bax- 
 ter, who goes to the front. Dr. Stuart 
 did not make his morning rounds, so 
 we took our duties quite leisurely. 
 After dinner I supplemented our 
 scanty meal with coffee and mince pie 
 at the " Chateau,'' having with me 
 Sisters Piatt, Southwick, Hill, and 
 Marsh. This was a pleasant day in 
 my ward, as no one was suffering se- 
 verely, and everything glided along 
 smoothly. Miss Thomas came and 
 sang for the patients while I was at 
 the house; in the evening I played 
 backgammon with No. 6, wrote in 
 Miss Piatt's letter to Dr. Bowen after 
 [92] 
 
The Lady Nurse of Ward E 
 
 perusing his to her. Conyers escort- 
 ed me home, where we found quite a 
 party, Drs. Stearns and Bobbins tak- 
 ing coffee with the ladies. 
 
 November 28, 1863. 
 This was another dark, rainy day. 
 Eetired to the ^' Chateau " with a sick 
 headache. Mrs. Jackson, hearing I 
 was ill again, came in, prescribed for 
 me and brought in some homelike 
 toast and tea. Miss Griggs being con- 
 fined to the house also with a sore 
 throat, we could converse over the 
 partition which separates our rooms, 
 and I was entertained by the conver- 
 sation between her and -Dr. Banister, 
 her surgeon, who is really the most 
 sociable, agreeable, and conversable 
 surgeon I have met here. The ladies 
 reported a very fine concert in my 
 ward. Miss Thomas sang to quite a 
 crowd, and as she is young and pretty, 
 the soldiers enjoyed it very much. 
 
 [93] 
 
V 
 
 The Lady Nurse of Ward E 
 
 November 29, 1863. 
 
 I took breakfast with Sister Griggs 
 at the " Chateau," went to my ward 
 just before " inspection," and did not 
 return until evening. It gave me 
 pleasure to be able to obtain a special 
 pass for Conyers, who wished to dine 
 with his cousins; talked with No. 48 
 for an hour to make him forget that 
 he was suffering (and believe he 
 did) listening to him while he was de- 
 scribing their part in the storming 
 of Mary's Height, and keeping the 
 enemy in check at the battle of Chan- 
 cellorsville, and crossing the Eappa- 
 hannock in small boats, etc. The Hon- 
 orable Mr. Lovejoy came in with the 
 wife and daughter of a senator (I be- 
 lieve from Illinois), with whom I had 
 a pleasant conversation, and who of- 
 fered her services if they could assist 
 me during the winter. I met Mrs. Ir- 
 ving and Mr. Ashton White in Sister 
 Piatt's ward. 
 
 [94] 
 
The Lady Nurse of Ward E 
 
 November 30, 1863. 
 
 I went with Sister S to hospital 
 
 nursery to select plants for our win- 
 dow shelves, then to ask Mrs. Samp- 
 son of the Sanitary Commission to in- 
 tercede with the surgeon general, and 
 ask that our " dresser " might be re- 
 tained as all the Ohio soldiers are to 
 leave to-morrow. I was pleased to 
 hear that Colonel Wysworth from 
 Yonkers has charge of the Invalid 
 Corps and is in town. The mother 
 and brother of No. 48 arrived unex- 
 pectedly and his delight gave me 
 much pleasure to witness. As they 
 were strangers and knew not where 
 to find a lodging place, the old lady 
 proposed remaining by his bedside all 
 night, which being against the rules 
 I took Conyers home with me to ask 
 
 Sister S to take a spare bed in 
 
 Mrs. Ripley's room, so I could occupy 
 hers and give mine to the old lady, 
 for which she was very thankful. 
 
 I found the ladies somewhat excited 
 and in consultation with the General 
 Ward Master, as "Uncle Ben" had ex- 
 [95] 
 
The Lady Nurse of Ward E 
 
 erted himself so tremendously to get 
 our house warm, the furnace pipe was 
 red hot and we were fearful it would 
 ignite the floor; a little management 
 soon subdued it, and we passed a 
 quiet night, with the exception of Sis- 
 ter Hill, who required some mustard 
 paste, which lulled her again to for- 
 getfulness. 
 
 December 1, 1863. 
 
 Dr. Bliss appointed another meet- 
 ing of the lady nurses at the " Cha- 
 teau," and again disappointed us. I 
 found a note from Henry (our dress- 
 er), who was obliged to leave, and 
 did so without saying " Good-by '' to 
 anyone, he feeling so moved that he 
 was obliged to write it. I regret ex- 
 ceedingly that I did not go to Colonel 
 
 Wysworth en personne. Miss P 
 
 spent part of the evening in Ward E, 
 there being music and chatting gener- 
 ally. 
 
 December 2, 1863. 
 Dr. Smith called and insisted upon 
 my going to see Miss Okell. I con- 
 cluded to ignore my headache and go, 
 [96] 
 
The Lady Nurse of Ward E 
 
 and as his ambulance was at the door, 
 I called for her to accompany us to 
 see the head of the bronze statue of 
 the " Goddess of Liberty," which 
 crowns the dome of the Capitol, 
 placed on her shoulders, which event 
 took place at twelve o'clock. Mrs. 
 President Lincoln was there in an 
 open carriage, with nothing particu- 
 lar to mark her from the occupants of 
 the other carriages, but a pug nose 
 and a rather severe expression. The 
 crowd cheered immensely as the head 
 of the statue reached its place. Can- 
 non announced the fact to the fortifi- 
 cations about Washington, which sa- 
 luted her each in turn. I went in the 
 Capitol to see the new bronze doors, 
 which of course are fine, the cost be- 
 ing thirty thousand dollars. Our din- 
 ner hour being passed when I reached 
 home, I took my little teapot to 
 " Special Diet Kitchen " to make 
 some tea; I found Mrs. Gray there, 
 who very kindly gave me some toast, 
 and I enjoyed it ever so much in her 
 little back room. Dr. Stuart intro- 
 [97] 
 
The Lady Nurse of Ward E 
 
 duced a Mr. Perley, who wished some 
 music, thus opening a conversation 
 about the present to be given to Dr. 
 S' , proposing that I should re- 
 ceive the money, both from our ward 
 and his company, the President's 
 bodyguard, which he represents. 
 
 December 3, 1863. 
 
 Finished letter for home. Clara 
 O came for me to go to the Smith- 
 sonian, which I enjoyed, though I re- 
 turned chilled and tired. I talked 
 with her about our hospital life, etc., 
 in which she seems much interested 
 and promises me something for 
 Christmas for my soldiers from Yon- 
 kers. Unfavorable news from our un- 
 fortunate Army of the Potomac. 
 There was a hospital concert in 
 Ward C. 
 
 December 4, 1863. 
 
 One month since I came here, and 
 it seems more like three. I framed 
 pictures to decorate our plain brown 
 paper walls and remained in my ward 
 after dinner imtil three o'clock as No. 
 [98] 
 
The Lady Nurse of Ward E 
 
 6 was out and many of our convales- 
 cents feel the etf ect of the mild weath- 
 er, or the change, and have taken to 
 their beds with fever and severe head- 
 ache. Conyers came in with such a 
 headache that he could scarcely see. 
 He came to our ^* Home," as I prom- 
 ised him some homeopathy and co- 
 logne to bathe his head. I arranged 
 my dress and hurried to the ward, 
 found that Johnny Hegeman, in whose 
 care I had left the keys, had given out 
 the medicine. He is really quite 
 bright and useful. He enlisted under 
 age, and was brought here very 
 ill with fever before the regiment 
 reached the front. Arranged my 
 ward for the concert, which passed 
 off splendidly. Borrowed Sister 
 HilPs lamp and bouquet for the piano 
 and was quite proud of its appear- 
 ance. We had a feast of music, which 
 I enjoyed with the soldiers to the ut- 
 most. Mr. Martini, who played very 
 sweet and spirited accompaniments 
 on the piano; Mr. Parsons, whose 
 voice is superb, so musical, and natu- 
 [99] 
 
The Lady Nurse of Ward E 
 
 ral; Mr. AVhite and two others, whose 
 names I forget, and Miss Kitty Ir- 
 ving, so petite and pretty, played two 
 pieces, altogether the most successful 
 concert we have had yet. Mrs. Irving, 
 Mrs. Dean, and White accompanied 
 and the ward was crowded. There 
 were no bad effects visible to-night. 
 
 December 5, 1863. 
 
 Fine weather! "Went to the House 
 after dining, made my toilet for Sat- 
 urday afternoon. Dr. Banister vac- 
 cinated me when he came for Miss 
 Griggs, as I was informed at break- 
 fast that I had a case of " varioloid " 
 in my ward ; gave Dr. S my opin- 
 ion on the subject of his not telling 
 me when he suspected it. Conyers 
 came to the House, as I promised to 
 read to him, he was feeling so miser- 
 ably, and did so until five o'clock. Mr. 
 
 E came in a moment to show me 
 
 an amusing little contraband image 
 some lady had made for him. After 
 
 tea Johnny H insisted upon 
 
 taking up the glass basket, Sister 
 [100] 
 
The Lady Nurse of Ward E 
 
 Gulie's offering, made of beads, and 
 No. 6 suspended it, which proves 
 quite ornamental. Miss Thomas came 
 and sang in the evening, bringing a 
 crowd again to the ward, attracted as 
 much by her pretty face as the music. 
 I omitted to mention Major General 
 Hancock visited our hospital — a 
 noble-looking man. 
 
 December 6, 1863. 
 Found my worst predictions veri- 
 fied in poor " Kenser," whose head I 
 had bathed, etc., and he with the other 
 case, whom the surgeon had suspect- 
 ed from the first, were sent to the 
 " Kalorama Hospital." A sad day al- 
 together. My suffering patient, 48, 
 asked Dr. Bliss to examine his foot, 
 which he consented to, after dinner, 
 and finding the bone materially in- 
 jured, amputated it. Conyers suffer- 
 ing all day with such a neuralgic pain 
 in his right temple and eye, was 
 obliged to keep chloroform and opium 
 on it and when evening came and I 
 was sitting by him to keep him from 
 feeling lonely and dispirited, thoughts 
 [101] 
 
The Lady Xurse of Ward E 
 
 of home came very sweet and its com- 
 forts seemed very far off ; read aloud 
 a chapter from Miss Alcott's '' Hos- 
 pital Sketches," which seemed to en- 
 tertain a number very much, particu- 
 larly my sensible John, lying in the 
 next bed to Conyers, who said he did 
 not see where such an interesting 
 book came from ; he had not been able 
 to get such and would like to buy it. 
 Retired quite early for me. 
 
 December 7, 1863. 
 In the mornmg the visit of the Rus- 
 V sian Medical Staff was the all-impor- 
 tant topic, except that Miss Grriggs 
 and I agitated ourselves about being 
 present at the opening of Congress, 
 which I would have preferred, but 
 knowing it would be doubtful about 
 our getting through the crowd, and 
 finding Conyers had passed a miser- 
 able night without sleep, saying he 
 thought I would never come in, put 
 everything but ward duties out of my 
 mind, until I had things in order for 
 inspection, special orders written and 
 [102] 
 
The Lady Nurse of Ward E 
 signed, No. 48 attended to, and C— 
 
 somewhat comforted, though I trem- 
 ble to write, we all feared for him, 
 the dreaded visitor, which has taken 
 two of our number to the " Kalo- 
 rama." At this moment Dr. Smith 
 came in, saying Miss Okell and others 
 were waiting at the door for me to ac- 
 company them to Alexandria. I knew 
 the sail and fresh air was just what I 
 needed, and having arranged things 
 to my satisfaction, I said yes, glad 
 to run away from inspection, even 
 though it brought the Eussians, and 
 get the fresh breeze and relief for my 
 anxiety. We took the boat at the 
 wharf and a half hour's sail brought 
 
 us to A . Walked to the " Wolfe 
 
 E. W. Hospital," where were two 
 friends of Dr. Smith, wounded and 
 brought there last week — Colonel 
 Higgins of the Eighty-sixth New 
 York and the " fighting chaplain," as 
 he is called, Mr. Barbour, from Troy, 
 with a severe wound in his leg. He 
 was so handsome and agreeable we 
 were quite charmed ; asked us for our 
 [103] 
 
The Lady Nurse of Ward E 
 
 autographs. From there to St. Paul's 
 Church Hospital to see young Dr. 
 Allen, formerly of Ward E, whom I 
 promised to visit. Unfortunately he 
 had just left, and we were obliged to 
 hurry to the boat, which left at 1 p.m. 
 Said " good-bye " and home messages 
 to Miss , found Sisters South- 
 wick and Griggs just returned from 
 the Capitol, but were unable to get in 
 for the crowd, so went to dinner to- 
 gether, but as usual did not find much. 
 Hurried to my ward with my little 
 teapot of tea ; wrote letter for No. 48, 
 informing his mother of the loss of 
 his foot. Spent a sad, anxious after- 
 noon by C 's bed, who was burn- 
 ing with fever; read the most of the 
 evening to him that he might sleep, 
 and shall not soon forget it. When I 
 reached the " Chateau," to add to my 
 comfort, found that Miss Low had set- 
 tled in her mind that C had the 
 
 *' varioloid '^ and excited the ladies 
 with the idea of my bringing it to 
 them in my clothes, which seemed to 
 me supremelv ridiculous, as Miss 
 [10-1] 
 
The Lady Nurse of Ward E 
 
 Piatt had sent one case from her own 
 ward and they knew I had attended 
 j)oor Kenser for days. I told them if 
 he were not better by to-morrow I 
 would request of Dr. Bliss a room in 
 the hospital, so as to save them from 
 contagion. I retired to my room in 
 disgust, taking care to shut the door, 
 where I had a talk with Sister South- 
 wick, with whom I can always ex- 
 change sentiments; wrote journal, in- 
 dulged in a little home reverie to for- 
 get everything about me and was glad 
 to fall asleep, though obliged to put 
 on my bed all the clothes I could find 
 to make myself comfortable. 
 
 December 8, 1863. 
 
 Was delighted to find C out of 
 
 bed and announced to the ladies at 
 breakfast with pardonable satisfac- 
 tion that he had recovered from the 
 " smallpox " ; wrote letter to Carrie 
 to send with " Hospital Sketches " by 
 
 Miss . Dr. Smith called for 
 
 them. After dinner — indisposed — 
 
 went to bed, and for once was able to 
 
 [105] 
 
The Lady l^urse of Ward E 
 
 sleep, which I did until nearly dark. 
 Spent the evening in my ward. 
 Found Miss Felton, who went home a 
 fortnight since to attend a wedding, 
 at the " Home." 
 
 December 9, 1863. 
 
 Heartsick and anxious about No. 
 48, who has had three chills, a bad 
 symptom after amputation ; could not 
 leave him while suffering, so could 
 not go with Miss Piatt to see Mrs. Dr. 
 Jenkins — a pleasanter evening than 
 the last, though could have no music, 
 fearing to disturb 48. Found Sister 
 
 S in her room waiting for me, 
 
 and the Bostonians in " Officer " 
 Low's room, having a nice little time 
 with some sardines and olives and 
 gingerbread — their usual style. Sis- 
 ter Griggs, who had been slighted 
 also, came in and we had more fun 
 over it than they did. I proposed rat- 
 tling up our dishes for opposition, but 
 afterwards concluded it would not be 
 dignified for a " hospital sister." Ee- 
 tired at midnight. 
 
 [106] 
 
The Lady Nurse of Ward E 
 
 December 10, 1863. 
 
 No. 48 passed the night without a 
 chill, though he had a slight one this 
 morning. Wrote from the ward mas- 
 ter's book the names of my new pa- 
 tients in mine. Eemained a while af- 
 ter dinner and opened the piano to 
 forget myself in practising. En- 
 deavored to put a few stitches in 
 some things long waiting for them. 
 Mrs. Jackson came in, with her un- 
 ceasing flow of conversation. C 
 
 came in just before five bringing the 
 corkscrew, according to promise, so 
 opened the grape wine. Sister HilPs 
 present, which, with Sister Griggs's 
 oatmeal crackers, we pronounced 
 " splendid." Sisters Piatt and Griggs 
 joined us, and while we were endeav- 
 oring to get some warmth from our 
 cheerful (?) stovepipe, we heard 
 Dr. Bliss's voice, bringing in some 
 one to see the " Chateau." I arose 
 to receive him and if he had looked 
 toward the bottle of wine, etc., on 
 the table, was ready to ask him 
 to partake. Night was approaching, 
 [107] 
 
The Lady Nurse of Ward E 
 
 and her dusky veil covered our lit- 
 tle festive scene, but we were 
 quite ready with our parting saluta- 
 tions; went late to ni}^ supper, found 
 Dr. Bliss had detained the ladies at 
 the table, and was drilling them in 
 " Eules and Orders/' Was delighted 
 to find two letters from home, when I 
 returned to my ward, which " Dan'l " 
 had put in a book to save for me, de- 
 voured them with a hungry spirit, 
 which had been longing for something 
 from the outer world. Indulged my- 
 self in looking over the dear home 
 faces. Mrs. Jackson and Lieutenant 
 Jacob's sister came in for a few mo- 
 ments, spent pleasant evening and 
 promised to retire early, which after 
 taking the rocking-chair by our pipe 
 to warm before retiring I found 
 rather difficult. 
 
 December 11, 1863. 
 In the evening went to Ward C to 
 
 see Miss P and C , happy at 
 
 their " musical soiree." Miss Griggs 
 
 and Dr. Robbins and I formed a most 
 
 appreciative part of the audience, 
 
 [108] 
 
The Lady Nurse of Ward E 
 
 while reading an exceedingly interest- 
 ing letter from Mrs. Ingersoll. The 
 ladies were obliged to put on a variety 
 of costumes for the night's rest, as we 
 had no fire as yet, and my merino 
 dressing gown over the other was just 
 the thing. 
 
 December 12, 1863. 
 
 Dark and cloudy day. Wrote a line 
 to the Chaplain of the Kalorama to 
 hear from poor " Kenser." Spent the 
 most of the day in the ward. Sister 
 Southwick sent up her violinist to play 
 for us, and I enjoyed it exceedingly 
 without a crowd, sitting by my table 
 
 writing to Sister G at the same 
 
 time. 
 
 December 13, 1863. 
 
 Spent Sunday in my ward. Inspec- 
 tion late, so had my Special Diet to 
 make out after dinner; remained 
 awhile wondering if there were any 
 religious services, when Sisters Piatt 
 and Griggs came in quite excited to 
 know the reason why I was not present 
 at the special meeting of the ladies at 
 the " Chateau," where Dr. Bliss had 
 [109] 
 
The Lady Nurse of Ward E 
 
 been talking to them for an hour; 
 found that " No. 6 " had forgotten to 
 give me the " Orderly's " message. 
 Could not say I regretted it. Miss 
 P insisted upon C and my- 
 self coming to Ward C to attend the 
 services, which we did. The Senator 
 from Maine addressed the meeting, in 
 V the absence of the chaplain. Mr. 
 
 E , as of old, came in for a few 
 
 moments by the door. Services also 
 in Ward E, where Sister Griggs ac- 
 companied the singing on our piano. 
 Stumbled into a queer conversation ; 
 went to church with my new friend 
 and relieved my conscience. 
 
 December 14, 1863. 
 Spent the most of the day in my 
 ward, " No. 6 " being out. Wrote let- 
 ters. Quite a musical evening. The 
 violinists and piano accompanying, 
 tried to play myself, but was too nerv- 
 ous, and couldn't see the notes, but 
 succeeded in pleasing the musical 
 Irishman. 
 
 [110] 
 
The Lady Nurse of Ward E 
 
 December 15, 1863. 
 Went to the Capitol for the first 
 time since Congress met, and was, of 
 course, exceedingly interested. Heard 
 Senator Hale's indignant denial of the 
 charge of political intrigue against the 
 Senate and quite a spirited argument 
 between the Senators from Maryland 
 and Kentucky. Mrs. Senator Lane 
 came to see me, with Mr. Lovejoy. 
 Am delighted to find she will be here 
 this winter. 
 
 December 16, 1863. 
 No. 6 absent unaccountably and 
 
 C took his place. Chaplain of 
 
 Kalorama came to tell us that the men 
 we sent there were doing well; wrote 
 letter for "48" to his mother; he is 
 decidedly failing, and had quite a sat- 
 isfactory conversation with him. Mrs. 
 Sheldon came to sing in the evening, 
 and though I felt like sitting quietly 
 by myself, put, as usual, myself out of 
 the way and was only the nurse. 
 
 [Ill] 
 
The Lady Xurse of Ward E 
 
 December 17, 1863. 
 My anxiety in part was relieved l3y 
 seeing " No. 6 " in the ward, whose 
 report was more favorable than I an- 
 ticipated. After dinner, which seemed 
 quite homelike, was surprised to hear 
 
 uncle J 's voice in our little parlor, 
 
 and delighted to see some one who 
 could give me home news in detail. 
 Concert in Ward Ay which I could not 
 attend. 
 
 December 18, 1863. 
 Packed a trunk to send by uncle 
 J , who came to see me, after din- 
 ner; went through the Smithsonian 
 with him ; attended lecture there in the 
 evening, delivered by Eev. Mr. Lord, 
 on " Civilization," with Sisters Griggs 
 and Southwick and the delightful Dr. 
 Banister, whom, however, I was glad 
 to leave to the other ladies to enter- 
 tain, as I was too weary to talk. Ee- 
 turned at nine to the " Chateau," 
 where Miss Piatt gave a little social 
 entertainment from which no one of 
 the sisterhood was excluded — New 
 York affability. Retired immediately, 
 [112] 
 
The Lady Nurse of Ward E 
 
 glad for the hour for sleep. " No. 48 " 
 failing, wrote another letter to his 
 mother. A new patient, found in the 
 streets, strayed from a hospital. 
 
 December 19, 1863. 
 Spent part of the morning at the 
 home while the ward was being 
 cleaned. Went to the market, but find- 
 ing no decent bread or cake, went to 
 the bakery in spite of the cold. Was 
 intending to return Mrs. Lane's visit, 
 but the curtains were ready to be cut 
 and devoted the afternoon to them. 
 " No. 6 " was out, so went to the house 
 only for a few moments after giving 
 out the medicine. In the evening a few 
 of the men collected again and fin- 
 ished the curtains by eight, when I 
 gave out the little lunch I had pre- 
 pared for them, and as " Wood " came 
 from Ward A with an urgent invita- 
 tion for me to hear the violinists who 
 were entertaining them, went up, 
 found Dr. Banister and Miss Piatt 
 among the audience. Miss Griggs play- 
 ing accompaniments, which she does 
 [113] 
 
.\ 
 
 The Lady Nurse of Ward E 
 
 beautifully, and C and three oth- 
 ers singing some new songs they had 
 been practicing. The " Marseillaise " 
 brought out Dr. Alcan, who sang it in 
 French, much to our amusement, be- 
 ing more of a recitation than singing. 
 Eetired very late, which I regretted 
 in the morning — weary, weary, weary ; 
 forgot I had devoted myself to suffer- 
 ing fellow-creatures, and was weak 
 enough to long for a kind word for 
 myself. 
 
 December 20, 1S63. 
 
 Felt miserahlij, so went to church; 
 
 decidedly wintry. Dr. Banister came 
 
 home with me; after dinner went to 
 
 my ward for a short time, procured a 
 
 special pass for C to witness the 
 
 funeral ceremonies of Major-General 
 Buford, then to the ^' Chateau " per- 
 fectly tired out. Went to bed and 
 slept until dark; stupid evening with 
 nothing particular to do but fret my- 
 self thinking of poor " 48 " whose 
 hours are numbered. Ornamenting 
 our ward, etc., etc., etc. 
 
 [114] 
 
The Lady Nurse of Ward E 
 
 December 21, 1863. 
 Was surprised by an early visit 
 
 from " Dahle," though C told me 
 
 he was one of the escort of the re- 
 mains of Major-General Buford. Com- 
 menced putting up curtains and prep- 
 arations for Christmas and shall 
 probably have no leisure until the day 
 is over. '^ No. 48 " breathed his last 
 about ten a.m., without a prayer or 
 tear shed over him, though I know his 
 poor mother will grieve when she 
 hears the sad news. Made ivreatlis in 
 the dining room after dinner and at- 
 tended to Sister Southwick's comfort, 
 who is quite ill. Ascertained that my 
 poor starved man, found in the street, 
 had a brother in the regiment now 
 stationed here, procured a special 
 "Pass," and sent a man after him, 
 who soon returned with him and three 
 others. Was agreeably surprised by 
 a very convenient present from Sister 
 
 S . The men did not feel like 
 
 working at the wreaths, so postponed 
 
 until the morrow. Was too weary to 
 
 think of accompanying Sister G — — 
 
 [115] 
 
The Lady Nurse of Ward E 
 
 and Dr. B to Mr. Lord's lecture 
 
 No. 2. Had a good practice, played 
 over my old songs. Mrs. Ripley, from 
 Concord, Mass. (with whom I have 
 quite fallen in love), came in, and we 
 had, as of late, a pleasant little tete- 
 a-tete — asked me to sing " The long, 
 long weary day'' for her. Her hus- 
 band died from fever contracted in 
 the army, and she has come, hoping 
 to soften her grief, by assisting in the 
 work here. 
 
 December 22, 1863. 
 Made wreaths in dining room before 
 dinner; ran away immediately after, 
 to return Mrs. Lane's kind visit. Was 
 delighted to receive a letter from Sis- 
 ter Gulie before I went; walked up 
 and down the Avenue, searching in 
 vain for a decent place where I could 
 get some oysters, but was obliged to 
 return hungry. "No. 6" had hung 
 the rest of the curtains, which relieved 
 my mind of part of the weight resting 
 on it. The evergreens were brought 
 in the ward after supper. Dr. Stuart 
 .came in to assist with his artistic taste 
 [116] 
 
The Lady Nurse of Ward E 
 
 and we made quite a happy commence- 
 ment, as well as numbered twenty-two 
 wreaths. Eetired feeling weary only 
 in body, refreshed in spirit. 
 
 December 23, 1863. 
 
 A pleasant day preparing for 
 Christmas, as everything moved along 
 very smoothly and am much pleased 
 with the unique decorations of our 
 ward which has received already so i^ 
 many compliments it quite puts one 
 in good humor. Made poultice for 
 
 C 's wrist the last thing before 
 
 coming home. 
 
 December 24, 1863. 
 Spent the entire day in my ward, 
 busily trimming. Dr. Smith walked in 
 just before dinner, invited me to take 
 a drive, as the chaplain's horse needed 
 exercise. Miss Jacobs accompanied 
 us, and it was delightful. Saw the 
 " Mountain Eangers " drilling their 
 horses to leap a ditch, which amused 
 us exceedingly. Made poultices for 
 C , the sum total of my "nurs- 
 ing " to-day, excepting the usual 
 [117] 
 
The Lady Nnrse of Ward E 
 
 round of duties. Received package 
 of Evening Posts. Miss Piatt re- 
 ceived her box from Yonkers, in which 
 was one for me from Mrs. Edward 
 Martin, which delighted me, both be- 
 cause of the unexpected remembrance 
 and of the pleasure of putting some 
 nice, clean shirts under the pillows 
 of my soldiers for Christmas. Mr. 
 Ramsdell came in the evening with 
 a friend; of course he was inter- 
 ested and admired the decorations. 
 I was called to the ward-master's 
 
 room, where I found Dr. S with 
 
 No. 6 et al. making a " Santa Claus " 
 — a medical one— which is fine, and 
 prophesies a " Merry Christmas " to- 
 morrow. Am thankful there is only 
 one poor man in the ward who cannot 
 enjoy it; and it cannot even disturb 
 him, though he has, in my eyes, 
 thrown a dark shadow on the picture 
 all day. I arranged some presents for 
 laundresses and others, and then re- 
 tired, late as usual. 
 
 [118] 
 
The Lady Nurse of Ward E 
 
 December 25, 1863. 
 I found my ward in the merriest 
 mood, Dr. S having already per- 
 petrated a nice joke on Mrs. Wilson, 
 whom he asked to prepare a little 
 milk toast for an old man who had 
 " come in the night and could eat very 
 little " ; she left her breakfast and 
 prepared and took it in, and on in- 
 quiry for him her attention was ^' 
 directed to " Santa Claus," who is 
 perched at the top of my post, with 
 one leg over the beam, pack and hands 
 filled, everything from the dispensary 
 being purely medical, and the most 
 complete thing of the kind I ever saw. 
 The whole ward shouted with laugh- 
 ter, and she, perforce, with toast in 
 hand, was obliged to join in the gen- 
 eral merriment. No. 48's brother, 
 who had come for his brother's re- 
 mains, came in to see me. I was quite 
 astonished and charmed with his un- 
 affected simplicity, which enabled him 
 to converse and thank me with a sim- 
 ple yet expressive brevity that was 
 quite delightful. He said his mother 
 [119] 
 
 / 
 
The Lady N.urse of Ward E 
 
 wished him to come in and see me. 
 Our ward was the center of attraction 
 all day, and acknowledged by all — 
 even by the " angel of Ward C " — to 
 be the "banner ward" on this occa- 
 sion. 
 
 I went to the " Chateau " after 
 breakfast to make my Christmas toi- 
 let, and when I returned found a 
 crowd (Mr. E among them) en- 
 joying it immensely. The univer- 
 sal opinion was that our ward was 
 dressed the prettiest, independent of 
 our comical visitor ; everyone admired 
 J the light border of evergreens, the 
 holly vines on the ventilators, and 
 the Christmas trees hung with bayo- 
 nets, pistols, etc. Mr. Lovejoy went 
 through the wards taking notes, so I 
 suppose we shall soon see ourselves 
 in print. I regretted to hear that our 
 chaplain, Mr. Jackson, with Colonel 
 Millett and Chaplain Adams of the 
 Fifth Maine, had paid us a visit and 
 was saluted with the cry of " Hay ! " 
 from all quarters, as he made such a 
 fuss about their getting some of his 
 [120] 
 
The Lady Nurse of Ward E 
 
 hay by mistake to fill our nierry pa- 
 tron saint, and when he ventured a 
 joke and asked Sergeant Eeed what 
 they had given the old man for his 
 breakfast, he answered him, " Hay," 
 which he reported to the officer of the 
 day, and Eeed was obliged to go in to 
 
 Dr. Bliss; but Dr. S arranged 
 
 things so, as he anticipated, he was al- 
 lowed to go out for the first time and 
 enjoy a Christmas dinner with some 
 friends outside. The promised din- 
 ner of one hundred turkeys, etc., for 
 the soldiers from Maine, was detained 
 on the other side of the Schuylkill 
 Eiver, in consequence of the breaking 
 of a bridge, with the rest of our 
 Christmas boxes. I was delighted 
 with a letter from Sister Gulie, in- 
 forming me of the contents of my box, 
 over which, good sister as she is, she 
 had exerted herself to have it reach 
 me to-day. At 6 p.m. we had religious 
 services in " I." Chaplain Adams ad- 
 dressed us in a most beautiful and 
 feeling manner, but was unfortu- 
 nately interrupted by the ravings of 
 [121] 
 
The Lady ISTurse of Ward E 
 
 a man who had been out making mer- 
 ry. Sisters Piatt and Hill, with my- 
 self and some of the soldiers, formed 
 the choir until C came in and as- 
 sisted with his tenor voice. Colonel 
 Millett introduced me to the Eev. Mr. 
 Adams, who was quite delightful, and 
 Dr. Smith, who was also present with 
 
 Colonel M , accompanied me to 
 
 Ward E, which they said displayed 
 the most beautiful taste of any they 
 had seen. Walt Whitman and our 
 French surgeon, Dr. Alcan, were most 
 
 complimentary. Dr. S asked me 
 
 for some music and entertained us 
 with a few songs. C was suffer- 
 ing from his wrist, and would not wait 
 for them to leave, but made the poul- 
 tice himself and went to " I " for his 
 favorite diversion. Dr. Bobbins came 
 in soon after they left and said I had 
 better go with him to " H " and hear 
 the music, so concluded to keep Christ- 
 mas merry as long as possible. I 
 
 found Sister S entertaining the 
 
 gentlemen who had just left, and 
 spent the rest of the evening there. 
 [122] 
 
THE SHADOW AT CHRISTMAS 
 
 {From " The Drum Beat") 
 
 During our preparations for Christ- 
 mas, decorating the wards with ever- 
 greens, and making everything as 
 bright as possible — for it is our duty 
 to cheer and amuse the living as well 
 as watch and attend to the sick and 
 dying — there was one poor unfortu- 
 nate boy, only eighteen, who, amid the 
 unusual confusion and merriment, 
 was to me, not yet quite callous to the 
 sad contrasts we so often witness 
 here, a strange shadow as he lay 
 quietly, his life ebbing and flowing 
 toward the great ocean of eternity. 
 He had been found in the street, hav- 
 ing, in a fit of delirium, strayed from 
 his regiment, encamped in this vicin- 
 ity. He had suffered from that fear- 
 ful scourge, camp diarrhoea, for fif- 
 teen months, and being also a victim 
 to intemperance, which might have 
 [123] 
 
The Lady ISurse of Ward E 
 
 been occasioned by his disease and 
 privation, he presented such a picture 
 of emaciation as I have never seen, 
 except in the representations of the 
 Libby prisoners. And yet from his 
 manner of speaking, I could see that 
 he had known what it was to be ten- 
 derly cared for, and, like the " prodi- 
 gal son," penitent and sorrowing, was 
 longing for that from which he had 
 strayed. He held a small photograph 
 of his mother firmly in one hand, as if 
 that were all he had left to cherish. 
 After two days he recovered a little 
 strength, and, calling me to him, said, 
 in a tearful, broken voice, " I wish my 
 brother Benjamin was here, that I 
 might put my two arms about his 
 neck." I sent immediately to his regi- 
 ment, and in a few hours his brother 
 sat by his bedside, his full, rosy 
 cheeks and bright eyes presenting a 
 strong contrast to the wan face at 
 which he gazed so sorrowfully, and 
 from which suffering had so complete- 
 ly driven away all trace of youth that, 
 although younger, he looked ten years 
 [124] 
 
The Lady Nurse of Ward E 
 
 his senior. He had been searching for 
 him in street and hospital, and think- 
 ing he must have j)erished through 
 exhaustion, had written that morning 
 to his mother that they would prob- 
 ably never see him again. Like Ben- 
 jamin of old, he was a great comfort, 
 and when he left each day a hostage 
 was demanded by his darling brother 
 to insure his return — usually his 
 pocket knife or comb — which he held 
 in his hand to reassure him. At first 
 his mind seemed laden with a heavy 
 burden, and large tears would roll 
 down his cheeks (or where they should 
 have been). He told me he "was go- 
 ing to die, and wished some one would 
 get him ready." I comprehended his 
 desire to have some one tell him 
 where to look for pardon and a guid- 
 ing hand to lead him through the 
 "dark valley," and brought one who 
 often visits our hospital, and whom I 
 believe to be one of the few faithful 
 ministers of God among the soldiers, 
 to his bedside, after which I had the 
 great satisfaction of hearing him ex- 
 [125] 
 
The Lady Nurse of Ward E 
 
 press himself much comforted. On 
 Christmas Day the shadows of life 
 seemed closing about him, and I 
 feared the darker shadow of death 
 would come like a specter to our 
 Christmas feast; but he lingered at 
 the threshold until the Sabbath, and 
 the evening hour came before he 
 found rest in that dreamless slumber 
 whose reveille is only heard beyond 
 the grave. 
 
 A. Akin 
 
 Armory Square Hospital. 
 
 [126] 
 
The Lady Nurse of Ward E 
 
 December 26, 1863. 
 
 Spent part of the morning at the 
 " Chateau " sweeping our room, medi- 
 tating, etc. Was detained in the ward 
 by a constant succession of visitors, 
 some very agreeable ones. In the 
 evening I entertained myself with my 
 own music, then went to Ward C for 
 a short time, as I promised Miss 
 
 S to hear their new songs. When 
 
 we returned Dr. S read to us his 
 
 written report of the "Hay" affair, 
 which is capital. 
 
 No. 10, who is failing fast, though 
 he has lived far beyond our expecta- 
 tions, was suffering and detained me 
 a little after " Taps," and when I 
 reached the home found a note from 
 the officer of the day (Dr. Stearns) 
 respectfully inviting the ladies to at- 
 tend a "contraband wedding" in 
 their new barracks just in the* rear of 
 our wards. All had retired but Sister 
 S and Mrs. I , who was spend- 
 ing the night here, so we all went to- 
 gether. We found there Drs. Stearns, 
 Horsey, and Smith, and Colonel Mil- 
 [127] 
 
The Lady Nurse of Ward E 
 
 lett, Miss Jacobs, Mrs. Wilson and 
 family, and were in time to witness 
 the ceremony, which was truly amus- 
 ing. The bride and four bridesmaids 
 wore thin white dresses and wreaths ; 
 one bridesmaid and groomsman car- 
 ried a tall silver candlestick with 
 candle. The bride shed tears very 
 appropriately, but the bridesmaids 
 giggled and one of their colored 
 brethren, who had borrowed the chap- 
 lain's prayer book to read the service, 
 made some amusing mistakes. We 
 shook hands with the happy couple 
 and left them enjoying the supper, 
 which was very fine, roast turkey, etc., 
 downstairs, and on another table up- 
 stairs three large frosted cakes, one 
 ornamented very appropriately with 
 an empty bird's nest. The supper oc- 
 cupied so much time we could not wait 
 to witness the dancing. Dr. Stearns 
 escorted me back to the house and I 
 
 left Sister S , who remained a 
 
 while longer, hoping to see the 
 
 dancing. I enjoyed the luxury of a 
 
 pail of hot water, which with a lunch 
 
 [128] 
 
The Lady Nurse of Ward E 
 
 (being ravenously hungry) kept me 
 up unusually late. 
 
 December 27, 1863. 
 
 To-day was rainy, and I was again 
 
 obliged to defer going to Dr. Pyne's 
 
 church. Mr. Webb came in from the 
 
 dispensary and wanted me to go and 
 
 see Dr. S 's present, which had 
 
 just arrived, and which is really very 
 fine. I had a slice of the wedding 
 cake, which I distributed in small 
 pieces to some of the soldiers, much 
 to their amusement. I found on going 
 to dinner that Chaplain Adams was 
 very much hurt by the ladies smiling 
 during his remarks and was quite se- 
 vere in his conversation with them 
 when some of them went in to urge 
 him to speak this afternoon, but at 
 two o'clock he came in with the chap- 
 lain, and in his kind, fatherly way said 
 it was all forgotten now. I did not 
 feel equal to hearing Chaplain Jack- 
 son speak on religious subjects, 
 though regretted to lose Mr. Adams's 
 remarks, and being quite exhausted 
 went to bed, and slept well, which 
 [129] 
 
The Lady Nurse of Ward E 
 
 was what I needed most just then. I 
 found the brother of the poor man 
 from Kuseville by his bedside, as I 
 sent the ward master for him, feeling 
 assured that he was dying ; but he did 
 not breathe his last until seven in the 
 evening. Wrote in my journal until 
 nearly nine, as I did not feel like join- 
 ing in the singing, and went to the 
 house early, when Sister Piatt told me 
 the result of her interview with Dr. 
 Bliss, which quite pleased me, though 
 remembered it would be my turn next. 
 Mrs. Gray retires from her position in 
 the " Special Diet Kitchen " to-mor- 
 row. Her departure means a great 
 loss to the hospital. 
 
 December 28, 1863. 
 It is still raining. I spent the morn- 
 ing in the ward endeavoring to relieve 
 and comfort my poor consumptive pa- 
 tient, who is the only particular one 
 to care for now. There was never so 
 little to do in the ward since I first 
 came here, McDonald being the only 
 one confined to his bed. I practiced 
 [130] 
 
The Lady Nurse of Ward E 
 
 a little, spent the afternoon at the 
 house, and when I returned to the 
 ward was greeted with the good news 
 that my box had arrived. No. 6 had 
 found it at the commissary's office and 
 brought it in. After supper he 
 wheeled it down, took off the top and 
 brought it in, with his usual good 
 sense and judgment, and a happy 
 evening I have spent unpacking and 
 lunching with my friends. Sisters 
 Griggs and Southwick, and Dr. Banis- 
 ter, who came in to escort us to the 
 lecture (which was postponed). Then 
 
 I sent an invitation to C and No. 
 
 6, and lastly to Sisters Piatt and Hill. 
 My heart is overflowing with love and 
 thanks to my good Sister Grulie, and 
 indeed to all my sisters and friends 
 who have so kindly interested them- 
 selves, and to-morrow I must write 
 to them again. 
 
 December 29, 1863. 
 
 Beautiful weather. I spent the 
 
 morning disposing of the contents of 
 
 my delightful box and concluded to 
 
 defer my tea party until to-morrow, 
 
 [131] 
 
The Lady Nurse of Ward E 
 
 having a headache. I went to Ward 
 A to practice my duet with Sister 
 Griggs, and before we finished, the 
 
 y Glee Club, with C at the head, 
 
 came in and sang some new songs, 
 which I enjoyed exceedingly, particu- 
 larly the alto. 
 
 December 30, 1863. 
 Prepared for my entertainment, 
 and put up my curtains, with the pink 
 plaiting, which look fine. Took down 
 my bed, made a lounge of the other, 
 added a small table to the one 
 from the parlor, and with Sister 
 
 S 's red table cloth, Carrie's 
 
 frosted cake, Hattie's Santa Claus to 
 preside, and all my nice eatables, the 
 table looked quite to my satisfaction. 
 My guests, seven in number, seemed 
 to enjoy it vastly. Colonel Millett was 
 my vis-a-vis^ the others were Dr. Stu- 
 art with Sisters Griggs and Hill on 
 either side and Sergeant Keed and 
 Miss Piatt. Miss Marsh, not being 
 well, declined sitting down. The hot 
 soda biscuits which Mrs. Jackson so 
 kindly furnished were a mystery, in 
 [132] 
 
The Lady Nurse of Ward E 
 
 fact the ladies wondered how I could 
 think of attempting such a thing as a 
 tea company, but kindly pronounced 
 it a " splendid success." Finding so 
 much left, I arranged the table again, 
 and sent for some of my soldiers to 
 enjoy the feast also, which gave me 
 the most pleasure. Dr. Banister came 
 in to accompany the ladies to the lec- 
 ture, which I was obliged to relin- 
 quish, and took a cup of coffee. 
 Colonel Millett remained through the 
 evening. After " Taps " the other 
 ladies came in, and having kept the 
 coffee and tea hot over our alcohol 
 lamps, I invited them to partake of 
 some. Misses Low and Felton, who 
 could not sufficiently express their as- 
 tonishment at my " getting up," en- 
 joyed the pickles and dried beef, and 
 after we had finished insisted upon 
 helping me " wash up," which we did 
 in great glee. Sister Hill did not 
 leave until my bed was returned again 
 to its proper place, for which I was 
 thankful, being heartily tired, so much 
 so that I could not go to sleep. 
 [133] 
 
The Lady Nyrse of Ward E 
 
 December 31, 1863. 
 Took luncheon at the house again 
 
 from my " box " with Sister S , 
 
 who was prevented from being with 
 us last evening by one of her severe 
 headaches. I returned dishes, etc., to 
 Mrs. Jackson. 
 
 January 1, 1864. 
 I arose late to-day (a bad begin- 
 ning for the new year), attended to a 
 few patients in my ward, made some 
 New Year presents of Fannie's hand- 
 kerchiefs (which I had marked), and 
 sent a present through the post office. 
 Sisters Southwick and Griggs and 
 myself were escorted by Dr. Banister 
 to call upon the President. We were 
 obliged to stand with the democratic 
 crowd outside the gate until the dig- 
 nitaries passed out, and were aggra- 
 vated by a sight of their Napoleonic 
 chapeaus, plumes, and gilded collars; 
 then followed the army and navy offi- 
 cers on foot, the crowd meanwhile be- 
 ing permitted to press in. We suc- 
 ceeded in reaching the President's ex- 
 tended hand in safety, though at some 
 [134] 
 
ABRAHAM LINCOLN 
 
 (1863) 
 
The Lady Nurse of Ward E 
 
 risk, and were gratified with a view of 
 Mrs. Lincoln in full '' toilette," whom 
 we thought exceedingly commonplace. 
 We admired the blue room much, en- 
 joyed the music, and were quite satis- 
 fied that we had paid our respects to 
 the President on New Year Day. 
 
 Met Dr. Smith and Sister S 's 
 
 friend. The young and amiable Chap- 
 lain Hopkins with his sister was 
 there. On our return found no dinner 
 
 awaiting us, so invited Dr. B to 
 
 the " Chateau," and with Sister 
 Grigg's box and my own, we were 
 quite independent, but to our amuse- 
 ment, as well as their own, were inter- 
 rupted by New Year visitors, the gen- 
 eral ward master. Dr. Munger, and 
 two of the hospital stewards. Dr. 
 Smith and Colonel Millett called after 
 I had left for the ward to take some 
 tea and crackers to my poor consump- 
 tive patient, but took the trouble to 
 come there and pay me a formal visit. 
 There was singing in Ward C by some 
 professors, acquaintances of Dr. Bliss, 
 
 so the latter, with Mrs. B , Misses 
 
 [135] 
 
The Lady Nurse of Ward E 
 
 Lowell, Felton, and others were pres- 
 ent. With a few exceptions, the sing- 
 ing was rather stilted, and our choir 
 could have entertained better. To- 
 day the weather is extremely cold — 
 quite a contrast to the delightful 
 Christmas weather. 
 
 January 2, 1864. 
 I spent the morning in my ward, 
 being anxious about my poor patient 
 in bed No. 16, who suffers so much 
 and is so patient and gentle. I can- 
 not stay by him, and debated with my- 
 self whether I should sit by him or go 
 
 to the home for a while. C said 
 
 he would go down for his mince pie, 
 so I concluded on the latter, and with 
 Sister Southwick we spent an hour 
 very pleasantly, but on returning to 
 my ward was shocked and grieved to 
 find the poor, suffering spirit I left 
 there had passed away with scarcely 
 a moment's warning. I refused to at- 
 tend Mr. Lord's lecture, and went to 
 the chaplain immediately after sup- 
 per to see about sending a telegram 
 to his brother in New York. I found 
 [136] 
 
The Lady Nurse of Ward E 
 
 Dr. Smith, with the rest of the fam- 
 ily, seated about the table, and the 
 
 doctor and Colonel M very busily 
 
 at work on the pretty frames made 
 from cigar boxes. I then wrote a let- 
 ter to his mother, which finished the 
 evening. 
 
 January 3, 1864. 
 I intended to go to church, but it 
 was so cold and found so much to de- 
 tain me in my ward — C 's wrist 
 
 requiring more poulticing, and a new 
 patient with a frightful-looking felon, 
 and no attendant present for No. 4 
 (whose place No. 6 and I took pro 
 temps). I rushed to the home after 
 dinner for a few moments, and back 
 again as the services were to be held 
 only in " E " and " K." A very inter- 
 esting gentleman, just returned from 
 a tour through the Holy Land, spoke 
 to us from Job, and the men seemed 
 more interested than usual ; but to our 
 astonishment, as well as disgust, the 
 chaplain remarked, before commenc- 
 ing the services in " K," that they had 
 been very much annoved by loud talk- 
 [137] 
 
The Lady l^urse of Ward E 
 
 ing in the other ward, which of course 
 aroused our indignation, and immedi- 
 ately after the services were conclud- 
 ed I went to him (although C was 
 
 before me), and as publicly as pos- 
 sible asked an explanation, giving him 
 at the same time our opinion that it 
 was one of the most quiet and inter- 
 esting services we had had in a long 
 time. While delivering my lecture I 
 was amused to see Mr. Lovejoy stand- 
 ing nearby enjoying it. There was ap- 
 propriate music in Ward D in the 
 evening, so went in for a short time, 
 having promised sweet Mrs. Ripley to 
 do so. Then I wrote letters for the 
 dear ones at home, which I feel must 
 go to-morrow. 
 
 January 4, 1864. 
 This day I shall long remember. 
 Poor Mason's brother came in the 
 night train as soon as he received 
 the telegram, and he will take his 
 body to New York this evening. Quite 
 a heavy snowstorm is in progress. 
 
 [138] 
 
The Lady Nurse of Ward E 
 
 January 5, 1864. 
 Spent the morning in my ward, 
 anxious ahout Sergeant Eeed, who has 
 not been well since New Year Day. I 
 felt miserable myself, but wrote for 
 an hour after dinner, when I was 
 obliged to go to our *' home " ; made 
 a hot Sangaree, which I took and then 
 went to bed, and when night came 
 found I had too much fever to go out 
 in the snow again, so made some tea 
 and took it alone. Sister S com- 
 ing in to finish with me. Dr. B 
 
 and some of the ladies went to the 
 Smithsonian, but as the lecture was 
 postponed, he returned and spent the 
 
 evening with me. Miss P and I 
 
 read aloud from Buchanan Bead's new 
 poem, '' The Wagoner of the Alle- 
 ghanies." Misses Lowell and Felton 
 dressed for an evening entertainment 
 at Secretary Chase's, for the scientific 
 professors now gathered here; Pro- 
 fessor Agassiz came with them, which 
 made my evening quite lively and in- 
 teresting, though I rolled myself in 
 my cloak and pillowed my head. 
 [139] 
 
The Lady Nurse of Ward E 
 
 January 6, 1864. 
 
 Spent the day at the " Chateau," 
 bemg quite ill. Sent a note to our 
 surgeon in charge pro temps about 
 the deluge. Received a letter from 
 home, with sad news of dear Hattie's 
 
 severe illness. C came down to 
 
 inquire after my health and reported 
 the condition of the ward, etc. After 
 tea went to the ward a few moments, 
 and to Ward F to hear the gentle- 
 man (Dr. Diehl, our consul to Java), 
 who siDoke to us on Sunday, tell of his 
 travels in the Holy Land. He is ex- 
 ceedingly interesting. The Boston 
 trio came in at *' Taps '' from the 
 scientific tea party in the '' Special 
 Diet Kitchen," and bringing some tea 
 and coffee, we partook of some before 
 retiring. 
 
 January 1, 1864. 
 
 I awoke early with the sound of 
 falling waters still in our ears and 
 found we had no fire and that Uncle 
 Ben was unable to get to the furnace 
 in consequence of the flooding. I 
 succeeded in keepins: myself from per- 
 [140] 
 
The Lady Nurse of Ward E 
 
 ishing by the alcohol lamp, over which 
 (for my breakfast) I made a cup of 
 tea, to drink with my cold toast 
 spread with jelly, and heated water to 
 put in a bottle, with which I warmed 
 my benumbed fingers. I managed to 
 get dressed by ten. I had the pleas- 
 ure of meeting Mr. Lord, our fine 
 Smithsonian lecturer, before I left the 
 house, and after the contrabands had 
 baled us out and our fire was started. 
 Called at the chaplain's to return 
 some dishes and inquire after the in- 
 valids. It is decided the Colonel has 
 not the smallpox. Went to my ward, 
 found " Reed " better, read to him the 
 first number of our Hospital Gazette, 
 of which Mrs. Ingersoll is editor, and 
 which is printed by two patients. 
 Two new patients from Company K 
 arrived. Our interesting lecturer 
 again came to Ward F and enter- 
 tained us for an hour delightfully. 
 Dr. Bobbins called at the " Chateau " 
 after " Taps " and spent an hour. 
 
 [141] 
 
The Lady Nurse of Ward E 
 
 January 8, 1864. 
 More snow fell, which did not im- 
 prove our walking. Wrote letter to 
 Clara Okell. No letter from home yet, 
 and I pray our dear little Hattie may 
 be recovering. Remained in my ward 
 until late in the afternoon as No. 6 
 went out. Went to Dr. Bliss's office to 
 get an order for cranberries signed, 
 as I was fully determined to try that 
 poultice for No. 17. Spent evening 
 in Ward C, where the " Glee Club " 
 entertained us with music, and Miss 
 Piatt's friend, Miss Torrey of New 
 York, came over from Professor 
 Henry's at the Smithsonian, where 
 she is staying. 
 
 January 9, 1864. 
 Spent the morning in the ward 
 and after at the house. Shared 
 
 Sister G 's indignation about the 
 
 punch order and enjoyed the finale. 
 Miss Thomas came and sang while I 
 was absent. Our lecturer came again 
 in the evening for the third time. I 
 did not enjoy his lengthened remarks 
 [142] 
 
The Lady Nurse of Ward E 
 
 about women, and being chilled and 
 tired left before he finished. Sister 
 
 G gave ns some " Noyeau " and I 
 
 produced some cake, which soon 
 brought us to a more delightful state, 
 and inclined me to retire early. 
 
 January 10, 1864. 
 Found No. 17 had been suffering se- 
 verely, seemingly from erysipelas in 
 his wound, the same as Sergeant Reed 
 and McDonald, which is strange. No. 
 49 not any better. Did not leave my 
 ward until dinner hour. Inspection is 
 losing some of its disagreeable fea- 
 tures, as we are always marked " per- 
 fect." Dr. Bliss was pleased to pause 
 and admire the picture from home 
 which is now on my table. Took coffee 
 and cake at the " Chateau" after din- 
 ner. Attended service in Ward F, 
 and was charmed by the remarks of 
 the Rev. Mr. Ecclestone, from New- 
 ark, N. J., but was disgusted by our 
 chaplain's inviting Senator " Jim " 
 Lane from Kansas to speak again (as 
 he had already once done so in " D ") 
 [143] 
 
The Lady Nurse of Ward E 
 
 on the slavery question, as I wished so 
 much the impressive remarks of the 
 former might long remain in the mem- 
 ories of the soldiers; and as I think 
 Sunday is no fitting day for the dis- 
 cussion of that question by such an 
 unprincipled man as he is supposed to 
 be, I made my escape as soon as pos- 
 sible. After supper I read to Leech 
 (No. 17) from Hood to divert his 
 mind, until it was time to go to 
 church. Accompanied Sisters Hill, 
 Piatt, Marsh, and Southwick to Dr. 
 Sunderland's, who preached the fu- 
 neral sermon of Elisha Whittlesy, who 
 married a Miss Mygatt, of New Mil- 
 ford, Conn., and dead nearly a year 
 since. It was a fine sermon. Mr. 
 Eobbins and family were there, and 
 father and son insisted upon escorting 
 us home. 
 
 January 11, 1864. 
 
 No. 49 is improving; the others are 
 
 about the same. I left them in No. 
 
 6's care, and accompanied Sisters 
 
 Griggs and Southwick to the Capitol, 
 
 [lUJ 
 
The Lady Nurse of Ward E 
 
 as we heard the Rev. Mr. Ecclestone 
 would open the Senate proceedings. 
 Eeceived a long letter from Sister 
 Mary saying Hattie was better, so 
 with a grateful heart was ready to en- 
 joy almost anything. For some un- 
 known reason Dr. Sunderland made 
 the opening prayer instead of Mr. 
 
 E , and we were interested in the 
 
 remarks about Garrett Davis's expul- 
 sion from the Senate, despite the fact 
 that the resolution was laid over, and 
 after the announcement of the death 
 of one of the senators from West Vir- 
 ginia and eulogies spoken, the Senate 
 adjourned. Met Dr. Eobbins and Mrs. 
 Senator Lane of Indiana on our way 
 to the House. I introduced myself to 
 her, thus saving the time for calling 
 at the hotel, and found her very cor- 
 dial and pleasant as I remembered 
 her, though time had marked some 
 lines on her face. Remained but a 
 short time in the House as it was pre- 
 paring to adjourn also, and ive 
 
 " Began to feel, as well we might, 
 The keen demands of appetite.'* 
 
 [145] 
 
.The Lady Nurse of Ward E 
 
 Sister G left us at 4J Street to 
 
 dine with a friend, and when Dr. 
 
 R left us at Seventh Street Sister 
 
 S and I went in search of oysters, 
 
 but failed to find any, so contented 
 ourselves with fresh rolls, which we 
 brought home and with the other good 
 things we had in our room and a cup 
 of coffee, made quite a dinner. As I 
 was utterly worn out I was obliged to 
 take a rest. Our lecturer came for the 
 fourth time in Ward D ; as No. 6 was 
 going out and my head still weary, I 
 did not care to have it in " E." In- 
 stead of going to the lecture for which 
 I had no heart I wrote a note to Mrs. 
 Martin, to acknowledge her kind re- 
 membrance of me. Miss Chapin, a 
 friend of Sister G (both accom- 
 plished and beautiful), came to pass 
 the night with her. The former fail- 
 ing to find a place here, as she was 
 promised, is on the staff of a hospital 
 
 in Baltimore, of which Dr. B 's 
 
 brother is the head. Some ladies and 
 
 gentlemen had called on Miss Piatt 
 
 and myself, and found the card of 
 
 [146] 
 
The Lady Nurse of Ward E 
 
 Mrs. Cleveland of Yonkers. Miss 
 Felton is having a grand time with 
 the professors, and in company with 
 Professor Agassiz she has the en- 
 tree to all the entertainments given 
 to them, which is the last thing on the 
 carpet of society at present. To-day 
 Miss Felton went with a large party 
 to Arlington, General Eobert E. Lee's 
 old home. 
 
 January 12, 1864. 
 
 My patients are all improving ex- 
 cepting Sergeant Reed, who is still 
 suffering from chills. I was aston- 
 ished to see No. 23 of last summer, 
 just returned from his long furlough, 
 looking so well. Father Duffy, for- 
 merly our old attendant, surprised us, 
 too, with a call which was highly amus- 
 ing, saying, as he grasped my hand, 
 " Bless me, how glad I am to see 
 you ! " and for ten minutes (which 
 seemed much longer) overwhelmed 
 me with his Irish blarney and volubil- 
 ity ; then he insisted upon my playing 
 the " Irish Washerwoman " for him. 
 
 As No. 6 went out, C took his 
 
 [147] 
 
The Lady ^'^urse of Ward E 
 
 place, but I had only reached our 
 " Home " when he came to bring me a 
 dear, good letter from Sister Carrie. 
 In the evening, after attending to my 
 patients, I went to the Smithsonian 
 with Sister Griggs, whose society I 
 enjoy vastly, to hear one of Professor 
 y Agassiz's scientific lectures on " The 
 
 Glaciers.'' Our soldiers had the priv- 
 ilege of a pass from the officer of the 
 day to attend it also. 
 
 January 13, 1864. 
 Found my patients improving, so 
 concluded to go again to the Senate 
 v/ chamber and hear the great debate 
 
 about the expulsion of Garrett Davis, 
 and we sat there from twelve to past 
 four. Davis spoke three hours and 
 poured out his vials of wrath and tor- 
 rent of abuse on Senator Wilson of 
 Massachusetts, who offered the reso- 
 lution to expel him, which at first was 
 at least entertaining, but at the last 
 became so spiteful and disgusting. 
 Senator Wilson replied in a half 
 hour's speech, and although a man of 
 quite ordinary talent, he was too evi- 
 [148] 
 
The Lady Nurse of Ward E 
 
 dently on the right side to admit of 
 but one opinion. The debate will be 
 continued and I hope will end in 
 Davis's expulsion, not only for pro- 
 posing to have the people take the af- 
 fairs of government in their own 
 hands and change the administration, 
 but because, from his irascible nature 
 and uncontrolled passions, he is not 
 fitted for a seat in our Senate. I was 
 glad to go to supper, having had no 
 dinner. Wrote a long letter home in 
 the evening, although weary and worn 
 out. 
 
 January 14, 1864. 
 The Christmas dinner has at last 
 arrived, and the " turkey-birdies," 
 which have given occasion for so 
 much talk and rhyme, have been 
 properly taken care of. Mrs. Hanni- 
 bal Hamlin (to honor the gift, being 
 from Maine) came through the hospi- 
 tal at dinner time. Mrs. Ingersoll in- 
 troduced her to me, and her husband's 
 daughter, a sweet-looking young lady. 
 She was very pleasant and affable. In 
 the evening Vice President Hamlin, 
 [149] 
 
The Lady Nurse of Ward E 
 
 with others, came to Ward K, and 
 made short speeches. ^' America '' 
 was sung by our '' Glee Club." 
 
 January 15, 1864. 
 
 To-day was cloudy and, the walking 
 bad. Spent most of the day in the 
 ward. Succeeded in writing a note of 
 thanks to cousin Lydia Thome, who 
 so kindly contributed to my box. Yes- 
 terday being pay day, many of the 
 men went out to-day, and thinking the 
 others seemed lonely, invited the sol- 
 dier violinist to come and play for us. 
 Practiced and wrote in the evening, 
 took a box of guava jelly to the youth- 
 ful-looking Philadelphian in "D," 
 
 Mrs. Eipley's ward. 
 
 January 16, 1864. 
 
 Went with Miss Griggs and Corporal 
 Hartshorne, who is transferred from 
 Ward C to be her ward master, to 
 hear Anna Dickinson's address in the 
 House of Eepresentatives, and re- 
 turned proud that such talent should 
 have been given to a woman. Her de- 
 livery is wonderful, and seems more 
 the effect of inspiration than the pow- 
 [150] 
 
The Lady Nurse of Ward E 
 
 er of intellect. Her "Words of an 
 Hour" were on the theme in which 
 our hearts are now most deeply in- 
 terested, " The War." Her graphic 
 pictures could not fail to bring unbid- 
 den tears to the eyes of many of her 
 attentive listeners, and her final ap- 
 peal to the patriotism of the young 
 men was supremely eloquent; even a 
 synopsis of her lecture would fail of 
 conveying the power of her thrilling 
 language or the effect of her fine in- 
 tonation. Dr. Bobbins came in with 
 Miss Marsh, having been her escort, 
 and we were quite lively with our en- 
 thusiastic descriptions to Miss Piatt, 
 interspersed with a slight skirmish 
 with Mrs. Ingersoll about the *^ Wom- 
 an's Rights " question, which quite de- 
 lighted Mrs. R and Misses F 
 
 and L . Sister G treated us 
 
 in her room to a glass of " Noyeau " 
 to revive our exhausted powers, which 
 I hoped would bring inamediate sleep. 
 
 [151] 
 
The Lady Nurse of Ward E 
 
 January 17, 1864. 
 Spent the morning in the ward, but 
 could not oblige myself to remain 
 after dinner. Had a " rollicking " 
 conversation with Misses Low, Hill, 
 and Felton about the former's pet cat, 
 which we proposed poor " Uncle 
 Ben " should hang the next morning, 
 and finished the evening by writing an 
 amusing account of the religious (!) 
 services in Ward B, to be submitted 
 to Dr. Bliss for the Hospital Gazette, 
 and taking a cujd of tea Avith Misses 
 Low and Felton, sitting on the floor in 
 their room. Eetired late of course. 
 
 ' {For the Hospital Gazette.) 
 
 Religious (I) services were con- 
 ducted in some of the wards very 
 much as usual. The speaker in Ward 
 " B '' being some one interested in 
 the Ohio Relief Society, whether cit- 
 izen or layman we cannot report, he 
 informed us that he was satisfied the 
 agents had failed in doing their duty 
 and the Ohio soldiers had been neg- 
 lected by them, when he took his seat 
 [152] 
 
The Lady Nurse of Ward E 
 
 much to the satisfaction of his audi- 
 ence. Our chaplain (Mr. Jackson, 
 from Maine) then arose and said he 
 had been interested in the remarks of 
 this good man from Ohio, who repre- 
 sented the church and bar of the 
 northern part of Ohio, and he had had 
 occasion to observe that the Ohio men 
 had been neglected by the Eepresenta- 
 tives of that State, and that things 
 sometimes went astray; but it was 
 consoling to know that though the 
 things intended for the soldiers did 
 not reach them, their families were 
 visited and cared for by the people at 
 home, for which they ought to be very 
 grateful, and the goodness of God 
 leadeth to repentance, after which 
 came the benediction. 
 
 January 18, 1864. 
 To-day was a rainy day. The ward 
 
 was unusually quiet. C has left 
 
 to be captain of the laundry. Natze 
 has passed his last examination for 
 discharge, and his bewhiskered face 
 will not much longer present an even- 
 [153] 
 
The Lady Nurse of Ward E 
 
 ing picture to arrest the attention of 
 the ladies passing through. Sergeant 
 Eeed's brother and sister have arrived 
 and hope to take him home with them. 
 Two old patients from furlough have 
 returned. Another canary bird (which 
 proves to be a singer) graces the op- 
 posite window, a present from one of 
 the men to Dr. Stuart's ward, which 
 we name " Tommy." 
 
 January 19, 1864. 
 Mrs. Abby Gibbons, the philanthro- 
 pist, visited our hospital in company 
 with others, and had the pleasure of 
 a few moments' conversation with 
 her, and also with the Rev. Mr. 
 Storrs, of Brooklyn, who was brought 
 to my ward by Dr. Smith, and, as I 
 always supposed, is charming in con- 
 versation. He asked me to furnish 
 him with some of the many inter- 
 esting incidents of our hospital life 
 for a paper which he intends to 
 publish during the sanitary fair. I 
 gave him my sister's address in 
 Brooklyn. After dinner, feeling alto- 
 gether weak and miserable, I went out 
 [154] 
 
The Lady Nurse of Ward E 
 
 for fresh air and to find a piano tuner. 
 Called at the Sanitary Commission on 
 Dr. Jenkins, of Yonkers, who is in 
 town, but did not find him. I then 
 went with a party from the hospital to 
 hear Mr. Gough lecture on " Temper- 
 ance," and was glad to see that the 
 crowd was immense and exceedingly 
 interested and impressed. Made cup 
 
 of tea, and Sister G furnished us 
 
 with some nice cake. 
 
 January 20, 1864. 
 
 A new patient with face swollen 
 frightfully with erysipelas arrived. 
 Copied the names of those who con- 
 tributed to Dr. Stuart^s present. Had 
 a very satisfactory conversation with 
 Dr. Babcock, the New York medical 
 agent. Arranged the ward for the 
 evening and wrote invitations to Dr. 
 Bliss and others to be present at the 
 presentation to Dr. Stuart. Our ward 
 was filled at 7 p.m. and everything but 
 the last speech from one of the Eep- 
 resentatives was as it should be, and 
 as our friends are pleased to say, a 
 " success." The band of music was 
 [155] 
 
The Lady Nurse of Ward E 
 
 fine, and as soon as C brought in 
 
 Dr. S played the opening piece; 
 
 then Mr. Perley, of Erie (Dr. Stuarf s 
 home) made the presentation speech, 
 while I brought out the box of valu- 
 able instruments from my medicine 
 chest at the proper moment. Dr. 
 S commenced his reply very feel- 
 ingly and fittingly, but modesty and 
 nervousness prevented him from fin- 
 ishing ; then we had " Eally Eound the 
 Flag, Boys," from our " Glee Club,'' 
 and an excellent speech from Dr. 
 Bliss, music from the band, speeches 
 from Hon. Judge Schofield, of Erie, 
 Pa., and Hon. Amos Meyers, and 
 music until " Taps." The ward was 
 crowded, surgeons and all honoring us 
 with their presence. Misses Low and 
 Felton entertained us at the " Cha- 
 teau," where we found Dr. Stearns 
 also, with tea and cake, which, with 
 the excitement of the evening, kept me 
 awake half of the night. 
 
 [156] 
 
i 
 
 The Lady Nurse of Ward E 
 
 January 21, 1864. 
 
 I was delighted to have the oppor- 
 tunity of driving and of breathing the 
 fresh air and accepted instantly Miss 
 Piatt's invitation to make one of a 
 party to Fort Corcoran, with Sisters 
 Griggs and Southwick and Lieuten- 
 ant-Colonel Millett. We found the 
 house which Colonel Tannatt made his 
 headquarters burned, and nothing but 
 a pile of bricks left to tell the sad 
 tale; and at Colonel Whistler's they 
 were afflicted with varioloid, so pro- 
 ceeded to Fort Cass, where we made 
 a pleasant call on Mrs. Tannatt, and 
 thence to the Arlington House, which 
 I had so long desired. I was of course 
 exceedingly interested, and brought 
 away some ivy and rose buds, as the 
 shrubs were in leaf, as relics ; we were 
 forbidden access to the " attic." We 
 took our lunch in the ambulance, a 
 
 part of which Miss G and I could 
 
 not resist sharing with some soldiers, 
 who were resting by the wayside. We 
 reached home by three, and noticed 
 that all the public buildings were 
 [157] 
 
The Lady Nurse of Ward E 
 
 draped with black to honor the mem- 
 ory of the senator from Virginia. 
 
 January 22, 1864.. 
 
 Sergeant Eeed left for home with 
 his brother and sister, and to my great 
 surprise McDonald received a trans- 
 fer to General Hospital, Boston, and 
 was taken away at a few hours' no- 
 tice, his bed put on a stretcher and in 
 an ambulance which took him to the 
 train; the latter had a hospital car, 
 fitted for the accommodation of such 
 patients. Fearing the ward would 
 feel melancholy over the loss of two 
 who had been so conspicuous, I in- 
 vited Misses Griggs and Piatt and the 
 " Glee Club," and we had quite a mu- 
 sical and pleasant evening, commenc- 
 ing with our duet. When we had fin- 
 ished I went to Ward H, where some 
 of the men were trying to dance, the 
 music of the violin being irresistible. 
 Wrote a letter to Jobes. We are hav- 
 ing beautiful spring weather. 
 
 [158] 
 
The Lady Nurse of Ward E 
 
 January 23, 1864. 
 As it is a splendid day I insisted 
 upon having our ward thoroughly 
 cleaned, beds taken out and aired, etc. 
 I invited two of my old wounded pa- 
 tients to our " home," fearing they 
 might take cold, and entertained them 
 for an hour or two. Mrs. Senator 
 Lane and two young ladies called and 
 they were extremely pleasant and so- 
 ciable. They invited me to accompany 
 them to one of Speaker Colfax's re- 
 ceptions next Friday evening. " Nour- 
 linger," another of last summer's pa- 
 tients, left to-day on furlough. Miss 
 Francis (niece of Lydia Maria Child) 
 arrived last night to take Miss Fel- 
 ton's place, who leaves on Monday. 
 Enjoyed a good practice in my own 
 ward and some good music in Ward 
 !A. Sister Griggs and a friend who 
 brought in his flute gave us some very 
 nice duets. 
 
 January 24, 1864. 
 
 Being a fine spring day to-day. Sis- 
 ter Griggs and I took advantage of it 
 and went to Dr. Pyne's church. I was 
 [159] 
 
The Lady Xurse of Ward E 
 
 quite interested in the venerable struc- 
 ture, etc., but returned very much fa- 
 tigued, the walk being over two miles, 
 and having partaken of a very light 
 breakfast indulged myself in a re- 
 freshing sleep after dinner, finding 
 myself sufficiently exhausted in body 
 to be able to do so, though regretted to 
 lose Dr. Sunderland's address, who 
 was invited to assist in our religious 
 services to-day. Wrote a letter to Sis- 
 ter Cornelia. Went to Ward I with 
 Miss Piatt, as the " Glee Club " were 
 expected to sing, it being Miss Fel- 
 ton's last evening here, where we 
 found Professor Henry and lady; but 
 they sang only a short time, being in- 
 vited to sing in the Baptist church by 
 Mrs. Green, who assists us so often 
 with her alto. At " Taps " we gath- 
 ered in the parlor of our " Chateau " 
 in honor of Miss Fel ton's departure. 
 Partook of coffee, cake, etc., and made 
 as much noise as ten ladies could con- 
 veniently without any tin pans or 
 broomsticks. Valedictory speeches 
 abounded, and having found that one 
 [160] 
 
The Lady Nurse of Ward E 
 
 had retired quietly, declining to be 
 present, she was immediately brought 
 before the appreciative audience as- 
 sembled in the broad hall, in a very 
 compulsory manner, after which we 
 retired, quite satisfied by the fact that 
 ^' there is no Sunday in the Army." 
 
 After retiring I improvised for the 
 amusement of the other ladies who 
 were disrobing, 
 
 A DIRECTORY FOR THE "LADIES' 
 CHATEAU" 
 
 Sisters Southwick and Akin 
 
 Have Room No. 1, 
 Who keep smoked beef and pickles 
 
 And plenty of fun. 
 
 In Room No. 2 
 
 Are olives and figs, 
 Beside the fair inmates — 
 
 Sister Piatt and our Griggs. 
 
 In Room No. 3 
 
 You will find if you please, 
 Our dear Sister Hill 
 
 And her wonderful "sneeze." 
 
 With her, Sister Marsh 
 
 Is obliged to abide, 
 Who complains that the talking 
 
 Is all on her side. 
 
 [161] 
 
The Lady Nurse of Ward E 
 
 Next, sweet Mrs. Ripley, 
 
 With ''Bangor" to boot, 
 Which means though so quiet 
 
 Some things do not suit. 
 
 On the opposite side 
 
 You'll find Felton & Co.; 
 And if not tea-drinking 
 
 Don't blame Sister Low. 
 
 And last, though not least. 
 In the "Home of the Nurses, 
 
 Misses Lowell and Francis — 
 So here end my verses. 
 
 Made a copy of the verses for me- 
 mento of Sister Felton's last evening, 
 and gave them to her inscribed, for 
 
 Our dear Sister Felton, 
 
 So good and so wise, 
 Yet withal is so gleeful. 
 
 She laughs with both eyes. 
 
 January 25, 1864. 
 
 An agreeable visitor in the even- 
 ing, with whom I had not enjoyed a 
 conversation in a long time, and felt 
 much better for it; left my ward at 
 eight, as he wished to accompany 
 me to our " Chateau," and we finished 
 our talk before the cheerful stove 
 pipe. Colonel Wysewell, who had 
 [162] 
 
The Lady Nurse of Ward E 
 
 charge of the invalid corps here, also 
 made me a short call immediately 
 after supper. 
 
 January 26, 1864. 
 Our splendid weather continues; 
 spent the morning preparing for in- 
 spection by the Surgeon Greneral, who 
 passed through with Dr. Bliss and 
 others about twelve, with one hurried 
 glance, while I was resting quite wea- 
 ried out. At sunset put on a bonnet 
 
 and went to call on Colonel W , 
 
 who sustains my good opinion, and 
 who promised to use his influence for 
 something better than that for which 
 I asked, which so delighted me that I 
 was obliged to walk through Smith- 
 sonian grounds to allow the exuber- 
 ance of spirits to subside. C 
 
 came in the evening, and when I told 
 him of it he could scarcely credit it. 
 Mr. Eamsdell made quite a visit and 
 interrupted my letter writing, so was 
 obliged to keep very late hours, to 
 finish my talk to Sister Gulie, as I was 
 determined the letter should not be 
 delayed. 
 
 [163] 
 
The Lady ^^urse of Ward E 
 
 January 27, 1864. 
 
 This was a fine morning. I went 
 
 with C to Colonel W 's office 
 
 and waited a half-hour before he came 
 in ; then in his usual pleasant way he 
 gave him directions how to proceed, 
 though the desired haven seemed more 
 distant than we wished. Walked 
 home and rested a while in our little 
 parlor. 
 
 January 28, 1864. 
 
 The fine weather tempted me out of 
 doors again, although my head was a 
 little troublesome. Accompanied Sis- 
 ters Southwick and Griggs and Dr. 
 Banister to the Capitol, where we 
 found the Senate again discussing Mr. 
 Wilson's resolution about Garrett Da- 
 vis, but as the air was so stifling, and 
 
 Mr. W not at all brilliant, left 
 
 feeling more need of rest than of any- 
 thing else. Called at the National 
 Hotel to see Mrs. Lane a moment. 
 Sister Hill gave me a glass of delight- 
 ful wine, and I was glad to rest until 
 tea time. 
 
 [164] 
 
The Lady Nurse of Ward E 
 
 January 29, 1864. 
 
 We concluded to improve the fine 
 spring weather and have our ^^ Cha- 
 teau " cleaned, so Uncle Ben and Aunt 
 Sally commenced immediately after 
 breakfast. Patterson (No. 6) came 
 and took up my matting, and after 
 dinner he put it down in the very best 
 manner, and assisted me in putting 
 things in order. Sister Southwick hav- 
 ing gone out for a drive. Johnny (my 
 drummer) came, too, and waited upon 
 me. Hon. Mrs. Lovejoy called to see 
 us and brought his niece with him. 
 Went to see Dr. Banister to request 
 of him the favor to have a friend of 
 No. 17 transferred to our ward, which 
 he kindly granted, and to Ward D 
 
 to say goodby to C 's friend, 
 
 who left to-day, having received 
 his furlough. Went again to see 
 Mrs. Lane and engaged to go with 
 them to Speaker Colfax's reception; 
 then to the florist's, and found a 
 japonica and some fine white flowers, 
 which Miss Piatt arranged very pret- 
 tily in my hair. C came at eight, 
 
 [165] 
 
The Lady Nurse of Ward E 
 
 when my toilette was pronounced com- 
 pleted and I was " showed up " to the 
 few ladies remaining at home (the 
 most of them having gone to the 
 Campbell Hospital entertainment), 
 who kindly escorted me to the hotel 
 where I found Mrs. Lane awaiting, 
 and also Major Mace and Dr. Fry, 
 who was my escort, and whom I found 
 more than usually interesting, he hav- 
 ing charge of all the hospitals in Ken- 
 tucky and Indiana. The reception 
 was crowded. I was introduced to 
 some one every other moment, and 
 had the pleasure of a conversation 
 with Judge Holt, of Kentucky, whose 
 fine face was an index of his charac- 
 ter. Mrs. and Miss C , a sister of 
 
 the Speaker, received Secretary Crit- 
 tenden, our Vice-President, lady and 
 daughter, and Major Generals Double- 
 day and Schenck were among the 
 guests. Met Dr. Stearns and Mr. and 
 Mrs. Bobbins also. I was amused to 
 meet the Rev. John Pierrepont, of 
 Boston, and his last wife, of whose ro- 
 mantic marriage I had heard. Took 
 [166] 
 
The Lady Nurse of Ward E 
 
 coffee and went to the basement, from 
 which issued feeble sounds of music. 
 I succeeded in obtaining a slight view 
 of some slightly animated figures mov- 
 ing about in a hollow square. Had the 
 company of Senator Lane and Major 
 Mace to the gate and found the rest of 
 the ladies waiting to comment on the 
 hospital nurse's toilette and hear what 
 she had seen and heard. The major 
 invited me, with Mrs. Lane, to attend 
 the matinee at the White House the 
 next day. 
 
 January 30, 1864. 
 To - day was cloudy. Took my 
 breakfast in bed, which seemed quite 
 homelike, and dressed at my leisure. 
 Went to my ward, attended to special 
 diet, and left all things in charge of 
 my faithful Patterson again. Spent 
 three hours delightfully in driving and 
 making visits, first at the White 
 House, where we found so few people 
 that we had a fine opportunity of ob- 
 serving the President and his lady, 
 with whom Mrs. Lane conversed while 
 I was pretending to do the same with 
 [167] 
 
The Ladj^ Nurse of Ward E 
 
 a Scotch gentleman, Mr. McCloud, 
 whom I met the evening before. I 
 went to the conservatory and made 
 our adieus. Left a card at Lord 
 Lyons' ; called on Mrs. General Canby, 
 whose husband is now Assistant Ad- 
 jutant General at the War Depart- 
 ment. Was quite weary in the even- 
 ing, but was entertained by a German 
 in our ward whom we have found to 
 be quite a musician; although he has 
 not practiced in twenty years, his ren- 
 derings of some sweet German waltzes 
 was keenly enjoyed. Sisters Griggs 
 and Piatt came in, too, and C re- 
 turned from the Sanitary Fair; the 
 former played her dreamy waltzes be- 
 fore we left for " Home." 
 
 January 31, 1864. 
 Inspection very late. Studied tac- 
 tics with C in his new book after 
 
 dinner a while preparatory for exam- 
 ination, and also diligently scanned a 
 map which Miss Hill kindly lent us. 
 Then attended services in wards A 
 and K, where we listened to some very 
 [168] 
 
The Lady Nurse of Ward E 
 
 good remarks from a Eepresentative 
 from Iowa, which we were glad to ac- 
 cept in our spiritually starved state. 
 The music from our hospital choir was 
 appreciated in Ward K. Went with 
 Sister Griggs to speak to Colonel Har- 
 ris and Captain Russel, who are still 
 there, both very pleasant gentlemen, 
 the latter particularly so. We were 
 exceedingly gratified in the evening 
 by having the Episcopal evening 
 church service read by the Eev. Mr. 
 Parvin, of Ohio, who also addressed 
 us in a most impressive manner. The 
 Rev. Dr. Hunger added a short but 
 very affecting sermon. Both of these 
 clergymen are engaged in the work of 
 the Christian Commission. Our sol- 
 diers were unusually impressed, and 
 many of them said they could have lis- 
 tened all night. They paid the most 
 profound attention, and when we saw 
 how gratefully the words of our im- 
 pressive church service were received 
 into their weary, saddened, thirsting 
 hearts, we said it is not true that the 
 rough soldier's heart is steeled against 
 [169] 
 
The Lady Nurse of Ward E 
 
 spiritual influence, and it is only when 
 sermons are meted out to them in " ra- 
 tions " with a sparing hand and a cold 
 heart that they fail in rousing their 
 better nature and are made subjects 
 of ridicule. For our own part we felt 
 strengthened and lifted from the de- 
 pressing influences about us and 
 grateful that we had witnessed such 
 proof of the power of our beautiful 
 service. We had the pleasure of shak- 
 ing hands with them, and received an 
 invitation to attend the anniversary 
 of the Christian Commission at the 
 House of Eepresentatives on Tuesday 
 evening. Sister Piatt was brought 
 down to the " Home " faint and quite 
 ill. 
 
 February 1, 1864. 
 Our hospital received over one hun- 
 dred patients and our ward fifteen 
 (betokening a move on the part of the 
 Army of the Potomac), none of them 
 very ill, but making a long medicine 
 list. Sweet Mrs. Eipley is quite ill 
 and I have promised to make out her 
 diet to-morrow. I went to Ward C to 
 [170] 
 
The Lady Nurse of Ward E 
 
 hear the " Glee Club," assisted by- 
 Mrs. Greene; practiced for the dedi- 
 cation of the new chapel, although 
 feeling quite ill, and after reaching 
 the " Home " in desperation took a 
 cup of tea from Miss Low, and some 
 of Miss Lowell's ginger cakes, which 
 she urged me to accept. 
 
 February 2, 1864. 
 Passed a miserable night, did not 
 sleep until after midnight, and have 
 spent most of the day in bed. Re- 
 ceived a good, long letter from Gulie, 
 and a little one from Hattie, which I 
 enjoyed to the utmost, and which al- 
 most made me forget my indisposi- 
 tion. Mrs. Ripley came and spent an 
 hour with me, reading poetry, etc., 
 very pleasantly. We have had quite 
 a hospital at our " Chateau," as Mrs. 
 Ingersoll is still here, we now number 
 four, and excepting Mrs. Ingersoll, 
 none of us required the aid of a sur- 
 geon, which we hear is considered very 
 indeiDcndent and commendable on our 
 part. Was disappointed in not being 
 [171] 
 
The Lady Nurse of Ward E 
 
 able to go with the party to the anni- 
 versary of the Christian Commission. 
 Sister Griggs was also obliged to re- 
 main, to play for our " choir," which 
 is to practice for the first time in the 
 new chapel. 
 
 February 3, 1864. 
 Took breakfast at the " Chateau " 
 but went to my ward soon after and 
 devoted myself to it. I was rejoiced 
 to see " Kensor " return quite recov- 
 ered from smallpox, though his face 
 shows still very plainly the marks of 
 that dreadful disease. Eeceived a 
 present of a fine gold pen and handle 
 in morocco case from a young soldier 
 who has only been a week in the ward ; 
 he tempted me into a conversation at 
 first by handing me two apples, which 
 like Mother Eve I did not refuse, so 
 he gained courage to make this pres- 
 entation. Went to the chapel on our 
 grounds (which is just finished) to 
 ^ hear our choir practice with Mrs. 
 Green and Miss Billings, a soprano 
 
 whom C was pleased to be 
 
 obliged to go for, with Mrs. G in 
 
 [172] 
 
The Lady Nurse of Ward E 
 
 the ambulance. Dr. Bliss came in, and 
 made some happy suggestions to the 
 leading tenor, which caused the be- 
 nignant smile to pass from his coun- 
 tenance and gave him altogether the 
 appearance of a rooster caught in a 
 summer shower. Wrote in journal in 
 
 the evening, while C sat by the 
 
 desk and dispatched two letters in his 
 usual desperate style; then studied 
 tactics and formed " platoons " with 
 my new pen and handle. 
 
 February 4, 1864 
 As Dr. Stuart was quite ill, and 
 after waiting until nearly twelve, I 
 made the rounds myself, prescribed 
 diet, etc., which amused my patients 
 much. Our chapel was dedicated this 
 afternoon. Eev. Dr. Marks (author 
 of "The Peninsular Campaign") 
 preached the sermon and our choir 
 sang the anthem, etc., beautifully. 
 The church was filled, and altogether 
 it was quite an interesting occasion. 
 I played over my music before quite 
 an audience of new patients. Sister 
 [173] 
 
The Lady Nurse of Ward E 
 
 * 
 
 Marsh entertained us at the house 
 with mince pie, cake, and tea, having 
 received a box, and Sister Southwick's 
 apples have arrived. , 
 
 February 5, 1864. 
 
 Found no surgeon in my ward, and 
 
 also Charlie M with the measles, 
 
 rapidly developing as we supposed. 
 Eeported to the officer of the day, and 
 had three in half an hour. Dr. Horsey 
 made the rounds. Bound my carpet 
 rug. Felt the need of exercise so 
 much that I took a walk with Sisters 
 Hill and Griggs. Called on Messrs. 
 Blanchard and Graham, our fellow- 
 passengers on the James S. Green, 
 when we went to New York last Sep- 
 tember, a five days' sail from Wash- 
 ington never to be forgotten, but they 
 were both out, and on our return 
 called at the chaplain's to see Lieu- 
 tenant Colonel Millett, who is quite 
 ill again and complains of the ladies 
 being unsociable; but No. 6 soon 
 came to tell me Miss Thomas was in 
 the ward, and found the friend with 
 her was Miss Eobinson (Dr. Bowen's 
 [174] 
 
The Lady Nurse of Ward E 
 
 friend). She gave us some very fine 
 
 instrumental music, and Miss T 
 
 sang, which of course soon attracted 
 
 many visitors. C came in, and in 
 
 his enthusiastic manner showed me 
 the second letter from his regiment, 
 which was a recommendation for pro- 
 motion, that was all one could wish, 
 and in which I fully sympathized. 
 Charlie was suffering severely with 
 his throat, but Dr. Hunger (who has 
 charge of us now until Dr. S re- 
 covers) was attending to him. Harris 
 presented me with a set of dice of his 
 own manufacture. While feeding 
 Charlie something which I had pre- 
 pared soft for his supper, Sister 
 
 S sent an invitation to accompany 
 
 her to George William Curtis's lec- 
 ture, which, although completely tired 
 out, I could not refuse. I am delight- 
 ed that I did not, for I enjoyed it be- 
 yond anything I have heard yet. His 
 " Way of Peace " is a sad and sorrow- 
 ful way, but seems the only sure one. 
 He was a little unjust to Governor 
 Seymour and he places the Abolition- 
 [175] 
 
V 
 
 The Lady Nurse of Ward E 
 
 ists a little too high on the record of 
 events, but altogether it was a good 
 lecture, and gave me a better knowl- 
 edge of myself. Dr. Banister, who 
 accompanied us with Sister Griggs, 
 is a stanch Democrat, and we told him 
 he looked like " a sadder and a wiser 
 man." 
 
 February 6, 1864. 
 
 Dr. Hunger made early rounds but 
 
 was glad to see Dr. S come in 
 
 later as I am so worried about Charlie 
 
 M , thinking he may possibly have 
 
 the smallpox. A number of patients 
 were brought in from a sad railway 
 accident at the " Long Bridge," three 
 from our ward, who fortunately were 
 not much injured. In the evening, 
 while Curtis and Cross gave us some 
 music with the violin and piano, I 
 wrote an account of the Episcopal ser- 
 vice we enjoyed last Sabbath evening, 
 for Hospital Gazette^ and played back- 
 gammon with No. 6. 
 
 February 7, 1864. 
 
 Dr. Butler died two days ago, and 
 his funeral service was held to-day. 
 [176] 
 
The Lady Nurse of Ward E 
 
 The chaplain had a short service in 
 our chapel, and it was homelike and 
 pleasant to see people going to church 
 and particularly gratifying to see the 
 soldiers, with limbs and without limbs, 
 gathering to a house of prayer. Some 
 of us did not enjoy the evening ser- 
 vice, which was a Methodist prayer 
 meeting, though I was interested to 
 hear three or four of the men express 
 their religious convictions with much 
 seeming sincerity. We ladies conclud- 
 ed, after we reached the " Chateau " 
 and expressed our feelings, that we 
 should petition for a regular service 
 once on Sunday, and then took a little 
 " Noyeau " to strengthen our resolu- 
 tion as well as ourselves, after the 
 long " sitting." 
 
 February 8, 1864. 
 As Mrs. Eipley's cold is worse, I 
 made out her requisition for diet. 
 Some new patients arrived from 
 " Convalescent Camp," which is bro- 
 ken up. Took luncheon at the house in 
 
 place of dinner with Mrs. E and 
 
 Miss Low ; went with Sister G to 
 
 [177] 
 
The Lady Xurse of Ward E 
 
 the temperance meeting at the chapel 
 in the evening, intending to stay but a 
 short time, but did not like to disturb 
 the crowd; however, when Chaplain 
 Jackson " ventured to make a re- 
 mark," with C 's assistance I made 
 
 my way out. Went to the dispensary 
 
 for medicine for Mrs. E which I 
 
 had promised her; found Dr. Stuart 
 and Mr. Ramsdell, with whom I had 
 quite a chat, while Mr. Webb was pre- 
 paring the medicine. Sister S 
 
 had kept the tea hot for me, the rolls, 
 etc., in readiness, to which I intended 
 to return much earlier. 
 
 February 9, 1864. 
 George William Curtis repeated his 
 fine lecture, entitled " The Way of 
 Peace," in our little chapel, which I am 
 sure must do a world of good, apart 
 from the present enjoyment, in which 
 soldiers and all seemed to participate. 
 Afterwards spent an hour with Mrs. 
 
 R , who is still ill. Had a severe 
 
 headache in the evening. Read Dick- 
 ens's Christmas story, " Mrs. Lirri- 
 [178] 
 
The Lady IVurse of Ward E 
 
 per's Lodgings," while C wrote 
 
 his application to the Provost Mar- 
 shal. Messrs. Oilman and Blanchard, 
 fellow-passengers on the James 8, 
 Green, paid ns a visit, accompanied by 
 
 a gentleman, Mr. Bull, and Mr. B • 
 
 sent us some copybooks. 
 
 February 10, 1864. 
 
 No surgeon again; Dr. S ill in 
 
 bed. No. 4, attendant, came in after 
 an absence of two days, ill with ery- 
 sipelas. I prescribed the famous cran- 
 berry poultice and went with my Ex- 
 tra Diet to Dr. Bliss, with whom I had 
 a long conversation about the two 
 most absorbing topics to us ladies at 
 
 present — Mrs, I and the chaplain, 
 
 in which the ladies were so much in- 
 terested that I was obliged to have an 
 audience at the " Chateau " after din- 
 ner. Took tea with Sister S , then 
 
 after giving out Special Diet I went 
 with Dr. Banister and Sister Griggs 
 to hear the Rev. Pierrepont deliver his 
 poem on " Fashion." I was heartily 
 disgusted and indignant over his read- 
 [179] 
 
The Lady Nurse of Ward E 
 
 ing of the poem, as there was neither 
 wit nor sense to excuse his vulgarity, 
 and coming from a clergyman who has 
 reached the venerable age of three- 
 score and ten, it was in the extreme 
 disgusting and his blaspheming pain- 
 ful. The only apology his friends can 
 make for him is that he is in his do- 
 tage. Drs. Bobbins and Stearns took 
 tea and cake with us at the " Cha- 
 teau." There is a large fire on the 
 avenue, reported to be the President's 
 stable. 
 
 February 11, 1864. 
 Accompanied Sisters Griggs and 
 Southwick to Georgetown to call upon 
 Captain Eussel (late of Ward K), 
 who is a New Yorker from Salem, 
 Washington County, near Saratoga. 
 He amused me with his misanthrop- 
 ical remarks, evidently caused by 
 some sad disappointment. Called on 
 Mrs. Senator Lane also. Denied my- 
 self the pleasure of going to AVard F, 
 where our music was congregated, and 
 wrote letters. 
 
 [180] 
 
The Lady Nurse of Ward E 
 
 February 12, 1864. 
 
 Dr. Kennon sent to our ward, as Dr. 
 
 S , at my suggestion, reported 
 
 himself off duty. Miss Low an- 
 nounced Miss Felton's engagement to 
 Mr. Ledyard, a relative of Governor 
 Seymour. 
 
 February 13, 1864. 
 
 Eeceived a charming note from Rev. 
 Dr. Storrs, and commenced a piece for 
 his little paper, the Drum Beat. Was 
 delighted to have inspection this af- 
 ternoon, instead of to-morrow, it be- 
 ing more than what we had hoped. 
 
 February 14, 1864. 
 Mr. Murdoch read in our chapel 
 from the Scriptures and some most 
 effective pieces of sacred poetry in his 
 magnificent style. A genuine March 
 day. Went to Trinity, corner C and 
 Third Streets, to-day being the first 
 Sunday in Lent, and heard a very 
 good sermon explaining this custom 
 in the church. Met the Wilsons, who 
 invited me to take a seat in their pew. 
 
 [181] 
 
The Lady Noirse of Ward E 
 
 February 15, 1864. 
 
 Wrote valentines to Sisters Hill and 
 
 Southwick, who were indisposed at the 
 
 '' Chateau." After dinner went to Dr. 
 
 Bliss's office to ask for certificate for 
 
 C ; met Dr. Stuart in dispensary, 
 
 looking miserably ; he requested of me 
 one of my carte de visites. I concluded 
 he was getting childish, or that he was 
 thinking of leaving us. Went to Ward 
 A to enjoy a little music with Sister 
 Griggs ; Sister P followed, and af- 
 ter playing our duet C came to see 
 
 if we were going to Ward K according 
 to invitation ; but the slight snow hav- 
 ing prevented Mrs. Green from com- 
 ing, I concluded to enjoy the music 
 where we were and he and Sister 
 P sang through their list. 
 
 February 16, 1864. 
 Mrs. Doolittle's school commenced 
 to-day in the chapel, with about fifty 
 scholars, a grand thing for our sol- 
 J diers, and Miss Low's box of books ar- 
 rived just in time. Sister Griggs has 
 received a donation of sixty dollars 
 [182] 
 
The Lady Nurse of Ward E 
 
 from a young ladies' seminary in 
 Wheeling, W. Va., for rocking chairs 
 and footstools for her ward, and her 
 friend who has charge of it suggests 
 acknowledgments by letters from the 
 
 soldiers to them. As Sister G has 
 
 promised us a chair, of which we are 
 much in need, she expects some letters 
 to be forthcoming from our ward, so 
 read the accompanying letters to 
 those likely to be interested, hoping 
 some one would write. Sent a note to 
 Dr. Storrs at Willard's. By invitation 
 of dear Mrs. Eipley went to Willard's 
 Hall to see the fine tableaux arranged 
 by Mrs. Bartlett, of Boston, for the 
 benefit of the " Sanitary." They were 
 the most beautiful I ever saw. Exces- 
 sively cold winter again. 
 
 February 17, 1864. 
 Dispatched note to Dr. Storrs by 
 orderly that we would be more than 
 happy to hear a lecture from him in 
 our little chapel. Finished my piece 
 for him entitled " The Shadow at 
 Christmas." As No. 19 had spent the 
 [183] 
 
The Lady Nurse of Ward E 
 
 morning in a vain effort to write a 
 note of thanks for the rocking chair, 
 I took his paper and much to his re- 
 lief wrote one in rhyme, which seemed 
 to delight him mnch, and he copied it 
 with enthusiasm. Here is the letter: 
 
 NO. 19'S LETTER OF THANKS 
 
 Dear Sally Tingle, 
 Your name will jingle, 
 
 So I will write in rhymes; 
 What I wish to say 
 Without delay, 
 
 That we thank you a thousand times. 
 
 For your kindness rare. 
 With the rocking chair, 
 
 That has fallen to our lot. 
 In which we will sit, 
 And think a good bit 
 
 Of you, and no knowing what not. 
 
 The soldiers, you know. 
 Though stern to their foe. 
 
 The ladies ever hold dear. 
 Excuse the plain speech 
 Of your friend William Leech, 
 
 A Wisconsin Third Volunteer. 
 
 To-day was the most severely cold 
 day we have had this winter, and was 
 [184] 
 
The Lady Nurse of Ward E 
 
 obliged to wear my thick cloak and 
 hood all day. Dr. Storrs's lecture on 
 " Trifles " was, as I expected, finished 
 and beautiful, closing with an exqui- 
 site tribute to woman. Expected 
 Messrs. Parsons and Martini to de- 
 light us with their music, but the ex- 
 cessive cold prevented their coming, 
 and the assembled audience was 
 obliged to content themselves with 
 such entertainment as we could fur- 
 nish. Because of the intense cold 
 stayed up very late before retiring. 
 At midnight borrowed some flannel 
 costumes from Miss Low's box, which 
 had just arrived. Sisters Griggs and 
 Piatt and myself took a hot whisky 
 punch, when we ventured to take off a 
 few outer garments and retire for the 
 night. 
 
 February 18, 1864. 
 
 The ward was unusually comfort- 
 able. C took his papers to 
 
 Colonel Wisewall, who told him to 
 come again in two days to be exam- 
 ined. Dahle (my last summer's No. 
 6) came in, being on his way to the 
 [185] 
 
The Lady Nurse of Ward E 
 
 front with deserters. I am quite ill 
 with influenza and half starved. 
 Played backgammon in the evening 
 with No. 6, being too stupid or weak 
 
 for anything else, while C studied 
 
 history and the Constitution. Took 
 tea with Miss Low at the " Chateau." 
 
 February 19, 1864. 
 Being starved and chilled, conse- 
 quently am cross. Sent No. 6 for a 
 stew of hot oysters at ten o'clock and 
 left for the " Home," where he soon 
 followed me with them, and I found 
 they were the medicine I needed. 
 Took a siesta and did not return to the 
 ward until supper time. After I had 
 given out Special Diet I returned to 
 take tea with Miss Low and Mrs. Eip- 
 ley. Spent part of the evening with 
 Sister Piatt, where I found the wife of 
 her " No. 6 " and her baby. Curtiss 
 played accompaniments on his guitar 
 and we sang, always assured of a de- 
 lighted audience of soldier patients in 
 bed, weary of their slowly healing 
 wounds. 
 
 [186] 
 
The Lady Nurse of Ward E 
 
 February 20, 1864. 
 
 Weather moderating. Inspection at 
 four by officer of day, Dr. Horsey. In 
 Ward C Mr. McCloud gave a reading. 
 He proved to be the gentleman I met 
 at Speaker Colfax^s reception. He 
 entertained ns very pleasantly for an 
 hour. 
 
 February 21, 1864. 
 A quiet morning; no inspection to 
 anticipate, and after making out diet 
 list went to church (Trinity). Dined 
 
 with Mrs. W and children in the 
 
 surgeon's dining room (having invited 
 myself) as ^' Johnny '^ (who waits 
 upon our table) had nothing for me. 
 Attended the services in Wards C and 
 E, and finding them not so interesting 
 as usual and very weary, went to our 
 "Home" and slept until after supper 
 time. There were services in our 
 chapel and a sermon. 
 
 February 22, 1864. 
 To-day is Washington's birthday. 
 Misses Low and Lowell left for the 
 front, with the anticipation of attend- 
 [187] 
 
The Lady Nurse of Ward E 
 
 ing the " ball " also — quite the envy 
 of the rest. When I entered the ward 
 found Patterson had been proclaimed 
 Ward Master, and worried all day 
 about selecting a No. 6 for orderly. 
 Sister Griggs and I proposed a 
 "candy pull" to celebrate the day, 
 and went to the officer of day (who 
 proved to be Dr. Stuart) for a written 
 order for the " Special Diet Kitchen," 
 which he kindly furnished without 
 any " ifs." We concluded we would 
 prefer having Dr. Bliss's indorse- 
 ment; therefore dispatched Sister 
 Southwick to the fair, where she found 
 him and obtained it with the timely 
 advice to " pull away." Enjoyed the 
 evening vastly, which proved to be 
 quite a success. Dr. Banister, Drs, 
 Stuart and Horsey, and Lieutenant 
 Colonel Millett were the invited 
 
 guests. Dr. B went for the two 
 
 violinists (soldiers), and we had a 
 dance while the candy was boiling, and 
 finished with the " Lancers " ; while 
 it must be confessed I enjoyed two 
 fine " Schottisches " with Dr. Horsey, 
 [188] 
 
The Lady Nurse of Ward E 
 
 somethiiig I never expected to do in 
 this place, but we are really becoming 
 quite conventional and worldly. Dr. 
 
 S proved himself an adept in 
 
 "pulling/' and Dr. H in eating. 
 
 We assisted in the braiding, and only 
 reached our " Chateau '' at 12 p.m., 
 yet were not demoralized in the least. 
 
 February 23, 1864. 
 
 Sent Dr. Bliss some candy, with the 
 compliments of the " Pullers." Love- 
 ly day to-day. Eenewed rent of our 
 piano. With " Fees," my new orderly, 
 accomplished the morning duties, and 
 then decided to send for the trained 
 " No. 6 " offered me, hoping the tur- 
 bulent spirits in the ward would be 
 quiet. Took a charming ambulance 
 drive to the Freedman's Village and 
 Arlington House again, for Dr. Hor- 
 sey's benefit, who accompanied us and 
 made himself very agreeable and quite 
 entertaining. Went first to the Pro- 
 vost Marshal's for our pass, when 
 Colonel Montgomery kindly gave us 
 a special one for a month. As we ar- 
 [189] 
 
The Lady Nurse of Ward E 
 rived home after tea time Dr. H— 
 
 took tea with us; spent a part of 
 the evening with dear Mrs. Eipley. 
 
 Found C on the antagonistic side, 
 
 and that his examination was deferred 
 yet another day. 
 
 February 24, 1864. 
 Went to my ward before breakfast 
 and gave out " Special Diet," and to 
 the officer of day for an order for a 
 cup of beef tea. Neither he nor his 
 relief officer, Dr. Stearn., nor Dr. 
 Bobbins was there, and meeting Dr. 
 Banister, he volunteered to take it to 
 Dr. Stuart, who had not left his room, 
 and considering the length of tape I 
 had used and the color, the ruling 
 spirit of the " Special Diet Kitchen " 
 was obliged to be satisfied with it. I 
 took upon myself a little dignity, 
 though felt like throwing down arms 
 and running away, leaving the place 
 to my antagonists. Mended our 
 " bags," which we have buttoned over 
 the thin bar across the top of each 
 patient's bed. Shortly after diet was 
 attended to. No. 21 suddenly had 
 [190] 
 
The Lady Nurse of Ward E 
 
 an epileptic fit, and the young Catho- 
 lic priest and a woman from one of 
 the relief societies being on hand, both 
 were extremely interested and I sup- 
 pose thought me extremely cool, as I 
 am becoming quite automaton-like in 
 my manner. Eeceived another note 
 from dear Dr. Storrs and by the af- 
 ternoon's mail a package of his Drum 
 Beat for those who contributed. 
 Misses Low and Lowell returned 
 from the front and gave us interesting 
 descriptions of the Army, of General 
 Meade's review of the cavalry, artil- 
 lery, etc., and of the grand ball. Mild, 
 
 but windy and dusty. C reported 
 
 himself half examined and continues 
 his studies. 
 
 February 25, 1864. 
 Went to Christian Commission to 
 see if they could furnish a chaplain 
 for us next Sunday morning. Had a 
 call and long chat with Dr. Bowen, 
 who surprised us to-day with his sud- 
 den appearance. Miss Thomas and 
 friend, with a contralto voice, gave 
 quite a concert in the ward before sup- 
 [191] 
 
The Lady Nurse of Ward E 
 
 per, and, as usual, drew a crowd. 
 Found C had returned a little dis- 
 couraged, not having yet been exam- 
 ined, so took my tea to the " Home," 
 to be eaten after my return, and made 
 
 a call on Colonel W , who gave me 
 
 a written request to Dr. Bliss to allow 
 him to come early and promised to 
 take him before the examining board. 
 
 February 26, 1864. 
 Wrote letter to Sister Gulie ; attend- 
 ed the Christian Commission Fair in 
 the evening with six of the " Sisters." 
 We were astonished by the arrival of 
 a new lady nurse, very sweet and in- 
 teresting, Miss Merrill, of Portland, 
 who has been at Fort Schuyler nine 
 
 months. C was examined, but has 
 
 not received the decision. The Drum 
 Beat comes regularly. 
 
 February 27, 1864. 
 My new No. 6 is quite ill, and had 
 but a few moments' rest at the 
 " Home," before I was obliged to re- 
 turn to the ward to give out the even- 
 [192] 
 
The Lady Nurse of Ward E 
 
 ing medicine. Practiced a while after 
 
 supper. On my way to Sister S 's 
 
 ward met Dr. Banister, who admits 
 he's lonely since Sister Griggs went 
 to Baltimore on Thursday and accom- 
 panied me; found her Irish violinist 
 had returned and was making the 
 ward lively with his music. Lieuten- 
 ant Colonel Millett came in also, and 
 we spent the rest of the evening. Sad 
 letter from Jobes, our first ward mas- 
 ter, who has lost one of his children. 
 
 February 28, 1864. 
 Inspection for the last time on this 
 
 day, as Dr. B was engaged at the 
 
 fair yesterday. Our ward received 
 an anticipated compliment, it being 
 the first inspection since Patterson 
 has been ward master. No. 6 is still 
 ill and obliged to do all my work with- 
 out assistance. Went with Miss Hill 
 to evening service in the Chapel, whicH 
 proved to be a Methodist prayer meet- 
 ing. Eeceived Yonkers paper with de- 
 scription of the wonderful " Sanitary 
 Fair " in Brooklyn, N. Y. 
 [193] 
 
The Lady Nurse of Ward E 
 
 * 
 
 February 29, 1864. 
 
 On going to my ward found my new 
 No. 6 with bag in hand ready to take 
 his departure, as Dr. Stuart had been 
 in and finding him ill had transferred 
 him to Ward H again, and made a 
 short rounds, probably not wishing to 
 see me. The ward generally was in 
 a state of quiescence. Patterson came 
 with the keys and so troubled that I 
 forgave him even the slight satisfac- 
 tion that I thought he felt yesterday. 
 I expressed myself in a few words and 
 finished the diet requisition, and my 
 morning duties in short order, too, 
 and left; spent the rest at our 
 '' Home." Wrote a valentine for Sis- 
 ter S to send to the Lieutenant 
 
 Colonel and a letter for Gulie to put 
 in the post office at the great fair. Dr. 
 Bliss came in with his train of clerks 
 and the muster rolls, just as I fin- 
 ished giving out the medicine. Pat- 
 terson acting No. 6 I endeavored to 
 sleep away the afternoon. Found 
 Dr. Smith in the ward when I went 
 to give out the evening medicine; 
 [194] 
 
The Lady Nurse of Ward E 
 
 felt miserable and consulted Dr. Ban- 
 ister, who kindly prescribed for me. 
 
 Sister S came with Mrs. Bead, 
 
 whom, entre nous, dear Journal, I 
 think a bore. Left the keys with 
 Patterson and went " Home," where 
 I found Miss Merrill, who looked so 
 attractive and related her experiences 
 so pleasantly that we prolonged our 
 talk for a half hour. 
 
 March 1, 1864. 
 Snow and sleet; anything but 
 
 springlike. Sent for Johnny H 
 
 to bring my breakfast, and went to my 
 ward quite late. Two gentlemen from 
 Brooklyn, Alderman Booth and Eev. 
 Woodworth (Methodist clergyman), 
 made me a pleasant call of a few mo- 
 ments; as I was giving out the medi- 
 cines I could not talk with them as 
 long as I would have done, so they left 
 with a ^' God bless you," for which 
 kind words I felt grateful, having 
 need of them to revive my energies to- 
 day. Among the visitors of all kinds 
 who come here daily is a woman, who 
 modestly requested our carte-de- 
 [195] 
 
The Lady Nnrse of Ward E 
 
 visites, and a ^' slight sketch '' of the 
 ladies here, to forra and illustrate a 
 book, which she wishes to arrange, 
 and entitle " Heroic Women of this 
 War," which was, of course, declined. 
 Our wards were disturbed by the ex- 
 amining board, and as usual we shall 
 probably lose some of our most im- 
 portant men. I spent a quiet evening 
 reading and talking to some of my 
 suffering patients. Dr. Bowen came 
 at " Taps " to the " Home,'' and made 
 us a short visit. 
 
 March 2, 1864. 
 
 Orders came for five of our Ward 
 E soldiers to be returned to duty, 
 among them Kysor, our " dresser " 
 and our " rustic f ramemaker," who is 
 too ill to go. The doctor has made a 
 special application for the former, in 
 which I have not the slightest faith, as 
 we have never been able to keep one 
 yet. Sister Griggs returned from 
 Baltimore and brought us a beautiful 
 cake, made for us and with inscrip- 
 tion of icing, '' For the Ladies of Ar- 
 mory Square Hospital." 
 [196] 
 
The Lady Nurse of Ward E 
 
 March 3, 1864. 
 No '' No. G " yet, and Kysor was 
 obliged to go with the rest, much to 
 Patterson's regret, who seems to re- 
 gard him as a brother, being from the 
 same town, and after parting with 
 him at the gate, before the crowd 
 assembled there with a soldier's heart 
 and dry eye, in his own room could 
 not restrain even the tears. Patter- 
 son's stiff shoulder, from the effects of 
 a severe wound, keeps him on hospital 
 duty, fortunately for us. Our frame- 
 maker was reexamined and retained. 
 There was a fine concert in the even- 
 ing in Ward A by two violinists, 
 two flutists, and a pianist; they also 
 sang comic songs. Kysor and Cross- 
 man (our night watch) returned from 
 the Soldier's Retreat, where they 
 were taken, to spend their last evening 
 here with their friends, and had a 
 merry time in the ward master's 
 room. Sister S and I wrote a let- 
 ter of remembrance to Lieutenant 
 Colonel Fox to send by Kysor, who 
 belongs to his regiment. 
 [197] 
 
The Lady Nurse of Ward E 
 
 March 4, 1864. 
 Found seven of our patients had 
 left in the early train, having received 
 their furloughs, and Natze his dis- 
 charge papers, so the ward seemed 
 very quiet and empty. One new pa- 
 tient was brought by his mother, who 
 has been trying to take care of him 
 outside, and promises to be quite 
 a nuisance. This was an exciting 
 evening as C received his com- 
 mission as lieutenant. I examined his 
 
 papers with him. Colonel W and 
 
 Mrs. Lampson came in, the former 
 " to see if my sergeant had received 
 
 his papers." C came forward and 
 
 acknowledged the receipt of them, and 
 
 Colonel W had neither the sense 
 
 nor good feeling to congratulate him, 
 which disappointed me. Perhaps 
 army rules would not allow it. This 
 evening being the anniversary of Sis- 
 ter Piatt's arrival here, we celebrated 
 it after " Taps." Sister Griggs's cake 
 was cut, and with a hot punch, as Sis- 
 ter P is suffering from a severe 
 
 cold, we tried to be merry. 
 [198] 
 
The Lady Nurse of Ward E 
 
 March 5, 1864. 
 This was a rainy day. Busy all day 
 in my ward as I have no " No. 6." I 
 
 have decided not to accompany C 
 
 to Colonel W 's office as he re- 
 quested. Eeceived a visit from Dr. 
 Jenkins. Inspection at four by little 
 Dr. Hunger, officer of day, as Dr. 
 
 B was engaged, which Patterson 
 
 and I regretted as we looked so fine. 
 Went to the chapel in the evening 
 with the choir to practice their church 
 music. 
 
 March 6, 1864. 
 Attended church at the Epiphany, 
 but did not hear Rev. Dr. Hall. Dined 
 at the officers' table, where I found a 
 whole turkey awaiting the commis- 
 sary's family. Went to my ward, dis- 
 tributed papers and kind words, then 
 home where I enjoyed a bath and 
 siesta. I went to the chapel in the 
 evening expecting to hear a sermon 
 and have a regular service, but it 
 proved to be a Methodist prayer meet- 
 ing, which I do not enjoy. 
 
 [199] 
 
The Lady l^urse of Ward E 
 
 March 7, 1864. 
 To-day was a miserable one. Feel- 
 ing qnite ill, I went on the avenue to 
 get something to eat, it being one of 
 
 my starvation days. Sister G 
 
 had received a box and on my return 
 treated me to some mince pie, etc. 
 Took tea at our " Chateau " with four 
 of the sisters, but did not return to the 
 ward, having a headache, and retired 
 early. 
 
 March 8, 1864. 
 Another rainy day. Discussed the 
 important question of allowing 
 " Brady " (the " Daguerreotyper ") 
 to take our pictures in a group, but 
 much to my disappointment it was 
 decided not have them taken, fearing 
 they would be made too public, and in- 
 stead suggested taking a patient from 
 each ward to form a group. C re- 
 ceived his discharge papers. 
 
 March 9, 1864. 
 A beautiful spring day. Our ward 
 being exceedingly quiet and empty I 
 was invited to the ward master's room 
 [200] 
 
The Lady Nurse of Ward E 
 
 to see C 's sword, who left to-day 
 
 for his boarding house. Went to the 
 Capitol with Sisters Piatt and Griggs 
 and Mrs. IngersoU ; met Mr. Lovejoy, 
 who said Garrett Davis was screaming 
 
 away in the Senate; so Sister G 
 
 and I went to the House, where they 
 were " throwing cannon balls at one 
 another," but finding it not very in- 
 teresting, wandered about the Capitol 
 enjoying the fresco paintings, etc., and 
 walked home leisurely, enjoying the 
 fresh air. Found Mrs. Green at the 
 " Home," asking for some lint for the 
 wife of a refugee, who has sacrificed 
 his property and is now very destitute 
 and suffering. Remembered that 
 some of cousin Fannie's contribution 
 was still left I gave it to her. After 
 tea went to the contraband quarters 
 with Miss Merrill to teach them, and 
 was quite interested; the poor crea- 
 tures are so anxious to learn that it 
 makes my heart ache to see them. I 
 found Sister Southwick there also, 
 with a colored baby on her lap (rather 
 too much for me), and a child on each 
 [201] 
 
The Lady J^urse of Ward E 
 
 side reading. Eemained after the 
 others left to hear a boy of sixteen 
 read, who came as we were going and 
 looked disappointed thereat. Walked 
 into a mudpool in returning to my 
 ward, and was obliged to go to the 
 ^' Chateau " for a change. There was 
 a fine concert in Ward A, Miss 
 Thomas and two gentlemen singing 
 with her. An elderly gentleman and 
 his son and daughter also gave us 
 some beautiful music, playing on 
 piano, violin, and flute. A large audi- 
 ence present as usual. Eetired early. 
 
 March 10, 1864. 
 Eain again fell to-day. A medical 
 cadet (from Philadelphia) reported to 
 
 our ward for dresser. C came in 
 
 and spent the morning with us, and 
 read to me his congratulatory letter 
 from his father. Two new patients 
 from the invalid corps. 
 
 March 11, 1864. 
 
 Still another day of rain. As there 
 was so little to detain me in the ward, 
 I spent part of the morning and after- 
 [202] 
 
The Lady Nurse of Ward E 
 
 noon at tlie " Home." C came 
 
 about 3 p.M in full uniform and looked 
 extremely well. He had reported, and 
 was immediately ordered to '' Me- 
 ridian Hall." Borrowed some music 
 of Miss Wilson and practiced all the 
 evening. 
 
 March 12, 1864. 
 Beautifully bright day after the 
 rain. Indisposed in the afternoon and 
 did not go to inspection, which was 
 not regretted when I learned Dr. Bliss 
 was not there. By Sister Hill's 
 invitation, had tea at the " Home " 
 with her and Miss Marsh for company. 
 The latter has been to her ward for a 
 few moments to-day for the first time 
 in a week. Spent the evening quietly, 
 excepting a few moments at the chap- 
 lain's to thank Mrs. J for the 
 
 dock root, when I found the lieutenant 
 colonel very amiable, so that he gave 
 me his carte-de-visite. I was dis- 
 turbed the second time after retiring 
 by a call for beef tea for Governor 
 " Hicks," who is dangerously ill at the 
 National Hotel with erysipelas in one 
 [203] 
 
The Lady Nurse of Ward E 
 
 of his legs, which has been or is to be 
 amputated. The beef-tea joke was 
 fully enjoyed, as that subject has be- 
 come farcical. 
 
 March 13, 1864. 
 Attended Dr. HalPs church (Epiph- 
 any) with Miss Merrill. He gave us 
 an interesting and beautiful sermon, 
 which I enjoyed in spite of my weari- 
 ness. The dark clouds passed away 
 and the day was fine. Was delighted 
 to find Captain John Lorimer Wor- 
 den's card on my return and hope to 
 see him before he leaves town. Ke- 
 ceived the extra Drum Beat, for which 
 we all looked with interest, and was 
 disappointed to find that my " Christ- 
 mas Shadow " was the only contribu- 
 tion from Armory Square printed in 
 it. Dr. Storrs requested so many, 
 probably had a surplus. Attended 
 evening service at the chapel, which 
 the chaplain said would be conducted 
 by an Episcopal clergyman; but, as 
 usual, it was a special prayer meeting. 
 
 [204] 
 
The Lady Nurse of Ward E 
 
 March U, 1864. 
 Kysor made us a call on his way to 
 Tennessee (having been to *^ Camp 
 Distribution " ) fully equipped for 
 marching. He took one of his " hard 
 tacks " from his haversack and gave it 
 to me to remember him. There was a 
 reading in the evening at the chapel 
 by some one (we could not learn his 
 name) who recited part of the " Lady 
 of Lyons." I did not attend. An- 
 swered Sarah^s letter in Sister 
 Griggs's room. My rustic picture 
 frame (made from a cigar box) is 
 completed, and is the prettiest one I 
 have seen yet. Have also received a 
 number of little presents from my sol- 
 diers — among them a heart and cross, 
 carved from ivory, from a new pa- 
 tient. 
 
 March 15, 1864. 
 Dahle called to see us. Went to see 
 " Greene " in Ward S, and the birds ; 
 he has put them together and they 
 have built a nest. I also went to see 
 Dr. Bobbins about inviting Colonel 
 Straight, late from Libby Prison, to 
 [205] 
 
The Lady Nurse of Ward E 
 
 lecture for us. Sister Griggs's father 
 arrived from Brookline, Mass. Lieu- 
 tenant C came to the hospital 
 
 about eleven, and after dinner to the 
 " Chateau '' to pay his respects to the 
 ladies. Received a letter from Cousin 
 Carrie Vanderburgh saying I was to 
 receive a box from dear old Quaker 
 Hill, which gave me great pleasure, 
 for the remembrance as well as the an- 
 ticipation of the good things which I 
 know will be in it. Found a large slice 
 of cake on my table from the one sent 
 by the fair to the soldiers who had as- 
 sisted them. Patterson brought me a 
 treat of raw oysters for my supper. 
 Sergeant Eeed returned from fur- 
 lough. Sister S and Lieutenant 
 
 Colonel Millett paid me an evening 
 visit, as did also Dr. Eobbins. Wrote 
 a letter to Gulie. My new patient is 
 in a dangerous condition from an 
 operation performed this morning. 
 
 March 16, 1864. 
 My boy with the measles is not so 
 well to-day as it is settling on his 
 [206] 
 
The Lady Xurse of Ward E 
 
 lungs. The soldiers were paid. Found 
 cousin Fannie's " oatmeal " just the 
 thing for No. 2, who is in a critical 
 state, although the operation has been 
 very successful thus far. I was sur- 
 prised by a visit from Uncle J as I 
 
 was giving out the evening medicines. 
 Sister Griggs's father took tea with 
 us. No. 49 left for his far-off home in 
 Michigan, scarcely able to walk, but 
 all agreed in believing it might be the 
 best thing for him as he has been ill 
 so long, and the change of air might 
 renovate and strengthen him. Cross- 
 man, who has devoted himself to him 
 (being also from Michigan), arranged 
 his things. I prepared him a bottle of 
 the medicine which, with the careful 
 nursing and under God's providence, 
 has saved his life. "Was glad to find 
 that he is to have the company of Miss 
 Piatt's Indiana boy, who is going in 
 the same train, and who, although on 
 crutches, will be a great comfort to 
 him. My box arrived and I spent 
 the evening disposing of its contents. 
 Sister Griggs thought I had a "hip- 
 [207] 
 
The Lady Nurse of Ward E 
 
 popotamus ^' to stow away, and I 
 thought so too before I finished, late 
 and weary. 
 
 March 17, 1864. 
 " Hospital cleaning " commenced in 
 Ward E. Decided I could not go to 
 
 Fort Sumner to-day and Sister G 
 
 deferred until to-morrow. Had my 
 small things taken to the " Chateau.'^ 
 Craig finished me a beautiful frame, 
 and I gave him the light vest and pan- 
 taloons, with which he was very much 
 
 pleased. Charlie M presented me 
 
 with the things he drew at the fair. 
 My '' Special Diet " patients were 
 transferred to Ward F, where I went 
 to assist Sister Hill to make out their 
 diet for to-morrow; the others were 
 distributed, excepting twelve, who re- 
 mained in the ward. Lieutenant 
 C came in unexpectedly and I in- 
 vited him to lunch with me at the 
 " Chateau." Mrs. Kipley concluded 
 to leave in the five o'clock train, so she 
 was obliged to take her tea before us, 
 at our " Home," and our general tea 
 party in her honor was enjoyed after 
 [208] 
 
The Lady Nurse of Ward E 
 
 she left. Miss Francis (who is a niece 
 of "L. Maria Child'') and I accom- 
 panied her to the cars, and enjoyed 
 the fresh air in a comfortable ba- 
 rouche. I regretted so much to have 
 her leave, as I have become deeply at- 
 tached to her. As she requested, gave 
 her the little " Directory," with two 
 additional verses dedicated to her. 
 After the tea things were disposed of, 
 I spent two hours alone at the 
 " Home," deliciously silent ; then paid 
 my desolate-looking ward a visit and 
 found the remaining occupants (to 
 whom I had sent a fine addition to 
 their supper), with hats on, collected 
 about the only stove in the room with 
 fire up. Visited my patients in Ward 
 F. Among them the poor little boy ill 
 with the measles, whom I could scarce- 
 ly make comprehend that neither Sis- 
 ter Hill nor I wished any return for 
 taking care of him. He said so touch- 
 ingly, " I have a mother." Wrote in 
 journal and retired late. 
 
 [209] 
 
The Lady Nurse of Ward E 
 
 March 18, 1864. 
 
 Went to the commissary's office be- 
 fore breakfast to request the ambu- 
 lance, which in spite of my diplomatic 
 efforts was " positively engaged " and 
 could not be obtained; but in an hour 
 word came that I could have it, not be- 
 ing aware that I was Sister Griggs's 
 " diplomat," who with her father, Dr. 
 Banister, Sister Southwick, Lieuten- 
 ant Colonel Millett, and myself 
 formed a very pleasant party. We 
 took our luncheon with us and rode 
 to the Chain Bridge and to Fort Sum- 
 ner; then called on Miss Griggs's 
 cousin. Lieutenant Colonel Talbot, of 
 the First Maine Artillery, formerly 
 Eighteenth Massachusetts Volunteers. 
 Mrs. Talbot had gone to town. We re- 
 mained in his small house, from which 
 we had a fine view of their parade 
 ground and saw him and Colonel 
 Chaplain review the regiment. We 
 drove about the fort. It was exceed- 
 ingly windy and dusty, and it required 
 a great deal of management to keep 
 comfortable. We ate our lunch and 
 [210] 
 
The Lady Xurse of Ward E 
 
 altogether we were the merriest party 
 yet, and on our return accepted the 
 lieutenant colonel's invitation to stop 
 in Georgetown for an oyster supper. 
 In the evening there was a concert in 
 Ward A for Mr. Griggs's benefit. 
 Miss Thomas and friends and the 
 lieutenant colonel came, all still in ex- 
 cellent spirits; Lieutenant C was 
 
 also present. Eetired quite fatigued. 
 
 March 19, 1864. 
 
 Craig oiled my frame and put the 
 glass in. I packed it in the box to 
 
 send home by Mr. G , and wrote a 
 
 long letter. Sister S being ill, I 
 
 dined at the '^ Home,'' and made tea 
 for her, while vainly trying to ignore 
 my own aching head. However, I per- 
 sisted in arranging my dress for Mrs. 
 John B. Allen's reception. Lieuten- 
 ant Colonel M ordered a carriage 
 
 and took Sisters S , Griggs, Piatt, 
 
 and myself. Dr. Bobbins accompa- 
 nied the rest of the ladies, as Mrs. 
 Allen's kind invitation was accepted 
 unanimously. 
 
 [211] 
 
The Lady .Xurse of Ward E 
 
 March 20, 1864. 
 Quite miserable, and spent the day 
 at the " Home." Made a desperate ef- 
 fort and went to the chapel in loose 
 dress and cloak as we had our first 
 Episcopal service. Mr. Lovejoy 
 called, and Captain John Lorimer 
 Worden (the husband of our old 
 friend and neighbor) spent an hour 
 with me. He is here attending Ad- 
 miral Wilkes's court-martial and will 
 remain some time. Went to visit 
 Sister Hill and my patients in Ward F 
 
 in the evening. Dr. S and Sister 
 
 H both prescribed for my nervous 
 
 headache. Talked a while with my 
 poor boy with the measles, who is very 
 ill ; we have promised to telegraph for 
 his mother in the morning. Went to 
 Ward G and joined in the singing ; Sis- 
 ter Piatt played the melodeon. Colo- 
 nel Harris and Lieutenant Morton, 
 Sixth Maine, were among the sing- 
 ers, this being their first visit out of 
 Ward K. 
 
 [212] 
 
The Lady Nurse of Ward E 
 
 March 21, 1864. 
 
 Severe cold weather again. "Was 
 surprised to hear that our measles boy 
 died at 4 a.m. Went to the ward and 
 wrote a letter to his mother. Too 
 busy about many things to realize that 
 I am " off duty,'^ as our ward is being 
 renovated. Spent the evening in 
 Wards F and C. Mrs. Hall brought 
 in a gentleman formerly from Yon- 
 kers and who was organist in Rev. Mr. 
 Brewer's church the first winter we 
 attended. 
 
 March 22, 1864. 
 
 Commenced letter for Mrs. Dag- 
 gett. Equinoctial snow storm. Wrote 
 
 note to Lieutenant Colonel M 
 
 who came to see me after dinner and 
 escorted Sister Griggs and myself to 
 the President's reception. Lieutenant 
 
 C also came and made quite a 
 
 visit. Sergeant Harris came to say 
 ^' good-by." Went to reception not- 
 withstanding the snowstorm. Dr. 
 Bobbins escorted the other " Sisters " 
 excepting Misses Piatt, Southwick, 
 and Francis. Enjoyed the evening 
 [213] 
 
The Lady Nurse of Ward E 
 
 very much. Misses Merrill, Griggs, 
 and I had the presumption to go to 
 the President, meeting him alone in 
 an outer room, for a second " shake " 
 of his cordial hand and make a short 
 speech, which he received very kindly, 
 
 calling Miss M " dear child,'^ and 
 
 thanking me for my compliment; it 
 was thus we " carried off the palm/' 
 Our gallant escort hailed a carriage 
 and we arrived home in style ; but we 
 had to plunge through a snow bank to 
 get into the house, where Sister Piatt 
 was waiting for us with a pot of whis- 
 ky punch and cup of tea. Mrs. F , 
 
 wife of an editor of one of the Boston 
 papers (a very pretty woman), tried 
 to flirt with the colonel, but he had the 
 good taste to prefer the hospital 
 nurses. The ladies from Dr. Bliss's 
 hospital at Baltimore were there, as 
 
 were also Miss G 's friend, Miss 
 
 Capen, and Miss Kendall, the former 
 looking very handsome in evening 
 dress. 
 
 [214] 
 
The Lady Nurse of Ward E 
 
 March 23, 1864. 
 Was obliged to bid adieu to our gal- 
 lant colonel, who had only of late re- 
 vealed himself in his true colors as a 
 decided ladies' man, instead of a hard- 
 ened old bachelor. Superintended 
 Uncle Ben's cleaning of our parlor, 
 etc., and went to Ward C in the even- 
 ing, as Sister P expected Miss 
 
 Thomas and friends. Lieutenant 
 
 C and Sister Griggs also came, 
 
 and at " Taps " we left for the house, 
 
 taking Lieutenant C with us, 
 
 where I treated them to a glass of 
 Catawba and cake. 
 
 March 24, 1864. 
 Wrote all the morning. Sister 
 
 P was surprised by a present of 
 
 a beautiful album from her patients. 
 Fine weather to-day. Went with Sis- 
 ter Griggs to the Senate, as we heard 
 that Senator Charles Sumner was to 
 speak, but was disappointed. Went 
 in the Supreme Court chamber, where 
 some of the old judges, or fudges, were 
 asleep, and the rest looked as though 
 they would be soon; fearing it might 
 [215] 
 
The Lady i^urse of Ward E 
 
 be contagious, we passed on to the 
 House of Representatives, where we 
 met Mr. McCloud, who said the Hon. 
 E. Brooks, editor of the New York 
 Express, was speaking — he was con- 
 sidered the most eloquent in the 
 House, to which remark our Boston 
 friend added, in her decided tone, " a 
 rank copperhead," one of those men 
 who " use the livery of Heaven in 
 which to serve the devil," which 
 dampened our ardor a little. We 
 found him tall, spare, with one eye- 
 glass, an English-looking man, ges- 
 ticulating as if in a rage about pa- 
 per currency. I was not prepossessed 
 in his favor. Called at the Massa- 
 chusetts relief rooms on our way 
 home. Spent the evening with Miss 
 Merrill in her ward, writing and talk- 
 ing over our hospital experiences. 
 Found Miss Capen with Sister Griggs 
 in the parlor, the former remaining 
 overnight. She seems as amiable and 
 capable as her bright face indicates. 
 She invited me to visit Baltimore with 
 
 Sister G , which I shall hope to do 
 
 [216] 
 
The Lady INurse of Ward E 
 
 before I leave Washington. My last 
 day " off duty." 
 
 March 25, 1864. 
 Eeceived a good, long letter from 
 Sister Gulie. After a week's absence, 
 again took possession of my ward, 
 which is beautifully clean and white. 
 Our old patients came in immediately 
 after breakfast, bringing their chairs, 
 and looking as pleased as if they had 
 received a furlough. I was glad to 
 take my seat again at the green-cov- 
 ered table, after Johnny, my drum- 
 mer boy, had assisted me in taking 
 back my ornaments, pictures, etc., 
 from the " Home." Fish day to-day, 
 so dispensed some of my nice Quaker 
 Hill tongue to my patients. Remained 
 all the afternoon in the ward. Lieu- 
 tenant C came for a half hour and 
 
 read me a long letter from his father. 
 After tea played some pretty music 
 Sergeant Eeed brought from home 
 (Dr. Banister invited me to attend 
 church, it being Good Friday, but the 
 severe rain prevented). The sick and 
 wounded began to arrive. We received 
 [217] 
 
The Lady ¥urse of Ward E 
 
 a cavalry boy, shot on picket duty ; his 
 limb was amputated a week since, and 
 one poor fellow breathed his last just 
 at the door, so that all we could do for 
 him was to prepare his body for the 
 grave. One dear little fellow of four- 
 teen, who has been some major's or- 
 derly, was brought in Ward K, very 
 ill. They say the army is to move im- 
 mediately, and report says Lee and 
 his army have disappeared. 
 
 March 26, 1864. 
 
 Found thirteen new patients in our 
 ward and plenty to do, so did not 
 leave it until dinner. Dr. Bliss com- 
 plimented us at inspection. Enjoyed 
 an hour by myself in our little parlor, 
 lighted only by the two street lamps 
 in front. Plaited a clean cap for my 
 bonnet to wear to-morrow to church, 
 it being Easter Sunday. Patterson 
 (my ward master) presented me with 
 his carte de visite. 
 
 March 27, 1864. 
 Dr. Banister asked if he might ac- 
 company me to Dr. HalPs church 
 [218] 
 
The Lady Nurse of Ward E 
 
 (Epiphany), to which I, of course, as- 
 sented. It was an elegant day, with a 
 cloudless sky. The church was crowd- 
 ed, but after waiting a half hour I 
 found a seat. The sermon was an in- 
 teresting one, and I enjoyed the music 
 and sight of the flowers about the 
 altar ever so much, and also the walk, 
 although it was rather a long one. 
 After dinner I was obliged to rest and 
 
 sleep. Lieutenant C came in the 
 
 evening, and we went to the " Cha- 
 teau," where we found Sisters Griggs 
 and Southwick, and Dr. Banister 
 (who had found the little mission 
 church closed) sitting in the little par- 
 lor by the light of the street lamps, to 
 which we did not object. C re- 
 mained a while after " Taps," as he 
 was not to meet his friend until ten, 
 to walk back to camp, three miles 
 away. 
 
 March 28, 1864. 
 
 Endeavored to entertain my ward in 
 
 the evening, as poor Leech is getting 
 
 dispirited, fearing he may be obliged 
 
 to have his foot taken off, or have a 
 
 [219] 
 
The Lady Nurse of Ward E 
 
 useless one for the rest of his life ; it 
 is hard even to anticipate such a thing 
 after ten months' confinement. 
 
 March 29, 1864. 
 Wrote a letter for my new amputa- 
 tion patient, whose mother lives in 
 Thirteenth Street, New York. Lieu- 
 tenant C came in, but thinks he 
 
 will not ask for leave of absence just 
 now to visit his home. Was delighted 
 to have Johnny, my drummer boy, put 
 down for furlough; he went to Dr. 
 Bliss and asked for it himself. Pro- 
 fessor McLeod came and gave a read- 
 ing or recitation in Ward F, which 
 was too dry for the soldiers to enjoy; 
 recitation is not his forte, though he 
 evidently thinks he has talent in that 
 line. It rained again furiously. 
 
 Johnny H , my No. 6, went to the 
 
 ^' Home " for my rubbers and umbrel- 
 la, which I find is necessary, as it 
 leaks so here, especially about our 
 " pipe," that we have no way of dry- 
 ing our feet, and the half of our room 
 
 over Sister S 's bed was so wet 
 
 [220] 
 
The Lady Nurse of Ward E 
 
 she was obliged to take refuge in Miss 
 Merriirs room. 
 
 March 30, 1864. 
 
 Wrote notice of the death of my 
 " measles boy " for the Gazette, and 
 in my ward book the names, etc., of 
 my patients, which I have neglected 
 of late. Visited my pet patients in 
 the evening, and devoted myself to 
 the ward generally. After " Taps " 
 sat by the stovepipe ruminating, con- 
 sequently retired late. 
 
 March 31, 1864. 
 
 A long, monotonous day, devoted to 
 idle thinking. At night such a miser- 
 able decoction of tea on our table 
 that I invited Sister Hill to join me at 
 the " Home," after which took a walk 
 with her and Sister Marsh to the tele- 
 graph office. Called at the Newsboys' 
 Home on our return, and was very 
 much pleased to see such nice quar- 
 ters for them. Went in Ward D to 
 hear Miss Merrill try her new piano. 
 Commenced writing a letter for 
 Quaker Hill. 
 
 [221] 
 
The Lady Nurse of Ward E 
 
 April 1, 1864. 
 
 A real April Fool's day — busy, busy 
 about nothing. It commenced raining 
 again after dinner. Wrote in the 
 evening until midnight, which finished 
 my Quaker Hill document. Miss Ca- 
 pen came from Baltimore to attend 
 reception at Speaker Colfax's, but too 
 rainy. 
 
 April 2, 1864. 
 A most miserable day, raining and 
 snowing together. Was obliged to 
 place five dishes in our room to catch 
 the dripping water. This was a busy 
 day for me. Assisted the ward mas- 
 ter in putting up our curtains, and at 
 inspection Dr. Bliss pronounced our 
 ward "perfect,'* with many compli- 
 ments. Grossman's wife came from 
 Michigan without giving him warn- 
 ing, and there was quite an affecting 
 scene. Spent the evening in Ward C 
 as Sister Anna Piatt's assistant. 
 
 April 3, 1864. 
 Spent the whole morning in my 
 ward, in addition to my usual duties, 
 [222] 
 
The Lady Nurse of Ward E 
 
 writing letters and entertaining my 
 " amputation boy," and doing various 
 things too numerous to mention here. 
 Felt the effects of midnight vigils, and 
 took a long sleep after dinner. Went 
 to see the baby in Ward C, the wife of 
 a soldier having been unexpectedly 
 confined here, shortly after tea. 
 When I returned to the ward to ar- 
 range the night medicines found Lieu- 
 tenant C had been there, and Pat- 
 terson told him I was at church. The 
 lieutenant's regiment has moved to 
 General Martindale's barracks at the 
 " Circle." 
 
 April 4, 1864. 
 It is five months to-day since I re- 
 turned. I swept and put my room in 
 order, having leisure as usual on Mon- 
 day morning ; and as I was just finish- 
 ing, with handkerchief on my head, 
 Mrs. Senator Lane and Miss H. Fan- 
 ning Eead called. The former offered 
 consolation by saying she regretted so 
 much she did not think of sending me 
 an invitation to accompany them to 
 [223] 
 
The Lady Nurse of Ward E 
 
 Mount Vernon. Found poor " Fees '' 
 quite ill, and made liim some tea and 
 toast, and went to Dr. Bliss to get a 
 special pass for Grossman, who, man- 
 like, sent his wife, a stranger, to re- 
 mind me, instead of doing it himself. 
 Patterson quite ill with a cold, so 
 played backgammon to make him for- 
 get it. Dahl came in, and amused 
 himself looking on, as I used to play 
 with him last summer. It is raining 
 again. 
 
 April 5, 1864. 
 Kain, rain, rain, and persistently 
 pouring. I felt " dumpish " and 
 took breakfast with Sister Hill, who 
 is indisposed at the " Home " ; used 
 Sister Griggs's admirable little ar- 
 rangement to boil an egg. Then went 
 up and took charge of her ward also, 
 making out " special diet," and ar- 
 ranging medicines for both wards. 
 iVfter dinner had a long and interest- 
 ing conversation with Miss Merrill, 
 and after going to the " House " spent 
 the rest of the afternoon with her and 
 Sister Piatt sewing, the steady rain 
 [224] 
 
The Lady Nurse of Ward E 
 
 on the roof shutting out even our 
 wards for a short time. 
 
 April 6, 1864. 
 
 Four new patients arrived, among 
 them a good violinist. The sun shone 
 at last, and our dampened spirits 
 were cheered up; the afternoon was 
 charming. Took a walk with Sister 
 Piatt, and was glad that we relin- 
 quished the idea of going to the House 
 of Eepresentatives to hear George 
 Thompson deliver his English senti- 
 ments on slavery. As we had a musi- 
 cal evening, our two violinists, with 
 bass viol and piano accompaniment, 
 were playing when Miss Thomas and 
 friends arrived, and we enjoyed some 
 excellent music. Mrs. Davis, a wealthy 
 New York lady, very much interested 
 in the hospitals there, in the fair, etc. 
 (having contributed $1,200 to the 
 fair), came with some friends in our 
 ward to-day and asked permission to 
 converse with the men. 
 
 April 7, 1864. 
 
 After finishing my morning duties 
 in the ward I copied the music of some 
 [225] 
 
The Lady Nurse of Ward E 
 
 of our bugle calls. Sister Griggs, who 
 has spent her week of " off duty " with 
 some friends in town, returned this 
 morning. Eeceived a letter from Mrs. 
 Bradley, a friend of long ago, took a 
 short walk for fresh air, and called 
 at Mr. Blanchard's store, who gave 
 me a rubber ruler. On my return 
 went directly to the ward, where I 
 found, as I expected. Miss Thomas 
 with seven young girls from Mrs. 
 Amidon^s school singing with her,, 
 which as usual delighted a large 
 crowd from the other wards also, af- 
 ter which the bugle called " Assem- 
 bly," and the soldiers collected in the 
 open air to hear the great American 
 traveler (as he calls himself), Daniel 
 Pratt, speak, whom they said was 
 very amusing, though some think 
 slightly demented. Went to Ward 
 C a while before " Taps " to try their 
 new piano. Little Johnny left to-day 
 on furlough. 
 
 April 8, 1864. 
 Busy all the morning with one of 
 my new patients who has the measles, 
 [226] 
 
The Lady Nurse oT Ward E 
 
 and attended to the numberless wants 
 of the others. Wrote account of yes- 
 terday's concert for the Gazette, at 
 the request of Pyne (one of the young 
 printers), and also a notice of Mrs. 
 Eipley's departure. Went with Sister 
 
 S to call on the Misses Gillies. 
 
 Miss E had gone to New York, to 
 
 attend the fair. Mrs. and Miss G 
 
 were very cordial and gave us a gay 
 little bouquet (they are in charge of 
 the Naval Observatory), which must 
 be very pleasant in summer. Took a 
 promenade past the barracks, at the 
 Circle, to inspect the quarters of the 
 Veteran Eeserve Corps, where our 
 
 friend Lieutenant C is living. 
 
 Saw Mrs. Lincoln in her establish- 
 ment. Found a letter from the mother 
 of my ^^ measles " boy, who died. 
 
 April 9, 1864. 
 More rain, rain, rain. Lieutenant 
 C called for a few moments be- 
 fore dinner. Dr. Van Dyck inspected 
 to-day. Played dominoes with two of 
 my pet boys, after giving a number of 
 [227] 
 
The Lady J^urse of Ward E 
 
 them a nice relish at supper of dried 
 beef and a can of Carrie Vander- 
 burgh's cherries. Went to Ward C, 
 where Sister Anna had gathered the 
 hospital choir, ladies, surgeons, etc. 
 As it was still raining hard, Patter- 
 son insisted upon my wearing his rain- 
 coat home. Found my room wet, with 
 only one dry corner in it. 
 
 April 10, 1864. 
 Our soldiers were allowed to attend 
 church outside, in charge of an orderly 
 sergeant. The Protestants went to 
 the Capitol to hear Edward Everett 
 Hale, and, at the solicitation of the de- 
 voted young' priest who visited our 
 hospital, the Catholics went to their 
 church. Eemained in ward until din- 
 ner, although feeling ill and miserable. 
 Most of the ladies went to the chapel 
 in the evening to hear the Hon. Amasa 
 J. Brooks, who was not very interest- 
 ing. Preferred sitting in the lamp- 
 light, after attending to the night 
 medicines in the ward. The proposed 
 visit to the President of Miss Merrill 
 [228] 
 
The Lady Nurse of Ward E 
 
 and myself, accompanied by our 
 friends, is not to be, as her young 
 friend came to tell her to-day he was 
 under marching orders — ^in fact, 
 everything available seems to be. 
 
 April 11, 1864. 
 Am still weak and miserable, but 
 went to the ward to see about the ex- 
 tra orders, there is such a fuss about 
 them. Miss Merrill's and Sister 
 Piatt's orders were both returned to 
 them yesterday. Our soldiers were 
 allowed to go to the House to-day to 
 hear Speaker Colfax's resolution to 
 expel Long of Ohio for treasonable 
 words discussed. Wrote letters for 
 my " boys." 
 
 April 12, 1864. 
 Beautiful weather. Lieutenant 
 C came in looking as fine as pos- 
 sible, to see about the reception to the 
 President, etc., but, being in a "fly- 
 away" humor, he could not stay a 
 moment. The daughter of Mrs. 
 Jacobs, authoress of " Linda " (her 
 own life when a slave), came to see 
 Miss Francis, whose aunt, Lvdia 
 [229] 
 
The Lady Nurse of Ward E 
 
 Maria Child, edited the book. She 
 has beautiful eyes and very pleasing 
 manners. I believe she is teaching 
 school. Mr. George Wood called in 
 the evening and brought the Spirit of 
 the Fair, the New York paper, which 
 does not promise much. Wrote the 
 following verse for the Gazette, which 
 is printed by two young soldiers, 
 and supervised by Mrs. Ingersoll of 
 Maine : 
 
 Spring has come with buds and flowers, 
 Wakened up by April showers; 
 Twilight lingers into even, 
 Turning worldly thoughts to Heaven. 
 Nature brightening seems to say: 
 "Spring has come — why not be gay?" 
 
 Ah! Nature smiles tho' War and Death 
 
 Of home and friends have us bereft, 
 
 And spectre-like on distant hills 
 
 Sit with their train of human ills : 
 
 Tho' War must rage and Death must come, 
 
 To desolate the heart and home. 
 
 Yes! Spring has come and kindly spread 
 The soft green carpet for our tread; 
 Her light o'er hill and vale is seen, 
 But all her charms will fail to wean 
 Our hearts to gladness, when so nigh 
 The hour to sound the battle-cry. 
 [230] 
 
The Lady Nurse of Ward E 
 
 We bless her as a friend who comes 
 When Death has desolated homes, 
 With words of comfort sweetly given 
 To lift our eyes from earth to Heaven; 
 We bless her, tho' she cannot save, 
 She strews the daisies o'er the grave. 
 
 But ask us not with hearts of glee 
 
 To join in Nature's revelry. 
 
 With brooks and birds and gayest floweri 
 
 To pass in thoughtlessness the hours; 
 
 The summer breeze we feel so nigh 
 
 Will also bring the battle-cry. 
 Armory Square, 
 April, 1864. 
 
 April 13, 1864. 
 My " measles " boy is recovering 
 and the ward is very comfortable. 
 
 Dr. S , Patterson, and a number 
 
 of others wrote to Kysor, to which I 
 added a sheet, making quite a long let- 
 ter; we also added a "round robin" 
 for our late lamented lieutenant colo- 
 nel. Went to the " Home " after tea, 
 and sat with Sister Griggs, who is 
 not well, in the lamplight, being indis- 
 posed myself. Dr. Banister came in, 
 
 and soon after Lieutenant C , who 
 
 came to see if I would go to Ward G 
 
 and hear the music being given by 
 
 [231] 
 
The Lady Nurse of Ward E 
 
 Miss Thomas and some friends, who 
 sang a very pretty selection, ending 
 with the " Young Eecruit," as usual 
 to the delight of her large audience. 
 
 April 14, 1864. 
 
 This was a very busy morning, with 
 a multitude of little things to attend 
 to. I was anxious about the new order 
 for the surgeons to make out the dis- 
 charge papers of all our old wounded 
 patients. After finishing in my ward 
 took the " gruel " which I had made 
 for Sister Griggs and myself to the 
 " Home," hurriedly ate it, and went 
 with Miss Ware (our new lady nurse, 
 who takes Miss Francis's place) to 
 the Capitol, where I succeeded at last 
 in getting a standing place in the door- 
 way, and remained half crushed for 
 two hours; then was pushed to the 
 steps, where I sat for two more hours, 
 intensely interested in both Mr. Col- 
 fax's and Mr. Long's speeches; the 
 former in his usual easy amiable, 
 earnest, clear ^nd sometimes eloquent 
 manner; the^^ speech of the latter was 
 [232] 
 
The Lady Nurse of Ward E 
 
 dignified and fearless, and bespoke 
 one's sympathy and respect for 
 everything but his misguided views 
 and sympathy with the South. 
 Neither speaker indulged in personal- 
 ities, in striking contrast with Gar- 
 rett Davis's vituperation. When I 
 went to the ward I was astounded 
 by the news that Patterson, our ward 
 master, was in the Central Guard- 
 house; his pass, which he did not ob- 
 serve, had not received the stamped 
 signature of Dr. Bliss, and when asked 
 for it by the patrol, he showed it in all 
 confidence, and was invited by them to 
 go to the Central Guardhouse. He 
 met some of our men and told them 
 of his plight, and fortunately the lieu- 
 tenant in command of the guardhouse 
 was from our hospital, and knew and 
 freed him immediately from his un- 
 pleasant position. Dr. S went to 
 
 see about it, too, but found that Pat- 
 terson was out. I spent the evening 
 with Sister Griggs at the " Home." 
 
 [233] 
 
The Lady Nurse of Ward E 
 
 April 15, 1864. 
 After the morning's duties, Dr. 
 
 S , who plays the violin, asked me 
 
 to try some music, and we practiced 
 and played together, much to the 
 amusement of our patients. Went on 
 the avenue to change the rubber 
 needle, of which I am to have a chain 
 made. Eeceived a present of a beau- 
 tiful little bracket with the badges of 
 different army corps carved on it, 
 made by one of my patients, and huge 
 cakes of maple sugar. Sister South- 
 wick decided to go to her home in 
 Boston for a short visit, and left with 
 one of her patients, in charge of a 
 hospital car at five o'clock this even- 
 ing. After bringing Sister Griggs's 
 tea, I returned to the ward and 
 played dominoes with No. 6. En- 
 joyed my room, being alone to-night. 
 
 April 16, 1864. . 
 
 Another rainy day. Took leave of 
 
 Miss Francis, who goes to Baltimore 
 
 this evening on her way home. Ward 
 
 E is at the zenith of its glory, for at 
 
 [234] 
 
The Lady Nurse of Ward E 
 
 inspection Dr. Bliss said "it looked 
 elegant," the floor was so white; and 
 on his return, after telling the other 
 ward masters to go and look at the 
 floor and beds in E, told me that we 
 took the palm from all the other 
 wards. All this, I must confess, gave 
 me a little pleasure to repeat at the 
 tea table, and I feel that much of the 
 praise is due to Patterson, our faith- ^/ 
 ful and efficient ward master. In the 
 evening, after giving my " boys " 
 some music, went to Ward G and 
 played for Miss Marsh, who has taken 
 the piano from Ward K. 
 
 April 17, 1864. 
 Still showery. My " measles " boy 
 is out of bed, so I have very little to 
 be anxious about in my ward. Ser- 
 geant Eeed and Kenser have received 
 their discharge, and nearly all my old 
 patients will soon be obliged to leave. 
 It is about time for me to take a rest 
 also. Concluded I was too weak and 
 the weather too " Aprilish " to attend 
 church, so refreshed myself by taking 
 [235] 
 
The Lady^ Nurse of Ward E 
 
 a "nap." In the afternoon I accom- 
 panied Sister Griggs and Dr. Banis- 
 ter to hear Dr. Baxter, who considers 
 it his mission to tell us of the coming 
 " Tribulation and the Battle of Armi- 
 geddon," etc. I was interested but 
 not converted to his peculiar views in 
 reference to Louis Napoleon, etc. He 
 preached in a church for colored peo- 
 ple, and although half of the audience 
 to-day were white, I was quite inter- 
 ested in the other half. After leaving 
 church I witnessed a dress parade 
 of some of the Veteran Eeserve 
 Corps stationed near by, reminding 
 us that the army enjoyed very few 
 Sabbaths. A fine, moonlight even- 
 ing. 
 
 April 18, 1864. 
 One of my driving days. Went to 
 see Mrs. Sampson about BrownelPs 
 furlough, as he is so anxious to meet 
 his brother in New York. Was con- 
 stantly interrupted while attending to 
 morning duties. Eeceived four of 
 Ward D's patients, as they have bro- 
 [236] 
 
The Lady Nurse of Ward E 
 
 ken up camp to-day. Went to the 
 " Chateau," but found the workmen 
 on our roof hammering with such 
 violence, tearing off the old tarred pa- 
 per and bringing down clouds of dirt 
 and whitewash, etc., that I beat a re- 
 treat, and having nowhere else to go, 
 took some marrow into the chaplain's 
 
 and asked Mrs. J to allow me to 
 
 make my salve there. Eead " Linda " 
 while waiting for it to cool. Eeceived 
 my hat box from home and enjoyed its 
 contents. Branch (my old " amputa- 
 tion boy '' with a wooden leg, who has 
 of late acted like the " old boy," hav- 
 ing a few nights since climbed over 
 and back the high fence topped with 
 pickets about us) came down on his 
 crutches to tell me that Miss Thomas 
 wished to see me. I found her, and 
 Miss Yateman also, who invited me, 
 with Sister Griggs and Dr. Banister, 
 to spend to-morrow evening at their 
 house. Enjoyed some of the biscuits 
 from home for my tea. Lieutenant 
 C came in for a few moments, be- 
 ing engaged to accompany some of 
 [237] 
 
 ^ 
 
The Lady .Nurse of Ward E 
 
 his brother officers to a ball at Cliff- 
 burn Barracks. Found our house 
 without a fire, consequently it was so 
 comfortless, I went in pursuit of the 
 general ward master and general 
 night watch, and by ten o'clock ob- 
 tained a little heat in the house. Miss 
 Low's alcohol lamp and a cup of hot 
 tea were our sole dependence for 
 warmth. Mrs. Jackson came in to 
 
 ask the favor of Sister S 's vacant 
 
 bed for her sister, which I was happy 
 to accord her for past favors. 
 
 April 19, 1864. 
 Sent orderly with note to see about 
 Sister Southwick's box, which I was 
 glad to find was safe and already ex- 
 pressed to her. Sister G came in 
 
 to say that the reception by the Presi- 
 dent would be held that evening, so 
 hurried through my morning duties. 
 After dinner I prepared some things 
 for the evening, and wore the pink 
 dress, etc., my sisters kindly sent me. 
 
 Sister G 's cousin came for us. Dr. 
 
 Bobbins for some of the ladies, and 
 [238] 
 
The Lady Nurse of Ward E 
 
 Miss MerrilPs young soldier for her. 
 We went at nine, and found more of a 
 crowd than on New Year Day, and 
 were more than an hour getting from 
 the pavement to the President's hand. 
 At the close of the evening Mrs. Lin- 
 coln made the tour of the East Eoom 
 with General Garfield and the Presi- 
 dent, and a young lady whose name 
 we did not ascertain. The flowers 
 in the unique vases were superb. 
 Eeached home ever so weary. Sister 
 
 G offered me a hot punch, which 
 
 I was glad to take, and then hurried 
 to bed. 
 
 April 20, 1864. 
 
 Spent the day in bed, not having 
 sufficient strength or energy to get 
 up. Eead the whole of " Linda " from 
 the beginning to the end, and found 
 plenty of time to think besides. Later 
 made " an effort," remembering Mrs. 
 Chick's advice to Mrs. Dombey, put 
 on a gown, and took tea with Sister 
 Hill, who was also indisposed in the 
 next room. Sister Griggs soon made 
 [239] 
 
The Lady Nurse of Ward E 
 
 one of our party, and Mr. George 
 Wood, who lent us his " Peter Schle- 
 myl " a few days since, came in and 
 spent the evening. Was surprised to 
 receive Mr. EamsdelPs wedding cards. 
 
 April 21, 1864. 
 Arose bright and early, as the 
 ladies reported more patients have ar- 
 rived, and were still arriving when 
 they left their wards, in all, about one 
 hundred. I found we had seven, four 
 very ill, and have of course been busy 
 all day, having nineteen on special 
 diet, and having given out over a hun- 
 dred doses of medicine. One poor 
 man, I fear, will never recover. Be- 
 came disgusted and indignant about 
 the beef tea arrangement, and after 
 a visit to the special kitchen spoke my 
 mind freely at our dinner table. 
 
 Whereupon Miss L , who has 
 
 charge of the special diet kitchen, left 
 suddenly, like a gust of wind, and 
 making only a slight rustle. I sus- 
 pected she was en route for the sur- 
 geon in charge, so I laid down knife 
 [240] 
 
The Lady Nurse of Ward E 
 
 and fork and went after her, my deter- 
 mined step following closely the deli- 
 cate patter along the long corridor, 
 until she, finding the surgeon had com- 
 pany, turned about. I nevertheless 
 passed in, and asked him to explain 
 to me the necessary process to procure 
 a little beef tea, etc. It was quite an 
 amusing episode. I remained in my 
 ward until three o'clock, then accom- 
 panied Miss G to make our call 
 
 on the Yatemans (neighbors), to 
 acknowledge their kind invitation. 
 Spent the evening endeavoring to add 
 to the comfort of my four suffering 
 patients, who have evidently not been 
 used to much kindness of late, and 
 are very grateful. Eeceived a sere- 
 nade from our hospital band. 
 
 April 22, 1864. 
 Last evening I suddenly decided 
 that I must have a rest and recruit 
 before this terrible warfare is re- 
 newed, and before our wards are 
 again filled with wounded soldiers, as 
 they were last May, after the battle 
 [241] 
 
The Lady Nurse of Ward E 
 
 of Chancellorsville. Dr. Bliss, our 
 surgeon in charge, has kindly given 
 me leave of absence, so I take a morn- 
 ing train to-morrow for New York. 
 Happy thought! 
 
 • < • • • 
 
 May 6, 1864. 
 
 Left home again at 6 p.m., for Wash- 
 ington and hospital life, having re- 
 ceived such a definite opinion from 
 our surgeon in charge that I thought 
 it best to make an appearance in 
 Ward E before inspection to-morrow. 
 My sisters accompanied me to the 
 ferry, where Mr. Ogden met us. The 
 night wore away at last, and at 6 
 A.M. I reached Washington, took a 
 city car, and soon walked into Ward 
 E, where I surprised them making 
 the beds, but received a very pleasant 
 welcome. I went to the ladies' " Cha- 
 teau," and giving a loud rap on the 
 door Sister Hill came out and said, 
 " I know Sister Akin has come," at 
 which Sister Griggs came out en des- 
 hahille with her kind welcome. 
 
 During my absence " Spring has 
 [242] 
 
The Lady Nurse of Ward E 
 
 passed down the vale, left her robe 
 on the trees and her scent on the 
 gale." The Smithsonian grounds 
 seem in full leaf, and the grass and 
 flowers between our wards, as there 
 was none last summer, appear more 
 beautiful to my eyes than anything 
 else outside. I took breakfast, made 
 hasty improvements in my toilet, and 
 went to perform my morning duties in 
 the ward. After shaking hands with 
 all my old patients, I saw Dr. Bliss in 
 passing the office; he greeted me 
 pleasantly, and as soon as he came in 
 the ward I made an apology for my 
 prolonged absence, which he received 
 graciously. 
 
 After dinner was obliged to sweep 
 my room before taking the rest so 
 much needed. It is like midsummer 
 weather outside. After tea gave my 
 men some music, though I was glad I 
 made arrangements to retire early 
 for the night. 
 
 May 8, 1864. 
 Another hot day. Dr. Kennan is 
 my surgeon pro tern. After din- 
 [243] 
 
The Lady Nurse of Ward E 
 
 ner attended funeral services in the 
 chapel of a soldier from Ward K. We 
 have news of a battle in which General 
 Grant is not only victorious, but is 
 pursuing General Lee, and that one 
 thousand wounded will be at the sta- 
 tion to-night, whom our committee has 
 orders to feed. We also hear that 
 General Butler has routed Beaure- 
 gard. 
 
 May 9, 1864. 
 None of our wounded is heard from, 
 and fears are entertained that the 
 guerrillas have intercepted them. Dr. 
 Kennan reported ill, and Dr. Brinte 
 made the rounds. Eeceived a young 
 lady. Miss Cheney from Boston (in- 
 troduced by the Hon. Mr. Lovejoy), 
 who is anxious to be one of our sister- 
 hood. The ward master received a 
 
 note from Lieutenant C , which 
 
 was sent by one of his men, saying he 
 was in command of a company at 
 Chain Bridge, and it might be some 
 time before he could pay us a visit. 
 
 Two hundred and fifty slightly 
 :wounded arrived who gave thrilling 
 [244] 
 
The Lady Nurse of Ward E 
 
 accounts of their falling in the hands 
 of the rebels at Fredericksburg, while 
 on their way here. The most severely 
 wounded are still there, unable to es- 
 cape. Supper was given to them in 
 the cook-house, and some of them 
 were sent to different wards. When 
 they had passed through their ablu- 
 tions and were ready for bed an 
 order came that they were to go 
 immediately to Carver Hospital. 
 Fortunately none was sent into our 
 ward, but Sister Hill was obliged to 
 beg that a few might be allowed to re- 
 main. Dr. Bliss introduced our new 
 surgeon. Dr. Hurlburt, who made his 
 rounds and seemed unusually pleas- 
 ant. Dr. Bowen also arrived this 
 evening with two other new surgeons. 
 There is a report of Colonel Mil- 
 lett's death, but we refuse to believe 
 it. One of the Fifth Maine soldiers 
 says he saw him charging at the head 
 of a column; heart-sickening thought, 
 though we cannot but admire the 
 courage which meets this awful neces- 
 sity. 
 
 [245] 
 
The Lady Xurse of Ward E 
 
 May 10, 1864. 
 There is still no permanent sur- 
 geon; Dr. Brinte made the rounds. 
 Eeceived a call from Miss Gillies and 
 an army officer, who brought me a 
 basket of beautiful flowers and two 
 large dishes of blanc-mange. After 
 tea, arranged myself in my new full 
 y uniform, and went with Sister Hill to 
 call upon Mr. and Mrs. Ramsdell, our 
 head clerk and his bride, who are liv- 
 ing opposite the Smithsonian. 
 
 May 11, 1864. 
 Received an early call from a 
 Brooklyn lady with a note from Dr. 
 Storrs asking me to aid her to find 
 her son (Sergeant O^Connor) among 
 the wounded of the late battle. Went 
 with her to Ward F, where a few of 
 them were allowed to remain, but 
 failed to find him. Took her to 
 breakfast, and, after leaving direc- 
 tions and executive order with No. 6, 
 accompanied her to Carver Hospital, 
 where we found him. He was slightly 
 wounded in the head, and was a very 
 [246] 
 
The Lady Nurse of Ward E 
 
 intelligent man, who gave ns a 
 minute account of his journey from 
 the battlefield, fighting with the guer- 
 rillas, etc., and showed us the slippers 
 he wore all the way, having given his 
 gaiters to his lieutenant. We also 
 met an interesting soldier in the car, 
 Lewis Bradley, of Newburgh, who said 
 General Sedgwick's remains came up 
 that morning with him. 
 
 Eeturning, on my way to the ward 
 I met Lieutenant Conyers coming in 
 the gate; he remained a half hour. 
 The wounded were coming in all day. 
 One ward received fifty, and a thou- 
 sand more are expected to-morrow. 
 Dr. Hunger was assigned to our ward. 
 Eeceived a letter from Leech (No. 17 
 so long) and a pretty present of an 
 ornament of spun glass from my 
 musical German, Graffleman, formerly 
 employed in a glass factory in New 
 Jersey and just returned from fur- 
 lough. Was sorry to hear that young 
 Best, who occupied the bed next to 
 my table for a month, was the first 
 man killed in his company. 
 [247] 
 
The Lady Nurse of Ward E 
 
 May 12, 1864. 
 
 There was a severe thundershower 
 after dinner, and the ambulances were 
 passing and stopping all day. All 
 who came to onr ward yesterday, ex- 
 cepting four, were but slightly wound- 
 ed, and, with a few convalescents, 
 were transferred to a tent ward. Re- 
 ceived six more severely wounded pa- 
 tients, two lieutenants and two ser- 
 geants. There was one amputation 
 after dinner. 
 
 Went with Sister Griggs to see 
 Brigadier General Sedgwick's re- 
 mains, but found only Brigadier Gen- 
 erals Hayes and Stephenson and Col- 
 onel Chapman at the embalmer's. 
 General Sedgwick's body was sent 
 North last evening. Sister Southwick 
 is at last really going to the front 
 with Miss H. Fanning Read, who ob- 
 tained a pass for her from the sur- 
 geon general to Fredericksburg, to- 
 morrow. Received a present of a 
 beautiful bouquet from my young 
 Bohemian night watch. 
 
 [248] 
 
The Lady Nurse of Ward E 
 
 May 13, 1864. 
 
 Our attendants, etc., were up all 
 night bringmg in and taking care of 
 the wounded, who have been coming 
 in all day. 
 
 We received twenty-eight new pa- 
 tients, among them Major Draper,* 
 of the Thirty-sixth Massachusetts, 
 and Captain Dwight, One Hundred 
 and Twenty-second New York, and 
 two rebels — one a conscript ; the other 
 seems to have enlisted from a serious 
 conviction of duty; he has been in 
 eight battles, but is pleasantly dis- 
 posed and reconciled to his fate, un- 
 like the others I have seen. 
 
 It made me feel sick and weak when 
 I went into the ward to see almost 
 every bed filled with a new patient 
 and with a ghastly wound. Fortu- 
 nately it was a rainy day, and Sister 
 
 S and Miss R could not 
 
 leave to-day. Mr. Fuller, a New 
 York agent, who came from Freder- 
 icksburg, was in here, and says that 
 
 ♦Afterwards Governor of Massachusetts and 
 Ambassador to Italy. 
 
 [249] 
 
The Lady Nurse of Ward E 
 
 the corduroy road from Belle Plain 
 to Fredericksburg is in very bad con- 
 dition, and many of the wounded are 
 lying in the streets, and the people 
 there (mostly Secessionists) will not 
 furnish them with either food or ban- 
 dages. 
 
 Have thirty patients on special 
 diet, for whom I was obliged to pre- 
 scribe, as the surgeon has two more 
 tent wards. Mrs. Senator Lane (our 
 early friend) brought newspapers and 
 oranges. 
 
 May 14, 1864. 
 
 Sister Southwick left for the front. 
 Major Draper's wife arrived. She is 
 a lovely woman, and it is quite affect- 
 ing to see them together. There was 
 no inspection to-day. Mailed a letter 
 home. Miss McClellan, daughter of 
 v^ the Assistant Postmaster General, 
 who is to take Sister Southwick's 
 ward and place in my room, came to- 
 day. Went to market after tea to get 
 some oranges for Lieutenant Bly, 
 who suffers so much. 
 
 [250] 
 
The Lady Nurse of Ward E 
 
 May 15, 1864. 
 
 Sunday, but had no outward rest. 
 Miss Stephens, daughter of the nov- 
 elist, and a friend came in with Dr. 
 Bliss. 
 
 The Maine Artillery from Fort 
 Sumner passed. It is a fine regiment. 
 Miss Griggs's cousin. Lieutenant 
 Colonel Talbot, was with them; he 
 waved her an adieu as he passed, and 
 I realize now daily the pathos of the 
 ** Soldier's Last Farewell." 
 
 May 16, 1864. 
 
 Dr. Bliss examined Lieutenant 
 Bly's arm and said it must be ampu- 
 tated immediately. An exciting day. 
 A new patient. Lieutenant Grenier 
 of the Fifth Maine, a friend of Lieu- 
 tenant Colonel Millett, arrived. An- 
 other new surgeon added to the staff, 
 Dr. Coolidge, of Boston. He is a very 
 pleasant, gentlemanly man; knows 
 nothing of hospital regulations, but 
 has much enthusiasm and sympathy. 
 I was glad to have him attend to many 
 of the patients who I felt were neg- 
 [251] 
 
\y 
 
 The Lady. Nurse of Ward E 
 
 lected, though his unsystematic way 
 gives us unnecessary .work. Went 
 with Sister Griggs to the Smithsonian 
 a few moments before dark, and read 
 a note she had received from Dr. Ban- 
 ister, her former surgeon, who is now 
 at Belle Plain dressing wounds (as 
 the wounded pass there) ; he has not 
 had his clothes off since he left here. 
 
 I fear Lieutenant Bly's hours are 
 numbered. He cannot take stimu- 
 lants. Sent to Mrs. Senator Lane to 
 purchase a bottle of champage for 
 him, which she sent without charge. 
 Another artillery regiment passed for 
 the front. 
 
 May 17, 1864. 
 
 Felt quite ill, but managed to 
 keep about. Eeceived a note from 
 Sister Southwick, who has reached 
 Fredericksburg, and answered it by 
 the Massachusetts agent, who re- 
 turned to-day. The lieutenant is very 
 low. Was delighted to find we have 
 an assistant chaplain, Eev. Mr. 
 Crocker, who belongs to one of the 
 New York regiments and knows Lieu- 
 [252] 
 
The Lady Nurse of Ward E 
 
 tenant Bly, having belonged to his 
 brigade, the Ninth New York Cavalry. 
 Dr. Bliss was flying about all day 
 with his ease of instruments ; he came 
 into our ward and in five minutes ex- 
 tracted a ball from a wound. The 
 weather is fine once more. After tea 
 went to the armory to see how it had ^ 
 been arranged for the wounded ; when 
 I returned found Lieutenant Ely's bed 
 had been carried out, for his spirit 
 had suddenly taken flight. Wrote out 
 some of the bed cards which Dr. Hun- 
 ger left for me, as I unfortunately 
 promised to assist him. 
 
 May 18, 1864. 
 
 Very warm weather again. Fifteen 
 patients transferred to Philadelphia, 
 making a morning of confusion. Be- 
 ing so late from the battlefield, they 
 had no clothes, and we were obliged ^ 
 to draw on our stock here. Supplied 
 many with shirts and stockings from 
 my own store. 
 
 Received an amusing letter from 
 " Fees." Misses Thomas and Martin 
 [253] 
 
v/ 
 
 The Lady. Nurse of Ward E 
 
 came to the house to see me and of- 
 fered their services. A very pleasant 
 lady, Mrs. Clark, comes in and really 
 does some good waiting upon the pa- 
 tients who are suffering. She sent 
 me to-day a nice tin tea kettle. Our 
 men sent away in the morning re- 
 turned before supper, unable to get 
 transportation. I sent them to the 
 armory to sleep, as their beds were 
 made up clean, ready for those ex- 
 pected to-night. We have already re- 
 ceived six new patients ; they are very 
 low; two have been amputated and 
 three shot through the lungs. One is 
 a poor rebel boy, only eighteen, from 
 Louisiana; he looks so pitiful and 
 grateful for every little kindness 
 which he does not expect. 
 
 Eetired, worn with the sight and 
 sound of suffering. 
 
 May 19, 1864. 
 
 This was the most wearisome and 
 exciting day I have had yet. The 
 wounded came at all hours. Dr. Coo- 
 lidge went through the entire ward 
 making many changes and new pre- 
 [254] 
 
The Lady Nurse of Ward E 
 
 scriptions, and while wondering how 
 I could obtain all of the diet, with un- 
 uttered prayers in my heart to be able 
 to do more for their comfort, seeing 
 the need of so much, a letter was 
 brought to me containing a check for 
 one hundred dollars from Mr. Simp- 
 son, of Hudson, and his friend Mr. 
 Lamson, of New York. That was too 
 much for overtaxed nerves, and the 
 tears, which had been kept under con- 
 trol amid all I had witnessed for so 
 many days, would come, after which 
 luxury I took up my sad work with 
 renewed spirit and energy. Ladies 
 came in with lemons and oranges ; one 
 with lemonade for the whole ward. 
 
 Lieutenant Ely's wife arrived this 
 morning, she evidently not having re- 
 ceived the last telegram; as the lieu- 
 tenant's body had been sent home yes- 
 terday, she returned immediately to 
 the train, leaving a request with Mrs. 
 Chaplain Jackson that I would be 
 kind enough to write to her. Am 
 happy to find we have an assistant 
 chaplain who is faithful in his duties ; 
 [255] 
 
The Lady. Nurse of Ward E 
 
 he formerly belonged to a New York 
 regiment, the same brigade as Lieu- 
 tenant Bly. He recognized him, and 
 it was gratifying to see him in prayer 
 by his bedside before his death. 
 
 Lieutenant C came, not having 
 
 returned to the bridge since Tuesday 
 from the barracks in Georgetown. 
 Misses Stephens and Binn came in 
 
 and brought Mrs. S 's last novel 
 
 and a great variety of papers. With 
 the interruptions, thought I would 
 never get the diet list made out, which 
 was at last sent in at three o'clock. 
 The butter was not fit to eat at supper, 
 and we had it reported ; fortunately I 
 had been to the market this morning 
 and purchased some. I went to the 
 " Home " at four to rest a few mo- 
 ments, and after tea to the Smith- 
 sonian grounds with Sister Griggs, 
 feeling an oppressive want of fresh 
 air. Played for my men instead of 
 making out bed cards, as I saw them 
 watching my movements, and when I 
 went to the piano they exclaimed, 
 " That's what we want ! " 
 [256] 
 
The Lady Nurse of Ward E 
 
 May 20, 1864. 
 Two of our patients that came in 
 last died to-day, one in the night and 
 one of the amputated men just before 
 dinner. Beautiful weather; the tide 
 of visitors was tremendous ; Dr. Bliss 
 said there were fifteen hundred at 
 supper-time; it seemed as if I were 
 holding a reception. Miss Welles, 
 daughter of the Secretary of the 
 Navy, whom I have not seen since last 
 summer, with a friend, came and of- 
 fered their services to write letters. 
 Four men from New York and Brook- 
 lyn shook hands with me, and one 
 benevolent-looking man parted the 
 hair on my forehead, and, having as- 
 certained that I had no relations in 
 the army, said, " She is here just to do 
 her duty." One lady was singing at 
 the piano and the rest of the visitors 
 promenaded, while I gave out twenty- 
 eight special diets, and amid such a 
 confusion it was difficult to keep my 
 wits. Fortunately our ward had been 
 cleaned thoroughly, the first time in a 
 fortnight. 
 
 [257] 
 
The Lady Nurse of Ward E 
 
 Mrs. Governor Morgan, a stout 
 lady, with a profusion of diamonds, 
 called in the morning and brought 
 some lemons, etc. Drs. Stuart and 
 Banister returned to-day ; their wards 
 gave them a cordial welcome, and I 
 confess I shall be thankful to see Dr. 
 Stuart in charge of our ward again. 
 
 Had a talk with Captain Dwight, 
 who is very modest and pleasant. It 
 is no trouble to wait upon him. 
 
 May 21, 1864. 
 Dr. Coolidge, of Boston, made the 
 
 morning rounds, but Dr. S came 
 
 in the evening. Dr. Bliss denied all 
 J visitors who came out of curiosity, at 
 which order we were much relieved. 
 There was no inspection, although 
 many of the ladies went up expecting 
 it. After supper I could not refuse 
 to give my patients some music, al- 
 though I was very weary, and was 
 glad when Mr. and Mrs. Ramsdell 
 came in and the latter relieved me. 
 
 [258] 
 
The Lady Nurse of Ward E 
 
 May 22, 1864. 
 
 Our duties seem lightened already 
 with Dr. Stuart in the ward. Dr. Coo- 
 lidge expressed much interest and re- 
 gret at leaving the patients. The 
 wounded from the First Maine Ar- 
 tillery, which passed so proudly just 
 a week to-day, were brought in and 
 taken to the armory. The whole 
 regiment were in the engagement on 
 Thursday and badly cut up. One 
 soldier with a fractured limb was 
 brought to us. 
 
 Having made a chair comfortable 
 with the long cushion I brought from 
 home for my own use, I was glad to 
 see it enjoyed both by Major Draper 
 and Captain Robinson when they were 
 able to sit up. The weather was very 
 warm. I succeeded in dispatching a 
 letter to my good friend, Mr. Simp- 
 son, which relieved my mind. 
 
 Visitors were generally denied ad- 
 mission, but many went through the 
 wards. The new chaplain held serv- 
 ice. Managed to secure a few mo- 
 ments' leisure, and had a pleasant talk 
 [259] 
 
The Lady Nurse of Ward E 
 
 with Lieutenant Grenier (convales- 
 cent), who gave me his carte de visit e, 
 ^ and promised to send a cribbage 
 board, etc. No. 44, in whom the chap- 
 lain of his regiment and I have been 
 greatly interested, died suddenly be- 
 fore I left. 
 
 May 23, 1864. 
 Captain Dwight of the One Hun- 
 dred and Twenty-second New York 
 Eegiment left for home. Used my gas 
 n/ stove, purchased yesterday. It is cer- 
 tainly a great invention and con- 
 venience. Went to our quarters, but 
 could not sleep. 
 
 May 24, 1864. 
 No. 45 very low, and will scarcely 
 survive the night. He dictated a very 
 affecting letter to Assistant Chaplain 
 Crocker for his wife. He is Andrew 
 Twitchell, private. Thirty-sixth Mich- 
 igan Cavalry. Mr. Clapp and friends 
 from Yonkers called. 
 
 May 25, 1864. 
 Sent an ivory cross a soldier made 
 and a letter to Sister Gulie. More 
 [260] 
 
The Lady Nurse of Ward E 
 
 wounded arrived, among them three 
 captains and one lieutenant. Our No. 
 45 (while I was supporting his head) 
 suddenly breathed his last. 
 
 May 27, 1864. 
 Fifteen patients were transferred 
 to Philadelphia. Others were brought 
 in to fill their places, with still worse 
 wounds, uncared for and unwashed; 
 they were well-nigh dead from the 
 toils of their journey. Wrote a let- 
 ter for No. 12, who found his broth- 
 er's name among the wounded at 
 another hospital. Sent No. 6 (my 
 orderly) to hunt him up, who discov- 
 ered him only to find that he was just 
 carried out for a second amputation. 
 Miss Welles came to write letters, and 
 I managed to write to the wife of No. 
 45, who died two days since, and to 
 Lieutenant Ely's widow. Returned to 
 the " Home " at 5 p.m. 
 
 May 28, 1864. 
 Major Draper had so improved that 
 he left to join his wife at the hotel. 
 No. 25 died during the night. No. 44 
 [261] 
 
The Lady Nurse of Ward E 
 
 was bleeding and very weak. I went 
 to market, and on my return found 
 ten more wounded had been brought 
 in. Our dresser is tired out. Was all 
 day in the ward, and the air was foul 
 and dreadful. Captain Dewey was 
 very pleasant. Captain Brooks of 
 the Twelfth New Jersey Eegiment is 
 like a spoiled child, but he will soon 
 " find his bearings." He told his at- 
 tendant to tell " her " to make him 
 some lemonade, which I did and sent 
 it by the attendant, with directions, in 
 sufficiently clear tone, to take it to No. 
 12, after which he called me by name 
 and we became good friends. 
 
 A number of patients went to 
 Mount Pleasant Hospital to relieve 
 the crush at our hospital. 
 
 May 29 and 30, 1864. 
 Kept no record of these two days' 
 doings, having neither the time nor 
 the strength. 
 
 May 31, 1864. 
 The arrival of relatives only to find 
 their dear ones had passed " beyond 
 [262] 
 
The Lady Nurse of Ward E 
 
 the smiling and the weeping," be- 
 yond all pain and weariness, is one y 
 of the most mmerving of trials we are 
 called upon to meet. Summer is here, 
 and the stoves were all removed this 
 morning. 
 
 I obtained a special pass for Lieu- 
 tenant Grenier. Borrowed Sister 
 HilPs rolling chair for Captain Kob- 
 inson, who is convalescing slowly, and 
 went with him to our " Chateau" (as 
 our French friend, Dr. Alcan, calls 
 our domicile), where I treated the 
 captain to claret and crackers. Mrs. 
 Draper called, and I accompanied her 
 to the office, where we found the ma- 
 jor, who was quite Chesterfieldian in 
 his manner of bidding adieu. Mrs. 
 Draper gave me his photograph for 
 my album. 
 
 Copy of a letter written in hot haste 
 about May 30, 1864, during the Battle 
 of the Wilderness. It was written by 
 Sister Helen Griggs of Ward A to 
 Sister Anna Piatt of Ward C, who 
 had left to recruit: 
 
 [263] 
 
The Lady .Nurse of Ward E 
 
 Our Room, Ten O 'Clock. 
 I am tired to death, and an awful 
 " gabbling " going on in the next room, 
 as six new nurses have been engaged 
 temporarily for the extra tent wards ; 
 some with dreadful voices. That is 
 the date of my letter. 
 
 My Dear Mrs. Metternich: 
 
 (As you do not appreciate the Tal- 
 leyrand title, perhaps you will this.) 
 I have left the man with one elephant 
 in the dim, far distance, as I now have 
 a dozen on my hands, and six dozen 
 on my brain ; not elephants, but levia- 
 thans and megatheriums — all those 
 big, huge antediluvians that scare you 
 to look at them. 
 
 I cannot write a connected letter; I 
 lost my senses two weeks ago and 
 haven't known my own name for a 
 week. I cannot begin to tell you of 
 what we are going through. Miss Hill 
 and Miss Akin say the number of 
 wounded after Chancellorsville was 
 nothing; was mere play to what this 
 is. Oh! they are piled in on us till 
 [264] 
 
The Lady Nurse of Ward E 
 
 one's heart sinks, and I, who am good 
 in emergencies, energetic (and "walk 
 like seven men," I am aware), slink 
 up to the door of my ward and stand 
 there, dreading to go in, feeling as if I 
 were a baby and that I would give a 
 fortune to be well out of it. I know I 
 have utterly mistaken my calling, as I 
 cannot get used to seeing the entire 
 anatomy of the human frame every 
 time I turn around, and am altogether 
 demented. (Now don't you see I am, 
 by that sentence?) My only consola- 
 tion is that the other ladies all feel so, 
 too. Miss Merrill, whose mother is 
 here. Miss Hill, a host in herself, and 
 Miss Akin, all say and feel that their 
 burden is greater than they can bear. 
 I am glad for your sake you are not 
 here; you could not stand it, even 
 with those powders of Dr. Alcan. The 
 odor is awful; the cases are all bad. 
 I have had four deaths already, and 
 there are forty-five dead to-day, two 
 tents full beside the Dead House. 
 The chapel is full of beds, and has 
 been for weeks ; Mrs. Wilson presides 
 [265] 
 
The Lady Nurse of Ward E 
 
 there and cooks for them herself. (Of 
 course, the end of all approaches 
 when she gets to work.) 
 
 Yon speak of the melodeon; it has 
 never been thought of, and presume it 
 has been confiscated long ago. We 
 work hard, our beds are not made un- 
 til we go down at " Taps." So many 
 special diet meals are delayed at that 
 "infernal" Special Kitchen (excuse 
 me) till we are frantic. Dinner to- 
 day for those poor sick men was 
 served at half past two, supper at 
 7.30 ; gaslight and the " extras " still 
 worse. Dr. Bliss allows far more lati- 
 tude in beef tea and punch on our own 
 orders and the extra diet not signed 
 by him. Still, we are put off by those 
 " fiends " who preside in that kitchen 
 until everybody becomes exhausted 
 and cross. 
 
 Officers now abound; I have five, 
 Ward H twelve, Ward I fourteen. 
 Ward K thirteen; they pay a dollar 
 per day and have their meals served 
 like the surgeons, which makes the 
 third dinner to be prepared. Keally 
 [266] 
 
NURSES 
 Miss H. Griggs 
 Miss A. Akin Miss S. E. Marsh 
 
 Miss A. M. Hill 
 
The Lady Nurse of Ward E 
 
 the care and confusion is immense — I 
 am not exaggerating. My " ele- 
 phants " have arrived, three in one 
 week: a barrel of crackers and two 
 huge boxes from my New York broth- 
 er, the boxes containing pineapples, 
 oranges, bananas, lemons, figs, prunes, 
 claret, sherry, brandy, etc. My broth- 
 er at home sent me fifty dollars, other 
 Boston men seventy. New York ten, 
 and a cousin ten — one hundred and fif- 
 ty dollars in all. I gave ten dollars to 
 Ward C in memory of its " angel." 
 Miss Israel does well there. Your 
 " Albert " is doing fine ; he is walking 
 about. I have a chair like Miss 
 Marsh's, that cost fifty dollars, and it 
 is well worth it to the poor fellows. 
 
 May 31, 1864. 
 Captain Dewey's father came; 
 found they were from Brooklyn. 
 Went with Sister Hill to Smithsonian 
 grounds for a few moments. She 
 would not allow me to invite Lieuten- 
 ant ^renier to accompany us, who 
 [267] 
 
The Lady. Nurse of Ward E 
 
 now convalescent, was sitting outside, 
 though he was evidently ready. 
 
 June 1, 1864. 
 Mrs. Senator Lane, Mrs. Usher, 
 Mrs. Ann S. Stephens, the authoress, 
 with otlier ladies, brought some straw- 
 berries, which I was glad to see my 
 soldiers enjoy. It is clearing up gen- 
 erally. Ventilators were taken out. 
 Assisted the ward master in covering 
 the gas fixtures. Went to Dr. Bliss 
 about No. 38's arm, as he begged me 
 last night to have something done. On 
 examination. Dr. Bliss said he must 
 V go on the table at once; so he has lost 
 an arm, but is much more comfort- 
 able. No. 48 died very suddenly; he 
 was brought in only yesterday. Lieu- 
 tenant Grenier and Captain Eobinson, 
 both of the Fifth Maine, went to a pri- 
 vate boarding house. Their company 
 was mostly filled with men of posi- 
 tion and education. 
 
 June 2, 1864. 
 There is a sudden change in the 
 weather ; it is quite chilly, and our pa- 
 [268] 
 
The Lady Nurse of Ward E 
 
 tients feel the coolness sensibly. My 
 boy with the amputated arm has had a 
 chill, which always alarms me. Went 
 out marketing in the morning and 
 brought home a treat of strawberries, 
 lettuce, etc., for my fourteen attend- 
 ants. Five patients were transferred 
 to New York. Captain Dewey's father 
 gave me a bottle of brandy and sev- 
 eral bowls of jelly which he brought 
 with him. 
 
 Eeceived a letter from William 
 Dart, offering to give employment to 
 some of my disabled soldiers, and 
 from Leech (No. 17 so long), who has 
 gone to Wisconsin, enclosing his carte 
 de visite, 
 
 June 3, 1864. 
 
 I hurried through my morning du- 
 ties, as the ward was to be cleaned. 
 Lieutenant Grenier came in, and I 
 chatted with him at the window on my 
 way to the " Home." He invited me 
 to call and see him in F Street. My 
 boy with the amputated arm is doing 
 very well to-day. A surgeon in 
 charge of the Second Corps Hospital 
 [269] 
 
The Lady. Nurse of Ward E 
 
 called in the morning to say he 
 brought news direct from Miss 
 Southwick, and would come again in 
 the afternoon, which he did. She has 
 been his right-hand man, and he could 
 scarcely say enough of her capability 
 and usefulness. He is here on sick 
 leave, and brought his brother, who is 
 convalescing from smallpox. He in- 
 vited me and, through me. Sister 
 Griggs to take a drive to-morrow, 
 which, considering the circumstances 
 (versus our short acquaintance), I ac- 
 cepted. Sister S sent a note to 
 
 me from the heights of Fredericks- 
 burg, where the battle was fought 
 last summer. 
 
 Not feeling very well after tea, I 
 went with Sister Hill and Miss Put- 
 nam for an outing in the cars to get 
 some fresh air. The ward master had 
 the nets put over the beds, and Dr. 
 Bliss complimented our ward again. 
 
 Lieutenant G came to see us, and 
 
 said he was obliged to accompany 
 
 me to the " Home " to get one of my 
 
 photographs. Dr. Sawyer took us out 
 
 [270] 
 
The Lady Nurse of Ward E 
 
 for a drive througli the Corcoran 
 grounds (now Harewood Hospital), ^ 
 which we enjoyed immensely. We 
 drove to the Soldiers' Home, the Pres- 
 ident's summer home, etc. ; passed Dr. ^ 
 Stone's grounds, which he offered to 
 the Government, and where the Sev- 
 enth Eegiment of New York encamped 
 when here. Dr. S was very talk- 
 ative and pleasant, and picked us bou- 
 quets of honeysuckle and wild roses. 
 The drive lasted three hours. On re- 
 turning to the ward I found that two 
 of my patients had each a foot taken 
 off, and was much surprised that Cap- 
 tain Brooks was one of them. After 
 tea, when suffering, I went to him and, 
 endeavoring to forget his want of 
 courtesy, put him to sleep by strok- 
 ing his temples; as soon as he awoke 
 I was sent for and requested to put 
 him to sleep again; so think I shall 
 have plenty to do if he is to be mesmer- 
 ized often. The other amputations of 
 to-day are doing well, but my placid 
 one had another chill. No. 6 brought 
 me a bunch of magnolia blossoms. 
 [271] 
 
The Lady Nurse of Ward E 
 
 June 5, 1864. 
 Hurried through the morning du- 
 ties, thinking to attend church in the 
 afternoon, but, after waiting to have 
 services in my ward, I found myself 
 too tired. Four of the ladies are ill at 
 the house. Miss Israel and Mrs. Sen- 
 ator Hawley with sore throats, resem- 
 bling diphtheria. Dr. Bliss came down 
 and made his inspection rounds. Took 
 a siesta (if that term be allowable for 
 a hospital nurse), then put on my 
 " New York toilet," according to Sis- 
 ter Griggs, and went to see Captain 
 Eobinson and Lieutenant Grenier, as 
 I promised them I would before they 
 left. Found the captain still in bed, 
 but hoping to leave for home to-mor- 
 row, and both exceedingly polite and 
 appreciative of my visit. Found a 
 very pretty bouquet of roses on my 
 table, with the compliments of my old 
 No. 6 (Dahle). 
 
 June 6, 1864. 
 Lieutenant Sabin left for his Michi- 
 gan home, and one of my fourteen am- 
 putation patients (No. 17), successor 
 [272] 
 
The Lady Nurse of Ward E 
 
 to Leech, left also with his wife. 
 There were plenty of visitors again. 
 Weather is exceedingly warm. Lieu- 
 tenant Grenier came down early to 
 spend the forenoon, and bade us adieu 
 with many expressions of thanks for 
 himself and Captain Robinson. When 
 I went to see about No. 12's dinner I 
 found him failing very fast — in fact 
 dying. I sent away his beef tea, etc., 
 and went for the doctor to see if any- 
 thing could be done for him. He was 
 delirious, but I think knew me, as the 
 last rational thing he said was he 
 wished to have me give him his dinner, 
 and afterwards he took my hand and 
 put it to his lips. Poor fellow! He 
 asked me a few days since if I kept the 
 address for a letter to his parents, so 
 in case anything happened to him I 
 could write to them in Paterson. The 
 ward master came to relieve me, as 
 the attendant was too much engaged ; 
 he told me to go to the house^ as he 
 knew this was the time I usually went, 
 and, besides, the man was so delirious 
 I could do him no good. A severe 
 [273] 
 
The Lady .Nurse of Ward E 
 
 thundershower detained me a few mo- 
 ments, and when I returned he had 
 been carried out. 
 
 The father of my boy with the am- 
 putated arm, about whom we are 
 so anxious, arrived to-night. A sad 
 meeting it was, but he was thankful to 
 find his son alive. Lieutenant Crosby 
 hobbled down to my desk this evening 
 — a little lonely, I imagine — and asked 
 if I knew of a Shakespeare that he 
 could get. He seems to be as fond of 
 reading as his aunt, Mrs. Ingersoll, 
 widow of the Attorney General of 
 Maine. 
 
 June 7, 1864. 
 
 A sudden change in the weather 
 again, it being quite cool. Although 
 not feeling well, I nevertheless went 
 to market for eggs, as I am giving 
 two of our patients port wine and 
 egg three times a day. 
 
 Sent No. 6 to find the brother of No. 
 12, who died yesterday; but, as the 
 brother is lying severely wounded at 
 Campbell Hospital, they could not tell 
 him the sad news. What a burden of 
 [274] 
 
The Lady Nurse of Ward E 
 
 grief for their parents ! Dr. Bliss ex- 
 amined No. ll's leg and advised him 
 to have it amputated, leaving to Dr. 
 S and myself the task of reconcil- 
 ing him to the operation. I talked to 
 him till he smiled through his tears; 
 tried to be brave and think it was for 
 the best, although it was unexpected 
 to him and, in fact, to me, as I sup- 
 posed it was doing well. 
 
 Mrs. Governor Morgan made me a 
 long visit, and brought a jar of pick- 
 les. Miss Merrill fainted this morn- 
 ing, and is quite ill. Some one sent a 
 quantity of roses, and Lieutenant 
 Crosby assisted me to arrange them. 
 As he has not required much atten- 
 tion, I was surprised at his effort to 
 make himself so agreeable. Captain 
 Dewey rode out in Sister Griggs's 
 rolling chair, and Captain Brooks is 
 more tractable. 
 
 Went to the armory for the first 
 time. Could scarcely realize before 
 that it held such a little world of suf- 
 fering. Found Mr. George Wood and 
 
 Sister G calling on Mrs. General 
 
 [275] 
 
The Lady -Nurse of Ward E 
 
 V Hawley, wife of the Senator from 
 Connecticut, who is lady nurse in 
 charge. Dr. Van Slyck was unusually 
 polite, and entertained me a while. 
 I went to the third story, and was re- 
 ceived by Dr. Kincade. I was taken 
 around his ward, and there found 
 Charlie M., one of our old patients, 
 an attendant, although he limps yet. 
 When I returned I found our boy 
 No. 34, in whom we are all so much 
 interested, was bleeding. No. 6 and 
 I both flew after Dr. Stuart and the 
 officer of the day. Am fearful he will 
 not survive the night. Gave some 
 wine to his poor father, who looked 
 wretched, scarcely knowing where to 
 turn. No. 11' s leg amputated, and is 
 now quite comfortable. 
 
 June 8, 1864. 
 There is a vacant place, as I feared, 
 and the poor father could only grasp 
 our hands in mute despair. Made 
 meal gruel of that which Fanny Dart 
 sent me, fortunately having a little 
 left for my own breakfast and Miss 
 Merrill's, who is better. 
 [276] 
 
The Lady Nurse of Ward E 
 
 The wounded were brought in. We 
 received one patient, Captain Eey- 
 nolds, Acting Assistant Adjutant Gen- 
 eral on General Stedman's staff, on 
 whose arm an operation was per- 
 formed immediately after dinner. 
 The ward master quite unwell, and 
 went out for fresh air. As No. 6 was 
 engaged with them during the " resec- 
 tion," I remained in the ward wait- 
 ing upon everybody until nearly five, 
 when I became exhausted. Captain 
 Brooks's cousin came in with straw- 
 berries and dinner for two, and fussed 
 in our and other wards all the after- 
 noon. Made some more of my good 
 gruel and sent some to Miss Israel in 
 my cup with flags; sent also some to 
 No. 11, being the only thing he has 
 kept on his stomach to-day. (I fear 
 he will go like the rest.) It seems to 
 me an almost hopeless task to begin 
 the usual system of medical treatment 
 in such a condition. Made some corn- 
 starch to treat my captain, but found 
 it more of a task than I imagined over 
 a gas stove. Just as I was leaving 
 [277] 
 
s/ 
 
 The Lady Nurse of Ward E 
 
 the ward, having been on my feet most 
 of the day, a troop of ladies from 
 Willard^s Hotel came with strawber- 
 ries to treat the hospital, with which, 
 as usual, we were obliged to submit 
 to their fashionable airs and want of 
 sense. As an operation was going on 
 in the dining room, they could not 
 have dishes, to distribute themselves, 
 and, having been to all the other 
 wards, they were getting tired of it 
 all, and left me to take charge of the 
 distribution. I covered and left them 
 until I returned to give out the special 
 diet. Had just reached my room in 
 the house to rest a moment when 
 
 Lieutenant C came in. Sister 
 
 Griggs entertained him until I was 
 dressed. He is still waiting orders for 
 the " front." 
 
 A new patient was admitted yester- 
 day (a hospital steward) who plays 
 the piano very well. 
 
 June 9, 1864. 
 
 Found the spirits of ammonia or- 
 dered last evening had the desired 
 effect on No. 11 and quieted his nau- 
 [278] 
 
v/ 
 
 The Lady Nurse of Ward E 
 
 sea, so he was able to take a little 
 stimulant and seems much brighter. 
 Eeceived a letter from Sister South- 
 wick, who has reached White House 
 Landing on the Pamunkey Eiver. 
 Mrs. Governor Morgan paid me an- 
 other visit and brought fresh eggs '^ 
 and fine large strawberries, to which 
 I do not object as she does not worry 
 me about dispensing them. Also an 
 amiable elderly lady, Mrs. Grisley, 
 came with her son, brought beefsteak, 
 rolls, and coffee with accompaniments. 
 This enabled me to treat all my pa- 
 tients in the ward at dinner, which 
 was abominably late, and minus the 
 beef -tea ; nobody can tell why. 
 
 Captain Eeynolds is from New 
 York, and is exceedingly modest and 
 considerate. His father is wanting 
 something constantly, though very 
 anxious not to make trouble. Suc- 
 ceeded in writing to Sister Southwick. 
 
 Called at the chaplain's a few mo- 
 ments to see Lieutenant Colonel Mil- 
 lett, who has at last arrived, wounded, 
 but, am happy to say, only slightly 
 [279] 
 
The Lady Nurse of Ward E 
 
 in the lower part of his left arm. Dr. 
 Baxter is with the Fifth Army Corps, 
 which accomits for Sister Southwick's 
 change of base. 
 
 June 10, 1864. 
 
 After dinner went out shopping, 
 bought a table for Captain Brooks, 
 wine for Captain Dewey, and went to 
 the Sanitary for india-rubber rings, 
 etc., for the soldiers; on my return 
 found three more officers in our ward, 
 one captain and two lieutenants. No 
 beef -tea, and everything about the of- 
 ficers^ diet in utter confusion. Wrote 
 to No. 12's father and enclosed some 
 of his hair and their letter and some 
 money. 
 
 June 11, 1864. 
 
 Feeling very wretched I sent for 
 Antoine to bring my breakfast. Did 
 not go to the ward until ten o'clock. 
 Miss Read's servant brought me a let- 
 ter from Sister Southwick, who is liv- 
 ing in a tent; very interesting, and 
 written while she was waiting for her 
 breakfast to cook. No. 15, whose old 
 father has been so devoted, is not im- 
 [280] 
 
The Lady Nurse of Ward E 
 
 proving, and is fearful of typhoid 
 fever; but No. 11, whose limb was 
 amputated, doing finely. Nos. 3 and 
 44 cannot last long. Went out after 
 tea with Miss McClellan to market 
 and for a diary to send to Sister 
 Southwick, to which I added a note. 
 Miss Israel returned from the Sol- 
 diers' Home, where she has been 
 spending a few days to recruit. Miss 
 Merrill has also gone to Mrs. HalPs, 
 where her mother is stopping at 
 present. 
 
 June 12, 1864. 
 Was too weary to get up and re- 
 mained in bed until ten o'clock, when 
 I felt much better and was ready for 
 my day's work. There was one death 
 toward evening. No. 44, a young Ger- 
 man, who could scarcely speak Eng- 
 lish, so was obliged to have other 
 German patients to act as interpret- 
 ers. He was too weak when he came 
 in to have his leg amputated, which 
 was in a frightful condition. The 
 church bells and the pleasant cessa- 
 tion of the street cars alone reminded 
 [281] 
 
The Lady Nurse of Ward E 
 
 lis that it was the Sabbath day. It is 
 hopeless to think of going to church, 
 and there is too much confusion in our 
 ward to hold services. Four new pa- 
 tients were brought in about noon; 
 many more in the hospital, and hun- 
 dreds on their way. Weather is quite 
 cool. 
 
 In Ward A, among the wounded, 
 are the colonel, major and adjutant 
 of the Twenty-fifth Massachusetts, 
 and the lieutenant colonel was left 
 on the field. The colonel brought in 
 the flagstaff with a very small piece 
 of the flag under which they had 
 fought so bravely. Eeceived a letter 
 from Miss Fox to Sister Southwick in 
 which she says that her brother, 
 Lieutenant Colonel Fox, was wounded 
 again and is in a hospital at Chat- 
 tanooga. 
 
 June 13, 1864. 
 
 Mailed a letter to Sister Cornelia. 
 No. 24, who came in yesterday, died 
 suddenly. Found a friend of Miss 
 Griggs at dinner (Miss Franky John- 
 son from Guilford), who is engaged 
 [282] 
 
The Lady Nurse of Ward E 
 
 to a brother of H. Ward Beecher, 
 colonel of a colored regiment in Flor- 
 ida. She is here endeavoring to get 
 a pass from Secretary Stanton to go 
 to Hilton Head to meet her betrothed 
 and have their marriage consum- 
 mated. Mrs. Senator Lane and her 
 sister, Mrs. General Wallace, came to 
 see me; had not met the latter since 
 her marriage. In the evening I went 
 to the National Hotel to return their 
 visit. No. 6 coming for me at nine. 
 Garrett Davis (son of the Kentucky 
 Senator) came in with others. 
 
 June 14, 1864. 
 Lieutenant Gibson is delirious; I 
 sent a telegram to his wife. No. 30 is 
 very low. Had a severe headache and 
 was obliged to go to our " Home " 
 soon after dinner. Too ill to take my 
 tea. No. 6 came down and I sent him 
 for a pail of hot water and mustard, 
 but as the Pulsatilla relieved my head, 
 handed it over to Sister Griggs as a 
 luxury. 
 
 [283] 
 
The Lady. Nurse of Ward E 
 
 June 15, 1864. 
 
 Ill in bed all day, but after taking 
 some gruel for dinner felt better. 
 Eeceived a box of old linen from Cap- 
 tain Dewey's father. No. 6 came 
 down to report. I was sorry to hear 
 that Lieutenant Gibson died in the 
 night and No. 30 this morning. Sent 
 to the chaplain to have him send tele- 
 gram to the former's wife. My fe- 
 ver patient, No. 15, whose old father 
 was with me and watched him so 
 faithfully, will not live through the 
 night. 
 
 A meeting with speeches is now 
 going on before the Patent Office; a 
 band is discoursing music, rockets are 
 going off in all directions, and beauti- 
 ful fire-balloons are ascending from 
 the Smithsonian grounds — all in hon- 
 or of President Lincoln's renomina- 
 tion. It is a fine moonlight evening, 
 too. 
 
 June 16, 1864. 
 Weak, but succeeded in getting 
 dressed and waited until ten for An- 
 toine to bring my breakfast, which 
 [284] 
 
The Lady Nurse of Ward E 
 
 came at last. The toast was very 
 nice, but the butter had dripped into 
 the tea and I had to take a little elder- 
 berry wine to supply its place. On 
 my way to Ward E called to inquire 
 after the lieutenant colonel, who has 
 been confined to his room for the past 
 three days, feeling very much neg- 
 lected. Found four vacant beds 
 since yesterday, and No. 3 passing 
 away rapidly. He is Mr. Alcock, of 
 New York, an assistant editor, and 
 who was in Judge Phillips's office ; the 
 latter has, by letter, sent him a great 
 many friends. My fever patient (No. 
 15) died at six o'clock this morning, 
 and his father could not speak to me, 
 though he bustled about making prep- 
 arations to leave. 
 
 Mrs. Colonel Farnham came to see 
 if she could do anything for No. 3 
 just after he had been carried out. 
 Her husband is of the Seventieth New 
 York. He was formerly in the Mexi- 
 can War, and she told me had been 
 wounded over thirty times. Wrote 
 two letters concerning patients, and 
 [285] 
 
The Lady .Nurse of Ward E 
 
 glad to have them off the list of 
 unanswered ones. After tea went 
 to the Smithsonian grounds for a 
 half hour with Sister Griggs. Mr. 
 Charles Tibbits made me another 
 visit. 
 
 Miss McClellan is quite ill and 
 obliged to keep to her room. Very 
 warm weather. As our ward was 
 being cleaned I spent part of the day 
 with her at the '' Home." Dr. Stuart 
 is confined to his room and Lieuten- 
 ant Adams, from Livingston County, 
 New York, showing some unfavorable 
 symptoms. I sent for Dr. Bliss, who 
 advises him to have his hand ampu- 
 tated. The poor fellow seems much 
 depressed, but he still tries to be 
 cheerful. He is glad to have me come 
 and talk with him, and said he would 
 not talk about wounds when I came to 
 see him, " but of something pleasant," 
 for which unusually considerate re- 
 mark Sister Griggs predicts he surely 
 will not live. Commenced a letter to 
 Miss Piatt. 
 
 Dr. Tumey of Ward G came in to 
 [286] 
 
The Lady Nurse of Ward E 
 
 see our patients, and if he came often 
 I should lose mine (patience) alto- 
 gether. 
 
 June 18, 1864. 
 Lieutenant Adams alarmed us by 
 showing decided symptoms of tetanus 
 (lockjaw). Dr. Bliss was notified, 
 and his arm was soon amputated. I 
 suddenly came to the determination 
 to witness it, if I could summon suffi- 
 cient nerve and have company. Sis- 
 ters Griggs and Israel with myself 
 were present, and my curiosity was 
 satisfied. Miss Israel felt faint, left 
 for a time, and returned. I remained 
 until they were tying the arteries, 
 when, finding my limbs losing 
 strength and a sickness and trembling 
 coming over me, I thought it prudent 
 to leave. I made my way slowly to 
 the ward, but was obliged to sit for 
 some time with camphor that No. 6 
 handed me. The ward master ac- 
 companied me to our house, but Sister 
 Griggs never wavered to the end. 
 
 After dinner I went to the Presi- 
 dent's grounds for an outing — to hear 
 [287] 
 
The Lady -Nurse of Ward E 
 
 the music and to enjoy the green 
 grass. Eeceived a note from Mrs. 
 Captain Daggett about a soldier from 
 New Bedford, Mass., who did not re- 
 ceive his letters enclosed in one to Dr. 
 Bliss, fearing I might have left. An- 
 swered it in the evening. The hos- 
 pital steward, our new patient, gave 
 us some beautiful music; he arranges 
 very pretty variations. Lieutenant 
 Adams is no better. He knows me 
 and spoke once, so pleasantly, since 
 the amputation, saying, " Now you 
 can write to my sister, if you please." 
 His brother has been telegraphed for. 
 
 June 19, 1864. 
 
 No hope for the recovery of Lieu- 
 tenant Adams. Found three letters 
 in the post office for the soldier in 
 Ward Q, one of the extra tent wards, 
 and had the pleasure of taking them 
 to him. Sent letter to Mrs. Daggett 
 with good news to his mother. In- 
 spection was held at ten o'clock. 
 
 Eeceived a good home letter from 
 Sister Gulie, who is at Yonkers. 
 [288] 
 
The Lady Nurse of Ward E 
 
 Called to see Lieutenant Colonel Mil- 
 lett, who is now improving. Was as- 
 tonished to see Jobes (my first ward 
 master), Gorman, and Perry walk 
 into the ward. Jobes came to Wash- 
 ington on transports with the re- 
 cruits; as his descriptive list had an 
 error, he is obliged to give two months 
 more of service to the Government. 
 Had a short religious service in the 
 ward after dinner by a gentleman 
 from the Sanitary Commission. 
 
 June 20, 1864. 
 
 Miss Low is quite ill. Found a va- 
 cant bed, as I feared, and Lieutenant 
 Adams is relieved from his sufferings. 
 Jobes spent the night with Patter- 
 son, and to-day he and Gorman left 
 after dinner to return to Concord, 
 N. H. 
 
 Mailed a long letter to Sister Piatt. 
 Gave Jobes a nice flannel shirt, and 
 sent his wife Longfellow's " Chil- 
 dren." Gave Antoine Mrs. Dibble's 
 socks and sent his letter of thanks 
 (which was very expressive) under 
 [289] 
 
The Lady. Nurse of Ward E 
 
 cover to Mrs. Clapp, of Yonkers. 
 Miss McClellan brought a fine treat 
 of cherries from her home, which 
 tasted like those from the old Quaker 
 Hill trees. After tea went with her 
 to the Smithsonian grounds for a 
 short time, but found it damp. She 
 told me of the sad procession yester- 
 day, the funeral of the operatives who 
 were killed by the explosion at the 
 Arsenal on Friday. There were sev- 
 enteen hearses and ambulances and 
 over a hundred carriages, and the op- 
 eratives' former companions (women) 
 walked to the Congressional burying 
 ground. 
 
 June 21, 1864. 
 
 Had a headache to - day. Very 
 
 warm. After making out diet went 
 
 to our " Home." Miss McClellan 
 
 brought me some toast and tea, but 
 
 Lieutenant C called and I was 
 
 obliged to make a hurried toilet with- 
 out taking it, though soon returned 
 after going to the chaplain, who re- 
 lieved my mind about Lieutenant 
 Adams's remains, he having received 
 [290] 
 
The Lady Nurse of Ward E 
 
 a telegram from his brother. Took 
 leave of Lieutenant Colonel Millett, 
 who left for home this evening, then 
 went to bed again and made misuc- 
 cessful efforts to sleep, as the flies, 
 the heat, and a headache kept me 
 awake. Received a letter from Ser- 
 geant Jennings's sister, who wishes to 
 come here as a nurse. 
 
 June 22, 1864. 
 Went to ward about ten o'clock and 
 am still weak. Lieutenant Adams's 
 brother came, with whom I had a long 
 conversation; was quite overcome 
 when I spoke of his wishing me to 
 write to his sister. Miss Griggs re- 
 ceived a letter from Sister Southwick, 
 who was on a boat with the medical 
 purveyor with the " Hospital Stores," 
 all moving on they knew not where, 
 until a place was decided upon for the 
 new supplies. This was by the pon- 
 toon bridge over which our army has 
 just crossed, near City Point. Went 
 with No. 6 to look once more on Lieu- 
 tenant Adams, and put a little bou- 
 quet of roses in his hands; regretted 
 [291] 
 
The Lady iN'urse of Ward E 
 
 to find they had taken him away ten 
 minutes before. 
 
 Miss Marsh made her departure on 
 the evening train. Spent part of the 
 evening with Miss McClellan, who in- 
 troduced me to Dr. LeGrin, who visits 
 her ward every evening. I find he is 
 the physician that lived at Mrs. Glea- 
 son's house in New York, and I believe 
 Dr. Fesnonder must be the party we 
 met there ; he is Dr. Socarraz's friend. 
 
 June 23, 1864. 
 
 Captain Brooks's stepmother came. 
 Sister Griggs and I went home with 
 Miss McClellan to dine. I enjoyed 
 the dinner immensely, everything be- 
 ing so homelike and pleasant. Her 
 brother Fred, a lawyer, was our escort 
 home. 
 
 To-day is one of the warmest days 
 of the season. 
 
 June 24, 1864. 
 
 It is exceedingly warm and dusty, 
 
 having had no rain for weeks. No. 2 
 
 is failing. Was grieved to hear of the 
 
 death of Graflfleman's son at the Stan- 
 
 [292] 
 
The Lady Nurse of Ward E 
 
 ton Hospital. Poor man, he could 
 scarcely tell me about it ; he came soon 
 after with paper and envelope and 
 asked me to write a few words to his 
 wife, which I did and sent it by the 
 morning's mail. Finished and mailed 
 my letter to Lieutenant Adams's sis- 
 ter and answered Miss Francis's note. 
 Miss Low left for a retired boarding 
 house on the opposite side of the river 
 to rest. Sister Griggs treated Dr. 
 Banister and myself to a water ice, 
 which was refreshing to our dust-filled 
 throats. 
 
 June 25, 1864. 
 
 Went with Sister Griggs to have 
 
 her "vignette" taken. Omitted to 
 
 mention yesterday the reception of a 
 
 letter from Lieutenant Colonel Fox. 
 
 Lieutenant C came in and spent 
 
 an hour. Patterson received a letter 
 the first of the week from Kysor, so 
 long our " dresser " ; he lies wounded 
 in a hospital at Chattanooga. The 
 weather is hot, and I am unable 
 to do anything after dinner but 
 breathe. 
 
 [293] 
 
The Lady JNfurse of Ward E 
 
 Cousin Tibbits spent the evening 
 with me. He brought a bottle of bay 
 rum, claret, and lemons, and gave us a 
 little music. I remained a while after 
 " Taps " as No. 2 was breathing his 
 last. 
 
 June 26, 1864. 
 
 Sunday. It is as hot as ever, but a 
 refreshing shower in the afternoon 
 cooled things a little. Answered Miss 
 Jennings's letter and also Will Dart's. 
 Had two of my patients carried out in 
 the air on their beds. 
 
 June 27, 1864. 
 There was another thundershower, 
 for which we were grateful, and a 
 change in the weather. The papers 
 said last week was the hottest June 
 they have had in New York for years. 
 Captain Lippe is a very pleasant gen- 
 tleman. No. 11 very weak, but hope 
 the change in the weather will benefit 
 him. 
 
 June 28, 1864. 
 Devoted myself to the ward all day, 
 as No. 11 is failing rapidly. Wrote 
 [294] 
 
The Lady Nurse of Ward E 
 
 to his wife and to the colonel of his 
 regiment, who is in town. Received a 
 few lines from Sister Southwick, who 
 reports having been quite ill, and is 
 now at City Point. Weather again 
 quite comfortable. 
 
 June 29, 1864. 
 No. ll's sister has arrived. Took 
 an order for the Sanitary Commission 
 for india-rubber rings, etc., to Dr. 
 Bliss for his signature, which he 
 copied and filed away, to be sent some 
 time by his orderly instead of by No. 
 6, as I hoped (we have secured the 
 privilege of ordering things from the 
 Sanitary Commission, which we par- 
 ticularly appreciate, since we have 
 heard from the president of the com- 
 mission that our surgeon in charge 
 has requested them to honor our sig- 
 nature, which they are perfectly wil- 
 ling to do). Went with Miss Merrill 
 in ambulance to accompany Sister 
 Hill to railroad depot, as she made her 
 departure this evening. Went to the 
 Capitol grounds to hear the music, but 
 our seats were too distant from the 
 [295] 
 
The Lady Nurse of Ward E 
 
 music stand for us to enjoy it. Craig, 
 attendant No. 3, made me a beautiful 
 cross. 
 
 June 30, 1864. 
 
 There was a beef-tea riot, and I 
 openly declared my rebellion to the 
 surgeon in charge. Captain Dewey 
 has left us. I slept in a tent. Had 
 tea with Miss McClellan and Miss 
 Merrill. 
 
 July 1, 1864. 
 Very warm again. Wrote a note to 
 Dr. Bliss before sending my " order " 
 to special diet kitchen, and he said 
 it would be furnished, but when No. 6 
 went for it he was again refused. I 
 wrote a second note to Dr. Bliss, say- 
 ing I proposed giving up my ward at 
 once. As he has referred my com- 
 munication to my surgeon, the latter 
 can attend to it entirely after this. 
 Went with Miss Griggs and Dr. Ban- 
 ister to call on the Yatemans. 
 
 July 2, 1864. 
 Melting weather. A new patient 
 was brought in during the night — • 
 [296] 
 
The Lady Nurse of Ward E 
 
 Captain Schoffer of the Thirty-first 
 Maine. He is wounded through the 
 shoulder and his spine and lower 
 limbs are paralyzed. As he cannot 
 live long, I wrote immediately to his 
 sister. Went with Sister Griggs to 
 hear the music ; the shower had cooled 
 the air a little, so it was quite enjoy- 
 able. 
 
 July 3, 1864. 
 
 Captain S died during the 
 
 night, and No. ll's sister remained 
 with him all night. Had a headache, 
 and went into the house until dinner. 
 Informal inspection was held very 
 late, just as I reached Ward E. Bead 
 an hour to Captain Lippe after din- 
 ner, a beautiful allegory, * The Dis- 
 tant Hills." Went to Ward A in 
 the evening to hear some music. Sis- 
 ter G introduced me to Lieutenant 
 Eandall, of New York, whose wound 
 across the neck has paralyzed his 
 arms. He is very interesting, and 
 gave me a full account of his experi- 
 ences after being wounded. He was 
 turned over twice by his friends and 
 [297] 
 
The Lady Nurse of Ward E 
 
 heard them say, " He is dead, poor 
 fellow ! " while unable at the time to 
 speak. He has a womid also in the 
 leg. 
 
 July 4, 1864. 
 
 A beautiful day, with a pleasant 
 breeze. Gave each of my attendants 
 a dollar for a holiday treat, which 
 seemed to afford them much pleasure. 
 Wrote out my list of patients since 
 the last engagements. I remained in 
 the ward to let No. 6, my orderly, and 
 as many of the attendants as possible 
 go out. The hospital gave them an ex- 
 tra dinner, and I made chocolate and 
 treated them in the afternoon, and 
 stewed my last jar of dried cherries 
 for their tea. Didn't go to the house 
 until five o'clock. After tea accompa- 
 nied Miss McClellan home, where we 
 had ice cream. Misses Merrill and 
 Griggs, with Drs. Bobbins and Eitch- 
 ings, soon followed us. It was a pleas- 
 ant evening. 
 
 July 5, 1864. 
 
 The ward was comfortable. No. 11 
 is holding his own, which is quite won- 
 [298] 
 
The Lady Nurse of Ward E 
 
 derful. Went out shopping with Sis- 
 ter Griggs for farewell presents. 
 After tea went with her and a gentle- 
 man who visits her ward to see the 
 stones brought for the wonderful 
 Washington Monument, which stands 
 in an unfinished state next to a cattle 
 yard but we failed to get to it. 
 
 July 6, 1864. 
 Went on the avenue and bought a 
 present for the ward master, the 
 dresser, etc. Eeeeived a letter from 
 home with the astounding news that 
 Carrie and Adolph have sailed for 
 Europe, which makes me a little home- 
 sick. Went with Sister Griggs again 
 to see the stones collected for the 
 Washington Monument. They are in 
 a small building, in the enclosure, 
 which is a dreary spot, as there is no 
 grass. Only the monument in its un- 
 finished state can be seen. Many of 
 the blocks are exceedingly interesting. 
 I returned perfectly exhausted, but 
 after a little tea and a visit to my 
 ward went to Ward A to hear Misses 
 [•299] 
 
The Lady. Nurse of Ward E 
 
 Thomas and Yateman^s music. Miss 
 Capen and Mrs. De Quandre called. 
 
 July 7, 1864. 
 Exceedingly hot to-day. Sister 
 Griggs left, and Dr. Banister is also 
 in the same train. Wrote the follow- 
 ing " epitaph " for Sister Griggs d la 
 Chaplain Jackson, and gave it to her 
 before her departure: 
 
 EPITAPH 
 
 I know not why I am left behind, 
 
 Unless it is to pen 
 The epitaph of Sister Griggs, 
 
 And prove myself her friend. 
 
 She was a girl so wondrous brave, 
 
 She never feared a "riot"; 
 She spake her mind (she was not blind) 
 
 About the "Special Diet." 
 
 From Boston town, of course no clown 
 
 But very wise and clever; 
 Was loud in praise of Boston ways. 
 
 But could not live there — never. 
 
 Though kind to all, both great and small, 
 
 She never did forget 
 Her wit to use, and well abuse 
 
 " The New York toilette. " 
 [300] 
 
The Lady Nurse of Ward E 
 
 But she has gone, our grief forbids 
 
 To speak but in her praise ; 
 Her heart was right, her talents bright : 
 
 "God bless her all her days." 
 
 Aemory Square Hospital, 
 July 7, 1864. 
 
 Sister Griggs is to stop at Philadel- 
 phia, and expects to meet me in New 
 York. The Misses Capen and Mrs. De 
 Quandre left in the same train. 
 
 A slight shower after tea prevented 
 Sister " Mac '* and myself from going 
 to her home. Played piano for the 
 ward. 
 
 July 8, 1864. 
 
 Arranged my private closet under 
 table in the ward preparatory to leav- 
 ing. Miss Israel is quite ill. Pay day 
 for the men. Received a letter from 
 Sister Southwick, who is still at City 
 Point, which is a miserable place, 
 their camp being in a sand bank. 
 They are almost suffocated with the 
 heat and clouds of dust and sand 
 which the wind blows in upon them. 
 Made a call in Ward A in the evening, 
 and Lieutenant Hooker, who came 
 [301] 
 
The Lady Nurse of Ward E 
 
 down to see me in the morning and an- 
 ticipated the music in the evening, was 
 very polite, as well as Lieutenant 
 Eandall, who is still unable to sit up. 
 They are unusually pleasant men. 
 
 July 9, 1864. 
 Spent morning in ward framing 
 and changing some of the pictures, 
 etc. Eeceived exciting news of an- 
 other raid into Maryland. An order 
 came to have every man able to carry 
 a musket ready to leave to-morrow. 
 
 Lieutenant C came to the house 
 
 for the last visit. Miss Israel still 
 continues ill. Sang in Miss Merrill's 
 ward my new song, " When Johnny 
 Comes Marching Home," and tried 
 duets with her ; then went to my ward 
 and repeated it. The general ward 
 master came in and brought a tenor, 
 and we had quite a musicale. Sisters 
 " Mac " and Merrill and I had a long 
 talk by the light of the stars (an un- 
 usual luxury). 
 
 [302] 
 
The Lady Nurse of Ward E 
 
 . July 10, 1864. 
 
 Sunday. Did not leave my bed un- 
 til one o'clock. Antoine brought me 
 breakfast, which Miss Lowell kindly 
 brought in to me, expressing her re- 
 grets, etc. 
 
 Went to see Dr. Stuart, who has 
 been and is still very ill. Found our 
 best attendant (Philip, No. 4) was to 
 leave us, and also an attendant from 
 the dining room. Wrote note to ward 
 master with his farewell present. 
 Sang hymns with the old hospital 
 choir (excepting Sister Piatt and our 
 
 Lieutenant C ). Miss Israel is 
 
 very ill and is delirious. 
 
 July 11, 1864. 
 
 Began my packing. Another order 
 for men from the hospital. Found 
 only the ward master, with ward at- 
 tendants — two for the dining room 
 and bathroom. Johnny Hegeman, 
 my orderly, volunteered, as the order- 
 lies were to be exempt for the present. 
 
 The rebels are skirmishing before 
 Fort Stevens, formerly Fort Massa- 
 chusetts, only five miles from this city. 
 [303] 
 
The Lady Nurse of Ward E 
 
 Baltimore is in great excitement. 
 General Lew Wallace was in com- 
 mand, and the fighting going on all 
 day Saturday, but our men were 
 obliged to fall back, as the enemy was 
 superior in numbers. Miss Israel is 
 better. Went to see Dr. Stuart after 
 dinner; foimd Mrs. Eamsdell there, 
 who informed me that she and Mr. 
 Eamsdell thought of going North this 
 evening also. 
 
 Received present of a beautiful 
 workbox from my ward master, with 
 a very appreciative note, which quite 
 interrupted my packing. As Miss 
 Thomas did not come and my audi- 
 ence did. Miss Merrill and I were 
 obliged to entertain them with an at- 
 tempt at a few favorite songs. After 
 " Taps " sat on the chapel steps with 
 Sisters Merrill and McClellan, in the 
 moonlight. Our nerves were too over- 
 wrought for us to separate, and we 
 were wondering what news the morn- 
 ing would bring. As we were return- 
 ing we were called out again to hear 
 the band from the Sixth Corps, which 
 [304] 
 
The Lady Nurse of Ward E 
 
 passed here to-day on a forced march 
 and returned to treat us, playing most 
 beautiful music for a half hour. Part 
 of the Nineteenth Corps, from New 
 Orleans, also passed; in fact, all day 
 troops have been hurriedly massing to 
 protect Washington. 
 
 July 12, 1864. 
 
 The bridge over Gunpowder River, 
 sixteen miles from Baltimore toward 
 Philadelphia was burned. The 7.30 
 A.M. train yesterday was attacked, the 
 passengers ordered out, and the train 
 then run on to the bridge and burned. 
 This afternoon the " extras " say a 
 few miles of double track between this 
 city and Baltimore were torn up, so I 
 am a fixture for the present. How 
 
 Sister Helen G will exult that she 
 
 is the other side of the " Eubicon." 
 
 Finished packing for the present. 
 Received a letter from Sister South- 
 wick, who has returned from the 
 "front" ill at Alexandria with Mrs. 
 Sawyer, and wishes me to come and 
 bring her to Washington. No. 11 is 
 again failing. After tea went to the 
 [305] 
 
The Lady Nurse of Ward E 
 
 Sanitary Commission rooms, when I 
 found that Mr. Knapp and the chief 
 clerk were in New York. After 
 " Taps " went with Sisters Helen and 
 Mac to Smithsonian, where Misses 
 Lowell and Ware had preceded us, to 
 see the shells from the Smithsonian 
 Tower ; but as they came down and re- 
 ported only " signal lights " to be 
 seen, we felt too weary to attempt to 
 climb so many flights. Professor 
 Henry^s daughters came to the door 
 and were cordial. 
 
 July 13, 1864. 
 The rebels have retreated, but many 
 precious lives have been sacrificed. 
 Major Jones of the Sixth Maine, just 
 returned to his regiment from a fur- 
 lough, was killed; his term of service 
 would have expired in two days. Sent 
 Sister Southwick's former No. 6 to 
 get a pass and go to Alexandria to see 
 her and report how she is. He suc- 
 ceeded in getting one through Miss 
 Eead, whom he met at General An- 
 ger's office. She advised him not to 
 stop for my letter, which I had writ- 
 [306] 
 
The Lady Nurse of Ward E 
 
 ten for him to take, and came herself 
 to make an apology, which I was 
 obliged to accept. He found her very 
 weak and threatened with fever. 
 Troops are constantly passing. A 
 train is to leave for Baltimore this 
 evening. 
 
 Dr. Stuart is worse, and has erysip- 
 elas in the face and head. Spent even- 
 ing with Miss McClellan, where I 
 found her surgeon. Dr. Bobbins, and 
 Mr. David Burr, his father's partner, 
 a very agreeable gentleman. 
 
 July 14, 1864. 
 
 After breakfast I was obliged to 
 regulate ward matters (as the ward 
 master had been watching with Dr. 
 Stuart all night, for the fifth time, and 
 had retired exhausted), which I did 
 expeditiously. Went to Dr. Bliss and 
 reported the state of things, and to 
 see if he did not consider it necessary 
 to detail an especial attendant for Dr. 
 
 S , then to consult with Sister 
 
 Mary McClellan about going to Alex- 
 andria. She promised to make out my 
 [307] 
 
The Lady Nurse of Ward E 
 
 "diet requisition." Went to Massa- 
 chusetts rooms for brandy to take 
 with me, then for a pass to the provost 
 marshal's office, where I met Colonel 
 Wiswall again, through whom I ob- 
 tained it. Returned too late for twelve 
 o'clock boat. Went to the ward to see 
 No. ll's sister, as her brother died 
 during the night, worn out with his 
 protracted sufferings ; then hurried to 
 dinner and took the one o'clock boat. 
 Was so weary that I took off my bon- 
 net and went to sleep in one corner of 
 the ladies' salon. 
 
 Found Sister S better than I 
 
 expected, but very weak and glad 
 enough to see me. Forgot to say that 
 the lieutenant of the guard would not 
 permit me to take my bottles on the 
 boat (the city is so strictly guarded), 
 as they were not mentioned in my 
 pass; but he kindly kept them imtil 
 my return in the five o'clock boat. 
 Reached home at 6 a.m. Took my tea, 
 then went to see Mr. and Mrs. Rams- 
 dell about going North. Called on 
 Miss Yateman, who returned with me 
 [308] 
 
The Lady Nurse of Ward E 
 
 and went to the ward, where she sang 
 and played for an hour — such a boon 
 to the weary patients in bed. A 
 colonel from Ward A, with his wife, 
 Lieutenant Hooker, and some other 
 ladies came in, and after the colonel's 
 wife left the colonel sang ; Miss Good- 
 rich also sang some of her plaintive 
 airs. Arranged the night medicines, 
 as Patterson was out, and came home 
 glad enough to retire. 
 
 July 15, 1864. 
 Went to see Miss Eead (who is 
 fussy enough to put even Job out of 
 patience) at the Washington House, 
 corner of Third Street and the Ave- 
 nue. After keeping me waiting nearly 
 an hour, was glad to see her, with bon- 
 net on ready for Alexandria. I in- 
 formed her she would be obliged to 
 have the bottle of brandy in her bag 
 mentioned in her pass, and insisted 
 upon her getting an alcohol lamp ar- 
 rangement also, which Sister S 
 
 needs so much. Went to Brady's gal- 
 lery to get President Lincoln's pic- 
 ture, and found an album to suit me. 
 [309] 
 
The Lady Nurse of Ward E 
 
 Lieutenant C came; said he 
 
 commanded a skirmish line last Tues- 
 day evening, when the rebels thought 
 to gobble up some cattle, about six 
 miles from Chain Bridge, across the 
 river. They drove them off, and a 
 few of our men were wounded. When 
 he left, as I was hurrying to dinner, a 
 lady came (she was some connection 
 of Miss Southwick's) to see if she 
 could not be brought to her house. 
 Found Mrs. Colonel Lowell at the ta- 
 ble, who, as I unlocked the gate for 
 her one evening, recognized me very 
 sweetly. 
 
 July 16, 1864. 
 
 Our ward at present is very quiet; 
 only a few of the patients (the most 
 severe cases) still in bed. Captain 
 Constantine Lippe, of the 188 Pa. 
 Vols., who would not consent to have 
 his leg amputated, after weeks of suf- 
 fering lying on his back, losing flesh 
 and strength, as he knew he must until 
 the crisis was passed, is now gaining. 
 His fine physique and good health 
 have borne the strain. We have four 
 [310] 
 
The Lady Nurse of Ward E 
 
 young men carry him out on his bed 
 into the open air, where he is to re- 
 main two hours, and I have now time 
 to read to him. A bookseller supplies 
 the books, and he reads constantly. It 
 was for him I was obliged, personal- 
 ly, to make a raid on the special diet 
 kitchen for beef -tea, which they would 
 not give my No. 6 without an order. 
 
 The railway trains are running 
 again, but are so full ; it is impossible 
 for me to get through such a crowd. 
 Sister McClellan's father (Assistant 
 Postmaster General) is to see me in 
 the car (with the railroad company's 
 key, next week, before the hour for 
 leaving). That will be too late to see 
 Sister Griggs before she leaves for 
 Brooklyn, which I regret so much. 
 
 July 20, 1864. 
 The day has at last arrived to bid 
 adieu to my ward and its absorbing 
 duties, now realizing, reluctantly, how 
 my life has been rounded within it for 
 eight months. So with an inexpress- 
 ible regret to leave even a few whose 
 [311] 
 
The Lady Nurse of Ward E 
 
 watchful eyes and patient smiles 
 would bid me stay, though with an 
 unspeakable longing for home and 
 loved ones there, have given them my 
 hand in good fellowship, and over a 
 glass of native wine made my good 
 wishes to Captain Lippe, my brave 
 Philadelphian, and Captain Brooks 
 of the Twelfth New Jersey Volun- 
 teers. WILL I EVER RETURN? 
 
 [312] 
 
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