■Ji3m- ai B R.AR.Y OF THE UNIVERSITY or ILLINOIS 973.7 i900- -'■-r^i^m^'-: ■* imm" Return this book on or before the Latest Date stamped below. University of Illinois Library JUL 24 1 JUN CI 981 4 1932 SEP 2 71 •■5; N0V16I9M L161— H4l HE NURSE AND SPY, BY niSS S. EMMA EDMONDS. > )v-:V. rUBUSHED BT TU£ NATIONAL TiilBDNE. W.ASHlNaTCW. D. O. ■■:■ #*. '"iJ! ■• - STANDARD BOOKS PUBLISHED BY The National Tribune, of Washington, D. C. ALL SUBSTANTIALLY BOUND IN LEATHERBTTB. 25 CENTS A VOLUME. ANDERSON VILLE. AStoryofRebelPrisont. By John McElroy. Large clear type; 654 pagM; 154 ipirlted illnatratioDB f Complete in two Tolnmes. THE GREAT REBELLION. a complete history of the civll war. ^ with reprodnctions of numerous l- _ fine steel engravings. By J. T. Headley, author of Napoleon and His Marshals; |: WasbiDgton and His Generals, etc. Two TOllimes; large 8to.; 1,122 pages. Heretofore this work has sold by subscription at $7 for tiie set SI AND SHORTY. illustrated by Coffin. 320 pages. Corporal Si Klegg and bis comrade Shorty haye become historic char- , , acters. They are the embodiment of the patriotic Union soldier who went into the ('' army in 1861 and fought through the war to the finish, lliey encounter the dangers of the battlefield and the weariness of the tiresome march. Under all these circum- ■ stances these boys do their part manfully, baring their ups and downs, their hard times and their good times, with a succession of comical blunders, brilliant achievements and stirring adventures. FURTHER MISHAPS TO SI AND SHORTY. By .John McElroy. 448 pages; illustrated. This book, while complete in itself, is a continuation of the story of the military ad< ventures of Si Klegg and his comrade. Like the other book, it is fiucinating and unique. ^gj A "NTT) SHORTY induding Deacon Klegg's famous visit to the front at ' Chattanooga. Fully illustrated; 256 pages. Third book of the series. THE RED ACORN. -^ Romance of the War. By John McElroy; 322 pages; bound in leatherette. The Eed Acorn is one ot the most successful works of this &cile author. Like the other works, it refers to the war period, and while a graceful story it is built upon the hard foundation of the stern and ragged facts of one of the great campaigns. ADVENTURES OF ALF WILSON. By John h. ("aij") Wilson, one of the "engine thieves." Fully illustrated; clear type; 256 pages. SPARKS FROM THE CAMP FIRE; or, Tales of 'tlld VeterSmS. ThrlUing stories of heroic deeds, brave encounters, desperate battles, bold achievements, reckless daring. Ituftv patxiotiipi. Kew and revised edition, with contributions ftom 150 omradca. 91 iuttitratioav; 480 pages, o^tbve. Edited and compiled by Jos. W. Morton. E . " Ik" THE AUTHOR AS A SOLDIER AND A MATR02T. ^... j"^i^l;iptfc.^:i.L^4i LIBRARY OF THE NiVERSITY OF ILLINOIS / a;^- ' "V lUESE AND SPY. THRILLING STORY OF THE ADVEOTim^ Of A WOMAN WHO SERVED AS A J BY MISS S. EMMA EDMOKI)^ (Mes. Seelye.) NEW EDrnONr-ILrDBTBATED. ■ PUBLISHED BT ' THE : NATIONAL TRIBUNEV WASHINGTON, D. C. ■ '''■''•f' 190(k ■ :■■■ ^'-- .'' :.: vf ■ ■%' ':i • V i"l.^,.l«*i«iw""JIIM,«""FI^'''<>\""''A'.VP-iV'«WWJ»'U'lJ™»»IB!f^^ I'.i C V. 'i NUESE AND SPY. THRILLING STORY OF THE ADVENTURES OP A T703IAN WHO SERVED AS A UNION SDLDI&R, BY MISS S. EMMA EDMONDa (Mes. Seelyk) NEW EDITION— ILtTISTRATED. PUBLISHED BY THE NATIONAL TRIBUNIV WASHINGTON, D. a 190Qk f ■■'■y;- COPYRIGHT BY Mcelroy, shoppell & Andrews, WASHINGTON D. C. 1900. / , < ;. . -i.-^'^A'dL— .-^?.- /i \'00 o NUESE AND SPY. CHAPTER L Commencement of the War — My Home and My Daty — I Enlist in the Causw. Excitement at the West — Troops on the March — Mobs at Baltimore. Temporary Hospitals — Unavoidable Evils — Begging for Comfoi'ts — Sup- plies for the Sick — Camp Hospitals — Thunder Storms in Camp — A Dying Officer— Soldiers in the Public Buildings — Preparations for the Advance. Early in the Spring of 1861 I was returning from the far West, and as I sat waiting for the train which was to bear me to my adopted home in New England, and was meditating upon the events _which had transpired during the past few months, the record of which was destined to blacken the fair pages of American history, I was aroused from my reverie by a voice in the street crying " New York papers-T-^Fall of Fort Sumter — President's Proclamation — Call for 75,000 men ! " This announcement startled me, while my imagination portrayed the coming struggle in all its fearful magnitude. War, civil war, with all its horrors seemed inevitable, an-d even then was ready to burst like a volcano upon the most happy and prosperous nation the sun ever shone upon. The contemplation of this sad picture filled my eyes with tears and my heart with sorrow. It is true, I Was not an American — I was not obliged to remain here during this terrible strife — I could return to my native land, where ray parents would welcome me to the home of my childhood, and my brothers and sisters would rejoice at my coming; but these were not the thoughts which occupied my mind. It was not my in- tention, or desire, to seek my own personal ease and comfort while so much sorrow and distress filled the land. The great question to be decided was, What can I do? What part am I to act^in this great drama ? I was not able to decide for myself — so I carried this question to the Throne of Grace, and found a satisfactory an- swer there. Five years previous to the time of which I write I left my rural home, not far from the banks of the £ John's River, in the Prov- ince of New Brunswick, and made my way to the United States. An insatiable thirst for education led me to do this, for I believed then, as now, that the foreign missionary field was the ono ia which 993950 •■•)>• NUESE AND SPY. I must labor, sooner or later. I had come here a stranger, with but little to recommend me to the favorable notice of the ^ood people, except a letter from the pastor of the church to which I belonged, and one from my class-leader — notwithstanding I had found kind frieads to help me in all my undertakings, and whether in business, education or spiritual advancement, I had been assisted beyond my highest expectation. Ten days after the President's proclamation was issued I was ready to start for Washington, having been employed by the Gov- ernment and furnished with all the necessary equipments. I was to go to the front and participate in all the excitement of the battle scenes — or, in other words, be a field nurse. The great West was stirred to its center, and began to look like a vast military camp. Recruiting offices were filled with rben eager to enroll their names as defenders of their country— -and wonien were busily engaged in preparing all the comforts that love and patriotism could suggest for those who were so soon to go forth to victory or to death, while the clash of arms and strains of martial music almost drowned the hum of industry, and war became the theme of every tongue. About this time I witnessed the departure of th^ first Western troops whicli started for Washington. The regiments were drawct up in line — fully equipped for their journey— with their bright bayonets flaJshing in the morning sunlight. It was on the principal street of a pleasant little village of about a thousand inhabitants, where there was scarcely a family who had not a father, husband. Son or brother in that little band of soldiers who stood thete ready to bid them farewell, perhaps for years — perhaps forever. A farewell address was delivered by the village pastor, an Sanitary Con^ipission had not yet come into operation, and the con- sequence ^as.ou? poor; sick soidie^s suffered unspeakably from th« want of proper nourishment. ^ ' " • , ■S M/o ■•^7, \ i n^w;: 10 ITUESE AND SPY. I was speaking upon this subject one day to Chaplain B. and hlsj ivife — my constant companions in hospital labor — when Mrs: B, suggested that she and I should appeal to the sympathies of the ladies of Washington and Georgetown and try our hand at begging. I agreed to the proposal at once, and wondered why I had not thought of it myself. We decided to go to Georgetown first, and if we succeeded there, to canvass Washington. So we commenced operations by calling . upon a clergyman's wife. We made inquiry there with regard to our prospects of success, and the sentiments of the ladies generally upon the war question, and finding that the majority were in our favor, we started again quite hopefully, but not until the lady above mentioned had given us an order on her grocer to the amount of 85, I gave Sister B. the credit of that, for I had introduced her as the wife of the Rev. Mr. B., Chaplain of the 7th. Then I suggested that we should separate for a few hours — she to take one street and I aaother, so that we might sooner get through the city. Our mission prospered throughout the day, and at the close of it we had a sufficient supply of groceries, brandy, ice, j fellies, etc., to fiH our little arubulance ; and oh, what a change those little delica- ' cies wrought upon our poor sick boys. We were encouraged by that day's work to continue our efforts in that direction, and finally made Dr. W.'s store a depot for the donations of those kind friends who wished to assist us in restoring to health the defenders of our beloved country. Typhoid fever began to make its appearance in camp as the burning sun of June came pouring down upon us, and the hospitals were soon crowded with its victims. It was then that my labors began in earnest, and as I went from tent to tent, ministering to the wants of those delirious, helpless men, I wondered if there ever was a missionafsy field which promised a richer harvest than the one in YFhich I was already engaged, and I was thankful that it was my privilege to take some small part in so great a work. Large tents were furnished for hospital purposes, which would accommodate from 20 to 25 men. These tents were usually put up in the most pleasant and shady part of the camp ; the inside was lucely leveled, and board floors laid, if boards could be procured ; if not, rubber blankets were laid down instead. ; . Sometimes there were straw ticks and cot bedsteads furnished, but" not in sufficient quantity to supply all the hospitals. Along each side of the tent the sick were laid, on blankets or cots, leaving room to pass between the beds. In the center of the tent stood a tem-^ poraiy board table, on which were kept book^, medicines, et cetiera. The hospital corps consisted of a Surgeon, Assistant Surgeon, Ho^ |)ital Stewards Waid Master, four nurses two cooks and a maa-of* ADVENTURES OF A WOMAN AS A UNION SOLDIER. U all- work. The immediate care of the sick devolved upon those four nurses, generally detailed from the ranks, each one being on duty six hours without intermission. The Surgeons visited the patients twice every day, oftener if required ; the prescriptions were filled by the Hospital Steward, and the medicine was administered by the nurses. Mrs. B. was desirous of visiting some of the public buildings in Washington, and wished me to accompany her. I did so, but found that it was almost impossible to get along through the crowded streets. The gallant troops were coming in by thousands from every loyal State in the Union. Tlie Capitol and White House were common places of resort for soldiers. Arms were stacked in the rotunda of the one and the lobbies of the other, while our '^noble boys in blue" lounged in the cushioned seats of members of Congress, or reclined in easy chairs in the President's Mansion. Camps of instruction were prepared near the city, while exerf hillside and valley for miles around was thickly dotted with snow- white tents. Soldiers drilling, fatigue parties building forts, artillery practicing, and the supply trains moving to and from the various headquarters, presented a picture deeply interesting. - ; CHAPTER II. Marcbing Orders— Removal of the Sick— A Young Patient— Visit from His Mother — March Toward Mauassas — Collecting Supplies — Fatigues of the March — Preparations for Battle — A Camp Prayer-meeting — Divisions De- tailed—My Place on the Field— "Rather Close Quarters"— A Battle Sunday — Skulking from the Field. "Marching orders received to-day — two days more and the Army of the Potomac Will be on its way to Bull Run." I find this reg- istered in my journal July 15, 1861, without any comment what- ever. But I do not require a journal to refresh ray memory with regard to the events of those two days of preparation which followed their announcement. The Army of the Potomac was soon to meet the enemy for the first time — a great battle was to be fought. Nothing could be heard but the wiki cheering of the rcen, as regi- . ment after regiment received their orders. The possibili-y of a de- feat never seemed to enter the noiind of any. "All the sick in camp now were to be sent to Washington, clothes changed, knapsacks m- •■^UU-- -■ -.^.-^i >-. 12 NUESE AiTD SPY. packecT, Tetters written home, packages sent to the express office, etc. After all was done, e ^erything in readiness and the sick men ten- derly laid in the ambulances, Mrs. B. said : " Now let us go to every ambulance and bid the boys good-by." As we passed a^long from one ambulance to another, speaking words of encouragement to each soldier, many a tear would start from grateful eyes, and many a feeble voice uttered an earnest " God bless you," while others would draw from their bosoms some cherished relic, and give as a token of remembrance. There was one patient, however, we did not put into an ambu- lance, and who was a great source of anxiety to us. He lay there upon a stretcher close by, waiting to be carried to a house not far distant. He was young, not 17, with clear blue eyes, curly auburn hair and a broad, white brow ; his mother's pride and an only son. Two weeks previously he had been attacked with typhoid fever. The Surgeon said : " You may do all you can for him, but it is a hopeless case." ]\Irs. B. had devoted most of her time to him, and I was often called to assist her. He was delirious and became quite unmanageable at times, and it required all the strength we possessed to keep him in bed, but now the delirium of fever had passed away and he was helpless as an infant. We had written for his mother to come if possible, and had just received a letter from her, stating that she was on her way to Washington. The ambulances started with their freight of emaciated, suffering men. Slowly that long train wound its way toward the city looking like a great funeral procession, and sadly we turned to our remain- ing patient, who was deeply affected at the removal of his comradesL He was then carried to the house above mentioned and a nurse left to take care of him, while we were obliged to prepare for our own comfort on ths long, weary march which was so near at hand. We had just commenced to pack our saddle-bags, when we heard an unusual noise, as of someone crying piteously, and going out to learn the cause of the excitement, whom should we find but the mother of our handsome blue-eyed patient. She had called at the Surgeon's tent to inquire for her son, and he had told her that all the sick had been sent to Washington, he having forgotten for the moment the exception with regard to her son. The first words I heard were spoken in the most touching manner : '•■ Oh, why did you send away my boy ? I wrote you I was com- ing. Oh, why did you send him away ! " I shall never forget the expression of that mother's face as she stood there wringing her hands and repeating the question. We very soon rectified the mistake which the Surgeon had made, and in a few moments she was kneeling by the bedside of her darliog ADVENTUEES OF A WOMAN AS A UNION SOLDIER. 13 boy, and we returned, rejoicing that it had been our privilege to " deliver him to his mother." The 17th of July dawned bright and clear, and everything being in readiness, the Army of the Potomac took up its line of march for Manassas. In gay spirits the army moved forward, the air resound- ing with the music of the regimental bands and patriotic songs of the soldiers. No gloomy forebodings seemed to damp the spirits of the men, fora moment, but "On to Richmond " was echoed and re- echoed, as that vast army moved rapidly over the country. The E&ain column reached Fairfax toward evening and camped for the oight Col. R.'s wife, of the 2d- , Mrs. B. and myself were, I think, the only three females who reached Fairfax that night. The day had been extremely hot, and not being accustomed to ride all day beneath a burning sun, we felt its effects very sensi- - bly, and consequently hailed with joy the order to encamp for the night JTotwithstanding the heat and fatigue of the day's march, the troops were in high spirits, and immediately began preparing supper. Some built fires while others went in search of and appropriated every available article that might in any way add to the comfort . / r I was hurried off to Centerville, a distance of seven miles, for a fresh supply of brandy, lint, etc. When I returned, the field was literally strewn with wounded, dead and dying. Mrs. B. was no- where to be found. Had she been killed or wounded ? A few moments of torturing suspense, and then I saw her cominw toward me, running her horse with ail possible speed, with about 50 canteens hanging from the pommel of her saddle. To all my in- quiries there was but one answer: " Don't stay to care for the wounded now ; the troops are famish- ing with thirst and are beginning to fall back." Mr. B. then rode up with the same order, and we three started for a spring a mile distant, having gathered up the empty canteens which lay strewn on the field. This was the nearest spring ; the enemy knew it, and consequently had posted sharpshooters within rifle range to prevent the troops being supplied with water. Notwithstanding this, we filled our canteens, while the rainie- balls fell thick and fast around us, and returned in safety to dis- tribute the fruits of our labor among the exhausted men. We spent three hours in this manner, while tlie tide of battle rolled on more fiercely than before, until the enemy made a desper- ate ch^^tge on our troops, driving them back and taking full posses- sion of th^ spring. Chaplain B.'s hofse was shot through the neck and bfed to death in a few irioments. Then Mrs. B. and I dia- . mounte'd and went to Nvork again among the wounded. 18 NURSE AND SPY. Not long afterward Col. Cameron, brother of the Secretary of War, came dashing along the line, shouting : " Come on, boys ; the rebels are in full retreat!" The word's had scarcely been uttered when he fell, pierced to the heart by a bullet A Surgeon was on the ground in an instant, but nothing could be done for him ; his wound was mortal, and he soon ceased to breathe. There was no time to carry oS' the dead. We folded his arms across his brcr.st, closed his eyes, and left him in the cold embrace of death. Still the battle continued without cessation. The grape and can- ister filled the air as they went screaming on their fearful errand. The sight of that field was perfectly appalling ; men tossing their arms wildly, calling for help ; there they lay bleeding, torn and mangled, legs, arms and bodies crushed and broken as if smitten by thunder-bolts. The ground was crimson with blood. It was terri- ble to witness. Burnsid6's Brigade was being mown down like grass by the r6bel batteries. The hien were not able to stand that terrible storm of shot and shell. They begun to waver and fall back slowly, but just at the right moment Capt. Sykes came up to their relief with his command of Regulars. They swept up the hill where Burnside's exhausted, shattered brigade still lingered, and were greeted with a shout of joy such as none but soldiers who are almost overpowered by a fierce enemy and are reinforced by their brave comrades can give. Onward they went/close up to the cloud of flame and smoke rolling from the hill upon which the rebel batteries were placed ; their muskets were leveled, there was a click, click, a sheet of flame, a deep roll like that of thunder, and the rebel gunners were seen to stagger and fall. The guns became silent, and in a few moments were abandoned. This seemed to occasion great confusion in the rebel ranks. Regiments were scattered, and officers Avere seen riding furiously and shouting their orders, which were heard above the roar and din of battle. Ca'pts. Griffin's and Kicketts's batteries were ordered forward to an eminence from which the rebels had been driven. They came into position and opened a most destructive fire, which completely routed the enemy. The battle seemed almost won, and the enemy was re- treating in confusion. Hear what Gen. Johnston said of his prospects at that time in hia official report: "The long contest agairist a powerftil eneiiiy and tieaVy losses, especially of field officers, had greatly discouraged the troops of Gen. Bee and CoL Evans '^^ aanect of aff"airs was critical" ' v.. 'J,- 7Ml im^^i /. i ADVENTURES OF A WOMAN AS A UNION SOLDIER. t9 Another v?rites : " Fighting for hours under a burning sun, with- out a drop of water, the conduct of our men could not be excelled ; but human endurance has its bounds, and all seemed about to be lost." This goes to prove that it was a desperately hard-fonqiit battle on both sides, and if no fresh troops hacl heaa bmight iaato iLo iicld the victory would assuredly iuiTe bewi cuia But just as our army was cauifi<{«int of vocccm, xad ma folio \tlng up the advantage which it had paiuffd. »*«b*l r«i».^wments arrived and turned the tide of battle. Tmi i«iie: i^gimtnta of fre^h troof^s were sent to make a flank movemcat in order to capture Griffin's and Ricketts's batteries. Tlsey marched tlircwigh the woods, rcaciied the top of the hill, and formed a line so completely in our rear as to fire almost upon the backs of the gunners. Griffin saw thsm approach, but supposed them to be his supports sent by Maj. Barry. However, looking more intently at them, ho thought they were rebels, and turned his guns upon them. Jiist as he was about to give the order to fire, Maj. B. rode up, shouting : " They aie your supports ; don't fire." " No, sir ; they are rebels," replied Capt. Griffin. " I tell you, sir, they are your supports," said Maj. B. In obedience to orders the guns were turned again^ and while in the act of doing so the supposed supports fired a volley upon the gunners. Men and horses went down in an instant. A moment, more and those famous batteries were in the hands of the enemy. The news of this disaster spread along our lines like wildfire. Officers and men were alike confounded. Regiment after regiincnt broke and ran, and almost immediately the panic commenced. Companies of cavalry were drawn up in line across the foad, with drawn sabers, but all was not sufficient to stop the refluent tide of fugitives. Then came the artillery thundering along, drivers lash- ing their horses furiously, which greatly added to the terror of the panic-stricken thousands crowded together en masse. In this man* ner we reached Centerville, where order was in some measure re- stored. Mrs. B. and I made our way to the stone church, around which we saw stacks of dead bodies piled up, and arms and legs were thrown together in lieaps. But how shall I describe the scene with- . in the church at that hour? Oh, there was suSering there which no pen can ever describe. One case I can never forget. It was that of a poor fellow whoso legs were both broken above the knfees, and from the knees to the thighs they were literally smashed to fragments. He was jiying, but oh, what a death was that He was insane, perfectly T»i!d, and required two persons to hold him. Inflammation had set in, and at NUESE AND SPY. was rapidly doing its work. Death soon released him, and it was a relief to all present, as well as to the poor suflferer. I went to another dying one who was bearing patiently all his sufferings. Oh, poor, pale face ! I see it now, with its white lips and beseeching eyes, and then the touching inquiry : "Do you think I'll die before morning?" I told him I thought he would, and asked: " Has death any terrors for you ? " " Oh, no ; I shall soon be asleep in Jesus." While I stood beside him thus, someone tapped me on the shoulder. On turning round I was beckoned to the side of one who was laid in a corner, on the floor, with bis face toward the wall. I knelt beside him and asked: " What can I do for you, my friend ? " He opened his eyes, with an effort, and said : " I wish you to take that," pointing to a small package which lay beside him. "Keep it until you get to Washington, and then, if it is not too much trouble, I want you to write to mother and tell her how I was wounded, and that I died trusting in Jesus." Then I knew that I was kneeling beside Willie L. He was almost gone — just ready "to lay down the cross and take up the cro^vn." He signed to me to come nearer, and as I did so he put his hand to his head and tried to separate a lock of hair with his fingers, but his strength failed. I understood that he wished me to cut off a lock to send to his mother with the package. When he saw that I understood him he seemed pleased that his last request was complied with. i- Our hearts and hands being fully occupied with such scenes as these, we^ thought of nothing else. We knew nothing of the true state of affairs outside, nor could we believe it possible when we learned that the whole army had retreated toward Washington, leaving the wounded in the hands of the enemy, and us, too, in rather an unpleasant situation. I could not believe 'the stern truth, and was determined to find out for myself. Consequently I went back to the bights, where I had seen the troops stack their guns and throw themselves upon the ground at night-fall, but no troops were there. I thought then that they had merely changed their position, and that by going over the field I should certainly find them. I had not gone far before I saw a camp-fire in the distance. Supposing that I had found a clue to the secret, I made all haste toward the fire ; but as I drew near I saw but one solitary figura Bitting by it, and that was the form of a female. -"'■ - < Upon going up to her I recognized her as one of the washeYwom^ r ADVENTUEES OP A WOMAN AS A UNION SOLDIER. tl of our army. I asked her what she was doing there and where the army had gone. Said she : " I don't know anything about the army ; I am cooking my husband 'd supper, and am expecting him home every minute. See what a lot of things I have got for him," pointing to a huge pile of blankets, haversacks and canteens which she had gathered up and over which she had constituted herself sentinel. I soon found out that the poor creature had become insane. The excitement of battle had proved too much for her, and all my endeavors to induce her to come with me were unavailing. I had no time to spare, for I wm convinced tlmt the army had really decamped. Once more I started in the direction of Centerviile. I had not gone more than a few rods before I heard the clatter ©f horses' hoofs. I stopped, and looking in the direction of the fire I bad just quitted, I saw a squad of cavalry ride up to the woman, who still sat there. Fortunately I had no horse to make a noise or attract attention, having left mine at the hospital with the intention of returning im- mediately. It was evident to ray mind that those were the enemy's cavalry, and that it was necessary for me to keep out of sight if possible until they were gone. Then the thought came to me that the woman at the fire kuew no better than to tell them that I had been there a few minutes before. Happily, however, I was near a fence, against which there were great piles of brush, and as the night was becom- ing very dark and it was beginning to rain I thought I could remain undetected, at least, until morning. My suspicions proved to be correct They were coming toward me and compelling the woman to come and show them the direclion I had taken. I decided to erawl under one of those brush heaps, which I did, and had scarcely done so when up they came and stopped over against the identical pile in which I was concealed. One of the men said : " See here, old woman, are you sure that she can tell us if we find her?" **0h, yes, she can tell you, I know she can," was the woman's reply. They would go away a little dis- tance and then come back again. By and by they began to accuse the woman of playing a false game. Then they swore, threatened to shoot her, and she began to cry. All this was an interesting per- formance, I admit; but I did not enjoy it quite so much, in conse- quence of being rather uncomfortably near the performers. At last they gave it up as a hopeless case and rode away, taking the woman with them, and I was left in blissful ignorance of the mystery which they wished me to unravel, and for once in my life I rejoiced at not having my "curiosity" gratified. I remained there until the last echo of their retreating footsteps died away in the distance. Then I came forth very cautiously and 22 NURSE AND SPY. made my way to Centerville, where the interesting intelligence awaited me that Mr. and Mrs. B. had gone and had taken my horse, supposing that I had been taken prisoner. The village of Centerville was not yet occupied by the rebels, so that I could have made my escape without any further trouble ; but how could I go and leave those hospitals full of dying men, without ' a soul to give them a drink of water? I must go into that Stone Church once more, even at the risk of being taken prisoner. I did so, and the cry of " Water, water," was heard above the groans of the dying. Chaplain B. had told them be/ore leaving that they would soon be in the hands of the enemy ; that the army had retreated to Washington, and that there was no possibility of re- moving the wounded. There they lay, calmly awaiting the approach of their cruel cap- tors, and apparently prepared to accept with resignation any fate which their cruelty might suggest. Oh, how brave those men were 1 Nothing but the grace of God and a right appreciation of the great cause in which they had nobly fought and bled, could reconcile them to such suffering and humiliation. They all urged me to leave them, and not subject myself to the barbarous treatment which I would be likely to receive if I should be taken prisoner, adding ; " If you do stay the rebels will not-let you do anything for us." One of the men said : " Dr. E. has only been gone a little while — he extracted three balls from my leg and arm, and that, too, with his pen-knife. I saw 21 balls which he had takes from the limbs of men in this hospital. He was determined to re- main with us, but we would not consent, for we knew he would not be allowed to do any more for us after the rebels came; and you must go, too, and go very soon, or they will be here." After placing water within reach of as many as could use their arms, and giving some to those who could not, I turned to leave them, with feelings that I cannot describe ; but ere I reached the door a feeble voice called me hack. It was that of a young officer' from Massachusetts; he held in his hand a gold locket, and as he handed it to me he sait? : "Will you please to open it?" I did so, and then held it for hira to take a last look at the picture it con- tained. He grasped it eagerly and pressed it to his lips again and again. The picture was that of a lady of rare beauty, with an infant in her arms. She seemed scarcely more than a child herself. On the oppo^):Ti side was printed her name and address. While he still gazed rjpon it with quivering lip, and I stood there waiting for some tender message for the loved ones, the unmistakable tpamp of cavalry was heard in the street — a moment more and I had snatched the locket from the hands of the dying man and was gone. , ADVENTURES OF A WOMAN AS A tTNION SOLDIER. IS * The streets were full of cavalry, but not near enough to dispover me, as the night was exceedingly dark and the rain came dbwn in torrents. One glance was sufficient to convince me that I could not escape by either street. The only way was to climb a fence and go across lots, which I immediately did, and came out on the Fairfax road about a mile from the village, and then started for Washington on the " double-quick." I did not reach Alexandria until noon the next day — alihost ex- hausted, and my shoes literally worn off my feet. Having walked all the way from Centerville in the rain, without food, together with want of sleep and, the fatigue of the past week, caused nie to present rather an interesting appearance. I remained there two days before I could persuade my limbs to bear the weight of my body. I then made my way to Washington, where I found my friends quite anxious ' lest I had fallen into the hands of the enemy. ' *' ' A number of men from whom I had received packages, inoney, ■ etc., before going into battle, and who reached Washington two days befoce I did, had come to the conclusion that they had taken a pretty sure way of sending those precious things to Richmond, and therefore my arrival was rather an important event, and I was greeted with a hearty, welcome. My first duty was to attend to those dying soldiers' requests, which I did immediately by writing to their friends and inclosing the articles ' I had received from the hands of those loved ones who were how cold in death. CHAP7?ER IV. Washington After Ball Ran — Demoralization of the Army — Sick Soldiers. Hospital Scenes — Extracts from My Jonmal — Sympathy of Soldiers. Fishing for the Sick — A Fish-loving Datebman — Reorganization of the Army — A Visit to the Pickets — Picket Duties and Dangers — The Armj Inactive — McClellan's Address — Marching Orders Again — Embarkation of th« Army for Fortreas*Monroe — The Crowded Transports— Description of the Monitor — Her Bnild and Armament — Her Turret and Engines. Washington at that time presented a picture strikingly illustra- live of fnifitary life in its most depressing form. To use the words of Capt. Noyes : ** There were stragglers sneaking along through the mud inquiring for their regiments, wanderers driven in by the pickets, some with guns and some without, while every one jou met >^.- *■-: .-■s»^- :.:>' - U NUESE AND SPY. had a sleepy, downcast appearance, and looked as if he would like to hide his head from all the world." Every bar-room and groggery seemed filled to overflowing with offi- cers and men, and military discipline was nearly or quite forgotten for a time in the Army of the Potomac. While "Washington was in this chaotic condition the rebel flag was floating over Munson's Hill, in plain sight of the Federal Capital. When Gen. McClellan took command of the Army of the Poto- mac he found it in a most lamentable condition, and the task of reorganizing and disciplining such a mass of demoralized men was a herculean one. However, he proved himself equal to the task, and I think that even his enemies are willing to admit that there is no parallel case in history where there has been more tact, energy and skill displayed in transforming a disorganized mob into an efficient and efiective army ; in fact, of bringing order out of confusion. The hospitals in Washington, Alexandria, and Georgetown were crowded with wounded, sick» discouraged soldiers. That extraordi- nary march from Bull Run, through rain, mud, and chagrin, did more toward filling the hospitals than did the battle itself. I found Mrs. B. in a hospital, suffering from typhoid fever, while ^hap. B. was looking after the temporal and spiritual wants of the men with Iiis usual energy and sympathy. He had many apologies to olier "for running away with my horse," as he termed it. There were many familiar faces missing, and it required consider- able time to ascertain the fate of my friends. Many a weary walk I had from one hospital to another to find some missing onje who was repoited to have been sent to such and such a hospital ; but after reading the register from top to bottom I would find no such iiiune there. -Perhaps on my way out, in passing the open door of oiie of the wards, who should I see, lying upon a cot, but the very object of mv search, and upon returning to the office to inform the Sieward of the fact, I would find that "it was a slight mistake; in re'.risteving the name, instead of being Josiah Phelps it was Joseph Philips " ; only a E!i,:iht mistake, but such mistakes cause a great deal of trouhle sometimes. Measlc', dysentery, ar.d typhoid fever were the prevailing dis- c.iscs ri'ter ih o vetreut. After spending several days in visiting the dilTorynt ho^^pitnls, looking after personal friends, and writing letters for tlio co'dijrs who were not able to write for themselves, I was regu- larly installed ia one of the general hospitals. I will here insert an extract from my journal : "Aug. o, 1801. Georgetown, D. C. Have been on duty all day. John C. is ])eriectly wild with delirium, and keeps shouting at the top of hk voice some military command, or. when vivid recollectioua ,..:.V ■ ADVENTDEES OP A WOBIAN AS A UNION SOLDIER. 25 of the battlefield come to his mind, he enacts a pantomime of the terrible strife. He goes through the whole manual of arras as cor- rectly as if he were in the ranks ; and as he, in imaginatioiJf loads and fires in quick succession, the flashing of his dying eye and the nervous vigor of his trembling hands gives fearful interest to the supposed encounter with the enemy. When we tell him the enemy has retreated, he persists in pursuing; and throwing his arms wildly around him, he shouts to his men — ' Come on and fight while there is a rebel left in Virginia I ' " My friend, Lieut M., is extremely weak and nervous, and the wild ravings of J. C. disturb him exceedingly. I requested Surg. P. to have him removed to a more quiet ward, and received in reply — * This is the most quiet ward in the whole building.' There are 500 patients here who require constant attention, and not half enough nurses to take care of them. " Oh, what an amount of suffering I am called to witness every hour and every moment. There is no cessation, and yet it is strange that the sight of all this suffering and death does not affect me more. I am simply eyes, ears, hands and feet. It does seem as if there is a sort of stoicism granted for such occasions. There are great, strong, men dying all around me, and while I write there are three being carried past the window to the dead room. This is an excellent hospital — everthing is kept in good order, and the medical officers are skillful, kind, and attentive." The weary weeks went slowly by, while disease and death preyed upon tlie men, and the "Soldiers' Cemetery" was being quickly filled with new-made graves. The kindness of the soldiers toward each other is proverbial, and is manifested in various ways. It is a common thing to see soldiers stand guard night after night for sick comrades, and when off duty try to their utmost skill to prepare food in such a way as to tempt the appetite of thoss poor fellows whom the Surgeons "do not consider sufficiently ill to excuse from duty; " but their comrades do, and do not hesitate to perform their duty and their own also. When brought to camp hospital, helpless, worn down by dissase, -nnd fever preying upon their vitals, those brave and faithful comrades did not forsake them, but came several times every day to inquire how they were, and if there was anything they could do for them. It was touching to see those men, with faces bronzed and stem, ten- derly bending over the dying, while the tears coursed down their sunburnt cheeks. ♦ There was scarcely a soldier's grave whore there was not to be «een some marks of this noble characteristic of the soldier. The tastefully cut sod, the planted evergreen, the carefully carved head- board, all told of the affectiouato remembrance of the loved comrade. 14 NURSE AND SPY. had a sleepy, downcast appearance, and looked as if he would like to hide his head from all the world." Every bar-room and groggery seemed filled to overflowing with offi- cers and men, and military discipline was nearly or quite forgotten for a time in the Army of the Potomac. "While Washington was in this chaotic condition the rebel flag was floating over Munson's Hill, in plain sight of the Federal Capital. When Gen. McClellan took command of the Array of the Poto- mac he found it in a most lamentable condition, and the task of reorganizing and disciplining such a mass of demoralized men was a herculean one. However, he proved himself equal to the task, and I think that even his enemies are willing to admit that there is no parallel case in history where there has been more tact, energy and skill displayed in transforming a disorganized mob into an efficient and eSective army ; in fact, of bringing order out of confusion. The hospitals in Washington, Alexandria, and Georgetown were crowded with wounded, sick, discouraged soldiers. That extraordi- nary march from Bull Run, through rain, mud, and chagrin, did more toward filling the hospitals than did the battle itself. I found Mrs. B. in a hospital, suffering from typhoid fever, while Chap. B. was looking after the temporal and spiritual wants of the men with his usual enei'gy and sympathy. He had many apologies to offer "for running away with my horse," as he termed it. There were many familiar faces missing, and it required consider- able time to ascertain the fate of my friends. Many a weary walk I had from one hospital to another to find some missing one who was re])orted to have been sent to such and such a hospital ; but after rcadirg the register from top to bottom I would find no such name there. Perhaps on my way out, in passing the open door of one of the wards, who should I see, lying upon a cot, but the very object of my search, and upon returning to the office to inform the S .ewTird of the fact, I would find that " it was a slight mistake ; in registering the name, instead of being Josiah Phelps it was Joseph Philips ■' ; only a slight mistake, but such mistakes cause a great deal of trouble sometimes. Measles, dyseiuery, and typhoid fever were the prevailing dis- eases niter the retreat. After spending several days in visiting the diiferent ho.-pitnl?, looking after personal friends, and writing letters for the soldiers who were not able to write for themselves, I was regu- larly installod in one of the general hospitals. I will here insert an extract from my journal : " Aue. o, l8(jl. Georgetown, D. C. Plave been on duty all day. John C. is perlectly wild with delirium, and keeps shouting at the top of hi* voice sorae military command, or, when vivid recollections ADVENTURES OP A WOMAN AS A UNION SOLDIER. 25 of the battlefield come to his mind, he enacts a pantomime of the terrible strife. He goes through the whole manual of arras as cor- rectly as if he were in the ranks ; and as he, in imagination, loads and fires in quick succession, the flashing of his dying eye and the nervous vigor of his trembling hands gives iearfal interest to the supposed encounter with the enemy. When we tell him the enemy has retreated, he persists in pursuing; and throwing his arms •wildly around him, he shouts to his men — ' Come on and fight while there'is a rebel left in Virginia ! ' "My friend, Lieut. M., is extremely weak and nervous, and the wild ravings of J. C. disturb him exceedingly. I requested Surg. P. to have him removed to a more quiet ward, and received in reply — « This is the most quiet ward in the whole building.' There are oOO patients here who require constant attention, and not half enough nurses to take care of them. "dh, what an amount of suffering I am called to witness every hour and every monient. There is no cessation, and yet it is strange that the sight of all this suffering and death does not affect me more. I am simply eyes, ears, hands and feet. It does seem as if there is a sort of stoicism granted for such occasions. There are great, strong men dying all around me, and while I write there ara three being carried past the window to the dead room. This is an excellent hospital — everthing is kept in good order, and the medical officers are skillful, kind, and attentive."' The weary v.-ceks ^Yent slowly by, while disease and death preyed upon the men. and the "Soldiers' Cemetery" was being quickly filled with i:e\v-made graves. The kindness of the soldiers toward each other is proverbial, and is manifested in various wav?. It is a common thing to see soldiers stand guard night after ni-^^ht fi.)r sick comrades, and when off duty try to their utmost skill to prepare food in such a way as to tempt the appetite of thnje poor f'^liov.s whom the Surgeons "do not consider siuTicienth' ill to excuse n-.r^j. duty ; ■' but their comrades do, and do not hesitate to perform their duty and their own also. When brought to camp hospital, helpless, worn down by d'.ssase, and fever preying upon their vitals, those brave and fait'.iiV.l coinra'js did not forsake them, but came several times ev^ry day to inpairo how they were, and if there was anything they cor.ld do for tlu:.i. It was touching to see those men, with faces bronzed arid stern, ten- derly bending over the dying, while the tears coursed down their Bunburnt cheeks. There was scarcely a soldier's grave v.hcre there was not to be *en some marks of this noble characteristic of the soldier. The tastefully cut sod, the planted evergreen, the carefully carved head- board, all told of the affectionate remembrance of theloved-comrade. H NURSE AND SPY. ' Ydu will scarcely find such strong and enduriog friendship, fucll spirit of self-sacrifice, and such noble and grateful hearts as among the soldiers. I think this is one reason why the nurses did not feel the fatigue of hospital duty more than they did. The gratitude of the men Beems to act as a stimulant, and the patient, uncomplaining faces of those suffering men almost invariably greeted you with a smile. I used to think it was a disgrace to any one, under ordinary circum- stances, to be heard complaining, when those mutilated, pain-racked ones bore everything with such heroic fortitude. There were a great many pleasant things in connection with our camp-hospital duties. I really enjoyed gratifying some of the whims and strange fancies of some of our poor convalescent boys, with whom I had become quite a favorite. As I would pass along through tlie hospital in the morning, I would generally have plenty of assistants in helping to make out my program for the day. For one I had to write letters, read some particular book to another, and. for a third I must catch some fish. - . 1 remember on one occasion of an old Dutchman, a typhoid con- valescent, declaring that he coi^ld eat nothing until be could get some fresh fish, and of course I must procure them for him. "But," said I, "the doctor must be consulted; perhaps he will not tliiiik it best for you to have any fish yet, until you are stronger." "Yell, I dusn't care for te tocter; he dusn't know what ray appe- tite is; te feeah I must have. Oh, mine Cot! I must have some feesh." And the old man wept like a child at the thought of being (disappointed. " Hunter's Creek " was about a mile and a half from camp, where Ml-, and Mrs. B. and I had spent many an hour fishing and shooting at the flocks of wild ducks which frequented it ; so, after providing myself with hook, line and bait, I made ray way to the creek. Soon after I commenced operations I drew up a monstrous eel, which de- fied all ray efforts to release the hook from its jaws. At last I was obliged to draw it into camp by means of the line, and I was amply repaid for ray trouble on seeing the delight of the convalescents, and especially of ray old Dutchman, who continued to slap his bauds together and say, "Dhat ish coot, dhat ish coot" The eel was handed over to the cook to be prepared for dinner, and, to the great satisfaction of the Dutchman, he was permitted to enjoy a portion of it. . The army under McClellan began to assume a warlike aspect. Perfect order and military discipline were observed everywhere among the soldiers. It was a splendid sight to see thote well-drilled troops on dress-parade, or being reviewed by their gallauti young commander, upon whose shoulders the "stars " sat with so much grac3 and dignity. , .. « • ; ; v i ' - x ^=-t:, .»* '■-- -sv' ■••1IBPvas a diQgrace to any one, undfer ordinary circttm< stances, to.be heard complaining, when those , .mutilated, pain-racked onea bqre everything with sueh heroic fortitude. There were a great many pleasant things in co9nection with our camp-hospital duties. I really enjoyed gratifying some of the whims and strange fancies of some of our poor convalescent boys, with whom I.bjEid become quite a favorite.. As I would pass along .through the hospital in the morning, I would generally have plenty of assistants in helning to make out my program for the day. For one i.had to write letters, read some particular book to another, and. for a third I must caitch some fish. :.^. 'j^ jiemember on one occasion of an old Dutchman, a typhoid con- valescent, declaring that he could eat nothins until be could get some fresh, fish, ana of course I must procure them for him. . ' '*Bat" said I, "the doctor must be consulted; peihaps be will not ,thiuk it best for you to have.any fish yet, until you are atronge'r." "Yell, I dusn't care for te tocter; he dusn'ti know what iny appe- titq is; te feeah I roust have. Ob, mine Got! I must have scnne fees))." And the old man wept like a child at the thought of being disappointed. ,.:, , . " :. .; f,*',;;.. .; f - " j^untor's Creek "was about a mile and a half fromlicamp, where Mr. and Mrs. B. and .1 had spent many an hour fishing and shooting at the flocks of wild ducks which frequented it; so,^ler providing myself with hook, line i^od bait, I made my way to the creek: Soon after I commenced operations I drew up a monstrous eel, which de- fied all my etforts to release the hook from its jaws. At last I was obliged to draw it into camp by means of the line, aud^ I ,waa amply repaid, for my trouble on seeing the delight of the convalescepts, and es^cially of my old Dutchman, who continued to slap bis, hands together and say, "Dhat ish coot, dbat lah coot'' iTbo eel was handed over to the cook to be prepared for dinner, aud, to the great satisfaction of the Dutchman, he was permitted to enjoy .a.portion of it. The iiirmy under McCIellan began to assume a warlike aspect. ^Perfept order and .military discipline were • observed everyidiere Tamong the soldiera .>It Was a splenc^id sight to see thoie Well-drilled ,tropps oiji dress-parade, <'or being reviewed by their gnlltinti yening ^commander, upoi^ v^ose shoulders!; the "tsstars '^ gait with so o^iica gracs'anfl dignity,' , .. > r >' . i ; »• a ')'..< ^^ ,x ; ;■ 'i. ■> ■ '\ '■■■ t ^•' ■' ■■ ''* '•" ^" ' •■'^ . * ■^. '■ ■•'> '-* * ■/ ; 's-s;?- ivi. ...V .y^::i-^ :ny'-. >&.t. /r'» ADVENTURES OP A WOMAN AS A UNION SOLDIER. 27 The monotony of camp life began to be broken up bj armed reconauiasances and skirmishing between the pickets. Our lines were pushed forward to Lewinsville on the right, and to Munson's Hill in front The pickets of both armies were posted in plain sight of each other, only separated by the beautiful cornfields and peach-orchards. Picket firing was kept up all along the lines on both sides, notwith> standing that flags of truce had been sent in by both parties several . titnes, requesting that this barbarous practice might cease. As soon as Mrs. B. was so far recovered as to be able to ride, /We started one day, accompanied by Mr. B. and Dr. E., for Muoaou's Hill to see the pickets on duty. We rode along until we came within a short distance of the rifle-pits where our men were, when the rebels fired upon us. We, turned and rode back until we came to a clump of trees, where we dismounted, hitched our horses, and proceeded the rest of the way on foot, part of the way having to crouch along on our hands and knees, in order to escape the bullets which were whistling above us. We reached the rifle-pits in safety, wliicli were close to a rail fence, the rails of which were perfectly riddled with minie-b'alls. While we sat there looking through an opera-glass, whiz! came a ba^i and struck the rail against which my head r^ted. Glancing, it passed through Dr. R's cap and lodged in the shoulder of one of the men. . We remained there until the firing ceased, then returned to camp, carrying with us the wounded man. Picket duty is one of the most perilous and trying duties con> nected with the service. A clergyman-soldier writing upon this sub- ject briefly. describes it: " Picket duty at all times is arbitrary, but at night it r.s trebly so. No monarch on a throne, with absolute power, is more independent or exercises greater sway for the time being than a private soldier stationed on bis beat with an enemy in front Darkness veils all dis- tinctions. He is not obliged to know his own oflicers or comrades or the Commanding General, only through the means of the oonnter- sign. With musket loaded and capped he walks his rounds, having to do with matters only of life and death, and at the same time clothed with absolute power. "It is a position of tearful importance and responsibility, one that makes a man feel solemn and terribly in earnest Often] too, ^these posts are in thick woods, where the soldier stands alone, cut off from camp, cut off from his fellows, subject only to the harassings of his own iinagina,tiou and sense of danger. The shadows dee|)en into inky night; all objects around him, even the little birds that were his companions during the day, are gathered within the curtains of a hushed repose ; bui*. the soldier, with every nerve and faculty of 88 NURSE AND SPY. his mind strained to the utmost tension of keenness and sensibility, speaks only in whispers ; his fingers tighten round the stock of his musket as he leans forward to catch the sound of approaching foot- steps, or, in the absence of danger, looks longingly up to the cold, gray sky, with its wealth of shining stars." . Yes, the picket is exposed to danger constantly, and to various kinds of danger. He knows not what moment a lurking foe may spring upon him from the darkness, or a bullet from a scout or a sharpshooter may reach him at any time. Then, too, he is exposed to the raging elements — -heat and cold, rain and snow; no matter whether in the depths of the forest, or in the open plain, or in the rifle-pit standing in water knee deep, the poor picket must not heed the storm, but keep both eyes and ears open to catch the slightest sound. After severe marches, when the men are greatly fatigued and it seems almost impossible to perform any more duty without rest and sleep, some, of course, are sent on picket duty, while the rest are permitted to sleep. Oh, how my heart has ached for those men ; and it seemed to me that the persons and regiments in which I was most interested always had the most picket duty to perform. On the 14th of March Gen. McClellan issued an address to the Army of the Potomac, announcing the reasons why they had been so long unemployed. The battle of Bull Run was fought in July, 1861. It was now March, 1862, and during this interval the Army of the Potomac, numbering some 250,000 men, had been inactive, excepting their daily drills behind their intrenchments. The flags of the enemy were in sight AVashington was in a state of siege, and not a transport could ascend the river without running the gauntlet of rebel batteries. In his address Gen. McClellan announced the rea- sons for inactivity as follows : " Soldiers of the Army of the Potomac : For a long time I have kept you inactive, but not without a purpose. You were disciplined, armed and instructed. The formidable artillery you now have had to be created. Other armies were to move and accomplish certain results. I have held you back that you might give the death-blow to the rebellion that has distracted our once happy country. The pa- tience you have shown, and your confidence in your General, are worth a dozen victories. " These preliminary results are now accomplished. I feel that the patient labors of many months have produced their fruit The Army of the Potomac is now a real army, magnificent in material, ad- mirable in discipline and instruction, excellently equipped and armed. Your commanders are all that I could wish. The moment for action has arrived, and I know that I can trust in you to save our counti?y. The period of inaction has passed. I will now bring you face to .fti.'^-*3l ADVENTURES OP A WOMAN AS A UNION SOLDIER. 29 face with the rehels, aild only pray that God may defend the right." Marching orders were issued once more to the Army of the Poto- mac. The sick were sent off, camps broken up, and all stood pre- pared for another enconnter with the enemy. The bitter remem- brance of the defeat at Bull KuiAstill rankled in the minds of the men, and now they were anxious for an opportunity to retaliate upon the foe, and win back the laurels they had so ingloriously lost upon that disastrous field. Various speculations were indulged in with regard toxtheir desti- nation. One prophesied that they were going to Richmond by way of Fredericksburg ; another was positive that they were to go by the way of Manassas, and a third declared that it was down the Shenan- doah Valley to take Richmond on the flank and rear ; but to tlie utter astonishment of all, they were ordered to Alexandria to embark for Fortress Monroe. Regiment after regiment was huddled together on board until every foot of room was occupied, and there remained but little prospect of comfort for either officers or men. As soon as each transport received its cargo of men, horses and provisions, it floated out into the stream, while another steamed up to the wharf in its place, until the whole fleet lay side by side, freighted with over 100,000 human lives, and awaiting the signal to weigh anchor. The troops were eager for a campaign ; they had lain inactive so long, while victory thundered all around them, that they were be- coming impatient to strike another blow at the rebellion, and blot out } the remembrance of the past. Roanoke, Pea Ridge, Newbern, Win- chester, and Donelson were a succession of victories which had been achieved, and the Army of the Potomac had not participated in them. The men felt this and were prepared for anything but in- activity. Everything being in readine^, the signal was given, and the whole fleet was soon moving in the direction of Fortress Monroe, with the Stars and Stripes floating from every masthead, and the music of National airs awakening the slumbering echoes as we swiftly glided over the quiet waters of the Potomac. The first real object of interest which presented itself was the Monitor lying ofi* Fortress Monroe. It reminded me of what I once heard a man say to his neighbor about his wife. Said he : " Neigh- bor, you might worship your wife without breaking either of the 10 commandments." "How is that?" asked the man. "Because she is not the lil^eness of anything in heaven above, or in the earth be- neath,: or in the waters under the earth." So thought I of the Monitor. There she sat upon the water a glorious, impregnable battery, the wonde? of the age, the terisr of rebels and the pride of the North, N^jMfi AND SBT. CHAPTER V. Arrival at Fortress Mooroe — The Yilla^of Hampton — Visiting the Contra- bands — Arrival of Fugitives — A Real " Cainp-meeting " — Feeding the Negroes — Camp Itliseries — Mules — Miss Periwinkle's Mules — The Coquet- tish, the Moral, the Histrionic and the Pathetic Mule — Our Jack — Lines of Love — My Box and Presents — A Three-story Cake — A Serenade and Surprise Party— Good and Bad Chaplains — The Morals of the Army. Slanders About Soldiere. We arrired at Fortress Monroe in a drenching rain, immediately disembarked and proceeded at once to Hampton, formerly a beauti- ful little village containing about 500 houses, many of them elegant brick buildings, but which now lay a blackened mass of ruins, hav- ing been burned a few months previous by order of rebel Gen. Ma- gi'uder. The village was about three miles from Fortress Monroe, and situated on the west side of a creek, or arm of^ the sea, called Hampton River, the Yorktown road passing directly through its center. It was a great relief to the troops to disembark from the filthy, crowded transports, notwithstanding they had to march through the mud and rain, and then pitch their tents on the wet ground. Fires were soon built, coffee made and nice fresh bread served out, which was brought to us by the Commissary Department at the fort. As Mrs. B. and 1 had a little respite at this particular juncture, we set about visiting the contrabands. They occupied a long row of board bL'.'lilings near the fort. The men were emoloyed in load- ing aiiu unloading Government vessels, and the women were busily engaged in cooking and washing. ISo language can describe the joy of these men and women at be- ing liberated from b(;ndiigc. As the Jews of old were looking for the promised Messiah, so the slaves universally regarded the advent ol' the Northern army as th2 harbinger of their deliverance. Mr. A. relates the following anecdote, illustrative of this fact, which took place at the battle of Kewberne: "A slaveholder, breath- JeHt' with terror, spurred his horse to his utmost speed past his own bouse, not venturing to stop. Just then a shell, with its terrific, !n -.4 ,,,^j..,^ T.' .,-:i ■,'•,"■?' ■'•(.■•'■-I?' i' f. ?• ••:; ! » J ■■x' TV.;-r :,-..""M' •ADVENTURES OF A WOMAN AS A UNION SOLDIER. 35 ** Tben there is another class of mules which always have a jolly, cheer-up look about them. They take everything good uaturedly, from cudgelling to caressing, and march along with a roguish twinkle in their eye which is very interesting." One morning, as I was just recovering from fever and ague, Jack, our faithful colored boy, made his appearance at the door of my tent; touching his hat in the most approved military style, and handed me a letter bearing my address, saying, as lie did so : " Dahs a box at de 'spress office for you. May I run and fotch it? " I said, " Oh, yes. Jack, you may bring it, but be careful and keep the cover on ; there may be chickens in it." In the meantime I opened my letter, from which I make the fol- lowing extract : " Having learned your address through Mrs. L— — , whose ion was killed at the battle of Bull Run, we send you a dona- tion in token of\)ur respect and esteem and of our gratitude for your faithfulness on the field and in the hospital." While Mrs. B. find I were speculating with regard to the contents of the box, Jack's woolly head reappeared in the doorway, and the subject of our curiosity was before us. " Dah it be, and mity heavy, too. Guess it mus' be from ." So saying, young hopeful dis- appeared. The box was soon opened, its contents examined and commented upon. First came a beautiful silk and rubber reversible cloak, which could be folded into such a small compass that it could be put into an ordinary sized pocket, and a pair of rubber boots. Then came a silver-mounted revolver, belt and miniature cartridge-box. But the greatest piece of perfection I ever saw came in the shape of a " housewife. " It was lined and covered with oil silk, and my, name printed on it in gilt letters, above which was an eagle, and below was the following inscription : "A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand ; but it shall not come nigh thee." Then came pocket-handkerchiefs, gloves, and other articles too numerous to mention. Last, not least, was found in fche bottom, stowed away in one cor- ner, two bottles of the best currant win^a nice jar of jelly, and a^ large loaf of cake, frosted and mottoedi^Bie style. This cake was certainly a great curiosity. It was^^^^^^tory cake, with three doors made to slide back by gently^^^^^Hbell-handle which was made of rosettes of red, white an dj To the first bell-cord was att^^^^^^^^^HL gold ring, to the second a ten dollar gold piece, ^^^^^^^^^^nnd last a small- sized hunter-cased gold watch ^^^^^^^^^^^V. revelations I began to feel as if my humble t^^^^^^^^^^^Bj^nted palace, and that all I should have to d^^^^^^^^^^^^AkLrub that '^^i'^m-i ■^^ t,-^.r^ w^v;.w: •^•■*^ ■;V%/v'\;>-,:^,*:*^:i '':^, SV'f &!■■ M': 'M. ^s%fn mmi 'It'iM^?!^^ IIt^^'Ij^W'^*^' ^■y^'^^;^| '"^i^ W. ^'■■ *f».:^ ■,;■{!?: j.::^-:/.?i. .^^« vt.r. ■■^,<: ."* :>A:i3xy. ';^v;a.. =- -'i^- VA -' *';■: 'iwil ^'l^'-.-i fS vA>;*- 7M:^^-.^"Mv;^; ADVENTURES OF A WOMAN AS A UNION SOLDIEE. 35 *'Tben there is another class of mules which always have a jolly, cheer-up look about them. They take everything good naturedly, from cudgelling to caressing, and march along with a roguish twinkle in their eye which is very interesting." One morning, as I was just recovering from fever and ague, Jack, our faithful colored boy, made his appearance at the door of my tent, touching his hat in the most approved military style, and handed me a letter bearing my address, saying, as he did so : " Dahs a box at de 'spress office for you. May I run and fotch it? " I said, " Oh, yes. Jack, you may bring it, but be careful and keep the cover on ; there may be chickens in it." In the meantime I opened my letter, from which I make the fol- lowing extract : " Having learned your address through Mrs. L , whose son was killed at the battle of Bull Hun, we send you a dona- tion in token of our respect and esteem and of our gratitude for your faithfulness on the field and in the hospital." AVhile Mrs. B. and I were speculating with regard to the contents of the box, Jack 's woolly head reappeared in the doorway, and the subject of our curiosity was before us. " Dah it be, and raity heavy, too. Guess it mus' be from ." So saying, young hopeful dis- appeared. The box was soon opened, its contents examined and commented upon. First came a beautiful silk and rubber reversible cloak, which could be folded into such a small compass that it could be put into an ordinary sized pocket, and a pair of rubber boots. Then came a silver-mounted revolver, belt and miniature cartridge-box. But the greatest piece of perfection I ever saw came in the shape of a " housewife."' It was lined and covered with oil silk, and my name printed on it iti gilt letters, above which was an eagle, and below was the following inscription: "A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand ; but it shall not come nigh thee." Then came ])ocket-haudkerchief£, gloves, and other articles too numerous to mention. Last, not least, was found in the bottom, stowed away in one cor- ner, two bottles of the best currant wine, a nice jar of jelly, and a large loaf of cake, frosted and mottoed in fine style. This cake was certainly a great curiosity. It was a three-story cake, with three doors made to slide back by gently pulling a bell-handle which was made of rosettes of red, white and blue ribbon. To the first bell-cord was attached a splendid gold ring, to the second a ten dollar gold piece, and to the third and last a small- sized hunter-cased gold watch and chain. At such revelations I began to feel as if my humble tent had become an enchanted palace, and that all I should have to do in the future would be to rub that 36 NURSE AND SPY. mysterious ring, and the genii would appear, ready to supply all my ■wants. "We commenced to divide the spoils, Mrs. B. positively asserting that she had no right to any part of the donation, and I telling her that in all probability it was all intended for her, and through one of those " slight mistakes " it was directed to me. The news of this wonderful box soon spread through camp, and the result was that we had a surprise party as soon as evening came. Chaplain B. taking the opportunity of making some very appropri- ate remarks on the occasion. Then came the band to serenade us, and the consequence was that our cake aud wine disappeared with our numerous friends, for we found that all were willing to obey the scriptural injunction, "Take a little wine," etc. Chaplain B. is a very worthy, zealous, faithful minister, and I have spoken very highly of him, but perhaps in doing so I have given the impression that all Chaplains are good and faithful. I am very sorry to state that it is not so. There ars some who have no fitness for their work, and some a disgrace to their profession. I think I am safe in saying that one bad Chaplain will do more harm in a regiment than a hundred good men can counteract If there is any place on earth where fuithful ministers are needed more than another, it is in the army — it is in the hospital. But may God have mercy upon those who go there whose object is dollars and cents, who neglect their duty and fill the places which should be occupied by Christ-like heralds of the cross who love the souls of their fellow men. I think the words of the Savior are particularly applicable to some of the Chaplains of the army when He says: " Woe unto you hypocrites ! for ye shut up the kingdom of heaven against men,'' etc. I conversed with many in the army upon the subject of religion, who told me that the conduct of certain Chaplains had more in- . fluence in keeping them away fram the Savior than all the com- bined forces of the evil one. Such Chaplains are there through political influence, regardless of qualifications. Some persons tried very^wd to get up the general belief that the army was terribly demoij there must inevitably never propagated, where is there a is not to be found, influence daily Although and other evi] lovely in its best estate, and all who go to vice, but a greater slander was oubtedly vice in _the army, but hroughout the North where vice he tide of moral and religious tit? ugh, and much drunkenness ^ there is much that is pure, ter of both officers and m6a. *' ADYENTURES OF A WOMAN AS A UNION SOLDIER. 37 •*I can speak of that I do know, and testify of that which I have seen," and I am free to say that I think the morals of the majority of the men were quite as good if not better than you would find among the same number at home, made up of all classes as ^ve find them in the army. CHAPTER VI. ' The March to Yorktown — Camp Cookery — Arrival of Trains — Assaults oa Our Outposts— Yorktown and Vicinity — A Strange Hostess — A Conver- sion — A Great Grief. On to Richmond once more resounded through the camp, and the army was again in motion. The Yorktown road is one long to be remembered, especially by those who that day had to toil through its mud and mire, or, by making a mis-step, fall into one of the yawning chasms from which some unfortunate mule had been drawn. The rain had continued almost all the time we were encamped at Hampton, " saturating the clayey soil, which soon became a vast bed of mortar under the artillery trains." The distance from Hampton to Yorktown is about 23 miles, and it required all the determination and energy of veterans to march half that distance in a day. With two days' rations in their haver- sacks the men marched until they arrived in front of Yorktown, where they bivouacked on the ground, over which the water was running like a flood. We remained three days in that condition, and it was the first time I ever saw anything like scarcity of food in the army. It was scarce, indeed, for we were only supplied with two days' rations on starting from Hampton. The fifth day had arrived, but no provisions had yet appeared, and it seemed morally impossible to get a supply train over the road. Mile after mile of corduroy bridge had to be made before a team dart venture to approach. Our horses, too, were as badly off for forage as the men were for provisions. On the fifth day, with sev- eral others, I received permission to go out and buy what we could at the houses anywhere within three miles of our encampment. After procuring a quantity of buscuit, pies and cornbread we re- turned to camp, and were quite surprised to find the boys engaged in cutting up and cooking fresh steak. We thought, of course, our provisions bad arrived, but found that it was only a little dash they 36 NURSE AND SPY. mysterious ring, and the genii would appear, ready to supply all my ■wants. "We commenced to divide the spoils, Mrs. B. positively asserting that she had no right to any part of the donation, and I telling her that in all probability it was all intended for her, and through one of those "slight mistakes" it was directed to me. The news of this wonderful box soon spread through camp, and the result was thpt we had a surprise party as soon as evening came. Chaplain B. taking the opportunity of making some very appropri- ate remarks on the occasion. Then came the band to serenade us, and the consequence was that our cake and wine disappeared with our numerous friends, for we found that all were willing to obey the scriptural injunction, "Take a little wine," etc. Chaplain B. is a very worthy, zealous, faithful minister, and I have spoken very highly of him, but perhaps in doing so I have given the impression that all Chaplains are good and faithful. I am very sorry to state that it is not so. There are some who have no fitness for their work, and some a disgrace to their profession. I think I am safe in saying that one bad Chaplain will do more harm in a regiment than a hundred good men can counteract. If there is any place on earth where fuithful ministers are needed more than another, it is in the army — it is in the hospital. But may God have mercy upon those who go there whose object is dollars and cents, who neglect their duty and fill the places which should be occupied by Christ-like heralds of the cross who love the souls of their fellow men. I think the words of the Savior are particularly applicable to some of the Cbaplaius of the army when He says: " Woe unto you hypocrites! for ye shut up the kingdom of heaven against men,'' etc. I conversed with many in the army upon the subject of religion, wlio told me that the conduct of certain Chaplains had more in- fluence in keeping them away frara the Savior than all the com- bined forces of the evil one. Such Chaplains are there through political influence, regardless of qualifications. Some persons tried very hard to get up the general belief that the army was terribly demoralized in its best estate, and all who go there must inevitably plunge into vice, but a greater slander was never propagated. There was undoubtedly vice in the army, but where is there a city or community throughout the North where vice is not to be found, notwithstanding the tide of moral and religious influence daily brought to bear against it ? Although the outer man appears rough, and much drunkenness and other evils exist in the army, yet there is much that is pure, lovely and of good report in the character of both officers and men. ADYENTURES OF A WOMAN AS A UNION SOLDIER. 37 **I can speak of that I do know, and testify of that which I have seen,*' and I am free to say that I think the morals of the majority of the men were quite as good if not better than you would find among the same number at home, made up of all classes as we find them in the army. ; CHAPTER VI. The March to Yorktown— Camp Cookery— Arrival of Traias— Assaults oa Onr Oatposts— Yorktown and Viciuitj^ — A Strange Hostess — A Conver- sion — A Great Grief. On to Richmond once more resounded through the camp, and the army was again in motion. The Yorktown road is one long to be remembered, especially by those who that day had to toil through its mud and mire, or, by making a mis-step, fall into one of the yawning chasms from which some unfortunate mule had been drawn. The rain had continued almost all the time we were encamped at Hampton, " saturating the clayey soil, which soon became a vast bed of mortar under the artillery trains." The distance from Hampton to Yorktown is about 23 miles, and it required all the determination and energy of veterans to march half that distance in a day. With two days' rations in their haver- sacks the men marched until they arrived in front of Yorktown, where they bivouacked on the ground, over which the water was running like a flood. . We remained three days in that condition, and it was the first time I ever saw anything like scarcity of food in the army. It was scarce, indeed, for we were only supplied with two days' rations on starting from Hampton. The fifth day had arrived, but no provisions had yet appeared, and it seemed morally impossible to get a supply train over the road. Mile after mile of corduroy bridge had to be made before a team dare venture to approach. Our horses, too, were as badly off for forage as the men were for provisions. On the fifth day, with sev- eral others, I received permission to go out and buy what we could at the houses anywhere within three miles of our encampment. After procuring a quantity of buscuit, pies and corubread we re- turned to camp, and were quite surprised to find the boys engaged in cutting up and cooking fresh steak. We thought, of course, our provisions had arrived, but found that it was only a little dash they 3d NURSE AND SPY. had just made upon the "chivalry's" cattle, appropriating them to their own use with a sort of earnestness which seemed to say, I firmly believe in the old proverb. Aide toi, et le del t'aidem. Oh, what a place the army is for the study of human nature ! As I looked around upon that mass of busy men I thought I could dis- cover almost every trait in the human character depicted upon their countenances. There was the selfish man, only intent upon serving himself, and fearing there would not enough come to his share to satisfy his wants. . There was old churlish Nabal away by himself building a fire for his own especial benefit, and which " no man dare approach unto,'' no, not within baking, broiling or roasting distance, not even to get a coal to kindle one lor himself. But that class, thank heaven, was a very small minority. There, too, was the cheerful, happy man, who had been several hours engaged in cutting up and serving out to others, and had no lot or part in the broiled steaks which were smoking around him, yet he looked as good natured as if he had dined on roast beef and plum pudding. There was another character — one who always made it the first duty, under all circumstances, to look after those who were not able to look after themselves. While the little trials of camp life have a tendency to harden and sour the dispositionsof some, they seem to bring to light and develop the cheerful, happy, unselfish spirit of others. The despondency of the few was soon removed and the patience and cheerfulness of the many rewarded by the arrival of the pro- vision and baggage trains. We exchanged our camp for one in a more pleasant locality, where there was more wood and not quite so much water, which added much to the comfort of the troops. The enemy soon found out our position and did not fail to inform us of the fact by frequently saluting us with an immense shell, which would burst over our heads or fall within a few rods — often within a few feet — of our tents. We remained in camp just one month, and, notwithstanding the ^nemy shelled us night and day, I never saw a man or beast injured by shot or shell in camp while we remained there. I presume many of my readers will remember seeing or hearing of the old saw-mill which stood near a peach orchard, and which the soldiers persisted in running, to the great annoyance of the rebels. That old saw-mill deserves to be immortalized in song as well as in history ;> and if it stood in any other than a ChristiaU land, it would undoubtedly become an object of idolatry. There it stood, within perfect range of the enemy's batteries, a target at which they never seemed tired of firing, while our brave soldiers risked their lives in sawing lumber for the purpose of laying ADVENTURES OF A WOMAN AS A UNION SOLDIER. S9 board floors in the hospital tents, to secure some degree of comfort for their poor sick comrades. Time after time was the mill set on fire b}' the explosion of shell, as they passed through it, but up would go some brave young hero, and stand in the very jaws of deatli, while his companions would hand him bucket after bucket of water to quench the flames. As soon as the fire was extinguished, the men resumed their labor, and the old mill steamed away with all its might, as if proud of the "Stars and Stripes " which waved from its summit, and of being per- mitted to show its patriotism and zeal for the glorious cause of i'ree- dora by working for good old " Uncle Sam " and his noble sons. Then it would give vent to its pent-up wrath in hisses and shrieks, bidding proud defiance to Jeff. Davis and his minions, who were try- ing in vain to stop its humane and patriotic eflbrts. For more than three weeks those brave men kept the steam up in that mill, until their object was accomplished, having to stop almost every half hour to repair the ravages of shot and shell. Notwith- standing the constant fire of the rebel batteries, the dilapidated ap- pearance of the mill from its effects, and the danger of the situation, yet not a man was killed in or about it, and not one wounded, to my knowledge. I remember one day passsing the mill in a great hurry, and it was well that I was in a hurry, for I had scarcely rode by it when I heard a terrific crash close at hand, which made my horse leap from the ground with terror. Upon turning round I saw that part of the smokestack had been carriad away, and the mill was on fire. I rode up to the door and inquired if any one was killed or injured; no, not a man was hurt, and the fire was soon subdued by the vigorous eflbrts of those sturdy soldiers, who looked as jolly over the disaster as |if it had really been a good joke. The rebels were beginning to make some desperate assaults upon our outposts ; they were driving in the advance pickets on our left wing, and making similar demonstrations along different parts of the line. They were evidently concentrating a large force behind their fortifications, and were determined to mjike a desperate resist- ance. Deserters came in bringing Richmond papers crowded with appeals to the Southern "chivalry," of which the following is a specimen : "The next few days may decide the fate of Richmond. It is either to remain the Capital of the Confederacy, or lo be turned over to the Federal Government as a Yankee conquest. The Capi- tal ia either ta be secured or lost> — it njay be feared not temporarily, and with it Virginia. Thenj if there is blood to be shed, let it be shed here; no soil of the Confederacy could drink it up more ac- ceptably, and none would bold it more grateful!}'. Wife, family 40 NURSE AND SPY. 1 and friends are nothing. Leave them all for one glorious hour to be devoted to the Republic. Life, death and wounds are nothing if we only be saved from the fate of a captured and humiliated Confeder- acy. Let the Government act ; let the people act. There is time yet. If fate comes to its worst, let the ruins of Richmond be its raost lasting monument." Gen. McClellan's dispatch to the War Department will best de- scribe the state of affairs at this time in Yorktown and vicinitv. He says : "The whole line of the Warwick, which really heads within a mile of Yorktown, is strongly defended by detached redoubts and other fortifications, armed with heavy and light guns. The approaches, except at Yorktown, are covered by the Warwick, over which there is but one, or at raost, two passages, both of which, are covered by strong batteries. All the prisoners state that Gen. J. E. Johnston ar- rived at Yorktown yesterday, with strong reinforcements. It seems clear that I shall have the whole force of the enemy on my hands, probably not less than 100,000 men, and possibly more. " Under the circumstances which have been developed since we arrived here, I feel fully impressed with the conviction that here is to be fought the great battle that is to decide the existing contest. I shall, of course, commence the attack as soon as I can get up my siege train, and shall do all in my power to carry the enemy's works ; but to do this with a reasonable degree of certainty requires, in my judgment, that I should, if possible, have at lea^ the whole of the First Corps to land upon the Severn River and attack Gloucester in the rear. My present strength will not admit of a detachment sufficient for this purpose without materially impairing the efficiency of this col- umn." While these preparations were going forward on both sides. Pro- fessor Lowe was making balloon reconnoissances and transmitting the result of his observations to Gen. McClellan by telegraph from his castle in the air, which seemed suspended from the clouds, re- minding one of the fabled gods of old looking down from their ethereal abodes upon ihe conflicts of the inhabitants of this mundane sphere. One of the officers one day playfully remarked: "Profes- sor, I am always sorry wlien I see you descend "with your balloon." " Why are you sorry. Colonel ? Would you wish to see me sus- pended between Heaven and earth all the time?" "Oh, no, not that ; but when I see you coming down, I am afraid you will never get so near Heaven again." I was often sent out to procure supplies for tile hospitals, butter, eggs, milk, chickens, etc., and in my rambles I used to meet with many interesting adventures. In some instances I met with narrow es- capes with my life, which were not quite so interesting ; and the AiV: ADVENTURES OF A WOSIAN AS A UNION SOLDIER 41 tirrijely appearance of ray revolver often rescued nie from the hands of the female rebels' of the Peninsula. Persons dwelling in regions in which slavery has not debased can hardly imagine the malice and ferocity manifested by the rebel vixens of the slave states. Upon this point the testimony from all parts of the South is invariable. The Louisville Journal says : "Thousands have read with astonishment the account which his- torians give of the conduct of women in Paris during the Reign of Terror. The women are said to have been more fierce and blood- thirsty than even the fiercest and most bloodthirsty of the mem Many of our people have supposed that the accounts given of those things must surely be fictions or exaggerations. They have felt themselves unable to conceive that woman's nature could become a thing so utterly revolting. But if they will look and listen in this region, at the present time, they will find that they have no further reason for incredulity or skepticism. The bitter and ferocious spirit of thousands of rebel women in Kentucky, Tennessee and other States is scarcely, if at all, surpassed by the female monsters that shrieked and howled for victims in the French Revolution." I will here relate a little incident illustrative of the peculiarity of my adventures while on this catering business: One morning I- started, all alone, for a five mile ride to an isolated farmhouse about three miles back from the Hampton road, and which report said was well supplied with all the articles of which I was in search. I cantered along briskly until I came to a gate which opened into a lane leading directly to the house. It was a large, old-fashioned two-story house^ with immense chimneys built outside, Virginia style. The farm appeared to be in good condition, fences all up, a rare thing on the Peninsula, and cornfields flourishing as if there were no such thing as war in the land. -p-; I rode up to the house and dismounted, hitched my horse to a post at the door, and proceeded to ring the bell. A tall, stately lady made lier appearance, and invited me inWith piuch apparent . courtesy. She was dressed in deep mourning, which was very be- coming to her pale, sad face. She seemed to be about 30 years of age, very prepossessing in appearance, and evidently belonged to one of the **F. F. Vs." As soon as I was seated she inquired : "To what fortunate circumstance am I to attribute the pleasure of this unexpected call ? " I told her in a few words the nature of my business. The intelli- gence seemed to cast a deep shadow over her pale features, which all her efforts could not control. She seemed nervous and excited, and something in her appearance aroused my suspicion, notwith- standing her blandness of manner and ladylike deportment. She invited me into another room^ while she prepared the articles ! }^ r ii' /^' ADVENTURES OF A WOMAN AS A UNION SOLDIEE. 45 dismounted, and took the pistol wliicli lay beside her, and placing it in my belt, proceeded to take care of her ladyship. I unfastened the end of my halter-strap and tied it painfully tight around her right wrist, and remounting my horse I started, and brought the lady to consciousness by dragging her by the wrist two or three rods along the ground. I stopped, and she rose to her feet, and with wild entreaties she begged me to release her, but in- stead of doing so I presented a pistol, and told her that if she uttered another word or scream she was a dead woman. In that way I suc- ceeded in keeping her from alarming any one who might be within calling distance, and so made my way toward McCIellan's Head- quarters. After we had. gone in that way about a mile and a half I told her that she might ride if she wished to do so, for I saw that she Avas becoming weak from loss of blood. She was glad to accept the offer, and I bound up her hand with ray handkerchief, gave her my scarf to throw over her head, and assisted her to the saddle. I I marched along beside her, holding tight to the bridle rein all the 1 while. When we were about a mile from McCIellan's Headquarters she fainted, and I caught her as she was falling from the horse. I laid ler by the roadside while I went for some water, which I brought [in my hat, and after bathing her face for some time she recovered. For the first time since we started I entered into conversation with her, and found that within the last three weeks she had lost her father, husband and two brothers in the rebel army. They had all belonged to a company of sharpshooters, and were the first to fall. She had been almost insane since the intelligence reached her. She said I was the first Yankee that she had seen since the death of her relatives, the evil one seemed to urge her on to the steps she had taken, and if I would not deliver her up to the military powers, she would go with me and take care of the wounded. She even proposed to take the oath of allegiance, and seemed deeply penitent. "If thy brother (or sister) sin against thee, and repent, forgive him," are the words of the Savior. I tried to follow their sacred teachings there and then, and told her that I forgave her fully if she was only truly penitent. Her answer was sobs and tears. Soon after this conversation we started for camp, she weak and humble, and I strong and rejoicing. None ever knew from that day to this the secret of that Secesh woman becoming a nurse. In- stead of being taken to Gen. McCIellan's Headquarters she went direct to the hospital, where Dr. P. dressed her hand, which was causing her extreme pain. The good old Surgeon never could solve the mystery connected \iith her hand^ for we both refused to answer any questions relating ADVENTURES OF A WOMAN AS A UNION SOLDIER. 45 dismounted, and took the pistol which lay beside her, and placing it in my belt, proceeded to take care of her ladyship. I unfastened the end of ray halter-strap and tied it painfully tight around her right wrist, and remounting my horse I started, and brought the lady to consciousness by dragging her by the wrist two or three rods along the ground. I stopped, and she rose to her feet, and with wild entreaties she begged me to release her, but in- stead of doing so I presented a pistol, and told her that if she uttered another word or scream she was a dead woman. In that way I suc- ceeded in keeping her from alarming any one who might be within calling distance, and so made my way toward McClellan's Head- quarters. After we had gone in that \7ay about a mile and a half I told her that she might ride if she wished to do so, for I saw that she was becoming weak from loss of blood. She was glad to accept the offer, and I bound up her hand with my handkerchief, gave her my scarf to throw over her head, and assisted her to the saddle. I marched along beside her, holding tight to the bridle rein all the while. When we were about a mile from McClellan's Headquarters she fainted, and I caup;ht her as she was falling from the horse. I laid her by the roadside while I went for some water, which I brought in my hat, and after bathing her face for some time she recovered. For the first time since we started I entered into conversation with her, and found that within the last three weeks she had lost her father, husband and two brothers in the rebel army. They had all belonged to a company of sharpshooters, and were the first to fall. She had been almost insane since the intelligence reached her. She said I was the first Yankee that she had seen since the death of her relatives, the evil one seemed to urge her on to the steps she had taken, and if I would not deliver her up to the military powers, she would go with me and take care of the wounded. She even proposed to take the oath of allegiance, and seemed deeply penitent. " If thy brother (or sister) sin against thee, and repent, forgive him," are the words of the Savior. I tried to follow th'eir sacred teachings there and then, and told her that I forgave her fully if she was only truly penitent. Her answer was sobs and tears. Soon after this conversation we started for camp, she weak and humble, and I strong and rejoicing. None ever knew from that day to this the secret of that Secesh woman becoming a nurse. In- stead of being taken to Gen. McClellan's Headquarters she went direct to the hospital, where Dr. P. dressed her hand, which was causing her extreme pain. The good old Surgeon never could solve the mystery connected with her hand, for we both refused to answer any questions relating n/ ■■}l- ■::'-' .■ ::.-;j^ I 46 NUBSE AND SPY. to the wouna, except tliat she was sliot by a Ya;ikec, which placed the Surgeon under obligalious to take care of the j»atieiit until she recovered, that is sav, as long us it was convenient for him to do so. The next day she returned to her house in an ambulance, ac- companied by a hospital steward, and brought away everytliing which could he made use of in the hospital?, and so took up her abode with us. She soon proved tlie genuineness of l;er conversion to the Federal faith by lier zeal for the cause which she had so recently espoused. CHAPTER Yir. A Lost Friend— Death of Lieut. Jnraos V. — His Bnnal — The Clravc by Night — My Vow — A SoLlier-Cliaplain — Recoj^uitiriij in lie ivcii — D,)uht.s and Di.ssatisfar'lion — Capture ol'a Spy — My Examinations at Ifeadiinarters. My Disguise as a Spy — lam Metainoiphoseii into a Contrabai:d — Hiidii as a Cook — Biscnit jSIakiiig— The Doctor's Tea. Returning one day from an excursion. I found the camp aim s aeserted and an unusual silence pervading all around. Upoii look ing to the right and left to discover the cause of so much qu'eincsp, I saw a procession of soldiers slowly winding their way from a peach orchard, where tliey had just dep-osited the remains of a comrade. Who could it have been? I did not dare to go and meet them to inquire, but I waited in painful suspense until the procession came up, with arms reversed. With satl i'aces and slow and measiired tread they returned in order as they had gone. I stepped furwad and inquired whom they had buried. "Lieut. James V., " was the reply. My friend! They had buried him, and I had not seen him! I went to my tent without uttering. a word. I felt as if it could not be possible that what I heard was true. It must have been some one else. I did not inquire how, when, or wliere he had been killed. but there I sat with tearless eyes. Mr. and Mrs. B, came in, she sobbing aloud, he calm and dignified, but with tears slowly roiling down his face. Lieut. V. was 32 years of age. He was tall, had black, wavy hair, and large, black eyes. He was a sincere Chri.«t-an, active in all the duties devolving upon a Christian soldier, and was greatjy beloved both by ofiicers and men. His loss was deeply felt. His heart, though brave, wa^ tender as u woman's. He wm noble and generous, and had the highest regard for truth and law. Although gentle and kind to all, yet he had an indomi'.ablc spirit and a pecu- -( :>■' "rjf;l„- ADVENTURES OF A WOMAN AS A UNION SOLDIER. 47 liar courage and daring, which almost amounted to recklessness in time of danger. He was not an American, but was born of English parents, and was a native of St. John, New Brunswick. I had known him almost from childhood, and found him always a faithful friend. When we met in the array we meb as strangers. The changes which five years had wrought, and the costume which I wore, together with change of name, rendered it impossible for him to recognize me. I was glad that he did not, and took peculiar pleasure in re- maining unrecognized. We became acquainted again, and a new friendship sprang up, on his part, for mine was not new, which was very pleasant, at least, to me. At times my position became very embarrassing, for I was obliged to listen tb a recapitulation of my own former conversations and correspondence with him, which made me feel very much like an eavesdropper. He bad neither wife, mother nor sister, and, like myself, was a wanderer from his native land. - There was a strong bond of sympathy between us, for we both believed that duly called us there, and were willing to lay down even life itself, if need be, in this glorious cause. Now he was gone, and I was left alone with a deeper sorrow in my heart than I had ever known before. Chaplain B. broke the painful silence by informing me how be had met his fate. He was acting in the capacity of Aid-de-Camp on Gen. C.'s staff. He was sent to carry an order from Headquarters to the officer in command of the outer picket line, and while riding along the line he was struck by a minie-ball, which passed through the temple, killing him instantly. His remains were brought to camp and prepared for burial. Without shroud or coffin, wrapped in his blanket, his body was committed to the cold ground. Night came at last with its friendly mantle, and our camp was again hushed in comparative repose. Twelve o'clock came, but I could not sleep. Visions of a pale face and a mass of black, wavy hair, matted with gore, which oozed from a dark purple spot on the temple, haunted me. I rose up quietly and passed out into the open air. The Cool night breeze felt grateful to my burning brow, which glowed with feverish excitement With a hasty word of explanation I passed the camp guard, and was soon beside the grave of Lieut. V. The solemn grandeur of the heavens, the silent stars looking lovingly down tfpon that little heaped-up mound of earth, the death- like stillness of the hour, ©nly broken by the occasional booming of ^he epemy's cannron, all c|)mbined to make the scene awfully im- jpressiVe. ■ ^ ^ v ? I felt that I was not alone. I was in the presence of that "eatl» of Lieut. Jaiucs Y. — His Bnria! — The Or/ivo liy Night — My Vo'.v — A .Soldier-Chaplain — IkCcoguitif hj ia llcivcr. — Dj;>bl3 and Di&salisfac!ion — Cr.iit'.iic of a Spj- — My Examijintioiis at Hea(Ui;i:utc"«. My Disguise as a Spy — I am Metamorphosed iuto a Coatralxu;d — Flirtvi as a Cottk — F.iscHit Sralnng— The Doctor's Tea. Returning one day from an excursion, I found the camp aim ?: aeserteJ and an unusual silence pervading all around. Upon look- ing to the right and left to discover the cause of so much qnielness, I saw a procession of soldiers slowly winding their way from a peach orchard, where tiiey liad just deposited the remains of a comrade. Who could it have been? I did not dare to go and meet tlicm to inquire, but I waited in painful suspense until tlie procr«si.)n cziuc up, with arms reversed. With sad faces and slov; and mc-'asiired tread they returned in order as they had gone. I steppeti f(>r\vad and inquired whom they had buried. "Lieut. James V.,'" was t!ie reply. My friend! Tliey had buried him, and I had not seen him I I went to my tent without uttering a v.-ord. I felt as if it co'.:!d not be possible that what I heard was true. It must have been some one else. I did not inquire how, when, or where he hail been killed, but there I sat with teariesa eyes. Mr. and Mis. B. crime in, she sobbing aloud, he calm and dignified, but with tears slowiv roilin"- down, his face. Lieut. V. was 32 years of age. Pie was tall, liat regard for truth and law. Althougli gentle and kind to all. yet he had un indomilable Sjiirit and a pecu- ADVENTURES OF A WOMAN AS A UNION SOLDIER. 47 liar courage and darinsr, which almost amounted to recklessness in tiiiie of danger. He was not an American, but was born of Enghsh parents, and was a native of St. John, New Brunswick. I hiiJ known him almost from childhood, and found him always a faithful friend. When we met in the array we mcj a? strangers. Tiie changes which five years had wrought, and the costume wliich I wore, together "with chanM of name, rendered it impossible for him to recoi^nize nie. I was glad that he did not, and took peculiar pleasure in re- maining unrecognized. We became acquainted again, and a new friendship sprang up, pn his part, for mine was not new, which was very pleasant, at least, to me. At times mv position became very embarrassinsr, for I was obliged to listen to a recapitulation of my own formi;r conversations and correspondence with him, which made me feel very much like an eavesdropper. He had neither wife, mother nor sister, and, like myself, was a wanderer from his native land. There was a strong bond of sympath}' between us, for we both believed that duly called us there, and were willing to lay down even life itself, if need be, in this glorious cause; Now he was gone, and I was left alone with a deeper sorrow in my heart than I had ever known before. Chaplain B. broke the painful silence by informing me how he bad met his fate. He was acting in the capacity of Aid-de-Camp ou Gen. C's staff. He was sent to carry an order from Headquarters to the officer in command of the outer picket line, and while riding along the line he was struck by a mmie-ball, which passed through the temple, killing him instantly. His remains were brought io camp and prepared for burial. Without shroud or comn, wrapped in his blanket, his body was committed to the cold ground. Night came at last with its friendly mantle, and cur camp was again hushed in comparative repose. Twelve o'clock came, but I could not sleep. Visions of a pale face and a mass of black, wavy hair, matted with gore, which oozed from a dark purple spot on the temple, haunted me. I rose up quietly and passed out into the open air. The cool night breeze felt grateful to my burning brow, which glowed with feverish excitement. With a hasty word of explanation I passed the camp guard, and was soon beside the grave of Lieut. V. The solemn grandeur of the heavens, the silent stars looking lovingly down upon that little heaped-up mound of earth, the death- like stillness of the hour, only broken by the occasional booming of the enemy's cannon, all combined to make the scene awfully im- pressive. I felt that I was not alone. I was in the presence of that God Trho had summoned my friend to the eternal world, and the spirit " .-.■; . ■ --'-iiiW- * , I 48 NURSE AND SPY. , , ! . of the departed one was hoveriiig near, altliougli my dirn eyes could not penetrate the mysterious veil which hid him from my view. It was there, in that midnight hour, kneeling beside the grave of him who was very dear to me, that I vowed to aveuge the death of that Christian hero. I could now better understand the feelings of poor Nellie when she fired the pistol at me, because I was " one of the hated Yankees who was in sympathy with the murderers of her husband, father, and brothers." From this time forward I became strangely interested in the 15th chapter of First Corinthians, the doctrine of the resurrection, and the hope of " recognition of friends in heaven " became very precious to me. Just at this crisis I received a letter from a friend of mine at the North, disapproving in strong terras of my remaining any longer in the army, requesting me to give up my situation immediately, and to meet him in Washington two weeks from date. I regarded that friend's opinion very much, especially when they coincided with my own, but upon this point no two opinions could differ more ■widely than did ours. It is true I was becoming dissatisfied with my situation as nurse, and was determined to leave the hospital, but before doing so I thought it best to call a council of three, Mr. and Mrs. B. and I, to decide what was the best course to pursue. After an hour's conference together the matter was decided in my mind. Chap. B. told me that he knew of a situation he could get for me if I had sufficient moral courage to undertake its duties; and, said he, "it is a situation of great danger and. of vast re- sponsibility." That morning a detachm^t of the 37th N. Y. had been sent cut as scouts, and had returned bringing in several prisoners, who stated that one of the Federal spies had been captured at Rich- mond and was to be executed. This information proved to be cor- rect, and we lost a valuable soldier from the secret service of the United States. Now it was necessary for that vacancy to be supplied, and as the Chaplain had said with reference to it, it was a situation of great danger and vast responsibility, and this was the one which Mr. B. could procure for me. But was I capable of filling it with honor to myself and advantage to the Federal Government? This was an important question for me to consider ere I proceeded furthei*. I did consider it thoroughly, and made up my mind to accept it with all its fearful responsibilities. The subject of life and death was not weighed in the balance; I left that in the han^s of niy Creator, feeling assured that I was just as safe in parsing the ADVENTURES OP A WOMAN AS A UNION SOLDIER 49 picket lines of the enemy, if it was God's will that I should ga thore, as I would be in the Federal camp. My name was sent in to headquarters, aud I was soon summoned to appear there myself. Mr. and Mr.*. B. accompanied jne. We were ushered into the presence of Gens. McC, M. aud H., where I was questioned and cross- questioned v/ith regard to ray views of tlie rebellion aud my motive in wishinjj to engau'e in so perilous an undertaking. My views were freely given, my object briefly stated, and' I had passed trial number one. Next I was examined with regard to my knowledge of the use of fire-arms, and in that department I sustained my character in a manner worthy of a veteran. Then I was again cross-questioned, but tliis time by a new committee of military stars. Next came a phrenological examination, and finding that my organs of secretiveness, corabativeness, etc., were largely develope(i, the oath of allegiance was administered, and I was dismissed with a few complimentary remarks which made the good ]\Ir. B. feel quite proud of lus protec/e. This wns the third time that I had taken the oath of allegiance to the United States, and I began to think, as many of our soldiers do, tliat profanity had become a military necessity. I had ihree days in which to prepare for my debut into rebel' dom, and I commenced at once to remodel, transform and meta- morphose for the occasion. Early next morning I started for Fortress INIonroo, where I procured a number of articles indispens- ably necessary to a complete disguise. In the first place I pur- chased a suit of contraband clothing, real plantation style, and then I went to a barber and had my hair sheared close to my head. Next came the coloring process. Head, face, neck, hands and arms were colored black as any African, and then, to complete my contraband costume, I required a wig of real negro wool But how or where was it to be 'found? There was no such thing at the For- tress, and none short of Washington. Happily I found the mail-boat was about to start, and hastened on board, and finding a Postmaster with whom I was acquainted, I stepped forward to speak to him, forgetting. my contraband appearance, and was saluted with: • " Well, Massa Cuff, what will you have? " Said I : " Massa send me^to you wid dis yere money for you to' fotch him a darky wig from Washington." " What the does hewant of a darky wig?" asked the Post- master. " No matter; dat's my orders. Guess it's for some 'noiterin' busi- ness." " Oh, for reconnoitering, you mean. Ail right, old fellow; I will bring it, tell him." :> i ^ v v = f 48 NURSE AND SPY. of the departed one was hovering near, although my dim eyescouul not penetrate the mysterious veil which hid him from my view. It was there, in that midnight hour, kneeling beside the grave of him who was very dear to me, that I vowed to avenge the death of that Christian hero. I could now better understand the feelings of poor Nellie when she fired the pistol at me, because I was " one of the hated Yankees who was in sympathy with the murderers of her husband, father, and brothers." From this time forward I became strangely interested in the 15th chapter of First Corinthians, the doctrine of the resurrection, and the hope of " recognition of friends in heaven " became very precious to me. Just at this crisis I received a letter from a friend of mine at the Nohh, disapproving in strong terms of my remaining any longer in the army, requesting me to give up my situation immediately, and to meet him in "Washington two weeks from date. I regarded that friend's opinion very much, especially when they coincided with my own, but upon this point no two opinions could differ more widely than did ours. It is true I was becoming dissatisfied with my situation as nurse, and was determined to leave the hospital, but before doing so I thought it best to call a council of three, Mr. and Mrs. B. and I, to decide what was the best course to pursue. After an hour's conference together the matter was decided in my mind. Chap. B. told me that he knew of a situation he could get for me if I had sufficient moral courage to undertake its duties; and, said he, " it is a situation of great danger and of vast re- eponsibiiity." That morning a detachment of the 37th N. Y. had been sent out as scouts, and had returned bringing in several prisoners, who stated that one of the Federal spies had been captured at Rich- mond and was to be executed. This information proved to be cor- rect, and we lost a valuable soldier from the secret service of the United States. Now it was necessary for that vacancy to be supplied, and as the Chaplain had said with reference to it, it was a situation of great danger and vast responsibility, and this was the one which Mr. B. could procure for me. But was I capable of filling it with honor to myself and advantage to the Federal Government? This was an important question lor me to consider ere I proceeded furtiier. I did consider it thoroughly, and made up my mind to accept it with all its fearful responsibilities. The subject of life and death was not Weighed in the balance ; I left that in the hands of my Creator, feeling assured that I was just as safe in passing the ADVENTURES OP A WOMAN AS A UNION SOLDIER 49 picket lines of the enemy, if it was God's will that I should go there, as I would be in the Federal camp. My name was sent in to headquarter?, and I was soon smnmoned to appear there myself. Mr. and Mr?. B, accoin|iaijied me. We were ushered into the presence of Gen?. ISIcC, M. and H., where I was questioued and cross-questioned with re;;ard to mj' views of the rebellion and my motive in wishinj^ to engau;e in so perilous an undertaking. My views were freely given, ray object briefly staled, and I had passed trial number one. Next I was examined with regard to ray knowledge of the use of fire-arms, and in that department I sustained my character in a manner wortliy of a veteran. Then I was again cross-questioned, but this time by a new committee of military stars. Next came a phrenological examination, and nnding that my organs of secretiveness, combativeness, etc., were Largely develope<1, the oath of allegiance was administered, and I was dismissed with a few complimentary remarks which made the good Mr. B. feci quite proud of his protege. This WMS the third time that I had taken the oath of allegiance to the United States, and I began to think, as many of our soldiers do, that profanity iiad become a military necessity. I had ihrce days in which to prepare for my debut into rebel- dom, and I (.onimeiiced at once to remodel, transform and meta- morphijse for the occjvsion. Early next morning I started for Fortress itlonroe, where I procured a number of articles indispens- ably necessary to a complete disguise. In the first place I pur- chased a suit of contraband clothing, real plantation style, and then I wer.t to a barber and had my hair sheared close to my head. Next eaiiie liie coloring process. Head, face, neck, hands and arms were coh)red black as any African, and then, to complete my contraband costnme, I required a wig of real negro wool But how or where was it to be found? There was no such thins at the For- tress, and none short of Washington. Happily I found the mail-boat was ajbout to start, and hastened on board, and finding a Postmaster with whom I was acquainted, I step|:)ed forward to speak to him, forgetting my contraband appearance, and was saluted with : "Well, Massa Cuff, what will vou have? ' Said I : " Massa send me to you wid dis yere money for you to fotch him a darky wig from Washington." " What the does he want of a darky wig?" asked the Post- master. "No matter; dat's ray orders. Guess it's for some 'noiterin' busi- ness." " Ob, for reconnoitering, you mean. Ail right, old fellow; I will bring it, tell him." 50 NURSE AND SPY. I remained at Fortress Monroe until tlie Postmaster returned with the article which was to complete my disguise, and then returned to Yorktowu. On mv return I found ravself without friends — a striking illustra- tion of the frailty of human friendship. I had been forgotten in those three short days. I went to Mrs. B.'s tent and inquired if she wanted to hire a boy to take care of her horse. She was very civil to me, asked if I came from Fortress Monroe, and whether I could cook. She did not want to hire me, but she thought she could find some one who did require a boy. Off she went to Dr. E. and told him that there was a smart little contraband there who was in searcli of work. Dr. E. came along looliing as important as two-year-old doctors generally do. " Well, my boy, how much work can you do in a day? '' "Oh, I reckon I kin work right smart; kin do heaps o' work. Will you hire me, Massa? '' "Don't know but I may; can you cook?" , "Yes, Massa, kin cook anything I ebber seen." "How much do you think you can earn a month?" "Guess I kin earn ten dollars easy nuff." "Turning to Mrs. B. he said in an undertone : " That darky under- stands his business." " Yes^ indeed; I would hire him by all means, Doctor," said Mrs. B. " Well, if you wish, you can stay with me a month, and by that time I will be a better judge how much you can earn." So saying Dr. E. proceeded to give a synopsis of a contraband's duty toward a master of whom he expected $10 per month, especially emphasising the last clause. Then I was introduced to the culinary department, which comprised flour, pork, beans, a small portable stove, a spider, and a medicine-chest It was novv supper time, and I was supposed to understand my business sufficiently to prepare supper without asking any questions ■whatever, and also to display some of my boasted talents by making warm Ipiscuit for supper. ' But how was I to make biscuit with my colored hands ? and how dare I wash them for fear the color would wash off. ' All this trouble was soon put to an end, however, by Jack's mak- ing his appearance while I was stirring up the biscuit with a stick, and in his bustling, officious negro style he said : "See here, nig, you dpn't know nuffip 'hout raakin' bisket. Jis* let me show you once, and dat ar' will s^ve you heaps 0/ trouble iwid Massa Docfr for time to, cprae." ^ ' / . ; ^"^ r very Sviflingly accepted of tljis proffered assistance, for I had ill the! Jieiee^ary ingre^ieBtd iu the dishj witti ^prk-fat for shortening, trlSl^-- >. ADVENTURES OF A WOMAN AS A UNION SOLDIER. 51 nnd soda and cream-tartar, which I found in the medicine-chest, ready for kneading and rolling out. . After washing his hands and rolling up his sleeves, Jack went to work with a flourish and a grin of satisfaction at being " boss " over the new cook. Tea made, bis- cuit baked, and the medicine-chest set off with tin. cups, plates, etc., supper was announced. Dr. E. was much pleased with the general ai)pearance of things, and was evidently beginning to think that he Lad found rather an intelligent contraband for cook. : CHAPTER VIII. Jly First Secret Expedition — My Work Among Contrabands — Pickax, Shovel and Wheelbarrow- — Counting the Guns in a Rebel Fortification — A Change of Work — Carrying Water to the Rebel Soldiers — Geus. Lee and Johnsloa— The Rebel Force at Yorktown — A Council of War — Turning White Again — A gebel Spy — Lieut. V.'s Murderer — On Picket Duty — My Return to Our Lines — I Put on Uniform and Make My Report. After supper 1 was left to my own reflections, which were any- thing but pleasant at that time, for in the short space of three houra I must take up my line of march toward the camp of the enemy. As I sat there considering whether it was best for me to make my- self known to Mrs. B. before I started. Dr. E. put his head in at the tent door and said in a hurried manner: "Ned, I want you to black my boots to-night; I shall require them early in the morning." "All right, Massa Doct'r," said I; "I allers blacks de boots over night." After washing up the few articles which had taken the place of dishes, and blacking the Doctor's boots. I went to seek an interview with Mrs. B. I found her alone and told her who I was, but waa obliged to give her satisfactory proofs of my identity before she waa convinced that I was the identical nurse with whom she had parted three days previously. My aciangements were soon made, and I was ready to start on my first secret expedition toward the Confederate Capital. Mrs. B. was pTedgod to secrecy with regard to her knowledge of " Ned " and his mystefious disappearance. She was not permitted even to tell Mr. B. or Dr. E., and I believe she kept her pledge faithfully. With a few hard crackers in my pocket, and my revolver loaded and capped, I started on foot, without even a blanket or anything, which might create suspicion. At half-past 9 o'clock I passed 50 NUESE AND SPY. I remained at Fortress Monroe until the Postmaster returned with the article which was to complete my disguise, and then returned to Yorktown. On mv return I found mvself without friends— a strikin;; iliustra- lion of the frailty of human friendship. I had been forgotten in those three short days. I went to Mrs. B.'s tent and inquired if she wanted to hire a boy to take care of her horse. She was very civil to me, asked if I came from Fortress Monroe, and whether I could cook. She did not want to hire me, but she thought she could find some one who did require a boy. Off she went to Dr. E. and lold him that there was a smart little contraband there who was in search of woik. Dr. E. came along looking as important as two-year-old doctors generally do. " Well, my boy, how ranch work can you do in a day? '' "Oh, I reckon I kin work right smart; kin do heaps o' work. "Will you hire lue, Ma^sa? "' "Don't know but I mav; can vou cook?" "Yes, Massa, kin cook anything I ebber seen."' "How much do you tiiink vou can earn a month?" "Guess I kin earn ten dollars easy nuff." " Turning to Mrs. B. he said in au undertone : " That darky under- stands his business." "Yes, indeed; I would hire him by all means, Doctor," said Mrs. B. " Well, if you wish, you can stay with me a month, and by that time I will be a better jiiclge how much you can earn." So saying Dr. R proceeded to give a synopsis of a contraband's duty toward a master of v.honi he ex]:)ectcd SIO per month, especially emphasising the last clause. Then I was introduced to the culinary department, which comprised flour, pork, beans, a small portable stove, a spider, and a medicine-chest It was now supper time, and I was supposed to understand my business sufficiently to prepare supper without asking any questions whatever, and also to display some of my boasted talents by making warm biscuit for supper. But how was I to make biscuit with ray colored hands? and how dare I wash them for fear the color would wash off. All this trouble was soon put to an end, however, by Jack's mak- ing his appearance while I was stirring up the biscuit with a stick, and in his bustling, officious negro stvle he said : . "See here, nig, you don't know uuffin 'bout makin' bisket Jis' let me show you once, and dat ar' will save you heaps o' trouble wid : Massa Doct'r for time to come." , I very willingly accepted of this proffered assisrancc, for I hiid •_al;I the nece^ary ingredients iu the dish, with poik-fat for shortening, ADVENTURES OP A WOMAN AS A UNION SOLDIER. 51 and soda and cream-tartar, which I found in the medicine-chest, ready for kneadinj^ and rolling out. After washing bis hands and rolling up his sleeves, Jack went to work with a flourish and a grin of satisfaction at being " boss " over the new cook. Tea made, bis- cuit baked, and the medicine-chest set off with tin cups, plates, etc., supper was announced. Dr. E. was much pleased with the general appearance of things, and was evidently beginning to think that be Lad found rather an intelligent contraband for cook. CHAPTER Vlir. I.Iy First Secret Expedition— My Work Araoug Contrabands— Pickax, Shovel and Wheelbarrow — Counting the Guns in a Rebel Fortification — A Change of Work — Carrj-ing Water to the Rebel Soldiers— Gens. Lee and Johnston— The Rebel Force at Yorktown — A Council of War — Tnrning White Again— A Rebel Spy— Lieut. V.'s Murderer — On Picket Duty — My Retarn to Our Lines — I Put on Uniform and Make My Report. After supper I was left to my own reflections, which were any- thing but pleasant at that time, for in the short space of three hours I must take up ray line of march toward the camp of the enemy. As I sat there considering whether it was best for me to make my- self known to Mrs. B. before I started, Dr. R put his head in at the tent door and said in a hurried manner: "Ned, I want you to black my boots tonight; I shall require them early in the morning."' "All right, Massa Doct'r," said I; "I allers blacks de boots over night." After washing up the few articles which had taken the place of dishes, and blacking the Doctor's boots, I went to seek an interview with Mrs. B. I found her alone and told her who I was, but was obliged to give her satisfactory proofs of my identity before she was convinced tliat I was the identical nurse with whom she had parted three days previously. My arrangements were soon made, and I was ready to start on my first secret expedition toward the Confederate Capital. Mrs. B. was pledged to secrecy with regard to her knowledge of " Ned " and his mysterious disappearance. She was not permitted even to tell Mr. B. or Dr. E., and I believe she kept her pledge faithfully. With a few hard crackers in my pocket, and ray revolver loaded and capped, I started on foot, without even a blanket or anything -which might create suspicion. At half-past 9 o'clock I passed ^■^^ -^-/iiW "A 62 NUESE AND SPY. through the outer picket-line of the Union army ; at 12 o'clock I was within the rebel lines, and had not so much as been halted once by a sentinel. I had passed -within less than 10 rods of a rebel picket, and he had not seen me. I took this as a favorable omen, and thanked heaven for it. As soon as I had gone a safe distance from the picket-lines I lay down and rested until morning. The night was chilly and the ground cold and damp, and I passed the weary hours in fear and trembling. The first object which met my view in the morning was a party of negroes carrying out hot coffee and provisions to the rebel pickets. ■-- This was another fortunate circumstance, for I immediately made their acquaintance, and was rewarded for my promptness by receiving a cup of coffee and a piece of cornbread, -which helped very much to chase away the lingering chills of the preceding night. I remained there until the darkies returned, and then marched into Yorktown with them without eliciting the least suspicion. The negroes went to work immediately on the fortifications, after reporting to their overseers, and I was left standing alone, not hav- ing quite made up my mind what part to act next. I was saved all further trouble in that direction, for my idleness had attracted the notice of an officer, who stepped forward and began to interro- gate me after the following manner : " Wlio do you belong to, and why are you not at work ? " I answered in my best negro dialect : " I dusn't belong to nobody, Massa. I'se free, and allers was. I'se gwyne to Richmond to work." But that availed me nothing, for turning to a man who was dressed in citizen's clothes, and who seemed to be in charge of the colored department, he said: "Take that black rascal and set him to work, and if he don't work well tie him up and give him 20 lashes, just to impress upon his mind that there's no free niggers here while there's a Yan- kee left in Virginia." So saying he rode away, and I was conducted to a breastwork which was in course of erection, where about a hundred negroes were at work. I was soon furnished with a pickax, shovel and a monstrous wheelborrow, and I commenced forthwith to imitate my companions in bondage. That portion of the parapet upon which I was sent to work was about eight feet high. The gravel was wheeled up in wheelbarrows on single planks, one end of which rested on the brow of the breastwork and the other on the ground. I need not say that this work was exceedingly hard for the strongest man. But few were able to take up their wheelbarrows alone, and I was often helped by some good-natured darky when I .\Eas just,oa^:verge of tumbliog off tJoQ f^ankt AU day Jong I ADVENTURES OF A WOMAN AS A UNION SOLDIEE. 53 "worked in this manner, until my hands were blistered from my wrists to the finger ends. The colored men's rations were different from those of the sol- diers. They had neither meat nor coffee, while the white men liad both. "Whisky was freely distributed to both black and white, but not in sufficient quantity to unfit them for duty. The soldiers seemed to be as much in earnest as the officers, and could curse the Yankees with quite as much vehemence. Notwith- standing the hardships of the day I had had my eyes and ears open, and had gained more than would counterbalance the day's work. Night came, and I Avas released from toil. I was free to go where I pleased within the fortifications, and I made good use of my liberty. I made out a brief report of the mounted guns which I saw that night in my ramble round the fort ; viz, 15 three-inch rifled cannon, 18 four-and-a-half-inch rifled cannon, 29 32- pounders, 21 42-pounders, 23 eight-inch Columbiads, 11 nine-inch Dahlgrens, 13 ten-inch Columbiads, 14 ten-inch mortars and seven eight-inch siege howitzers. This, together with a rough sketch of the outer works, I put under the inner sole of my contraband shoe and returned to the negro-quarters. Finding ray hands would not be in a condition to shovel muck earth' on the morrow, I began to look round among the negroes to find some one who would exchange places with me wbose duty was of a less arduous character. I succeeded in finding a lad of about my own size who was engaged in carrying water to the troops. He said he would take my place the next day, and he thougkt he could find a friend to do the same the day followiag, for which brotherly kindness I gave him $5 in greenbacks, bHt he declared he could not take so much money — " he neber had so much money in all his life before." So by that operation I escaped the scrutiny of the overseer, which would probably have resulted in the detection of my assumed African complexion. The second day in the Confederate service was much pleasanter than the first. I had only to supply one brigade with water, which did not require much exertion, for the day was cool and the well was not far distant ; consequently I had an opportunity of lounging a little among the soldiers, and of hearing important subjects dis* cussed, In that way I learned the number of reinforcements which had arrived from different places, and also had the pleasure of seeing Gen. Lee, who arrived while I was there. It was whispered among the men that he had been telegraphed to for the purpose of inspect- ing the Yankee fortifications, as he was the best engineer in the Confederacy, and that he had prpnounced it impossible to hold Y^orktown after McClellan opened hie siege guns upon it. ' '^-^i.'fii-'i.x^^-jL . ■ ' ■'■^,; ■■-,»okJ!^--> -~;. 54 NURSE AND SPY. Then, too, Gen. J. E. Johnston was hourly expected with a por- tion of his command. Including all, the rebels cstimdted their force at 150,000 at Yorktown and in that vicinitv. When Johnston arrived a council of war was held, and things began to look gloomy. The report began to circulate that the town was to be evacuated. I noticed in the rebel army that they did not keep their soldiers in the dark as our officers did with regard to the movements and designation of the troops. When an order came to the Federal army requiring them to make some important move- ment, no person knew whether they were advancing or retreating until they got to Washington or in sight of the enemy's guns, ex- cepting two or three of the leading Generals. Having a little spare time I visited my eable friends and carried Eome water for them, and after taking a draft of the cool beverage, one young darky looked up at me in a puzzled sort of manner, and turning round to one of his companions, said : " Jim, I'll be darned if that feller ain't turnin' white. If he ain't, I'm no nigger." I felt greatly alarmed at the remark, but said, very carelessly : " Well, gem'in I'se allers 'spected to come white some time ; my niudder's a white woman." This had the desired effect, for they all laughed at my simplicity, and made no further remarks upon the subject. As soon as I could conveniently get out of sight I took a look at my complexion by means of a small pocket looking-glass which I carried for that very purpose, and sure enough, as the negro had said, I was really turning white. I was only a dark mulatto color now, whereas two days previous I was as black as Cloe. However, I had a small vial of nitrate of silver in weak solution, which I applied to prevent the remaining color from coming off. Upon returning to my post with a fresh supply of water I saw a group of soldiers gathered around some individual who was harangu- ing them in real Southern style. I went up quietly, put down my cans of water, and, of course, had to fill the men's canteens,, which required considerable time, especially as I was not in any particular hurry just then. I thought the voice sounded familiar, and upon taking a sly look at the speaker I recognized him at once as a ped- dler who used to come to the Federal camp regularly once every week withnews papers and stationery, and especially at Headquarters. He would hang round there, under some pretext or other, for half a day at a time. Tnere lie was, giving the rebels a full description of our camps and forces, and also brought out a map of the entire works of Mc- Clellan's position. He wound up his discourse by saying: " They lost a splendid officer through my means since I have been gone this time. It was a pity, though, to kill such a man, if v'4 ■■r^f-^i^-^-i^'^-,^ ADVENTURES OF A WOMA.N A 3 A UNION SOLDIER. 55 lie wag a Yankee." Then he -went on to tell how he had been at .. Headquarter?, and heard _Lieut. V. say that he was going to visit the picket line at such a time, and he had hastened away and in- . formed the rebel sharpshooters that one of the Headquarters officers, would be there at a certain time, and if they would charge on that, , portion of the line they might capture him and obtain some valu- : able information. Instead of this, however, they watched for his • approach and shot him as soon as he made his appearance. I tlianked God for that information. I would willingly have ; Avrought with those negroes on that parapet for two months, and have worn the skin off my hands half a dozen times, to have gained that single item. He was a fated man from that moment; his life was not worth three cents in Confederate scrip. Fortunately he did not know the feelinfrs tliat agitated, the heart of the little black urciiin who sat there so quietly filling those canteens, and it was well that he did not. On the evening of the third day from the time I entered the camp of the enemy I was sent, in company with the colored men, to carry supper to the outer picket posts on the right wing. This was just what I wished for, and had been making preparations during the da)', in view of the possibility of such an event, pro-: viding, among other things, a canteen full of whisky. - Some of the men on picket duty were black and some were white. i I had a great partiality for those of my own color, so calling out; several darkies I spread before them some corn-cake, and gave them- a little whisky for dessert. "While we were thus engaged the Yankee minie-balls were whistling round our heads, for the picket lines of - the contending parties were not half a mile distant from each other. The rnbel pickets did not remain together in groups of three or foul as our men do, but were strung along, one in eacb place, from. thrcy 10 four rods apart. I proposed to reman awhile with the. pickets, and the darkies returned to camp without me. Not long after night an officer came riding along the lines, and seeing me inquired what I was doing there. One of the darkies replied that I had helped to carry out their supper, and was waiting until the Yankees had stopped their firing before I started to go back. Turning to me he said, " You come along with me." I did as I was ordered, and he turned and went back the same way he came until he had gone about fifty rods, then halting in front of a petty officer he said, " Put this fellow on the post where that man was shot, until I returij." I was conducted a few rods f^rtlierj and then a rifle was put into my hands, which I was told to use freely in case I should, ae© any-^, thing or anybody approaching froin the enemy. Then followed the Hatteriug remark, after taking me by the coat-collar and giving :m^ 56 NUR&E AND SPY. nie a pretty hard shake: "Noav, you black rascal, if you sleep on your post I'll shoot you like a dog." "Oh, no, Ma$sa; Is too feerd to sleep," was my only reply. The night was very dark, and it was beginntng to rain. I was all alone now, but how long before the officer might return with some one to fill my place I did not know, and I thought the best thiijg I could do was to make good use of the present moment. After ascertaining as well as possible the position of the picket on each side of me, each of whom I found to be enjoying the shelter of the nearest tree, I deliberately and noiselessly stepped into the darkness, and was soon gliding swiftly through the forest toward the "Land of the Free," with my splendid rifle grasped tightly lest I should lose the prize. I did not dare approach very near the Federal lines, for I was in more danger of being shot by them than by the enemy ; so I spent the remainder of the night within bailing distance of our lines, and with the first dawn of morning I hoisted the well-known signal and was welcomed once more to a sight of the dear old Stars and Stripes. I went immediately to my tent. Mrs. B. was delighted at my return; she was the only person in camp who knew me. Jack was sent to the Quartermaster's with an order for a new suit of soldier's clothes. When he saw they were for me, on his return, he said : " Hi ! dat darky tinks he's some. Guess he don't cook no more for Massa Doct'r." After removing as ranch of the color as it was possible for soap a,nd water to do, my complexion was a nice maroon color, which my new costume phoyred off to good advantage. Had my own mother seen me then it would have been difficult to convince her of our relationship. I made out my report immediately and carried it to Gen. McClellan's Headquarters, together with my trophy from the land of traitors. I saw Gen. G. B., but he did not recognize me, and ordered me to go and tell A. to appear before him in an hour from that time. I returned again to my tent, chalked my face, and dressed in the same style as on examination day, went at the hour appointed, and received the hearty congratulations of the General. Do my friends wish to know how 1 felt in such a position and such a costume? I will tell them. I felt just as happy and com- fortable as it was possible for any one to be under similar circum- stances. I am naturally fond of adventure, a little ambitious, and a j?ood deal romantic, and this, together with' my devotion to the Federal cause and determination to assist to the utmost of my ability in crushing the re l)el lion, made me forget the unpleasant items, and uot onl/ endure, but really enjoy the privations connected with my Y ADVENTURES OF A WOMAN AS A UNION SOLDIER. 57 ' '■ ■■"».• , ■ ■■ perilous positions. Perhaps a spiiit of adventure was important, laut patriotism was the grand secret of my success. Being fatigued, and the palms of both my hands in raw flesh, I thought it best to wait a few days before setting out upon another adventure. While I was thus situated I made a point of becoming acquainted with Nellie, my rebel captive. She was trying to make herself use- ful in the hospital, notwithstanding her hand was very painful, often waiting ujx>n those who were sufiering less than she was herself. Her pale, pensive face and widow's weeds seemed to possess peculiar attractions for Dr. E., and her hand was a bond of mutual sympathy between them, and afforded many pretexts for a half hour's couver< gation. CHAPTER IX. ^ Evacnation of Yorktown— Onr Army on the Double-Qaick — Pursuit of the Fugitives— The Enemy's Works— A Battle— On the Field —A "Wounded," and Not Injured, Colonel— Carrying the Wounded — Fort Magrnder Si- lenced — The Victory Won— JBurying the Dead--Story of a Ring — Wound- ed Rebels — A Brave Young Sergeant — Christian Soldiers — A Soldier's Death-Bed — Closing Scenes — Last Words. ;• ' The next day the continuous roar of cannon all along the lines of the enemy was kept up incessantly. " Nor did it cease at night, for when darkness settled over the encampment, from the ramparts that stretched away from Yorktowu there were constant gushes of flame, while the heavy thunder rolled far away in the gloom." ^ A little after midnight the cannonading ceased, and a strancre silence rested upon hill and valley. The first dawn of day which broke peacefully over the landscape discovered to the practiced eye of Prof. Lowe that the intrenchraents of the enemy were deserted. The rebels had abandoned their stronghold during the night, and had fled toward Richmond. The news spread ti>roughout the Federal army like lightning. From right to left and from center to circumference the entire encampment was one wild scene of joy. Music and cheering were the first items in the program, and then came the following order: " Commandants of regiments will pi*epare to march, with two days* ratioiis, with the utmost liispatch. Leave, not to return." At abouteight o'clock in t lie morning our advance guard entered Yorktowji. . Thei» ^yere nearly 100 guns of different kinds and calibers and large qitantjities of ammuaition. The road pver which c^ NURSE AND SPY. the fugitive army passed during the night was beat up into mortar, knee deep, and was strewn with fragments of army wagons, tents and baggage. The Federal troops were in excellent spirits, and pushed on after the retreating army almost on the double-quick. In this manner they kept up the pursuit until toward evening, when the cavalry canie up with the rear-guard of the enemy about two miles from Williamsburg, where a sharp skirmish followed. Night came on and firing ceased. The rebels were behind their intrenchments, and our army bivouacked for thejiight. The cavalry and artillery forces were under command of Gen. Stonieraan ; Gens. Heintzelman, Hooker and Smith were in command of the advance column of infantry, while Gens. Kearny, Couch and Casey brought up the rear. The enemy's works were four miles in extent, nearly three-fourths of their front being covered by the tributaries of Queen's Creek and College Creek. The main works were a large fortification, called Fort Magruder, and 12 redoubts for field guns. The woods around and inside of those works were felled, and the ground was thickly dotted with rifle-pits. The battle commenced the next morning at 7:30 o'clock. Gen. Hooker began the attack. The enemy were heavily reinforced, and made a desperate resistance. Hooker lost a great number of men and five pieces of artillery before Kearny, Couch or Casey came up. The roads were a perfect sea of mud, and now it was raining in tor- rents. The roar of battle sounded all along the lines; the thunder of cannon and the crash of musketry reverberated through the woods and over tlie plain, assuring the advancing troops that their Companions were engaged in deadly strife. The thick growth of heavy timber was felled in all directions, forming a splendid ambush for the rebel sharpsliooters. The Unionists moved forward in the direction of the enemy's works, steadily, firmly, through ditch and swamp, mud and liiire, loading and firing as they \yent, and from ever>' tree, bush and covert which could conceal a man, the rebels poured a deadly fire into the ranks of our advancing troops. I was glad now that I had postponed my second visit to the enemy, for there was plenty of work for me to do here, as the ghastly faces of the wounded and dying testified. I was subject to all kinds of orders. One moment I was ordered to the front with a musket in my hands, the next to mount a horse and carry an order to some General, and very often to take hold of a stretdiier with some Strong man and- carry the woubded from the field. ■ J: . . ■ ' I remember one little incident in oonnectiou with my experience -V -a .. -. l 1 m f ADVENTURES OF A WOMAN AS A UNION SOLDIER. «< that day whicb I shall never forget; viz, Col. >- fell, and I ran to help put him on a stretcher and carry him to a place of safety, or wl)ere the Surgeons were, which was more than I was able to do without overtaxing my strength, for he was a very heavy man. A poor little stripling of a soldier and I carried him about a quarter of a mile through a terrific storm of bullets, and he groaning in a most piteous manner. We laid him down carefully at the Surgeon's feet, and raised him tenderly from the stretcher, spread a blanket and laid him upon it, then lingered just a moment to see whether the wound was mortal. The Surgeon commenced to examine the case. There was no blood to indicate w^here the wound was, and the poor sufferer was in such agony that he could not tell where it was. So the Surgeon ex- amined by piecemeal until he had gone through with a thorough examination, and there was not even a scratch to be seen. Dr. E. straightened himself up and said : " Colonel, you are not wounded at all; you had better let these boys carry you back asain." Tlje Colonel became indignant, and rose to his feet with the air of an insulted hero, and said: " Doctor, if I live to get out of this battle I'll call you to account for those words." To which Dr. E. replied with decision: "Sir, if you arc not with your regiment in 15 minutes I shall report you to Gen. H." I turned and left the spot in disgust, mentally regretting that the lead or slecl of the enemy had not entered the breast of one who seemed so ambitious of the honor without the effect. As I returned to my post I mnde up my mind in future to ascertain whether a man was wcv^ndod or not before I did anything for him. Ti'.e next I came to was Capt. Wm. R. M., of the — Mich. Hia leer was broken and shattered from the ankle to the knee. A9 we went to lift him on a stretciier he said : " Just carry me out of range of the guns, and then go back and look alter the boys. Mc and L. have fallen, and perhaps they are worse off than I am." Oh, how glad I was to hear those words from his lips. It con- firmed the opinion I had formed of him long before. He was one of my first acquaintances in the army, and, though he was a strict disciplinarian, I had watched his Christian deportment and kind and affectionate manner toward his men with admiration and in- terest. I believed him noble and brave, and those few words on the battlefield at such a moment spoke volumes for that faithful Cap- ' tain's heroism and love for his men. The battle was raging fiercely, the men were almost exhausted, the rebels were fighting like demons, and were driving our troops .^ .^ 60 NURSE AND SPY. back step by step, while the space between the two lines was literally covered with dead and wounded men and horses. One tremendous shout from the Federals rent the air and fairly shook the earth. We all knew in an instant, as if by intuition, what called forth such wild cheers from that weary and almost-overpowered army. " Kearny ! " was shouted enthusiastically along the Federal lines, while the fresh troops were hurled like thunderbolts upon the foe. One battery after another was taken from the enemy, and charge after charge was made upon their works, until the tide of battle was turned, Fort Magruder silenced, and the Stars and Stripes were floating in triumph over the rebel works. The battle was won, and victory crowned the Union arms. The rebels were flying precipitately from the field, and showers of bullets thick as hail followed the retreating fugitives. Night closed around us, and a darkness which almost equaled that of Egypt settled over the battlefield, and the pitiless rain came down in torrents, drench« ing alike the living and the dead. There lay upon that crimson field 2,228 of our own men, and more than that number of the enemy. It was indescribably sad to see our weary, exhausted men with torches, wading through mud to their knees, piloting the ambulances over the fields, lest they should trample upon the bodies of their fallen comrades. All night long we toiled in this manner, and when morning came still there were hundreds found upon the field. Those of the enemy were found in heaps, both dead and wounded piled together in ravines, among the felled timber, and in rifle-pits half covered with mud. Now the mournful duty came of identifying and burying the dead. Oh, what a day was that in the history of my life, as well as of thousands, both North and South. It makes me shudder now while I recall its scenes. To see those fair young forms Crushed by the war-horse tread, \ ' The dear and bleeding oues Stretched by the pUed-np dead. Oh, war, cruel war ! Thon dost pierce the soul with untold sor- rows, as well as thy bleed! n;r -tims with death. How many joyous * hopes and bright prospects :...:: thou blasted ? and how many hearts and homes hast thou made desolate? "As we think of the great wave of woe and misery surging over the land, we could cry out io .: very bitterness of soul, Oh, God, how long, how long? " > The dead lay in long rows on the field, their ghastly faces hid "it from view by handkerchiefs or the capes of their overcoats, while the faithful soldiers were digging trenches in which to bury the mangled \ bodies of the slain. I passed along the entire line and uncovered , :;-u„.-;s«».3 . 'i :^-f=^; ADVENTURES OP A WOMAN AS A UNION SOLDIER. 61 every face, in search of one who had given me a Small package the day before, when going into battle, telling me that if he should be killed to send it home ; and, said he, " here is a ring on my finger which I want you to send to . It has never been off my finger since she placed it there the morning I started for "Washington. If I am killed, please take it off and send it to her." I was now in search of him, but could find nothing of the missing one. At last I saw a group of men nearly half a mile distant, who also seemed to be engaged in burying the dead. I made my way toward them as fast as I could, but when I reached them the bodies had all been lowered into the trench, and they were already filling it up. I begged them to let me go down and see if my friend was among the dead, to which the kind-hearted boys consented. His body lay there, partially covered with earth ; I uncovered his face ; he was so changed I should not have recognized him, but the ring told me that it was he. I tried with all my might to remove the ring, bat eould not. The fingers were so swollen that it was impossible to get it off. In life it was a pledge of faithfulness from one he loved, ^' and in death they were not divided." The dead having been buried and the wounded removed to the churches and college buildings in Williamsburg, the fatigued troops sought repose. Upon visiting the wounded rebels I saw several whom I had met in Yorktown, among them the Sergeant of the picket-post who had given me a friendly shake and told me that if I slept on my post he would shoot me like a dog. He was pretty badly wounded, and did not seem to recognize me. % A little farther on a young darky lay groaning upon the floor, I went to look at him, and asked if I could do anything for him. I 'recognized in the distorted face before me the same darky who had befriended me at Yorktown, and to whom I had offered the $5 greenback. I assure my friends that I repaid that boy's kind- ness with double interest. I told Dr. E. what he had done for me when my hands turned traitors. He was made a special object of interest and care. • Some few of the rebel prisoners were gentlemanly and intelligent, and their countenances betokened a high state of moral culture. Many were low, insolent, bloodthirsty creatures, who " neither feai^ God nor regarded man,'' while others there were who seemed not to know enough to be either one thing or the other, but were simply living, breathing animals, subject to any order, and who would just as soon retreat as advance, so long as they did not have to fight. They did not care which way the battle went. On the whole there was a vast contrast between the Northern and Southern eoldiexs as they appeared in the h(^pit^ but^peihapa ^^il.^-^i^lCi: ^:.c LV^ -^ -.;,,■ .■ }!'■.- ^A'ii'ii.-A-^. 6S INURSE AND SPY. pre^dic^ had something to do in making the rebels appear so much inferior to our men. In passing through the college building I noticed a young Ser- geant, a mere boy, who was shot in the temple. He attracted my attention, and I made some inquiry coucerning iiim. He was a Federal, and belonged to the — Mass. An old soldier sitting by him told me the foUowintj: " That boy is not 16 yet.; he enlisted as a private, and has, by his bravery and good conduct, earned the three stripes which you see on his arm. He fought all day jestcrday like a young lion, leading charges again and again upon the enemy. After we lost our Captain and Lieutenants he took conr.uand of the company, and led it through the battle with the skill and courage of a yoimg Brigadier, until he fell stunned and bleeiling. "I carried him off" the field, but could not tell whether ha was dead or alive. I washed the blood from his face; the cold water had a salutary effect upon him, for when Hancock and Kearny had completed their work, and the cheers of victory rang over the bloody field, h.e was sufficiently revived to hear the inspiring tones of triunipli. " Leaping: to Itis feet, faint and sick as he wa?, he took up the shout of victory in unison with the conquerors on the field. But he had scarcely uttered the notes of victory and glory when his strength deserted him and he fell insensible to the ground." The old man added : "General says if he lives through this he will go into the next battle with shoulder straps on." I told him that I was glad that his wound was not mortal. He thanked me, and said with enthusiasm, "I would rather have been killed than to have lost the battle." There is one thing that I have noticed on the field of every battle that I have witnessed, viz: that the Christian man is the best soldier. Says a minister of the Gospel, writing upon this subject: "It is a common saying among the officers that, as a class, the men Tvho stand foremost when the battle rages are the Christian men. Many a time have I talked with them about such scenes, and they have told me that their souls have stood firm in that hour of strife, and that they have been perfectly calm. "I have had Christian Generals tell me this. I have heard Gen. Howard often say that in the midst of the most terrific portion of ilM battle, when his heart for a moment quailed, he would pause, lift up his soul to God and receive strength. 'And,' said he, 'I have gone through battles without a particle of fear, I have thought that Grod sent me to defend my country. I believed it was a Christian i. 0m ADVENTURES OF A WOMAH AS* A UNION SOLDIER. 63" duty to stand in the foremost of the fight, and why should I be afraid?'" I once heard an eminently f^'ous lady say that she never could reconcile the idea in her mind of a Christian going into the army to fight ; it Tvas so inconsistent with the Christian character that she was tempted to doubt the piety of all fishting men. I respect the lady's views upon the subject, but beg leave to differ from her, for ' ' I believe that a man can serve God just as acceptably in fighting the enemies of liberty, truth and righteousness with the musket down South as he can in the quiet pulpits of the North ; in fact, I am inclined to think he can do so a little more effectually in the former place. I only wish that there were more of our holy men willing to take up the carnal weapons of warfare, forego the luxuries of home, and, by setting examples worthy of emulation, both in camp and on the battlefield, thus strike a fatal blow at this unholy rebellion. The last night I spent in the hospital before leaving Williams- burg I witnessed the death of a Christian soldier, a perfect descrip- tion of which I find in the " Memorials of the War" : ** It was the hour of midnight, when the Chaplain was summoned to the cot of a wounded soldier. He had only left him an hour be- fore, with confident hopes of his speedy recovery-^hopes which wer^ shared by the Surgeon aftd the wounded man' himself. But a *ud-" den change had taken place, and the/Surgeon had come to say tSiat the man could live but an hour or two at most, and tb begHh^ Chaplain; to make the announcement to the dying man. He was soon at his side, but, overpowered by his ^mbtions, was utterly unabl^' to deliver his message* ' • "The dying man, however, quickly read the solemn truth in-tho altered looks of the Chaplain> his faltering voice and ambiguous' words. He had not before entertained a doubt of his recovery. He was expecting soon to see his mother, and with her kind nursing" soon to be well. He was, therefore, entirely nnprepared for the* announcement, and at first it was overwhelming. ; "'I am to die, then; and^how long ? ' As he had before ex- pressed hope in Christ, the Chaplain replied : ' You have made your peace with God; let death come as soon as it will. He will carry you safely over the river.' '• ' Yes ; but this is so awfully sudden, awfully sudden ! ' His lips quivered ; he looked up grievingly. 'And I shall no^ see my mother.' *** Christ is better than a mother,' murmured the Chaplain. •"Yes.' ■ - ■' 1 ■: . . ; ^ • ; T . . J f I ' The word 'came in a whisper. His eVes were dlosted ;' the lips'still ^ \Sfiii0 ihait Ag€ ia b ii » y '^i^ie^i as if the chastisement were too sore, too 64 2TURSE AND SPY. hard to be borne, but as the minutes passed and the soul lifted itself up stronger and more steadily upon the wings of prayer, the counte< nance grew calmer, the lips steadier, and when the eyes opened again there was a light in their depths that could have come only from heaven. ^ " ' I thank you for your courage,' he said more feebly, taking the Chaplain's hand. ' The bitterness is over now, and I feel willing to die. Tell my mother' — he paused, gave one sob, dry and full of the last anguish of earth — ' tell her how I longed to see her ; but if God will permit me I will be near her. Tell her to comfort all who loved me; to say that I thought of them all. Tell. my father that I am glad that he gave his consent Tell my minister, by word or letter, that I thought of him, and that I thank him for all his coun- sels. Tell him I find that Christ will not desert the pacing soul, and that I wish him to give my testimony to the living, that nothing is of real worth but the religion of Jesus ; and, now, will you pray with me?' " AVith swelling emotion and tender tones the Chaplain besought God's grace and presence ; then, restraining his sobs, he bowed down \ and pressed upon the beautiful brow, already chilled with the breath ■ i of the coming angel, twice, thrice, a fervent kiss. They might have been as tokens from the father and mother, as well as for himself. " So thought, perhaps, the dying soldier, for a heavenly smile touched his face with new beauty, as he said : 'Thank you; I won't trouble you any longer. You are wearied out ; go to your rest* 'The Lord God be with you ! ' was the firm response. 'Amen,' trembled from the fast whitening lips. " Another hour passed, still the Chaplain did not go to rest, but \ retired to an adjoining room. He was about to return to the bed- \ side of the dying when the Surgeon met him* and whispered softly, ' He is gone.' Christ's soldier had found the Captain of his salva- •• tion, and received his reward." ^ I i Tell my mother, when yora see her, That I fell amid the strife; And for freedom and my conntry I haye given np my life; ■ Tell her that I sent this messi^e v^ Ere ray tongne refused to speak, • • V And you tell her, comrade, won't you? ■ ( ♦ Tell my mother not to weep. y^ ' •*' Tell her, comrade, how we battled For oar country and the right; Tell her how they straggled for it^ J i V ow I held the starry banner " - \ In the thickest of the fight; _ . / >11 hf^r how thev sfcrnecrled for it. . - • >. 1 .* I ADTWTVSJSS OF A WOMAN AS A UNION SOLDIER, ( ' jnd, Trith corses load and deep, . , < Took my bosom for their target-? I » { t ' » • . » ( ! [ r • Bat you tell hernot to weep. ; 1 i / ; : c t , ; r \ .■:\r;<^T : ' -■ P,{' ■ ' \ Tell her I held np the banner VV 'Mid the screaming shot and shell, uh- ' Till the fatal leaden missile . - Pierced mj side, and then I felL ... Tell her I was ready, waiting, '' When my pnlses ceased ta beat, > • And I longed oaoe more to see her-« ^ ■ Bat you tell her not to weep. Tell her that the traths sbo^taagbt m* j Nerved my arm and led my feet^ *j^" - ' • And I trosted in the promise * V 'Mid the battle's fiercest heat. ^ > '^ ':' Tell her, while my life was ebbing. That I kissed her £ioe so sweet — Kissed the pictnre that she gave me— • . And yoa tell her not to weep. > ■-/■- Tell her, comrade, when you see htr, i V } : That iny' battlefields are o'er, ! And I've gdnetojoin an army j ! } • Wbere rebellion comes no more i i ' . ■ ^ Tdl Iwr that I hope to greet her, \ When together we shall meet, ' ■ : In that be^r home in h^ven, ^ t : Where we never more shall weep^ 1.1 CHAPTER X. McClellan's Dispatch from Swell's Farm — Call for Reinforcements^it^Tewf from Norfolk — Description of the Merrimac — The Engagement in Hamp« ton Boads— Firdt aftd Last Fight of tlye Merrimac — Victory of the Moni» tor— Advance on the Penlnsala — The Battle Song— A Mnddy March — 0« the Chickahomipy— Critical Position of Gea Banks— The President's Dis- patches— McClellan's Keply. , '■■•'• ' " ' ' "i" ' ' ' ^f' ■' On |fae tenth of May Headquarters were established Beyond Wil-' Baii^sbbrif, and commuiiicatioiis 'were op^ed between the forbet^ ^ovin^ by land and |Water. The following dispatch Was theli sent by pen. McGlelian- to- Secretai^y Stanton; » 2 NP ." ■'■":'■'-■':'-- . :- ; i'**^ ■•■•"> •- .•; ■• .; V* .'■■>:•'''■'■•■'?• , y-^^ .--•■^ i . .•;V-,r \l -.V:..'. ..^* -..:/■ ^r'j: . U i ,XAMI^:,A:^...|;FW<^.I>^(»c «- s^-ff dt&tthe epei)vy:^U meet us with all his force cm or near the^ phick^n;^Y.,v They can oonon^trat^ many more men thui I have, an4 ar6,^|j[|^ti^p tropps , finm alliQuart^s, especially well disciplined troops fro^^th!^^|j,jy^ ^,,€||su- afiies, sickness,:£arrisons and guard? have much reduced pu^„ii\}i|i^l^^ and, w% coittinue to do so. I shall fight the rehel army with wj^a^e^^r Jforce.I |nay have, but duty recpiiresme to urge that every effort be nia4«| |c>^,|f^ii^9rci^'^iBe, without delay, with all th» disposable troops in Eastern yirra^i& and JUjij^t we a»cOitratp all Q^r forces, as far as possible, to fight the gr«at, l^t^Q b^'^'I'l^' fending, and to, jnAke it decisive, '' ■'' .^iS^. ^^^ ^.^.^ ■ / *tt is possiUQfth^t the enemy may abuidon Richm^^nd .w\thoyt^j9i. si!Bis[ouJS struggle, but I do not believe he will; and it would be unwise t^^poimt upon anything but a stubborn and desperate defense-ra life an(i- eleatb Q9fit.es,i, I' see BO other hope for him than to fight this battle, and w^ mj^st \^nj|^ . IjS^ljall figl^. thent whi|!>t«v,er their force may be; but I ask for ever^ ma^ t^i|;i^f t^ De- partment can send me. No troops should how be left unemi>Ioye4.' ^ ,{'{ . , ; " ,ThQS«.who cn^rtwn theppipioi^ that ^e rebels wi^,a|5«^(lo^^B)<^m^ withj?utja .^biigglij, are, JR i^y j^idj^ajt, badjy jyl;\^t r eiri|c>^<^^ (^ is |)rqte^Ie,^t . I wiii be obliged' tq„fij^t nejuply Rouble iny^ni^b^rj^ lirongj^f «ji^p^bed.^.j^ ,'^ , FVgirj^y^>ter,he,wriWs^. .•,•■- ,- i- -r- t:- "^^^ l.!^»...< !f -"' , • Av^ fi«fe*l^^lf^y' 4«^^<^tti^.fer(^ WSy,S^^5i%wbatever jqml^. wa&^^h&Tfe,jem%l believe Jlh^f w^ sh^U ^1[ th^ro j^but oijr 4^uim)hjS||Qu|a^j . madf, decisive and complete. The soldiers of this army, love fiieu*'&^ ment, aifjid will jfight well in its support You may rely jipop^ tli«P- i They have confidence in me as their General, and in you as their FresirfenC ' i^lrbnir ranforcemmts will at least save the lives of many of th©h;^ the .greater pur force the more perfect will be our combinatioim, and the le^biif loss^' For obvious reasons I beg you to give immediate consideration to this'communi- catipl^, aiid to inform me fully, at the earli^t moment, of your |fin4l d^ision." A few days' rest after the fatigues of the battle, and the gldriojui^ii^trifoXthe •valuation of I|7prfolk, and the total annihilaticm of the Merrin|ac, hf^l^aV^nd^r- ful eSeciupon the spirits of our troops; they seemed iii§piredwim'rki^ courage and eiitlii|siasm. Hitherto I have said nothing concerhitig tlfat gl'et^t byg- " bcM. theJMerrimac. Perhaps some of my "blue-nose" readers are faPtso well posted; with^reigard to the origin and structure of this f6rmiilaiSe''f^l)eaTance was much like the slanting royf of a house set upon a ship's hull, like an extinguisher, the ends of the \(ssel, fore and aft, projecting a few feet beyond this roof. The gun-deck was coinpletcly inclosed by this shield, and nothing appeared above it but a short smoke-stack and two flag-staffs." An eye-witness gives the following account of the first appearance and eon- fii:t of the Mcrrimac: ■ ■ • "About noon of Saturday, the 8th of March, 1862, this monster was seen ccniing around Craixey Tsland from Norfolk, accompanied by two other war ^■asscls, the Jamestown and Yprktown, and quite a little fleet of armed tugs. The MOrrimac, with her imposing retinue in train, headed for Newport News, where there was q, National garrison, guarded by the sailing frigates the Cum- berland, of 1,726 tons, and the Congress, of 1,867 tons burden. . "The. Mcrrimac. steamed majestically along, as if conscious of resistless ctrength, and as she passed the Congress, discharged a single broadside into the doopiod slijp, and then, leaving her to the attention of the Jamestown and Yorktown, made directly for the Cumberland. When the Merrimac was with- in, a hundred yards of the two frigates, they both discharged their tremendous broailsides against her armor. "The mailed monster quivered a moment under the fearful concussion, but every ball glanced from her sloping shield like the wooden arrows of the Indian from the hide of the crocodile. . Her ports were all closed. Not deigning to pay ahj- attention to the ficrc« but harmless assault of the two frigates, she rushed straight forward upon her prey. "The formidable National battery at Newport News opened, with all its im- mense guns, at point-blank range, and these solid shot and shells also glanced harmlessly away. On rushed the silent Mcrrimac, with not a soul on board to be seen, irue as an arrow,' and with all the power of h.er irresistible weight, pltingAl headlong with a fearful crash into the side of the helpkss frigate. "The iron prow of the assailant struck the Cumberland amidships, crushing in he^ side with a mortal gash. Then, reversing her engine, and not even annoyed: by the cannon-balls rattling against her impervious mail, ^he re- - traced her steps a few rods for another butt. Y NUESE AND SPY. ' 'As she drew bade she turned her broadside to the wounded Tictim, and <-' hurled into her bofifom a mer^e^ vollej^ ot slirot ^(F shell/ ^Tlte d^iKferous ■lissiks tore thuiough the ero#ded shipi'huilinf; h6r i^a^l^e^gifhd abcittt her ^ . decks, and scatterisK mutilated bodAs ia a!l difectioi^i i ^ ' ^ ^ ■^■ ' "Again gatiiering headway, she crowded on all steam and made another plunge at the Cumberland. She struck directly upon the former wound, and crushed in the whole side of the ship as if it had been a latticewoH^ of teiths. Timben as strong as nature emd art could make them, Were ^aiq)ed and crushed like dry twigs. As the sun went down, that night, orik Hampton Roads, every Union heart in the fleet and in the fortress throbbed with despair. There was no gleam of hope. The Morimac was impervious to balls, and oould go where she pleased. In-the morning it would beeasy ' work tor her to - ^ destroy our whole fleet She could then shell Newport News Mid Fortress Monroe at her Itisure, setting everything conbustible in flames, and driving •very man from '^ the guns. "That morrow! How anxiously we waited for it! How much we feared its results! At sundown there was nothing to dispute the empire of tiie seas with the Merrhnac, and had a land attack been made by Magruder then, God (mly knows what our fate would have been. All at once a speck of ligb^^ieamed on the distant wave; it moved; it came nearer and nearer, and at 10 o'clock that night the.Monitor appeared. 'When the tale of brick is doubled, Moses comes.' ^1 iiev# more-firriily belfevefl iri special prbvitfmde tlferiVt^ ak^tics were converted, and said,- 'G«d has sent ht)t? ^^Bikhefw liudgn^cant - she lobked; she was^but a speek on the dark-blue i^ve^t Wght^ ^d iali^osil a^ laughable object by day. The ertfemy called^ her a Vheese^bb^ on a raft}* and "^ the ccJmparison is a- good coie. But insignificatit lis she appHArM, she'ltevM ' th« Union'-fltset, silekceii tlje r^l mdister, tod' evetottialfj? catt*e4^hi» tti/ coin- * mit suicided "No wonder then thai the ndwstltf the death of ^ite f olmiii^ffte foe i caused great rejoicing among the Union troops." * ■ (n ■( q i Orders were issued to continue the advtoce up the Fi^insuia,^^uid lis the jubilant troops were engaged in striking tents and maiiihg ^en^ki^biMury prepa- rations consequent upon a hurried march, 'The Battle Sbngdt'tlrt ftq)ubUc" was being sung with enthusiasm throughout the encampment bi|r thousands ' of manly voices, and every loyal heart seemed inspired by the' gI(kious senti- maits which it contained. •> • N'>. a >,■ Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the'Lofd?" ' He is trampling out the vintage where the grfepe of wratb iir stored; Ifo hath loosed the fateful lightning of his terrible swift i^wdltf; His truth is marching on. i ' Chorus: Glory, glory, hallelujah! ''■• i^^' '' '^ • ^ Glory, glory, -haneliijah! ;" "^ » iU J- 4. ■*- ot Giory, glory, hafleluiah! '- j *. <«u3.»- y, sy "' 5 His truth b taartthing fan.' * ' '| ''''' * ^' ./ ^■^-^f^z^ *v^^^^^vV" ••'-■<' ;"• I . .'■<■■-•.' '■■ \ -■,.. ■ •■-. ^ >*- { ■■ i ' S I I- ADYElimjBES OF A WOUAN AS A UmON SOLZSEB. ft ^t^^'JN ^ Wi}#i^ ¥^ >^ al^r-'in ^e yveomg's 4ew» a»d dampfld t vi: ^t »* ii V ; V pis day is inftrchiflig 0% etc; : - .% •.V. --rv'-;^* ->,:••'; -^. • - • •■—>•* ■ . I-l^kve^4«Kl *4er7f gasped writ u burnished rows of steejj: ^ Asys d«al wOx mj i* .^* WhiJe God is-mMclang on, etc.- ^ ;: ? » , l^he roads wcrfiso^ndf^cribaj^y bad at thisf tiipe that thi^ army coadd bmH bui^Utdie i^ogress,' J, reno^be^ it required 36 h9ur^ for onfB train, to, aopon* plis)^ t^ di^tanc^tQf ^vejni)$8.. However, jftfta: several (sUiys' ^^n£f»g thraogh mu4 and wi^r, ^ ^oops reaqhedi^ the White House, \i[here a p(Niii(»|. of tha arn^y ren^jixfi^ fttom!s BHdgerri^rluithqp profrec^ bi|i(t^ in^pec^ l)y )^e des^uction, of Ihcvbridgeby .the.reb^ The positik>n of the troops were as follows: "Stoneman's advance-guard one mile frop New Bridge^ Franklin's C .\i ■■ ; ) V ■ ■ ' 1 y 'f'-'-' - -• " '-■.(.'■ him; precisely in what force we cannot leli. He is also tnreatemnf Leeshiirs and Geary on die Manassas Gap Railroad, from north and &}uth,' I think the movement is a general and boricerted one— s^ch as would nol" be if fte 'was acting upon the purpose of a very desperate defense of liichmond. I think the time' i^ near when ypu must either attack Richmond or give up the job, and come to the defense of Washington. Let me hear from you instantly." To which McClellan replied: "Telegram received. Independently of it, the time is very near when I shall attack Richmond. The object of the nrove- ment is probably to pfevent reinforcements being sent to me. All the infor- mation obtained ^u^ree in the. statement that the mass of the rebel troops are still in the vicinity of Richmond. " ',■' "I have no knowledge of Banks's position and force, nor what there is a Manassas; therefore cannot form a definite opinion as to the forces agtlinst him. I have two cbr|» acro% Chickahoniiny, within six milted of Richm6nd the others on this side at other crossings, within same distance, and ready to cross when bridges are completed." *. ■•" ■■-.-■;-■.:•- "■.■■■•;>■■ ^■.. r .5 i^-- ^ •<."■•■:■•-.■. rt. 1 •, i - .i' ■ ■■"' -■'■' ■> ■!■-.■ CHAPTER Xli ••- V •■v:'^ -^-t- -a . ..•: ■ ' ■■■■'.■•> ■■^■'.. \'-H- .'• • ■.. • !. ■--'■'! :vt-'-- -J ■.'•?■ ^'• Another Disgjiise— I ^ecpme aii,Jfish Peddler— Fever fk^d^ A^i^er;-A Nigl^t of - .. Suffering, in the Swamtp-^Retr.ospection- I^ost in the ^wi^'p— ^aji^bii'My . Guides— A Sick R*bel— I. Find Spm^thirig^ ;Bjkt--!^y^^^^ pathy for Suffering— Talk With a Dying Rebelr^A .^ill^gi^I^^j^ra^M^^ ■ Extemporizing a Lightt— The Last HQur-;-S.oldiers,jof phrBt-rTfaje Cjiaiaber . '.of' Death. . .', . , \ . ' . "- ", ' ' ./' ' - '.. '- ' ' • .' . . '^, , ^, ■ ■ • • Willie all these preparations were goin^ forward, I was meditating^ fknother ' visit to the jcbel camp. It was not safe for mc to af tempt to pjiilm i^tyseif off . again on the rebels as a colored boy. . In the first pUce, I shovdd'be in danger of being recognized as the cowardly picket who deserted hb post— a ^rime . worthy of death; and in the next place, I should be in imminent dani^er of blister- in 7 niy haiids again — a thing which I felt particularly anxious to avoid, espxiolly in pa^orming labor that would enable the enemy more successfully to repel the attacks of the Federals. ' >• . . Now a new disguise was necessary; I decided to abandon the African re- lation and assume that of the Hibernian. Havinf l\ad this in view' before leaving Williamsburg, I procured the dress.and outfit of am Irish female p^dfer " ^oUowmg the, army, selling cakes, pies, etc., togetha with a XMHisuteraltle •H^oui^iff brc^uC) and a set of Irish phrases, which did rauc^ toward character- izing mc as one of.the "rale ould stock of hag-trotters." .; . .. ) Tbe bridges were not fihished across the Chickabominy when I was reaidy Wl . ' V - " ADYENTUMES OP A WOMAN AS A UNION SOLDIER. 71 to cross the river, so I packed up my new disguise iii my cake and pie basket, and my horse Prank and I took a bath in the cool water of th^ Chickahominy. jyter. sypnming~-mv noble steed fM:r(xss tne. river, I dismomit^, and Ira mm to ihe eogce of,uie wat^-^ave ^uu a farewell i)at, and let hun swii^ b£ck dg^ln to th9 other s&agi, |pn«'e a soldier awaited his return. ,r rf was,,now"ey«ui^; I did not know the precise distaiic^ to'iBe &ktxa!^'9 . pidiet^^e, l>^'t tiibi^ht-it bicst to avoid the roads, and consisquehtly T rilust spoid tihe'night in the swadip, as the only safe retreat It required some little time to'cion my a]iMuis& and fed at home in the clothes. Ithdiight the best place fQr;i^y debut was the Chickahominy Swamp. . :' * r did pQi ^ur^i^*^ ti^s time, to pass the memy's lines in Uic niight, but to presem mysett ai'the pi^ket;line, at a reasonable hour, imd ask admi£t$ithat "dismal swamp." The remraabrance of thd sufferings of tiiat night seem to be writtoi upon my '"ii&kB^tSW^fiffiti^t iron.' Th'Irel was; all albni, sorwkindted 'by Irdrie, 'y^ tiiMe^^'f^i&'^aii Wfld beaiiis-4by<4)Id4fe^ty ^v^db-'-^hb con- ' * tibtti o^Wen conception, e^^cept by those who have experienced the freezing sensation of a genuine ague. philL During the latter part of the night the other extreme pre- sentiki i^ef^1rise«m as if I should roast alive, and not a single drop of water to -cool ioay j>alfc^edt*&iijiijie; it Was eiidugh to^ake any one think of the "rich nJan** dhfie iS^e; anS^ln sympathy with his feelings ciy ib "Father Abra- hi^nr''fOT'^«is!S^ ■ , .^ ■ ' ■';■ " •; ' ' * My minJ1&^|E«iB'tp w and I became quite defii'ious. There' seethed to " De the^orrors pf% tiioiiiiahd dieaths itoncentrated arbund me; I Was tortured by fienlls of' every coiickvable shape aod magnitude. Oh, how ^t makes me shod- der to recall the scenes^ which my imagination oOn'jured Uji^ during thoiii^'Hark, weary hoursT i^r^tig at la^t caqie, eUSd t "trak aroused ' frohi the hoTrrible night-ihare whIcA,hiM'pairy my''&tenses through the night, by the toar oS "" iSv^P^^alf iiOm^ fiii'fjdiiii^ ^U^%n4le toftdV&^e^^r^l^ %iifi5iirai^'^%»ifV1^ a»uk>le W'a£d n6th&g%T& U^Wfitiif^^ai .fe.:-« J- .■(} >, ..••>;. h i -i' m:. !< -a f. ■(£.^;_wy \ »« 711 NURSE AND SPY. but my own thoughts! T looked upon the surrounding 'SCenery, and' pronounced it very unromantic; then my eye {ell upon my Irish costuihe, and I began, to remeniber th6 fine phrases whieh hhad tak^nsolbucb pains to learn, when the perfect absurditj' of any poi^tiom ruslicd over my mind with overwhdmihg force, and the ludifcrOiSsntss^f it made me,:fortlManoBient, forget my Idmer^ble condition, and with one uncontrollable burst of laughter I made that swamp resound in a manner vwhieh would' havedonecredit to a person under happier circumstances, and in a better state of htalth. That mood soon passed away, and I began a retrospection of my past life. It certainly had been an eventful one. Itook great interest in carefully trac- ing each link in the chain of circumstances which had brought me ta the spot whereon I now lay, deserted and alone, in that notorious Ghickahominy Swamp. And ere I was aware of it, I was sighing over a few episodes in my past history, tind mentally saying, well, only for this intense love of adventure, such and such thiiigs "rnight have been," and I should now be rejoicing in the honorable title of , instead Of "wasting my sweetness on the desert -air,;" in the fAlerness of the Peninsula. . i , -/•■ Of all the sad words of tongue or pen, The saddest are these — "it might have been-." ■ij.-. : The cannonadifig was only the result of ■ a i-econnoissance, and 'in a few liours ceased altogd.her; But' not so my fever and chills; -they i^rdre miy con- stant companions for two days and two nights 'in suc<;esdlorfc: At the end of that time I was an object of pity. With no mtedicihe, ntf f ood, and consequently little strength, I was nearly in a state of starvation! My pie^.aiKl cbkeS'weire spoiled in the basket, in consequence of thi dfendhing they -^had -received in crossing the^ river, and ndw I hHd no means of jM'ocUring fOod. Bu4 some- thing must be done; I Could not bear 'the thdlight 6f thus starving- to deathr^in that inglorious manner; better die upon the scaffold at Richmond, or be shot by the rebel u^ckets; anything but this. So I thought and said, as I ralUed all my remaining strength to arrange my toilette preparatory to emefg^ing from my concealment in the swampV It was about 9 o'clock in the morning of the third day after crbsi^ng the fiver, when 1 started, as I thought, towards the enemy's lines, and' a more broken- hearted, forlorn-looking "Bridget" neve^ef t "ould " Ireland" than I appeared to be that morning. I traveled from that time until 5 o'clock in the afternoon, and was then deeper in the swamp than when I started. My head or brain was completely turned. I knew not which way to gq, nor did I' know ea^ist from west, or north from south. It was a dark day in every sense of the word, and I had neither stui nor com- pass to guide me. At 5 o'clock the glorious bboming of caiAion reverberated tnrough the dehse wilderness,' arid to me, at th&t hour, it'*as' the sweetest and most soul-iuspiriu^ music that ever greeted my eai^. I now tum^ ihy facer- in ' '< I. r ' » -. , ■ , ' ■' ■"" - ' ' ^ ( . I X I 5 V ., .. T .1 . U i 1 ' • ^ \ I .if- a ^. ^h '--'-■ . '^ ^ _^ ':/'•■ ADYENTUBE8 OF A WOMAN AS A UNION SOLDIER. 73 the directicnLbf the scenes of ;flcti0n,r:an^ was not.Ioni; in, extricating my§el^ from the deserkwhichihad- so long enveloped- i^e. ..,,.. sSoon aitdr emer^ng^ from .the swamp 1 saw, -in the distrr-ce, a ^mall white house, and thither I bent my weary footst^s. I found i< deserted, with the exception ^ith .sonie earthenware, whicli tjbe family had forgotten to take ' with thtm. Wy cake being .cooked, a;id tea macie, ,1 fed the poor famished tebej^ttwiderly as if hejhad bepn my broker, ai^d he seemed as grateful for :- my kindness, and thanked me with as much politeness as if I had been Mrs. Jeff Davis. - The next important item was to attend to the craving of my own appetite^ which' I did without much ceremony. - . . i --^ After, minting my toilet and adjusting my wig in the most approved Irish style, I appnipached.the sick man, and for the flrst time nqticed his features and ■general^appcarance. He was a man about 35 years of age, was tall, and had a slight .figjire, regular features, dark hair and large, mournful, hazel eyes; altogether jhe was a very pleasing and intelligent-looking man. • • I thought him quite an interesting patient, and if I had had nothing more important lo attend to, I should have enjoyed the privilege of caiing for him until he recovered. It is strange how sickness and disease disarm our «ui- tipatihy van4 reflioye our- prejjjdi^es., , , , / T^r« lay* befpre^me an ,(3n^y ,to tjie Qoyernmei^t for which I was daily fipd williTigl jf expo«ing;.an3[ liff and sulTering unsp^kable^ priyation; he may have l-ecn the very man who took deadly aim at my friend and' sent the cruel'buuet through his temple: and yet, as I looked upon him in his helpless condition, I i .>i-:Tt JV'-il on- Jt .r}A li:-.!"-)- * If'v s?,Ha-''T-'?S'^^C:^:.-/' T4 y-'. :*■■ did NUESE AND SPY. "»i 1} - "fiv yi -fi-- '»iv ■/'-' or uv r. ■■'«» «.' duo^feelt^^ll^t^respl^eiit, or c^iiertain an uiflcmd ihou^htij^t^hi^.^^ , peTSoaaU»:bHt l^k^. uop^ hipjpniy as an ^^ sad eenditipncalled fort^ t%b^t fMpaigs^of my natufe,^^d I Ij)^^ to j-es.^;!? ^ him to health and str^gth; not cpnsidimns thai the yjN^. he0||h j&nastren^tli* which I wished to secure for him would be employed ag&mst ttie caiis^ Vhich I had espoused. >^."-,^,fv.? ,?„,,• -J- I had a gre^V desire tp know mpre of this man who^had ap ^irahgel^ cfklled,^ forth my sympathies, and finding that he. had growt) stinger §ubceQe,iia(i, almost univ!Brsa|,amoi>g the Southerners. I darM not ekivess ]^y'i$ehtimeaiu ' in vpry strong terms, but gently interrogated him wiui jrcg^Jl tp, the .right . which he claimed the rebels had to take up armis agaij^t thjs JJm^; Sta^' Goternment. .,. .;, -,-:/-..■,»« v At length I asked him if he professed to be a Soldier bl! the Crossj,,hftfieplied' with emotion and enthusiasm, "Yes, thank GodI I h&ve fpugm j^^ASPP'^ .^^4eri the Captain pf njy.Sal^ation than I have yet done under t(' i- ■ ^— At)VENTURES OF A WOMAN AS A UNION SOLDIER. 75 ■■•■•• • , ■ .■ ...,,■ .,• .? i I A ■) ^' V able to successfully act a pari in my preset debilitated condition, and, besides, I was glad Uiat I could consistcntlj- remain over night with that jxK>r; dying iuah,'rebm those tx^ui^ufwiiidows of tifie ^u^ ru^g his htoc^in JBiqe b6 : ■'. ••■■' , - . ■ '<<. ■'-' ■ y,'-^ •■■' -'.-- ■/ F^. ¥%T^f *-!?. ^m %'\X:£ '■ "^-'I \ :~T.~ r a U ^'.^i'^ ^^\&'l■■X^ tSffMii to im to raYse his head in my arms. I did so, and in a f«w moments he ceased to breathe. He died about 12 o'clock, his hand clasping mine in the painful grip of death, ' ' ny arm supporting him, and his head leaning on my bosom like a wearied ( chfld. I laid him down, closed his eyes, and straightened his rigid limbs; ^^ fhen fokiing his hands across his breast, I drew his blanket close around him and Mi him in the silent embrace of death. The beautiful, calm expression of Ids face made me think he looked .';-''. i y:. likeonewhowrapsthedrapery of hisCoWCih' 'v- '" About him, and lies down to pleasant^dreams. - '^■•'^'' This was rather a strange position for me to occupy at miduiight-^alone with death! Yet I thanked God that it was my privilege to be ^^i^e; and I thanked Him for the religion of Jesus which was the str^gth of my heart in that trying hour. Yes, I could then rejoice in the providence which had de- tamed me in the Chickahominy Swamp, uid had thus braught itte t& the bed* side of that suffering stranger. Profound silence reigned supreme^ %nd' thlere Was naught to chase away the darkness of that gloomy midhjght hour save the consciousness that God was there. I felt it good thus to be drawn away from the tumult of wm^ and there, in the presence of the angel of death, hold communion with my 61m hia/ti and drink deep from the well of holy meditatkm. I thought th^e ware hapj^y Isidrits boTering round the lifeless torm «>f him Mtho was so lovable io'Hf ^'a^ Ipteljr in death. Yes, L imagined the shining host had retufned froitt^ esearti^g "the triumphant spirit to the Throne of God, and were now Wfttchlnf 4he-b^ut{fu! caskei which had encased the bright spirit whose companionship had made some Southern home bright and joyous. , ... . -„. I thought, too, of the loted^ ones w^io had gone and le^t melb fini^ my jour- ney alone, and who would sdbn coiiie to bwr me atfay ^^ tljat bright eternal world, if I only proved fai^uT unto death. "Aow* iiripressiTely sad, how thrillingly beautiful, the lesscm we glean from this silent spirit communion! Our physical nature starts and shudders at the thought of joining the silent numbers of the dead; but our spiritual nature catehesA gli^l^eof that spirit- life beyond the portals of the tomb, whore life, pure, iz&i wjl joyous, shall b« ^ ■ . > 1 .- ' .*( '.'..1 '■* Ours." A lesson sad, but fraught with gooi^-^ A tearful one, but strmgthening food— p , Tbou givest me; ' '^^ . ' ' We learn that "dust returns to duii* Anew in God we put our trust, And bow the knee. 'w>.. ,1 'a -5; ■■:,' ^ . . -d i 1R' ip .--it ■.:0:i i. -r i -i - 'i. '-■ . .C ::b'-iU A ":P..j:0..! V \ -v ■'. a,- 1?-. r '. ■■,:'- 'h-^'\>.\ I ■■'%■■ ;i. .3; '>,' i. '; i '< '*' ^■'S -^ APtamiBEs OF I warns h k uiaoi7 soldieb. ^ 1 « Of"^ ■4x--.' ^v ■V ';> ■ .^M / . , -i- * i. !?.• V5. ft-;- .4 y 'V « H- :i,: ■-#" A -!;' (» . . ■ ' If :4r-r-T^ ^"■ •'■- '»; ,•■**•'■= V'f-'St 'f 1 '-^ s^ > .r :^. ■■,-■■ '■' '-'f:^': '■ '■■■■ v- . -^^ "••^■: ^ •■■ .■;..■■: ■■-: -.-^ -.--■■ .--V •■ -CHAPTER Xn.^.' - - ^' ' ' ' Am I a Stoic?— Someone's Darling;— Completing My Diseiuse— Another Start for the Bebel Lines— Peppering my Eyes— Challenged by a Pkket. A Cockney §«jOttnelT-Gettins Informatiop— Plenty j^d|pel Qfiptaln-TrMy Look-out fo; Yankees— New Ordeats* , Perha|Ns apie^pf my'readersvwill pronounce me a stoic, mtirdy detoid of fee|mg, i^bw^-I tell tho? that two hours after I wraiiped the uiKXMiscious form of my la|e;Pt|^^tw his mnding-sheet, I enveloped myself in my-patchwjdE iiuilt, and laid me down not far from the corpse, and slept soimdly until f o'clock, in^.4^,:mOriUngj'',^^. ..--:■-■. ^; ..y:;",., ,V^, ■ _»,v; •,>.,...- , Feelioig if^ifih r^es^; I arose, and after spendmg a few mMiMntS by the ^eof jat^A|U««4.:cqiniMupn,-contempla|u^: the change which ;the King of !r'l^ut.-a lode of hairifr^n Ihs tem^ iodk the watch and j^ {»0|ij|)l ji9^lH[f:P^Jtett^ from his po^^etf replaced the Idankei seTeroiitlgra |^'*^fcde,i»^.&K«M^ ■•l-^- t-. ,. ■■^: ■■:> :v \ ■/-. X ■■ - •: • V ,:v. .r ' . . Kiss him once for soipebody^j^t " . : \ " , ' ,0he lifight xurl from its dark mates takfli. . * './■■■?. ■\y -r \> .. . Tfe^y were somebody's pride, you know; leb^y's hcmd hath rested there-* \Was it a mother's, soft and white? Alid' have the lips of a sister fair Been baptized in their waves of light? God knows best! * He was somebody's loT^ S(Hi^ebibdy's heart enshrined him there; ySomfclwdy wafted his name above. Night and mom, on the wings of piayer. Somebody wept when he marched away, < Locddng so handsome, brave and granc^ Somebody's kiss on his forehead lay, ^Somebody du&c to liiumtiiiftliMid, ''3uj:..*.;' »^i: i.-.>x'^„ ''.*' i"^-. ■■; / .« >'.■ >i '^ S6mel»dy's wa^tiri^ a'nd^afchkig for him, > >t> ijf fe,: V^rftml tc>€dW ^i fiiefin tb^ll«r heart? J '- 1 *^: *„ . j; ' ' ''Aiid ttie hraiMg, clHltilii* lips opart! »' I .:■. *si»^, , ■' ' '^^ ■■'■ ■ ■• *■ ^' '•■ I' ■■' .^ ■;*■ /X:w:-.::("irt3 •!••. Tenderly bury the fair young dead, Pausing to drop in his grave a tear; . v ^i. • Carve on the wooden slab at his head j. . "Somebody's darling slumbers here." After hastily partaking of a slight repast, which I could scarcely term break- fast, I commenced immediate preparations tojeave the house. Ufxm examin- ing the basket in which I had found the tea. on my arrival, I found a number of articles which assisted me much in assuming a more perfect disguise. There was mustard, pepper, an old pair of green spectacles, and a bottle of rod ink. Of the mustard I made a strong plaster about ,the siz« of a (ilollart and tied it on one side of my face until it blistered it thoroughly. I then cut 6ff the blister and put on a large patch of black court-plaster; with the ink I painted a red line around my eyes, and after giving my pale complexion a deep tinge with some , ochre which I found in a closet, I put on my green glasses and my Irish hoodj which came over my face about six inches. .«. 1 then made the tour of the house from garret to cellar, to fmd all th^ botise- hold fixings which an Irishwoman v/ould be supposed to carry with her in such an emergicncy— for I expected to be searclKd before I wa« admitted through the lines. I packed both my baskets, for I had two now, and was rflody for another start But before leavihg-I thought best to bury my pis'tol a5d every article in my possession which could in any way induce suspiciorti Taking a>f are- well look at the beautiful f«atuT09of tiic dead, I iefiihe house,' golnj; directly the nearest road to the rebel picket line. I fdt perfectly saf« in doing so, for the rebel soldier's watch was a sufficient passport in daylightj^' and>,a tne^sago for Maj. McKee would insure me civility at least. : . •. \ .' ';, I followed the Richmond road about five miles before meeting or seeing any one. At length I saw a sentinel in the distance, but bcforolilotuserTed me I sat down kr rest and prepare my mind for the coming interview. While thus wait- ing to have my courage reinforced, I took from piy basket the black pepper md S7irinkled a little of it oh my pocket handkerchief, which.I«i^lied t6 my eyes. The effect was all I could have desir^, for taking a view ctf my prepossessing countenance in the small mirror which ljpa()j|^i,4}iunaisc specimai of a jolly EBglishman, with a bland smile on his good-natured face, provoked, I presume, by the supremely ludicrous figure I presented. He mildly questioned me with regard to my hopes and fears, whence I came and whither I was going, and if I had seen any Yankees. My sorrowful story was soon told. My peppery handkerchief was freely applied to my eyes, and vtheiteKdf MbdQiwia ^Siy iace without the least effort on mypart. , The g)Qq|l^na^u;$4 gAiard's sympathy was excited, more especially as I was a foreigner hnSgeii[«iB|^^£hick«hon^il]^,j^djint9^ f^tt^i^dibfc^tth »}iayii9r jp8fijgljtfcW*'4«*kS0Waid^W :■ • - - ,iv Fee\i^ ^^9iif(hat p^a.hurry, I started once iiu>re;:for: oEunp. I c^oncluded .^^,e<^MmCi^hrOVffh,itl^,Unes that.I co^ dispeose with one of my baske^, so set^giwe^of tJN^Iidosr^ under atree*! felt much m^re :9pmfortabl^^and :Wjas tnf)t>i^mti^^ (»p^)icuou8, an object going into camp. .1 yfea^ 4irect|y{ to HeadquArtgris^diiiitij^irecl for ,Maj. McKee.. I was tpld that 'he; woujkl t|Oit be (there bii^ft^ev^Kkingt and my informant drawled out after ine:.''H$'sg9n« |o set a traib|o)- ^idit^T-j^TYankees." ' : - ; :....;;,=:.. • .;XjP?a4!^ llpiQ)i[kPfiQd ftt once ^hat I must find out as mi^^a^pui^sible Veforo .night,>aRidkt/maJlii«9i^way.iba(^ before the impending battlcreame on„ , Upcn ipokinig: $iif (Oun^UJle Qawp I saw a shanty where some negro wcnnen 9?ere.CQciking mfifkt.yjlj.tie»t»ii»id^4 tten thattlwas httttgxyaiwi youWlikestehavftS^BW- >^?^<|»M»^j!^yt^wfSs«getflQt»o^ meat ai)4 bredd,.but hai«t 'i^t jao saltjibat mk&a. j{ej»iMiatiiti.«itbiMtor craythurs of wimen that's heartbroken in- tirely, an' fairly kilt wid this oimathral war"; and here my ej'es were again "-fea*rfuliy"^pedirttH''hiy handkerchief. - -vv Altei!P^y«^mg't!hd'pi<^^ttguard for his k^fdness, I went on my way toward 4h(i;re|)i;IH:itMt>; '^ had ndtx)Ver i^gUt, for, said he: 'i ' •^ngofbUf^fes Easiust come in and*epbrted that the Yankees havefia- :^ished ihilftidgeil'aciwsS^the-GMckabohuiiy, and intend to attack ^us either to- ;Jda5^^rI*-W^ht;'blit Jackisori and Lee dre ready for them." '^ ■■■ Hie v^t on'lo tell Me hbw ifiaiiy masked batteries they had prepared, and, said fie,.if*Ttere is ttte,'- pointing' to^ia brush-heap' by the roadside, "that will give them fits if they come this way." ' 'Feeling 'Viomewhot in a hurry, I started once more for ciunp. I concluded after g^tihg -through the lines that I could dispoise with one of my baskets, so isettiiigi bnfe of them down tinder a tree I felt much more comfortable^ and was n)t iqikite s6 conspicuous an object going into camp. I went directly to Head^uiaterst^ inquired for Maj. McKee. I was told that he would not be thtfebefore evening, and my informant drawled out after me: "He's gone to set a trap for the d——d Yankees." I nadeUpmy mbid at once that I must find out as much as possible before night, 'and'niake niy way back before the impending battle came on< Upon looking ai^und the camp I saw a shanty where some negro women Were cooking meKt ' I went and told them that I was hungry and would Kke tohave soaie- ■'thiRg^fo feaiti -^^'^ •■ ■^--^'■'<- ;: . - -V ,i- y ■■ 1 -r-r ■.- .! > '&ii,y^,'hdati, #fe'se gotlots o* meit acndi)reid, but'halhl ^6t ho Salt;- hot fecl^ ye^aii'tat'it without^ So sa^mg'^'oU'au^tielizddaJ^ tit a ptebeof ^TJSSE AND SPY. cli«k w», kl , ''°'' "■« expression nl ^ ^ '*'' """I' "ifflDas- •IW not remZ^ J-y glasses and bathed 0^^!!° ^! *""•« "' «■• court- "d get m. sTme ™:f e^" °' «■» ""<"«i «™e„ ^ „ toT?*" """««; «■«• Rveo'cloekcame a rf -u """ I" «mk a„d talk of The Major se.medSJ^!^""'"""'' """^ ""'^ I nivir . techment of m<»n mi , ' *"^ "'^d me to wnU ..^*-i i. •hat distant, «d ZZ^^'J""^^ ' ""1 WmCTdf5' "H"!^ »'«■ " «- V ;• I6> 7:;nj;^3r-' ADVENTURES OP A WOMAN AS A TOHON SOLDIER. « • 1 really felt mean, and for the first time since I had acted in the capacity of spy I despised myself foi* the y^y mi vrhich I was about to^pe^orm. ^ I inust betray thexonfid wee /which ithstt man ceposed/'in me. He y^^^/oo generous te harbor a suspicion against me, and thus furnished me the very, rqeans of b^ traying:him.; ;- ,. r a t u ;.a i. .: ,„ ,. ■■■■, ku [...^ - ,,. This-feehng did not laat long, hoirever, for as we started on our misaon M said to his men: "Now, boys, bring back the body of Capt. Hall, if you have to walk through Yankee blood to theknees." ?rK •>* , ^ v , That speech eflsed my conscience considerably. I was surprised io hfear 1 4 RIDING FOR LIFE. say "Capt Hall," for I did not know until then that he was an office:. Then was nothing about his uniform or person to indicate his rank, and I had sup- posed he w£is a private soldier. ^ We made our way toward the house very cautiously, lest we should be sur- prised by the Federals. I rode at the head of the little band of rebels as guide, not knowing but that I was leading them into the jaws of death every step w« advanced, and if so it would probably be death for me as well as for them. Thus we traveled those five miles, silently, thoughtfully, and stealthily. The sun had gone down behind the western hills, and the deepening shadows were fast gathering around us as we came in sight o{ the little white cottage in the forest; Whfere 1 had so recently spent such a strangely j awfully solmin night. TheBttle detachment halted ^ fest'and to mAke^ arruigemcnts before ap- , b ( > •?• 1 Itroaching the house. This detachn^ent consisiedol 2^ men, undo- « Sorgt^t and a Corppral ^he men Were divided iniio s^ua^, f»cH of which waS|(o^ke lis turn at carrying the body of their late Capt^ yppja a str^tchipr, ;^hich tjiey had l>roug^t for that jpurpose. , As, we drew n^ear, an^ ^^'A. *M^m #• / i- I I ADVENTURES OP A VdMAN^S A UNION gpLDEER *8S 't^th%emovemen(s of any tf bops. Sufficient guards an3 sfaff officers Will be (fetaiifed'to Carry bht the^e orders. The aipmunition-wagons will b« in,r<»di- rifcsslo rhardh UJ their fiSspfectiVe l>Hgades aiiS biatteries at^ moment's warnipg, but wilFhot cr<^ ^e Chickahominy unjil they are' siSnt for. All Quarten^yEts- i^simd'Oi'ditiahcebfficersare toremtun with tlieir uttfii^^ . ^.•.*^ "In the approaching battle the General Commanding trusts that the troops will preserve the discipline which he has been so anxious to enforce, and which they have So generally observed. He calls upon all the officers anil soldiers to ob6y promptly and intelligently all the orders they may receive; let them bear ; in mind that the Army of the Potomac has never yet been checkiedt and let them preserve in battle perfect coolness and confidence, the sure forenmn^s of success. They must keep well together, throw away no shots, but aim care- fillly and low, and, above all things, rely upon the bayonet. • Commanders of regiments are reminded of the great responsibility that rests ugoii them;, upon their coolness, judgment and jdiscretion, the destinies of their regiments and success of the day will depend." , . - > CHAPTER xm. ..^^./■,M. I , pur Communications With the Chickalwmmy— Porter's" Successes— IKs- )>atches to the President— His Reply— Hanover Court , .House— Terrible Storm and Flood—Hopes of the Enemy— A Suddien and Strong Attack. 'l Act as an Orderly— Through the Flood— My Return Mid Rpport-^Joyful News— My Own Disaster— Scenes in the Old Mill— Waiting oii thp Wounded. My Suffermgs by the Roadside— A Hard-Hearted ChapUdiiT-A Stiupbling- block. For several days the enemy had been concentrating a large force on the right flank of the Federals, with the intention of cutting off their communications with the river. A portion of Fitz John Porter's Corps was detailed to dispose of this force, and also to cut the Virginia Central, Richmond and Frederioksburg , Railroads. The communication was cut off, and after two severe engage- ments the enemy retreated, leaving behind them several hupdred prisoners, their cannon attd camp equipage On the same day the following dispatch was sent to the Secretary of War by , the Commanding General: "Camp near New Bridge, May 28.— Porter has gained two cpmpjete victories over ^superior force^; yet I feel obliged to move in the piorniag with^reinforce- i^eai^ tosecure theucompl^te (Jestructton of the i^he^ in th^t quarJter. In ^oing iSo I run some risk here, but cannot help it. The enemy are even in greater force K ■>f^. r- \- ' V ,f4 ,-. ;, ,v " :■■- I NURSE AND SPY. ;:. :? T ri.'. ^ than I ha(} supposed. I will do all tha^ quick moTemoits cap. accompl|sh,^but you must send me all the troops you can, and leav« to jne 1, - I ;'!vi--- ADVENTUEES OP M WOltAlT ift A UNION SOLDIER. ^ ^Ihg teihporary cdnfasidh; but the rapid advance of Gens. Heintzfelrhto ani 'K*&rriy tHth* their divisions Soon checked the rebels. Sumner, Sedgwick, ""^CttachV Kfeyes aiid the othe? aAimani^ers alsd- labored valiantly to retrieve the injury effected by the unfortunate'retireniejit of Casey's command. The enemy, led brHill and Longstreet, advanced in massive columns, with threefold lines, and came boldly on like an overwhelming^wave, as if deter- mined to crush all opposition by the suddenness and fierceness of the attack. Total annihilation seemed to be their motto, and the determined and reckless I daring of the fierce and bloodthirsty rebels in such overpowering numbers ^ carried con,viction to many loyal hearts that they would succeed in driving that j devoted fragment of an army into the Chickahominy, before it would be pos- ^ sible for rdnforcements to arrive. At this time I was in military uniform, mounted upon my rebel horse, and was acting Orderly for Gen. K . Several Aids and Orderlies had been sent with messages and dispatches, but no reinforcement had yet arrived, and, taking a Federal view of it, the picture presented a gloomy appearance. • Gen. K reined in his horse abruptly, and taking from his pocket an envelope, he hastily wrote oA the back of it with a pencil: "In the name of God, bring your command -to our relief, if you have to swim in order to get here — or we are lost." Handing it to me he said: "Go just as fast as that horse can carry you to Geri. G-- — , {M-esent this with my complimehts, retiun immediately, and report to me;* ■' ■' ' I put poor little "Reb"<)ver the road at the very top of his speed until he was nearly white with foam, -then plimged him into the Chickahominy and swam hire ac*oss the river. I met Gen. G about a hundred rods from the river making the best of his way toward the bridge. Engineers were at once set to wotk strengtbaiing the crazy structure, which was swaying to and fro with the rushing tide. The eager, excited troops dashed into' the water waist deep, and getting upon the floating planks went pouring over in massive columfas. I preferred to swim my horse back again rather than risk myself upon such a bridge, for I looked every moment to see it give way and engulf the whole divis- ion in the turbid waters of the swollen creek. However, all reached the other aide in safety, and started along the flooded road on the double-quick. This was chemng news to carry back to Gen. K , so I started again for the field in order to claim the reward of "him who bringeth good tidings." I found Gen. K — — in the thickest of the^ght, encouraging his men and shouting his orders distinctly above the roar and din of battle. Riding up to him and touching my cap, I reported: "Just returned, sir. Gen. G , with his commeind, will be here immedi- ately." .. It.was too gDodto keq) to himself, so he turned to his men and shduted at the (optbf his voioe: / . > "Bei^cHtonents! Reinforc«nents!" Then swinging his hat in the air he •» KTTRSE AND SPY. perfectly ela;trified tlie whole line as far as his voice could reach, and the glori- our word "reinforcements" was passeil along until that almost exhausted line was Tcanimatcd and Inspired with new hopfe. ' " • v ■ ^v While 1 was thus watching with delight the effects of this joyful news u^on'^ the soldiers, my attention was directed to another object. Gen. 41' , who had made himself conspicuous by his gallant conduct, was struck b\- a ball which shattered his arm badly. He was only a few rods from me, and there was none near to help him. I asked Gen. K if I might go to him, and after obtaining permission 1 rode up to him, leaped from my horse,' and hitched him nearby. \ I then removed' the clothing from his arm, gave him some water, poured some on tho \u;und, and went to my saddle-bags to g,et some bandages, when my rebel poin- laid hold of my arm with his teeth and almost tore the flesh from the bone.' N(4 content with that, he turned his heels in ^n instant and kicked with lx)th feet, ."icnding nie atout a rod. My arm was now alnmst as bad as Gen. H 's, and I could do but little to help liim, for in 10 minuti^s it was swollen terribly, and Icould not raise it to my head. Finally I was ordered back to an old saw-mill about a mile and a half from the field, where were considerable quantities of Quartermaster's and Com- missary stofcs,' with orders -to have them removed further to the rear; and all who wef* able fo conic to the front," togefher with the Surgieon and a portion of ' the Uospitaf corps who had beien left there irt charge of the sick, wer^to lose no' ' time in rcportiiig thcn^sielvcs for duty on the field. '' ' ' ' ' "• "• Upon-arrhing al th^old saw-mill Ifoiind it crowded with wounded men v^ho^ had'criivfl^bd'thtt'tr f'rbrfi t^e biatflefield, to have their" wounds dressed if po."*-' sibleV aiiid if-"iTOl W licr'tfowh aiid suffer where the shot and shell could'nof reftclri' theni I (ftfivrt'i'td n'ly orders.' In a few moments more thCre was not a Sbiil left'*'" to minister to thfisc poor felloes fvho were huddled together in th^t mill by'^tli'e" ' score', all lind gone to the front, aftd I was left therein a sad plight. ' * I put my ^•iciolls little "Rcb" in a building near the mill, where there was plenty of hay and corn, but did not dare to unsaddle thim. I then examined the •xtent of the injury done to my arm, and found it was worse than I had sup- posed. It was badly mangled by the horse's teeth, and in one place a large piece of flesh was torn from the arm and hung by small shreds. But the arm was not the worst; he had kicked me in the side, which had lamed and bruised mc sadly. Yet I'.iis *a^no time to groan (f^er a slight kick from a horse, when so many lay around iiicAviih shattered limbs and ghastly saber wounds, some of them even now in the very agonies of death. So, resolutely saying to pain and lame- ness, "Sliiy lliou here while I go yonder," I bound up my arm in a sling, and sot olv):it removing the biood-clottdl clothing from the wounds of those who needed it irioslf but having neitherVnifeor scissors, I wtis obliged in' many "^ instance's (ousb niy l ^^ .j.,:; jj. -j . , .,, p ^^ ,.:^ -v. The next thing to be thought of was, how I could procure some bandages; «' but a& to getting them from the saddle-bags, I would as soon have tiiought of bearding a lion in his den, as of tempting the jaws of that ferocic^us .enima} .= . again. Howevw, there were two houses within a mile, and I decided to try my ■' fortune in that direction. First of all I went among the sick, who were left there by the Surgeon, and •: inquired if there w.ctc any who were able to assist me in dressing wounds. Ye%, . I found two; one a little mail carrier, and the other a CommissaryrS^geant, both of whom were scarcely able to stand alone. These two I set to wprk pour< ♦ ing cpld water upon the wounded limbs occasionally, and giying the men water /. to drink until I returned. . At the first house I went to they would not let me in at all, but raised the ' window and wished to know what was wanted. I told them, anything that . would admit of tearing up. for bandages. No, they had nothing of the kind, . and closed the window again. . i, I limped along to the next hous^. A man ci^ne lo the door, JioMuig it, to . ;• prevent my attemptmg to get in. ^he sapue question was a^ed, and a similar :■■? answ^rretitirped. „ By this time my patience and strength wvel^tb:«xhau9t«4 d; and my mind was made up with regard to tjhe course I shpuld puntoa , xm Therefore, drawing bc^h my pistols from qy belt, I dfemanded aopie cotton, new or, ol(|— sheets, pillow-cases, or any other article Xfhkh wouM an|swer the *; purpose fcff bandagep. Thjs man jtren^bled frwn head to f 9Qt, an4 called hi».?.> wife tokn^w if she cpuld let jne ha^cej^nyi^it^g of the apsrt; yes, sh^ ppidd, if J s* wouWpwr h«^fo?,it;,^j)f. course J w^s willing tp t>^y her; so sfee brought mft c an old sheet, a pair (*( piilowHcases, and three yards of new factory cotton cfoth, ~ for which she demuided $5. Happening to have only $3 in change, I told her I thought ttiat would be sufficient; and so saying, I left immediiicijly. I did not know, until I had proceedea ^^me distance, that the blood was run- > ning frtmi my arm in a perfect stream.. In my excitonent and determinatkm, I .• had grasped one of my pistols with the lame hand and started those terrible {(ashes bleeding afresh. I grew faint and dizzy, and sat down by the roadside to gather a little strength before proceeding farther. While I sat there Isaw a horsranan coming in the distance, but could not tell Whether it was friwid or foe, for it was growing dark. I waited until he c«m« . . nearer, when I was reJMced to see that it was a Chaplain; not Mr. B , btitof course he was a good man, being a Chaplain and a Ped^al. Sq I f dt that re- Hel was at^^and. But imagine my disappoiptmoit and chagrin whm he came -.y up an<)^ priestJike, kibked u^n Tne, "ajnd ^as|ied fey on the qUwr side." J WeUlj af^ j^l I dijl not care ^ njuc|i foi- mi^se)jf, but I tluinked l^eavjen thai !| he had conie on the poor ipen's apcoiint, for he would, no doubt, dp n^d^duiing ! the nignt to relieve their sufterings. ftidng courage, I made my way slowly toward the mill, where I ioumj^ <» my arrival, the Chaplain, disrtioiinted, coat off, andwi6p fhiubdJixAbing alb^ brushing every speck of rtind from his horse. After p^oilnifig this imi|Drtiuit duty, he then went to the nearest house, ordered supper, and ^er partakim^f of a warm meal, he returned to the mill. Oh how glad I was that all these preliminaries were gone through with, wir now he would at once enter upon the care of the wounded, and my heart ached for those two sick boys, who were still attending to the wants of such as they could assist, notwithstanding they required waiting upon themselves. The wounded were coming in faster than ever, and I W6is busy tearing up (he cotton in strips, and trying to bind up some of the poor mangled limbs, the litUo sick Sergeant being my right-hand man. I looked around for the Chaplain, but he was nowhere to be seen. I hobbled out to the building where I had seea him put his horse, to see if he had really gone away. No, he had not gone. There he lay on the floor, upon which was a quantit/ of hay, wreipped up in his blanket, app^u-ently unconscious that there was any such thing as suffering in the world. Oh how I wanted to go to him, quietly Jay my hand on him, and say: "Chaplain, will you be so kind its to take the saddle from my horse; it has been on since early morning, and I am not able to take it off." Not that I cared particularly for having the saddle removed, h\A just for sake of having "Reb" bring the Cha^dziin to his senses, and give him s little shaking up, so that he might realize that these were war times, and that consequently it was out of the question for Chaplains in the army, especially ia time of battle, to ' " : Be carried to the skies On flowery beds of ease; While others fought to win the prize, And sailed through bloody seas. But instead of doing so, I sat down and wept bitter tears of disappointment and sorrow, and then, with a heavy heart and aching limbs, I returned again to the mill. All thai weary night my heart burned with indignation, and I seemed en- dowed with supernatural powers of endurance, for when morning came and found me still at my post, without having tasted food for 24 hours, I felt stronger and fresher than I had done the day before. 4 My two young sick friends had been persuaded to lie down, and were how fast asleep, side by side, with the wounded. But where was the Chaplain? What had become of him? He had escaped with the earliest dawn, witkout so much as inquiring whether the men were dead or alive. This was the conduct of a man who professed to be a faithful follower of Him who went about doing' good! This was a man whom I had reverenced and loved as a brother in Ch^t^ Oh, what a stumbling-block that man was to my soul; for weeks flAd ihonfthi. Satan took occasion to make this a sev^e temptation eind trial to me. I was tempted to judge every Christian by that unholy example, and to doubt ABVESIUfiES OF A WOMAIT AS A.UNION SOLDKB. 89 the truth of every Christiftn experience' which I heard related from time to time. But, thank God, I had the example of my faithful friend, Mr. B., to counter- balj^noB this, and^hy ^Go^'s ^race I was enable^ to rise above this temptation. My^oubts wer^gr^du^yremo,ved, and my faith in Christians re-established — Wt I never .suiBcientty. r^cov^red from my feeKngs of disgust towards that particular Chaplain to ever again be able to persuade myself to listen to a ser- mon delivered by him, or to attend any religious meeting at which he presided. I always looked upon him afterwards, as "one who had stolen the livery of heaven to serve the devil in"; a mere whited sepulchre, and unworthy ^^e sacred name of a minister of the Gospel. Oh, may our sympathizing breasts That generous pleasure know; Kindly to share in others' joy. And weep for othws' woe. ^ ■-'.■- - .\' . :' ."' '. ' -"'.,, ■' "■ _ When poor and helpless sons of grief In deep distress are laid; ^ Soft be our hearts their pains to feel. And swift our hands to aid. ... .. , ,. On wings of love the Saviour flew, ,. v , . • . , To bless a ruined race; - ,-: : . , . We would, Lord, thy steps pursue, • •. Thy bright example trace. CHAPTER XIV. Renewal of the Battle— Victory for the Federal Arms— Address to the Army. More Dispatches — My Battle Trophy — Pony Reb's Performances— The Hospital Tree — Touchiug Scenes — Bishop Simpson — The Cross and the Flag— After the Battle— Delays by Storms, Floods and Mud— McClellan'» Cftll for More Men — In Readiness to March — Promised Reinforcements. Night brought a cessation of hostilities to the weary troops, but to neither side a decided victory or defeat Both armies bivouacked on the bloody field, within {^few rods of each other. Th^re they lay waitii^ fpr ^ morning light to d^d^ tl^ content ^ 7 «: J ^ ;^. '-i'-'S 1 ' ■; ; r ': The e^eiW^ment and din of bat^e hadceasec^ those bri^ hours of darknesi • ji r), r . X.. :t. i: ^; -,,%-',/ :r ;■' t ;i \ :,, :x v! ' -f- to NURSE AND SPY. , ': proved a sweet respite from the fierce struggle of the day, tuid In the boly calm of tb»t audaight ho^r, ^hen si^j^e b^ood^d pvef th)e bl^-wasbed pli^D,;faiaiy brave soldiers l«iy down on thuit gpry jfield— "Th'^ wf^ry^ to ^eeip and thi& wpund- ■ ^tojdie,""/: . , ; ; .^^ \^ \ :, " :, , ;,, ;. ^^ -":,,,,■■, Sunday, ^he Ist of June, dftwpedibe^utijfuUy, a da^ q^ hf^lo^edLre^ And promise to the millions who rose to their devotions, ere the bell oftUed them to the house of prayer, but not of rest to the weary, broken armies the drum-beat called from their wet and muddy beds to renew the contest. At a quai;ter-pasV7 o'clock the battle again commenced, and raged fiwpdy until about noon. Both armies fought with determination and heroic bravery until the rebels were compelled to yield, and victory once more perched upon the banners of the National troops. , I came on the field about 10 o'clock, and remained until the close of the battle^ but could do little more than look upon the terrible sc^e. Gen. McClellan was on the field when I arriv^. I. saw him ride along the entire battle-front, and if I had not seen him, I could not have long remainied in ignorance of hi^ pres- eace— for the cheers from all parts of the Federal lines told as plainly as words could express that their beloved commander was with them, amid that des- perate struggle for victory. It was a terrible slaughter— more than 15,000 lay upon the field. It was enough to make angels weep, to look dpwn upon that fi^ld of carnage, '^he dead and wounded of the memy fell into the hands of the Unipnists^^wii^ch added fearfjully to the labprs of that extiausted^ be^ttle-wopi ^crtty^ ,. ^ On thje evening of the 3d of June, G^n. McClellan jissued the foltowij^g ad- dress to his. t|;()ops, which was read on. dress j)arj»de, and was recidived ^th tremendous cheering: : i r - . ,> "Soldiers of the ^rmy of the Potomac! I hape f^ilfilled.at least a partof my promise to you. You, are now face to fc^ce JJfJtl^.the re|jels, wljo a^e ijeld at hay in front of theii[ capital The fmal and^dec^dve battle is at h^nd, Vi]J§i5S you belie your past history, the result c^not be for a moment doubtful. , If the troops who labored so faithfvdly at Yorktown, and fought so bravely, and won the bard fr^jhts at Williamsburg, West Point, Hanover Court House and Fair Oaks, now prove themselves worthy of their antecedents, the victory is surely ours. The. events of every day prove your superiority; wherever you have met the enemy, you have beaten him; wherever you have used the bayonet, he has given way in panic and disorder. "I ask of you, now, one last crowning effort The enemy h«s staked his all on the. issue oi the coming battle. Let us meet him, crush him here, in the very ccntw of the rebellion. Soldiersl I will be with you in this battle, and share its dangers with you. Our confidence in each other is now founded iippn the past. Let us strike; the btow which is to restore peace and union to .this dis- tracted land. ^ Upon yo^r yalor, disciplii^e. ^d mutu^< poi^fid^nce the rcf utt depends." j ,',-,.. i ,„ - -».. ;; ..-.- ,." , ,Eyery battle fought oi^ tb^ P^ni^itla fearfully t^w^di 4'^e ^treogtl^ the * - ,'• « ' ■ ' - ADVENTURES OF A WOMAN AS A UNION SOLDIER. M ^Ariny bf the Potomaic, and proVed to A dehwrtiistrKtion tliat xhc'aiwiiy'far oiit- Tiuiiibeted" the Utiion forcci?. Stfll there were no rcinforceih^hli;, notwith- standing McClellqji's daily urgent dispatches to the Prcsideuiand Secretary 'of WaH and the ^reat irfipehding Kattlc iii front 'bf the rebel ca|)ital so near at hand. - ' ' • ' ' * The next day McClellan sent another dispatch, as follows: ' ' " "Please inform me at once what reinforcements, if an>-, I can count upon having at Fortress Monroe or White House, within the ne?;t three days, and when each regiment may be expected to arrive. It is of the utmost importance that I should know this immediately. The losses in the jjattle of the 31st and 1st will amount to 7,000. Regard this as confidential for the present. After the losses in pur last battle, I trust tUat I shall no longer be regarded as an alarmist. I believe we have at least one rao^e desperate battle lo tight." • , The day after the battle of Fair Oaks, a .splendid sword was presented to inti. It had been struck from the hand of a rebel Colonel, while in tlic net <<{ niising H to ."itrikc one of our officers after he had fallen from his horse. Oh, how pf6ud I felt of that beautiful silver-mounted trophy, from the bK')C(ly licld of Fair Oaks, which had so recently been wieldal by a powerful arnii but powerless now, for he lay in the agonies of death, while his splendid sword Itod passed into my f feeble hands. I presume if he had known this, it \fblild havd addei another pang to hLs already agonized spirit. ' '* '- The sworcl w^&s presented by Gen. K , to whoili I gave my fcbeJ |)ony, with ' the Comforting assursmcc that he was only in tended for ornameiit, and notior "irig' the slightest at- tention to lily .suggestion dellbCTately Walked tip to the pfony dh'd conifticncai ' "/Jattlng hint anli handling' his linibs as if he were the mcstf quiet'cVcatufe in the " world, while "Reb" stood eyeing his new master with apparent satisfaction, and seemed to rcjoicethat he htid passed from my insignificant hands, and was henceforth to be the honored bearer of shoulder-straps. ' - After thoroughly examining him he said: "He is certainly' a splendid horse, and worth $300 of any man's money; all he requires is land treatment, and he will be as gentle as any one could desire." But "Reb" very soon gave him to understand decidedly that he was ovcr- ratingiiis good qualities; for no sooner had tlie General turned his l>ack toward hhn than he struck him between the shoulders with both hind feet, sending liim his full lengtli upon the ground; and as soon as he attempted to rise he repeated the same i)erformancc until he had knocked liim down four or five tiriies in suc- cession.* By that time the General was pretty thoroughly convinced that "Iteb's" social qualities were somewhat deficieut, his bump of conibativ'entes largciy developwl, and his gymnastics quite impressive. ^ -^ > ''- <>tf the evhiing of the Scitne day in which ihc ^ictory^vas v,r>n f visited what was then and is still called tlie "hospital tree," near Fair Oaks. It was au im- 90 NUESE AND SPY. proved a sweet respite from the fierce struggle of the day, and in the holy calm of that midnight hour, who) silence hrood^d over .the blopd-vashed plain, many brave soldiers lay down on that gory fiddr-Tbe weary to sleepand the wound- ed io die." ! : Sunday, the 1st of June, dawned beautifully, a day of hallowed rest and promise to the millions who rose to thdr devotions, ere the bell called them to the house of prayer, but not of rest to the weary, broken armies the drum-beat called from their wet and muddy beds to renew the ccuitest At a quarter-past 7 o'clock the battle again commenced, and raged fiercely until about noon. Both etrmies fought with determination and heroic bravery until the rebels were compelled to yield, and victory once more perched upon the banners of the National troops. I came on the field about 10 o'clock, and remained until the close of the battle^ ' but could do little more than look upon the terrible scene. Gen. McCIellan was on the field when I arrived. I saw liim ride along the entire battle-front, and if I had not seen him, I could not have long remained in ignorance of his pres- eace — for the cheers from all parts of the Federal lines told as plainly as words could express that their beloved commander was with them, amid that des- perate struggle for victory. It was a terrible slaughter — more than 15,000 lay upon the field. It was Niouffh to make angels weep, to look down upon that field of carnage. , The dead end wounded of the enemy fell into the hands of the Unionists, which added fearfully to the labors of that exhausted, battle-worn army. On the evening of the 3d of June, Gen. McCIellan issued the following ad- dress to his troops, which was read on dress parade, and was received with tremendous cheering: "Soldiers of the Army of the Potomac! I have fulfilled at least a part of my promise to you. You are now face to face with the rebels, who are held at bay in front of their capital. The final and decisive battle is at hand. Unless you belie your past history, tl»c result cannot be for a moment doubtful. If the troops who labored so faithfully at Yorktown, and fought so bravely, and won the hard H^hts at Williamsburg, West Point, Hanover Court House and Fair Oaks, now prove themselves worthy of their antecedents, the victory is surely ours. The events of every day prove your superiority; wherever you have met the enemy, you have beaten him; wherever you have used the bayonet, he has given way in panic and disorder. "I ask of you, now, one last crowning effort. The enemy h«>s staked his all on the issue of the coming battle. Let us meet liim, crush him here, in the very colter of the rebellion. Soldiers! I will be with you in this battle, and share its dangers with you. Our confidoice in each other is now founded upon the past Let us strike the blow which is to restore peace and union to this dis- tracted land. Upon your valor, discipline and n^utual confidence the result depends." , Every battle fought on the Peninsula fearfully reduced the strength of the ADVENTURES OF A WOMAN AS A UNION SOLDIER. ■ Atmy-of the Potomiac, and pr6^•cd i(/n demonstration that tlitcncmy fa '■ nmnbered the Union forces. Still there were no rdnfftrccnu-A'ts.' noi standing McClellan's daily urgent dispatches to the President and Seer ^f War, and the great impending battle in front of the rebel capital so in hand. • • The next day McClellan sent another dispatch, as follows: "Please inform me at once what reinforcements, if any. 1 can count havmg at Fortress Monroe or White House, within the next tlircc dayi when e&ch regiment may be expected to arrive. It is of the utniosl impor that I should know this immediately. The losses in the hatllc of the ;Jls 1st will amount to 7,000. Regard this as confidential for the present, the losses in our last battle, I trust that I shall no longer' be regarded t alarmist I beHeve we have at least one more desperate batilo to fiffht." The day after the battle of Fair Oaks, a splendid swore! war. prcfjonlcd i It had l)een struck from the hand of a rebel Colonel, while ii! the r.^t <>• r.iisi to strilie one of our oHicers after he had fallen from his horse. Oh, how i I felt of that Ix-autiful silver-mounted trophy, from tlie Mtx (l\' lUKi >>{ Oaks, which had so recently been wielded by a powerful arm, b)ii powc now, for he lay in the agonies of dciath, while his splendid sword hvA p: into my feeble hands. I presume if he had knowni this, it Would liavc a another piing to his already agonized spirit. The sword was presented by Gen. K , to whom Igave my rebel iwny, the comforting assuriance that he was only intended for ornament, and nc iise; for Generails were too scarce on the Peninsula to' risk their precious by coming in contact with him. The General was deUghted with him, and without paying the slightej tenlion to my .suggestion deliberately walked up to the pony and comme patting him and handling liLs limbs as if he were the most quiet creatiire b world, while "Reb" stood eyeing his new master with' apparent satisfac and seenied to rejoice that he had passed from my insignificant'liands, and henceforth to be the honored bearer of shoulder-straps. Aftty thoroughly examining him he said: "He is certainly a .splendid h^ and worth S300 of any man's money; all he requires is kind treatment, an will be as gentle as any one could desire." But "Reb" very .soon gave him to understand decidedly that he wast rating liis good qualities; for no sooner had the General turned his back- tOA him than he struck him between the shoulders with both hind feet, sending his full length upon the ground; and as soon as he attempted to rise hi', rcpc the sjune jierformance until he had knocked him down four or five times in cession. Hy that time the General was pretty thorongh'K- convinced*' "Reb's" social qualities wore somewhat dcHcieut his bump o;' comliatlvc largely developed, and Ills gymnastics quite impressive. Oh the e\'cniiig of the same day in which the victory wtis won I visited \ was then and is still called tiic "hospital tree," ne^tr Fair Oaks. It was an r '• ♦ . "i ' i-?TiP, * '•\;-'t'^',p. r' 4 - ■ ■ ~:-^/' mense tree under wIiorp «i, j ' * "Theraisat^t"?^ ™r "-"earning,,. ^"^ ""^ "'»' • "WhatheXeldt ""^^'^'^^'^^y- '"^''^^^^^^'^^^-^ surgical bore the necessary p'obj^/^""^^' ^^^ «ot mortri^h^!' ^^^^'^'^^ J ne other case was thnf^fr.- . -^ •""loat Oh who that h *^*"*«r the spirit had • «?.. .«'■ ■-' ; . ^1 !V. r. jEt'«.", - ADVENTURES OP A WOMAN AS A UNION SOLDIER. « - triun^hantspicits would go home rejoicing to be forever with the Lord! Whm ^ I see.A man^firrt lay himself upon the altar of God, and then uix)n the altar of ' his country, I have no fear for that man's happiness in time or in eternity. Go6d Bishop^iihpson, of the Metliodist Episcopal Church, soon after the outbreak of the great rebellion, delivered a sermon on the National crisis at Chicago. It is repcesoited as one of the ablest efforts of this clergyman, so distinguished for his power in the pulpit. As it was one of the anniversaries of the denomination, thousands were present to hear the discourse. Suddenly at one point in the sermon, and as the fitting close of a most impassioned para> graph, he gave utterance to the following noble sentiment: ' , ■'* • -f- " '^'^••'^; r "We will take our glorious flag, the flag of our country, and -nail it jujsl bc^ow the cross! That is high enough. There let it wave as it waved of old. Aroimd, it let us gather; first Christ's; then our country's." Oh, that the sentiments oi the following beautiful lines were the sentiments of every heart in the United StatttK-.-.. ' O Lord of Hosts! Almighty King! - • '- v . . X B^Ktld the sacrifice we bring! ' ' * •' To every arm thy strength impart, '• > • »• - Thy spirit shed through every hearti - ■ . •' i .?.•;: f Wake in ou^brgasts the living fires, i -i -^1 :._■;; 1 .. - jv 3 -f iTh«! holy faith that warmed our sires; • > [ * J: ;j -i . .^ Thy handhath made our Nati•) ■:{■': Todie/for her is serving Thee. > t ^'t. , Sj- >... t.- .h ■...■: w . .: ..: . > ,: i ■-! ;:^- ■> ). >■ '. . ■ : -^"---i :'-' .--■*' -X; t .. -f Be Thou « piUar'd flame to show /i.;;;-> . * ■; i^ ii ' ; r . Thomidnight;snare,:!theisilent foe, . i ■■ r-i-^-f. K';.. And when the battle thunders loud, •. :j. Still guide us in its moving cloud. v . * > , » . ■ • ■ " ■' . .' -i' * ' ■ ■ ' ^: God of -all nations! sovereign Lord! ..;.; . ■ i ..;j ..!.;.. rt In thy dread name we draw the sword, w V: > ■ We lift the starry flag on high •. -'.,.," ... j: . . That fills with Ught our stormy sky. . .*,':...- . " .X -• . No more its flaming emblems wave .^ ' ■> !. r; ; .": . To bar from hope the trembling slave; ,; * ,.-..•.!', No more its radiant glories shine -' .. - ":y ... .. * To blast with woe one child of Thine! ' ■ i * ■, i A i Etov^ treaspn's rent, from murdererfs stain, * " ^ "'' ■ - -} J i \ Guard Thou its folds till peace shall reign, ' *•' ». ,. 3 -* .v,j4 Till fort.and field, till shore and sea, t > « « « ■" I i ■ JpinAOUi loud dnthemj Piaise to Thee! \ j » 1 f • ' ? I ■ I cAnnot better describe the state of affairs after the battle of Fair Oaks than by giving the following dispatch from McClellan, dated June 7: "In reply to your dispatch of 2 p. m. to-day, I have the honor to state that the Chickahominy River has risen so as to flood, the entire bottoms to the depth of three or four feet; I am pushing forward the bridges in spite of this, and the men are working night and day, up to their waists in water, to complete them. The whole face bt the country is a perfect bog, entirely impassa1}Ie for artillery, or" even cavalry, except directly in the narrow roads, which renders any g-eneral movement, either of this or the rebel army, entirely out of the question until we ' have more favorable weather. I am glad to learn that you are pressing for- ward reinforcements so vigorously. I shall be in perfect readiness to move forward and take Richmond the.moment McCall reaches here and the ground will admit the passage of artillery. I have advcinced my pickets about a mile, to-day, driving off the rebel pickets and securing a very advantageous posi- tion. The rebels have several batteries established, commanding thedehouche from two of our bridges, and fire upcm our working parties continually; but as yet they have killed but few of our men." Again, June 10, he says: "I am corapletelychecked by the weather. ! The roads and fields are literally impassable for artillery — almost so for iinfanti*y. The Chickahominy 'is in a. r dreadful state. : We have (another rain storm on our hands. I wish to be dis-^ tinctly understood- that whenever the weather permits! will attack with what-r ever , force Irmay have, although a larger force would liable me to gain much-, more dceisive results. I would be glad to haveMcCall's infantry sent forwiard^ by water at once, \^ithbut waiting far his artillery and cavalry." > s- The next day the Secretary of War replied: ? • "Your dispatch of 3:30 p. tfj. yesterday has* been received* I ara fully im-v pressed with the difficulties mentioned, and which no art or skill can avoid, but only endure. Be assured. General, that there never has been a moment when my desire 'has been otherwise than to aid you with my whole heart, mind and strength, since the hour we first met; and whatever others may say for their own purposes, you never have had, and never can have, any one more truly your friend, or more anxious to support you, or more joyful than I shall be at the suc- cess which I have no doubt will soon be achieved by your arms," The above dispatch has the appearance of the genuine article — but I am inclined' to think it a clever counterfeit. While McClellan's requests were cheerfully complied with, as far as promises were concerned, little was done to strchgthten his weakened forces in view of the coming struggle with an over- whelming force in front and the flooded Chickahominy in the rear. ' By un- reliable jxromiste he Was filled with flelusivft h- ] \ -■ I I ■ i: u. r. ■-. f; I X . i. ■■ ■-■■ I V V. v : - fi- j6" ^- tr . T f •' i . h : -J. )'■■ i . '- ■'.:.::.'' CHAPTER XV. :, ; Leave of Absence— Visit to the WilliMnsburg; Hospitals— Effeetivol^refMihlnf. '- Yorktown Rensited — Longings — Wliite House Landing-^TIred oMdlenesi-' Prepari^tions to Return to Duty— ;Stuart's tlavalry Raid— A Train Fired Into — Fair Oaks Grove — The Stroigth of the Enraiy — Trjring Times on th« Peninsula — The Endurance of Our Soldiers — Labors of Mr. A]v She i introdncedm? to several of her favorites, catling each by some pet name, to* - whichlhey seraned to answeir as a matter of course. I spent a day and a night ' there, and attended a meeting in tiie evening, w^ich was held by a minLster ' from the Christian Commission for the bqnefit of the wounded sokUers: ^ Oh/ what a s^mon was that! The tendei^ mercies of the Father, the !loT« of tlie Son of God, were described; the wailings of the lost and the raptures of the ^ redeemed were portrayed in the most powerful and touching manner. I have .'i never heard the sinner invited to the cross in more persuasive strains ihaii " flowed from his lips. ■■_■■■. His count«jance was pleasing, his manners courteous, and his deptMlB it wea npt fiec^ssary for sneitoHaseany/sirati^efi ia <»darKto tr risH the i«()b^ eocamptoent, fo|-3aH that \vas «ecdssaJ^y tp^bfe kno^ of ih« rdbd r force ^> ^o Si It soon became evident that th^re;:^a$ soQie movement pn. footfvhidh ^^ nd| ■,■* understood by the great mass of the army, and I have no doubt it was a good thing that the troops did not even imagine that a retreat was already being plaimed by their commander. The meh ehduTed all these hardships most un- complainingly — yes, cheerfully, and every day was supposed to be the last ere they would walk the streets of Richmond triumphantly, and thus reap the frtiitr- of their Summer's campaign. Th« consi«viit fire kept up -along the entire lihe a|}d the frequent charges' made'upon rifle-pits rapidly increased the numbef^i^ the hospital, and k^ the Surgeons and nurses busy night and day, and then they. cQuM not attendf to all who required assistance. . Just at this partiqul^r, jui^ct^^re I remembV the timely aid afforded by the members of the Chris^i^ Commission and Tract Society. They brought relief not only in one sense, but in many. Spiritual f ood f or^ the huftgry, dying soldier — consolation for th^wornout and discour- agedT-delicatiies for the sick arid feeble— warm-gushing, heart syinprf't: for the suffering, and actual eissistance with their own hands jn cases uf air.-^ ■'*:-■ tions^and the removal of the sick from one place to another • «Rev. Mr. -^ ' ^ 1 gives a very modest account of the services which he rjBnd^ed,,whcn he ti'iys: "1 went to the h^pitals, where I worked hQur;after hpurwith JhcSurgofjiixji'i - MenoWQ|^..bi{ougM|in)With 41 SQrts»'of ,woynd«. ;^«fge«ns^Ave, well as any one; also, aJ^se^tspf fleshiW0pnc|$. tl cann|it tfil ^u^f t^>>|»ri<;ty ^ . '^^ , .UUIISIIIMIIHII . 83 _.., . ...N,URSE ANDSRY. , , . -j At this time it was not r^ecessan' for me to use any stratajgem in oilier 'U> visit the r/ebei encampment,' for all that was riecessJiry to W'knowri of the rebel .. force an4 naovenjents had been already aicer'tainedv Cbnseqifently J was ' quietly awaiting further deyelqpmenls, and while waiting Wastrj-ing to jnalke ,: myself generally usefuf Jn the hospitals. A s'ihgiuiar case came under my notice there: that of a man being stunned by the ' near approach of a cannon ball. It did not come in contact with even his clothing, and yet he was knocked down senseless, and for several days he could neither hear nor speak. I think the most trying time that the Army of the Potomac ever had on the Pen'nsu'a was in front of Richmond, justfbefoi% the seven days' battle — that is lo say, if anything could be worse than the seven days' battle itself. A heavy and almost incessant firing was kept up day and night alon j the entire left wing, and the men were kept In those rifle pits (to say in tvater to the knees k a ver>' moderate estimate) day after day, until they looked like fit subjects for the hospital or lunatic asylum, and those troops in camp who were not supposed to be on duty, but were kept in reserve, were often called out 10 times in one n'ght. The firing would become so alarmingly hot that it was supposed a general engagement was at hand; but on going out to the front, perhaps, it would cease for a moment, then they would be ordered back to camp again. In that manner I have known the entire force to be kept in motion almost all night, aVid ^leep for any one was a thing out of the qiiestion. It soon became evident that there was'some movement on foot which was not understood by the great mass of the army, and I have no doubt it was'agood thing that the troops did not even imagine that a retreat was already being planned by their commander. Theroen endured all these hardships most un- complainingly—yes, cheerfully, and every day was supposed to be the last ere they would walk the streets of Richmond triumphantly, and thus reap the fruits of their Summer's campaign. The. constant fire kppt up along the entire line and the frequent charges . made upon rifle-pits rapidly increased the numbers in the hospital, and kept the Surgeons and nurses busy night and day, and then they could not attend to all who required assistance. Just at this particular juncture I remember the timely aid afforded by the members of the Christian Commission and Tract Society. They brought relief not only in one sense,' but in many. Spiritual food for the hungry, dying soldier— consolation for the wornout pntl discour- aged — delicacies for the sick and feeble — warm-gushing heart r : . r M'r for the suffering, and actual assistance with their own hands in c«Lseo 'f ai-jn :;•>- tions and the removal of the sick from one place to another. Rev. Mr. .\; ! gives a very modest account of the services which he rendered, w'^cn he k i\ .s: "I went to the hospitals, where I worker! hour after hour with tlie Surge:»n.s. Men were brought in with all sorts of wounds.' Surgeons were scarce rnd were.engaged in amputations, so, you know, I could attend to mimr metiers. . Where tne bull^ had gone through bodv or limb, j could! drcs.s it p-?rhapvai well as any one;'alsb, all sorts of flesh wotin(fi. \l dannot teli vou of iL' varlely .* /■^:;$^^: -t' ^ ADVENTURES OF A WOMAN AS A UNION SOLDIEB. 99? I of operstions I perfonned. < Th« wounds, had been stiffening: since the dfty be« fore,itot' haVinf bom dressed^ lenjoyed the work, as in ievery ease such reticle was givfe.'v Then,' I could carry Water to the thirsty, and s(i«id; words df oora-i v fort tothe dying; fw, as you may'suppose, there were many in this state." • Again he says: "Just now, by my side, lies a Philadelphia zouav^ a fine boy,to whcmi I have b^en ministmng. I gave him some hot tea, with'the charming crackers Mr. Brougfaton sent He is now sitting up, lookmgmore cheerful. I mention this in detail, that you may have a specimen of the mixk which occupies one every moment through the day and night, who is able or willing to work in this' departineni On'the other side of me, as I write here on my kne^ lies a colored boy, haggard and sick, to whom I have given medi* cine and similar food. His dark face is full of gratitude." Many an hour I have worked iBiiid watched in hospitals by the ade of Mr. Alvord, and marked his cheerful Christian spirit and warm sympathies for the sufferers^ And often, on a march, I have gone to him, and asked if he would let s6me weary, sick soldier ride in his carriage, who had falloi out by the way; and my ricquest was ntver refused, although to do so he would stnnetimeS have to walk through the mud himself, his horse being frequmtly heavily loaded. I have also diskibuted publications for him, and have stood by the cot of many a dying s6ldier Where he has ministered <»hiso]ati<»i to the departing spirit i He is one of those Who will have many stars in his crown' of rejoicing 'when t etetoity uhfokl^ the results of his faithful labors. <■' -i , 4- ChaAge of Base Across the Peninsula— Evacuatioii of White IfotKM^^The Movement— B4ttlie of MechanicsVille— Gaines's Mill— A Rqwlse— Mc- Clellan's Dispatch— Hospitals in Danger — Con valtec«it Officers— Lending My Horse — A Lottery — Inspe ting Farm Stock — Catching a Colt — Danger ^ ^ •> CHAPTER XVI I tt'-lSS*'-: , , ^ ADVENTURES OF A WOMAN AS A UNION SOLDIER. ' 99 , , * _ • , *'■■ • ' ' ■ -■■"-'.'.■ . ». . ■■•- .• . . . - ... . - • • , ■ •■ * « of operations I peifonned. ' The wounds had been stifTenmg since the day be- forcTnot having been dressed. I enjoyed the work, as in evcr>' case such reli<{ was 'given. Then, I could carrr water to the thirsty,' and speak words of com- fort to the dying; for, as you may suppose, there were many in this state." Again he says: "Just now, by m3' side, lies a Philadelphia zouave, a. fine boy,'to whom I have been mihistaring. I gave him some hot tea, with the charming crackers Mr.' Bfoughton sent He is now sitting up, lookinJK more cheerfuL . I mention this in detail, that you may have a specimen of the #ork which occupies one every moment through the day and'nigh^ who is able or willing to work in this depsirtment On the other side of me, as I write here on my knees, lies a colored boy, haggard and isick, to whom I have given medi- cine and similar food. His dark face is full of gratitude." Many an hour I have worked and watched in hospitals by the side of Mr. Alvord,'and marked his cheerful Christian spirit and warm sympathies for the sufferers. And often, on a march, I have gone to him, and asked if he would let some weary, sick soldier ride in his carriage, who had fallen out by the way; and my request was never refused, although to do so he would sometimes have to walk through the mud himself, his horse being frequoitly heavily loaded. I have also distributed publications for him, and have stood by the cot of many a dying soldier where he has ministered consolation to the departing spirit He is one of those who will have many stars inhis crown of rejoicing' whfeii etwnity unfolds the results of his faithful labors. CHAPTER XVL , , . ' Change of Base Across the Peninsula— Evacuation of White House— The Movement — Battle of Mechanicsville— Gauncs's Mill— A R^ulie— Mc- ■ Clellan's Dispatch-^Hospitals in Danger — Convalescent Officers— Lending My Horse— A Lottery — Inspe:ting Farm Stock— Catching a Colt — Danger ■ of Capture — Riding for Life— Between Two Fires. • - Tfi^ emplojTnent of Gen. McDowell's force in the defense of Washington, and its failure to co-operate by land with McCIellan, necessitated on the part of the Army of the Potomac an immediate change of base across the Peninsula. Such a change m the face of a powerful enemy is con'sidered one of the most hazardous undertakings in war. But McCIellan had ho doubt ol the ability of' his army to fight its way, even against superior numbers, through ito the James River, and thus secure a new position for an advance against Richmond. The entire energy of the army, was now directed to this object • A dispa^h was^t by Gen.-Van Vliet Chief Qiivtermaster of the Aimy of the Potomac^ to Col/Ingalls, Quartermaster at-TThite House, as foUows: v - ^ . - IQP' :;i :v..f ^.: vNUBSiE atstd spy, -:^ \i 1 r '" . "Run the evs to th&last moment, and load them with provision and am- muniUont Load eyery wagon you have with $ub^t«ice^ and $end them ito Si^vage's Station, fay way of Bottom'? Bridge. :If you ar&obliged to ftbandoa Witite, House, byrn evoty thing that you cannot; get off*. You must throw aH our sui^lies^up the James River as soon as possible,, and acpompany them yourself with all your force. It will be of vast importance to establish our depots on James River, without delay,. if we abandon White House. I. will keep you advised of every movement so long as the wires work; after that you must exercise your own judgment." . li. All these commands were obeyed. So excellent were the dispositions of the different offices in command of the troops, depots and gunboats, and so thorough was the warning of the approach of the enemy, that alihost tv^- thing was saved, and but a small amount of stores was destroyed to prevmt them from falling into the hands of the enemy. Gen. Stoneman's commtmica- ii<»S with the main army being cut off, he fdl back upon White House Station, iieace to Yorktown, when White House was evacuated. On the 26th instant orders were sent to all the corps commanders on the right bank of the Chickahominy to be prepared to send as; many troops as they, could spare on the f oUewing day to the left bank of the riytit. Gen. Franklin received instructions to hold Goi. Slocum's IXvision ill readiness.by daybreak on the 27th, aqdi^ heavy -fining should fkt that time beheiuti in^e direction-of Geo* P(?t^> tq mqve fit (^ce.to his assistance without furthca: orders! . \ ■ . j A^ ngpn .on.the, 2^h the approcych of the enemy,, who had:qros8ed abovb. Met^w Bridgf, was discovq-ed by the advancedpicketsiat that point, and at.^ 12:30 in(th% afternoon thc^ were attacked and d^ven jn, ; AH the pickets weree nowxa^ed in, i^d J,heregim^t and battery at Mechanicsvillewa^e withdrawn 'i About 3 o'cl(x;k in tl^e af tenioon the enemy formed his line dbattle, and came^: down upon our troops like a torrent— attacking the entire line. McClelland; anticipating a fierce onsets was prepared for such an event, and gave him a warm reception. Our artillnry occupied positions commanding all the roadsi and open ground. Timber had been felled,, rifie-pitsdi^g, ajnd the infantry were under cover of the thick woods. An remained quiet until tiie rebel mass came rushing on. yelling as they came, within a short distance of our hne, when every battery and division opened simultaneously a most destructive fire, which drove the enemy back with tremeodous slaughter. Sevecal other attacks were made on our lines during the afternoon, which: proved disastrous to the enemy. At 9 o'clock in the evening the firing ceased, the action having lasted six hours. During the night the heavy siege giuis .and wagons were removed to the rii^ibank of Uie Chickahominy, and most of the troops withdraim, unknown - to th<(eou^s^ ;AbQut nopn the nexVday another general engaganent eaito'- on, a9d.(^te$3eyen|hoi)rs'ihuKl fighting the-lefi flank of the Fedcraltlin* was <^ tutnai^ iS9d IhfH wfre driven from their, position. < . (: < t i i ;; ■s -Vv ..-i ■si::- ADVENTUEES OF A ITOMAN AEf AUNION SOLDIER 10^' Gen. McCleUaa siys: - "Abaet 7 o'dock in ^he evtjinihjr tKey threwfre^ W^ * against G^. Porter with stffl greater hiry, aiid finally ffauTed ilie -woods h^ by ouri«ft. tliii reverie, tiid^ by thlb (xmfutioct that fi3Uand followed asitwubyi^^ determined assaults on the ronainder of our lines, now outflanked,- CMised a general retreat from our portion to the hill in rear overlMkintf tlw l»idi:e. "French's and Meafjrhn's Brigades now appeared, drivihit bdbre them' the stragglers who were thronging toward the bridge. These l^rigides advlanced boldly to the front, and by their example, as wdl as by the steiUiihi^Bs of their- bearing, reanimated our troopis and warned the enony that r«Bfoh:fliDent8 had arrived. It was noW dtii^. The dnemy, already r^iibed ^vo^ tili^ with terrible slaughter, ahd h^ing the shouts of tiie fresh troopB, failed to' follow up their advantage. ' "This gave an oppcH-tunity to rally our men behind the brigadCB ef Gena. French and Meagher, and &ey again advanced up the UiU, reMly tp ri^ulse another attack. During the nig^ht our thinned and exhausted retth&cbts were all withdrawn in safety, and by the foUowing morning all Iwd rnKebed the other side of the stream." » A dispatch from Gen. MeCldlan to Secretary Steuaton, on the 28th, tdls • sad story, a part of which I quote: "Had 1 20,t)00 or even 10, eOOf rash tfooite to use tomorrow, I cotdd tidc<»lii^- '" mond; but I have not a maen in reserve, and shall be gladio ibvft mf itbttai, - and save the-msterial Mid per&>nnerof the anny. If i^e ftavelcist 1b9d£y, 4re have yet preserved oitfhoikii', tmd'no one need bliish fofr tlite AlmtoFtbe'f^to'"^ mac. I have lost this battle because'my force was'too small.' liJKg&i I'tspeat - that I anr not responsible for this, Knd I say it with ttte ferhesthesiof a Gead«l <^ who feels in hi^ h^t ^e loss of every brave man Who has beiBii iiteedleit^y sacrificed to^y. ; ■* ' ' ''■""' * ' ^ ^^;^ "In addition td whait'I ha^e aheady said, lonly wish to isay to ihef^i^tibt- that I Uiink he is wrong in regarding me as ungenerous, wh«a I said that my ' force was too weak. I merely intimated a truth which to-day has been too plainly proved. If, at this instant I could dispose of 10,000 fresh men, I could gain the victory to-m gton. You have done your best to sacrifice this army." ^ WhilethehattleofGaii^s'sMill was in progress, I Waadbpatchcd to sereral Hospitals remote'frpm tihe direct likte of oDmmuidcaiioil; with |»rdirs 4o tike Sur. geon;^ nurses, snd'^udh of the patients as'could Walk, tb take^::ar«i<^thim.' Ives as best they could, for no anibulftnc '■ Hikeli^uiance had iy>t quite:thi$ effoctnpon me, notwithslanding I decided to give up my horse and to take the consequences. I' did not feelstf particularly d^awn'towacd'Ciaptai|i A— -^ as to let him have'the horse entir^y to himself, ,«nd to leave the other three poor fellows to live or die.' . Ifpon Cfmjiig to ,the conclii^n/ att^ tnature deUberatkm, io |iltt-t with my jfaithfut t^rs^' tte same one I xodccon Uve BuE R^h battijefield, I infdrn^ed these fdSc^s of «a^4niniti6n. "But," seiid i; '^t for the twnMt of a^y one bf. you in I pkrtieular,' but foi- the mutuaTbenefii'ofall four. Thai lih^ceieded to make [arran&ements^that twaofthem'shouldride alternately, aAdho|Lfai$t(T;,than the [other' two could walk. I took two slips of papa- and told them feciist lots to see !«KQi^^oidd:.ride;first . J .; .; . ^ ; .. ; . •; -> v. \ After they had drawn the lots to setfl^ this matter, |tnid the poor Capiatn was doomed to foot it the first part (rfthe jouraiey, and Isav 4luit he looked rather maliciously at me, as much as to say that I had assisted htte in deciding thai)ie .HhouM walk iiistead of ride; the thought struck me that thwe would probably be some-trouble when itcame hi^ turn to ride. ' Sp 1 delivered the folbwing Wi^f Iteture,' which was especially intended for hi» ear! • "Gentlemen, you "are aware that by' giving you my horse lam running the risk of incurring Maj. N 's displeasure, and am exposii^inysdf to the very dtuiger froin which I am assisting you to escape. Now, in return, I make one request of you: that' is that you -all do as you have agreed to; don't play false one with' the oihim. Those who ride are not to go faster than the others can vidk, and you are to ride equal distances, as near as you' may be able to judge, unless otherwise arranged Muong yourselves. ' "The horse you are to have taken care of when you arrive at yourdestination. I truist these matters to your honor, but if honcM- should forget to assert its rights tiii case will be reported at Headquarters." f . l%cre were several otiicrs in the same hospital, but sorac irere uncoMciow S^>^Vi ■•'..-^i:'-;*:;. I tH NUBSB AND &PY. ef tike sUte'of ^affjtfa^^armind them; others w«te eonsfcio^s, bui-iinable to help themaekes in the least. One of the noble-hearted nurses refused to leave those helpj€^,.q)efn, .whqm he had taken care.of so longt aii(d was takfn pris9ner. | marked that noble bay's _poMnte|iance,!dress andj^eneri^ appeeM'an^e, an<^ bjc makine^inguU/ f^terftLtds, I fouhd oi^t th^t hkpame wa$ J, ^bbins, ot the 2d Mich., and whea,. after he had underg^one the hardships of imprisonment and had been exchanj^ed, I had the honor of meeting and congratula^ng him, . I felt that it was a greater honor than to converse with many of our Major- , Generals.- As I turned to retrace my steps I began to think over the lottery business; and wondered, if I had not introduced a species of gambling into my charitable deed. I did not feel clear on this point until I thought of reading in the Bible something about casting lots. . Yes, it must be right, for there were instances of it in the Bible. I tried to remember an instance to find out in what connec- tion I had read it, but my mind was quite confused, and it required some time to recall one of those passages. After, a while, however, I thought of the one where the Romtui soldiers cast lots for the vestments of the Saviour, but this text did not bring much comfort to my mind; I was somehow reminded of the woman who had named her child Beelzebub because it was a Scripture name, and I concluded to leave the further discussion of the subject until a more convenient season. J r«nemb^Fe4now hfivinic noticed, a farm house whm I^came that wa>y in.the niornpsr, u^uod li^hioh were a number qf horses, mules, or something of that sort, .andt I ^j^oqghtfit i^oujd be wellto inveptigftte the matter. Moving along in that direction as fast as possible, I soon c^OM to the house, and saw the ani-. mal& there, ,ie«d>iMF <^ Wore. . ^ »; : .;;s." v tv \:- jWhateyer^J intouled to do rau^t be done quickly, for tihe near ^proach of / the q^inwiAiling warn«d b^ that the ariRy waalast retreating and I would sQon b^c^v^t of| frqm tjbe ^ames Biy.er road. I went at onceto ^camine the, stpck,4)n the farm. for. the purpose of ascertaining whether there was anything worth There were four ^lendid mules and a coU, but whether the colt was a two- year-old or 10 1 could not tell, for it was very small and very handsome, looking much like m. Indian pony, and it might be a dozen years old. But the all- absorbins que^ons in my mind were, how was I going to secure this colt, and if I should catch hlnn what I w^ going to do with him, having neither saddle nor bridte. I went to the barn, looked around and found an old halter that, for want of sqgpiething better, would be of service. Now was the time to catch the colt; but this was easier said than done, for upon going towards it I found that it wi^.about as wild as a young bufifalo. Not discouraged, however, I started it, togf^er with the mules, in the direction of the barn, and opened a, door leading .. iaifh aiong s^ ,eonne:^^ witlji the bsf rn.; This plajd succeeded aj^miraUy, (or i tb^ aU rfux pta^he^hed without jho^ea^^t tcpuljle. ^ B^t the,g|:ea)est^di%:u^ty ,^ 4. - i:. ■ a: -.. .•■;« -■■ji i u »', V- -•■*• 1; j .# ■ ■ -(• ■n rl H '■; "it i .r *f i ■ i? ■■>; 'i' b. t t T- ■■ -■ . > ■ ) ■:l" 'i ..tt ) I;- •,? ;^ yr f s i. <. » a . ; :1 '»-, r $ ri , •:i •ji. i\- C' :* ■;?■ .#■ was lo i^t ttie fialW ^<>^i i&d4uriiin|; I fled in the direction indicated 4)y the pri^ner, #htin anotha'4olfey J^Ubweit me, which"^oved as 4iarmless fis the first. * • - • • >' c t I began now to think that I was about as safe fai^e the l^ebcS lmes%s sny"- wh^e, for their bullets seemed quite harmless sor far last was j^ersonMly con- cerned. Iteniemberbd that whieh I was'aclnldilheafdmyni^h^r6hce^ll& Scotch PresbyteriSn clergyman 'she was afraid I would meet with some viMenIt death, for t was always iii some unheai^-of mischief, such a^ riding the wilfdelitt colt on the farm, firing of! my father's shotgun, and climbing to the highest point of the Imilding. To which the good old predestinarian^replied: "Ah, weel, my guid woman, dinna fret; it is an auld saying, an' 1 bdieve a true one, 'A wean that's bom to he hung 'ill ne'er be droon'd.'" Then turning to me and laying his hand on my head, he said: "But, me wee lassie, ye mauna tempt Providence wi' your madcap antics, or ye may no live oot half your days." 1 did not know after all but what the fates were reserving me for a more ex- alted death on the scaffold at Richmond — for the old minister's words' woiiki occasionally ring in my ears: "If the wean is born to be hung it will ne'er be droon'd"— and, 1 added, dr be shot either. I was now outside of the rebel lines,' but I was just betwe^i two fires, and tronendous hot ones at that, for the whole lines wJere-a jterfect blaiie both of muskefry 'and artilltlry.' ISfothlnj^bjit (rfe power in the Almighty could htive ishidded nie fr6m'suc% a'st6rmt)f §hof an^ slidl, and brought me through unscathed. It se^ns to me now that it was almost as much of a miracle as that of the three Hebrew children coming forth irofta the fiery furnace without even the smellof fire upon them. 10* . ... ,NT7RSE AND SJ*T. 4K. vrr.-w;^" >-U ?,j >E'ol -is '/i •■ -Ji' ■■•": ':lUi:>ih ■■v ■■>t \ n\ \m, ,■; ■ fi.>:.a:;. m^vi -^A^; ;./■<■:_ ^"^ ;■;::'- •■ghapter xvn. -^ ^'^ •'■ - ■' ■'''"' ^- - '• s ^ Withdrawal to Malvem Hill— The Soldier's Last Watch— Trowbridge's Gr-Mo- Gellan's Address to the Army. : v , When I reached the main army the troqps had gained a new. position, and were (jlrlving the enemy back. The troops , were well nigh exhausted, yet fighting bravely and detcmjinedly. Night came and put an. end to that d&y's battle, but instead of spending the night in taking care of our poor wounded men, we were obliged to retreat, under cover of darkness, to Malvem Hill, and leave piK wounded in the hand^ of the enemy. , . ; .^ . . , ,, ,^, Ojfithf ip^ny.^l^dipdfpm exbai}§tio«. fjswpliitswpunds., dijyii:»g;ouri^ fro^ijttie sj^in^ty of Jiich^ooid, \ Vvt^vipl n(¥n^|nQj^ wori^ pf jri^for^ ti|a4 tbtft of a young m^ o^ioy.&^q^intibnpe. wjio f^edpnl^he fie]^.^e ii|gU i^t^.tj^ .,■ batt^: ,JI^E\WP npt W^^ l^t^ied-at his fios^j^Qm sikmM^^^f^if^^ the^tiyrse^pf i^e^fycfping, t4ie^ se«n ^d3Pf^ed.hipi son^j^.^rfndy fipnti.^jr . v fla4^,wJ»^ikI;{iiadjfor^ewfflijmd^j ^He,w^i^^scaf^<;ly abl^lpstend feetidr»t5lye^i||i5e4ito^iP ^pblWi«iyr WiS8'^*i^«P*M tbaai,. ^ he ^ir'mi M^^?^ ^^ i»«^"X,Wf?r4fJ»awy ialo3f^a^g,liqjijor,^i44«r ajiiy, CirOUPUtai^«J« ...i,.;, -:iV... ^, ;-<,:■;/«• '-..i.- ;;.■■:•• . -;:■■■ V-- • (,N.- :.:•;..::!>; hsr{ ' ,; :i-;': ■-,;- A no^ce of his-death by an eye-witness, given under the heatfing.^The Sol- dier's Last Watch," says: "A lonely grave, a little apfu-t from others, stands on the ground of one of the battles fought in the retreat from. Richmond, in the . Summer of 186?, which bears on. its woojden headboard ^simply the nune,, 'Trowbridge.' .The turf c»vers the Remains of a youthful soldier who wa^ npt only iHraye and patient, but exemplary as a Christian. Those battles renewed . . from day to day, and attended by so many hardships, destroyed many lives in addition, to those lost, in conflict with the, enemyy^ hundreds and thousands of our gallant men, worn out by marches, figb.ting, hungier c^d loss pf,8leq>, ,. became discouraged, and either recklessly., threw th^m^elves into tli^ jaws of deathi.prjell into the hands of the enemy because they were unable to keeip i^p with their more robust though not braver companions. Tbe .circumstances of . the death of one of these silent martyrs to their country were taken down fr^„.r > the ^|)6pf ^soddjeffwljp T«as>witb hjjp i* hje Ia§t Ijipufs. j,^t'«s,aB \^ ipay b^' known, save^^a |ew^bleff|jwg.l|ea£iisr.of.o»ej|«h<3if.alf»s!^ so^in^y otl^iirafc > :j sleeps ill that saddtet of all places, a battlefield." 71m worn-out soldier, the day before his death, said to his Lieutenant^ "I am V'.;'*..'. i ;-■■.;..•. ;i. , V!j ■■ / ! . . /'•- 'i.-i^ii j;«^A../vi^: ■:-:-^,:: -7*. ADVENTURES Ot: A WOMAN AS A UNION SOLDIER . IW so weak and helpkss, I do not know what I caii do furtiiw." ■ He wa^ told to lie down and get what rest he coUld on ike battlsfifsld. , "Al^ut 10 o'^^k at night," said his jix^pajnion, "as we were tailkiiig to^jefthtfr, 4h:Ql^a' of ibe com- pany came up, and told us we shoiild retreat ftt 2 o'clock in thtf moptinf. .He ;)rdered us to stand guard till then, two hours each^ in turft. ' We took SilrAWs, 3,nd drew lots to decide^who should stand first. .The lot fdl qn Trowbriditc. I threw myself on the ground, under a tree, with my bIiMik<)t. drawn oter (jae, and was soon fa^t asleep. At 12 1 was aroused,' but ^d, 'You puSt^br n^ii»- taken; it cannot be five minutes since I lay down.' Wc ha^i)ee!ri6r4^piM% to speak aloud, aoeihe hiQi,:ahd awake. him g^itly, but lie turned aside his head, Jgroaned pnee more, and.l^fts gone. I struck a match and looked upon his' features; they wcire ^, ijtfid ghastly in death. ^ I placed his huid on my. chefek, and asked.* him i^^e.iriis still conscious to press it. There was no responte;'life Was evidently extinct ■ - 'A "I made an attempt tolind the Surgeon or Chaplain, but they had both gone forward with the arrmy- So I searched his podkets, and ta)tiiig from tllete S6 for his mother, and is letter' directed to himsdlf, I replaced the M|Velope,^ihM his nanijB, at least, pijg;bt We knpim to tbo:^ who should find th^ body. ' ' . '<■ Several days after ihis I w&^ftne of th? nutnber d^tail^H? io bacK to ihl^ '^ spot and Buiry* the ^e^. On searching ^ne^r the piace where TfowWidgeHipd, ^ I foithd a gifkve with a wooden tablet bealjhf; Jiji$ n^me. Not f ar dis^ni wiili ^' a hcmse, at which I ciUled, ^oid asked the ir^ates if they lim^ any^ni:<>f that *^ grave. '♦ The WPm«m of the family then broujght forwardem (myiblo^ (the very -■ one that I had replaced,) and said they had buried a soldier there, froin #ho(Mi ' pocket it was JAken. It was a relief to know what had become of the body. Of course, I wrote to his mother, sending the money, and gi^ng ad account of b^r son':; l^t moments and his burial." This is only ft sojitcu-y instance of Uie bravery and faijhfukjRss of , the men who fought thKJse terrible battles, day after day, many of Fl¥>m ^«i wit^ their muskets in their hands, and, without receiving a wound, died from hunger, thirst and fatigue. Th^e was a farmhouse near the battlefield, to which the wounded were carried, and the Surg^ns of the Union army made it thrir headqiiarters during the battle. I will not attempt to describe the scenes which I witnessed in that building, for it beggars all dei^ription. The poor fellows seemed to know that they could not be removed, wid would inevitably fall into the hands of the' enemy/ ■■ ■'■' •■ •:■.'.: :, - .j .^v - One mul adked a Surgeon, Who had julst informed an 6perati HdTe^lied, in broad Siotch, ^o, my man, there is no alternative; but keep up a good heart, I am not goin^ to leave yon; I:sh»ll beai»sonea?ior your^akes, and'mU take o^re^f you ^ long as I can." He did ad, and was really taken prisoner, but was not permittei to do much for those for whom he had made such a noble sacrifice. He was Dr. Clelana, of Detroit, Mich. When the order was given to retreat that night, I started with my colt, having a good saddle and bridle on him now, which I had taken off a dead horse on the battlefield, and reached Malvern Hill about 2 o'ckick in the morning. After hitphing my horse, and unstrapping a small bag of oats and my blanket from ^e saddle, I fed him, and proceeded to take a glance around, to see how things looked. ; , The artillery was already in position, and the weary troops were in line of battle, but flat on the ground and fast asleq), all except the guards, who were pacing backward and forward in front of the line, ready to arouse the sleepers at any mommi Feeling safe to consign myself to the arms of Morpheus ^ter this reconnoissance, I returned, wrapped myself in my blanket, and slept until the thundering of cannon awoke me in the morning. Malvern Hill is an elevated plateau, about a mile and a half by three-fourths of a ^^in aroa, iiearly cleared of timber, and with sev^al convMiging roads )<|auuaig>. over it. In front there are numerous ravines. The f^round slopes CradTjally toward the northeast to the wooded plain beyond, giving clear ranges foTH^rtilkry. ia dilfcs'ent directionsi ,;- The batteries were advantageously posted on those hills, while the reserve trposs were sheltered as much as possiUe by the ravines. The artillery ^f the Ti^Btifyt wast>laced.in position ao as to bring the concentrated fire of €0 gtms to bearup^^ thememy's front and left, approaching from Richmond or White Oak Swamp. • The brave Col. Tyler, 1st Conn., with great exertion succeeded in getting 10 of his siege guns in position on the highest point of the hill; the moi having to haul many of them up by hand. C(»nmodore Rodgers, commanding the flotilla on James River, placed his gunboats in position to proted the left flank and to command the approaches from Richmond. ^ The battle commenced about 9 o'clock in the morning, and raged all day with terrible fury. At 3 in the afternoon the enemy attadted our right and coittt* with tremendous force both of artillery and infantry. The artillery was replied to with good effect, but our infantry lay upon the ground aiid with- held their fire until the advancing column was within short musket range, whoi they sprang to their feet and poured in a deadly volley which «itirely broke the attacking force, and drove the rebels back some 800 yards in great eonf^sioiu .>•: -. : t- ;v ,. •; > r --; i.- ■ : t -■ ■- '-'-■'■■ .^The battle raged^. most inriously hour after hour, the^nony advancing in; p«ltsBiye«oli)mni olteqi>. wilhoat cnrder, but with perfect recklessnesir, and the- ADVENTURES Qf A W>UAM AS A Vm&S SKJXEB. 1^9 coRceaitrated firt of->ouf su&boftts, battoies and iafantry momiagibwix the advaaeing'host ifx a most f«»rful maimer, until the dais by mliMqsupiMittw .field.-.;. .-. r ■ : ened upon this Idt of our line With the whole strength of his artillery, and fiercely pushed forward his column pf attftck to carry the hill. His infantry in immense force formed under covierof the woods, and starting on a rim across the open space, changing almost up td the muzzles of the guns of our advance batteries, came rui^iing on with 3^^ cold imprecations, but in a moment the whole hill was one blaze of light, those t^ti- ble siege guns had belched forth a murderous fire, tuid a simultaneous Volley from the gunboats, infantry and numerous batteries, sent the enony reeling back to shelter, leaving the ground covered with their dead and %dMndied. Then our men dashed for xi rd with-the bayonet, with wild shouts and che^ capturing prisoners and colors, and driving the routed rebels in confusio&i'fAnn the field. - •' At a little past 4 in the afternoon, when there was a lull in the terrible'storin of grape and canister, I ventured to go to a house which stood ftbdut haff sAiy be|weai our line of battle and that of the enemy. Ifound a large qtiiebitity of flo^r, bacon, smoked h«n, etc. The«rawl tlier«<>n^mt bauds Atd feet, and now the question arose how I was to carry anything badk iHth nHr 'Taking a bedquUtl spread it on the floor and commenced sdecthig the most important articles, such as a small bag of flour, ham, an iron spider; a \iigt coffeepot, and some other things; after tying these up in the quilt I a,ttaehed ii long bed-cord to the bundle, intending to drag it along the ground. Just as I was com[^ting my arrangemoits, a shdl came crashing -throuith the side of the house, and p:tssing tiirough the window on the opposite side, it made the house tr^nUe as if shfdien by an esurthquake. Then anothef and another came in quick succes^on until I was obliged to scA refuge in the cdlar. I^he rebds evidently thought that the house contained a band of our sharp- shooters, and were determined to dislodge than if possible, for thiey thought three lueces to bear upon it for about 20 minutes, until they succeeded in settii^t iton-fire. , \ >,....- ■ y" -j •■••■■ -'■• Before the echo of the last shot had died away, I heard the crackliftg cf( ^» fire«bj»ve>my heat^and thougiht if piudeht to malde aa aikteaipi> td» eseapeL I did n^t fiad it veky difficuli'to db sc^ ac the &n WBsi>rinr1pkl]ycconfiaed"i»^ upott part of the hous«i ■: -it^s^kS. _ \_ _ ■ «*.»>■•■ : -, ■ ^^ . ::-e:^-' ■ .V. -.v'.y?:' 'A '. .■■•■T/ r " Bo taking ihy precious burden of provisions, wliieh still lay uhharmed oh ttie floor, I began my retreat in the same mariner m Which I hadadvaricM, drawiiig niy park after me by means of the cprd. .f could not make much progress, ' howelCT, for 1 found it very difficult to drag thkt imincnse? weight over ttic rou^h ground. But I at length succeeded in reaching tlie linos, arid wais luul*d fey ■ hearty cheers from those who were anxiously awaiting iiie result of my hazar^l- , QMS mission. Several of the boj-s caught up the spoil and carried it to the redr, where we built a lire and commenced cooking immediately. An hour later we had a nice lot of hot bread, fried ham and tea ready for disposfel. Oh, 1 slittll never forget the thrill ef plsasute which 1 e.xperienced when I carried this food and set it before those famishing men, and saw them eat it with a sort of awe and reverence as if it had fallwj from heaven.' One of the men looked up, with moistened eyes, and said: "Bob, do you kndw that this food has been sent to us by our heavenly Father, j ist as much as the manna was sent to the Children of Israel? That boy risketl his life in procuring it' for us, but he never would have returned from that burn- ing builJing if God had not shielded him from the bursting shell. I believe it has just come in time ii .save me from sharing the fate of poor Tror.'bridge." The battle of Malviern Hill presented by far tlie most sublime spectacle i ever witnessed. AH the battles I had seen before, and those which I have seen since, were nothing t > be compared to it. The elevated position which the army occupied, the concentration of such an immense force in so small conipasi', such a quantity o( artillery on those hills all in operation at the same lime, the ' riflection of the flashes of fire from humlreds of guns upon the dense cloud of smdke ^hidl" hung suspended in- the heavens, turning it into a ^illiar of fhre which reminded one of the ca:iip of thie Israelites, and of God's dealings with His p^ple of ol 1, the vivid flashes of hjjlilning, tl»e terrific peals of thunder, mingifid'with'th6 continuous blaze of mlitkctry, sudden explosions of shell, tfhd the deafennihg roar of cannon, combined to make a scehe which was awfully ■ gttaid: .■ :■'■ ^ , - ' ■ Mjr^soul was filled with the sublimity and grandeur of; the scene,; notwith- stuidpn^ the ghastly wounds and piteous groans of' the mangled, helpless ones Mbiind ipe: -Tlius-it continued from? to. 9 in the evening, the most thrilling picture which' the ii^agination can conceive. 'As'^soon'as the firing ceased, -the rear pf the army began to move off in the di)f«ctloD of Harrison's Landing, and the exhausted troops in front threw them- selves upon the ground to rest The greater portk>n of the transportation of the army having been started for Harrison's 'Landing during the night, the order was at once issued for the nioveoicnt of the army upon the final repulse of the enemy at Malvern Hii). The troops were to move hy the left and r6ar; Gen. Kcyea's corps being ordered t> remain in position until all had moved ofl', then to cover the retreat.. . Omi. McCldlan in his official report awards great credit to Gcji. KeVes for the ' maxuxer in which he carried out these orders. He took ev^Ty kd vintage of f ae •• • 1 r/.:-: ADVENTUKES Of tj^ W^^ap^fg^tA UNION SOLDIER, sill trains ^er^ kept.in .1^^ middle. of_ the road,4eaving. jr^in,]^]; .t^,infimtrjf. on each side, soaSrtQ be i^ gpod position.t<).zepel ^y attapk wjbdch migj^tj^ jn^de during the march.,,. HiSrdij^IH^itioiisJH^ere so^successful-t^at, tP, U^tijbipwn words: $g^_ ■.,->....;.>:• ^. ;.:..; •.;::; .■- r.- ..- • \ ;«. ' -' ,■> V-i.. .^.- ,. i "1 do not ,think. more vehicles S^, any more public ^rpperty w$^e .ftban|[oned ^ on themaxch from Tiu'^^^'i^^S^J'h^ would have bpieaa Ijpft, i||i .th^.sa^^st»te ]. iXi' 9.^1^-^.^ .,. TJtie enqi^iy ioliowt?;! tfie afmj^ .withft/SijL^ll, force, jj»n<|o9jjaapiiA^ 1^5 * .few,;shells^t ^e^ re^irjguard, iuj.^erejgui^ly ;d^pei^.]i)yjOii|{baitea^l^ .guqJboj^, ap4p^ the, evening otth;?tb^^d,6f^ t)i§en6reaJrIq^,|iacn^t^^ „ .Xl^e, trooje^^re^ted a,;nost aistr^ssipg appear|fince a^ thpy ^ew, ujyn^liae , «^d|S|a|cked. tU«r gyiis at H^arrjspn/s Bar. 'i^e^ain l^k^ ^&e^ pQj^p^j^^ B|ips,t of ^ejugbtv,«iy Gen. McfeieiiMi: ■'• :■;■■ ■ ' ^, ":^" • ^':/;: -^ "'''_■: "Headquarters, Army p^ the.Potoma'c, Camp ISIear j^ARRisoff's ' , Landing,. July 4,, 1862.' .^ ', ." '.'".]' ~ ^.■'. . ' '".;;;'\ ^i!'' '^^^ ' . . , "Soldio's of the Army, of the Potomac: Your achievements of the jbst 10 diiys have illustrate the^valor and endur^ce. of the American- sotcKeK ' At- tacked by superipr forces,' and without HopiB of ieinfbrcemenfe,' yoiu Bave suc- ceeded m cnaneing wour base. « -^ 1 E^arded. as the most hazar(r - ' ■ ■ ■• » ' ■ r ^w-. 112 ^? ^1-.^.:V; r-:|ffU|l^.4NI). ^PY^ ■■>}. -^n :K.:?. A your mateHaI<> all: your j^rains and ^ pur gjins, except a few lost in battle, takingan refairn gims^dicojorslraip the enemv. . Upon vour niarch, you have' been assaile^'day after day, with desperate fuiry, ^y mw of the s«tf^ nation, skillfuily massed and led IJiid^r every disadvantage of niHnberS,Wdf necessarily of ;positioift also, you have in everj'rcQnfiicl beaten back v^tir Joes? With enormous , slaughter. "Your conduct ranks you among the celebrated armies of history. No one will now question that each of you may always with pride say: 'I belong to the Army of the Potomac ' You have reached the new base, complete in organiza- tion and unimpaired in spirit. The enemy may at any moment attack >ou. We are prepared to meet them: I have personally established your lines. Let them come, and we will convert their repulse into a final defeat. Your Government is strengthening you with the resources of a great people. "On this, our Nation's birthday, we declare to pur foes, who are enemies against the best interests of mankind," that this army shall enter the Capital of the so-called Confederacy;, that our National Constitution shall prevail, and that the Union, which can alone insure internal peace and external security to each State, 'must and shall be preserved,' cost what it may in time, treasure, and blood.", '- '■ ». iv../; •: v.... CHAPTER XVlil. ■-• '■ ■:' •■: •>) ;.o ; :- Return of Old Acquaintances— The Wounded Colonel— I Visit Wasl^ingtpn MiUtary Display— Epaulets— Aristpcracy-^Spirit of Johnny Bull—Soldiers' Free Library— Contraband Camp— Negro Testimony— Patient Charley. Painful PoMtion-^rothcr's Last Conversation— Return to the Army. Christian C6mmission— Gen. Howard's Speech, About a Week after we arrived at Harrison's Landing, a number of our absent ones joined us, among whom were Mr. and Mrs. B :, Nellie, Jack, my wounded darky friend from Williamsburg Hospital, and last and least of ail came that pusillaniraous'coward. Col. , whom I had assisted in carrying from the field at the battle of Williamsburg, and whom Doctor E— - had ordered back to his regiment under penalty of being reported to his superior officer. .The next day after the arrival of this individual I received a message requesting mc to appear at the headquarters of the regiment. I started im- mediately, and found to my astonishment that it wes this Colonel who desired an interview with me. Hue had been gone on furlough ever since the battle of Williamsburg, and had played his cards so well that he Ijad ^eiji promoted to, the. command of a brijiadju Hehadjalsii^managedi by£fa]^r#pr§sentation% to,Jia'\{c tHe f9)lo^^ing; notice inserted in the leading newspapers of his native, St5.te, yiz,. "CJgi.. - — - wa3 I . ADVENTURES OP A WOif AN is -A UNION SOLDIEK: 113 severely' wounded at Ihe Wtle of WilUainisbiirjfif while ^dlaiitJyl^ desperate charge on the eheray's woirks/aritf Wats carried fi^Mii th« freld, Imtno;- soon^r had, the Surgeons bound Up hi^ wound than th6 nohic irndpfl^tieiic:^ Colonel returned again to his commahd iand ledhisTnch again arid again upon- the foe, until the day was woii; when he sank upon the ground, exhausted f •onx--^ loss of blood and fatigue, and was carried the second time by his men froin the field. The paper in which thi^ false statement was published found its way to camp, and Dr. E replied to it, soraCiYhat chnmjins the clitors sentiments with regard to the conduct of the "nolle and pat iaf.c Colonel." He, the Col- onel, had now returned to wreak vengeance upon Dr. E--— ; Going to his tent I found the Colonel alon-. He arose es 1 entered, «nd in rather an, excited manner spoke as follov/s: '^ "I am informed that you are one of the persons who carried me off the field when I was wounded at Williamsburg, and witricssod the infair.ous conduct of Dr. E^ , and heard the insulting language which he used toward me." I did not reply, but s'-ood gazing at the man before me. He looked me iji the face for the first time since 1 entered, and discovering the smile of cortterapt v/hich I could not suppress, he seized me roughly by the arm and exclaimed: "See here, boy, what do you mean? Why do you not answer me?" 1 replied with provoking coolness and the same sarcastic smile: "Pardon me, sir; 1 was not aware that you asked me a direct question; I under- stood you to say that you were informed ihat I was one of the pdrsons who carried you oil the battlefield at W^iiliamsburg. I have the honor to inform you that thus far Voiir informant was correct.^ : : f . ;. ic 'Then you saw the treatment which I received, and heardlthe abusive ]6a-i' guage which Dr.. E—— made use of on that oGcaaon?" s - ; L - .. "1 saw Dr. E^— c::aminc you carefullj- and thoroughly, and when he could discover no cause for your being brought there, I heard him isay^ 'GqIobcI, yo« . are not wounded at all. You had better let these boys carry you back to your regiment,' and when you so suddenly recovered your strength and sprang to your feet, making use of threats and profane language, he said. If' you do not return to your regiment within 15 minutes I will report j^ou to' Gen. .'" Suddenly relaxing his grasp of my arm, he assumed a fawning tone and manner, and takhig a paper from his pocket he asked me to put ray name to it, and he would reward me handsomely. I took the document from his hand arid read it carefully. It was drawn up, as near as I can reinember,Wler the follow- ing manner: "This is to certify that Col. has been infamously treated and mahciously slandered by Dr. E , while said Colonel was suffering from a wound received at Williamsburg battle. Two of the undersigned carried him bleeding froaitt the field, and witnessed the cruel treattnent and insulting language of Dr. E -,. After raiding the docitoetot, ia^d^er^ cdnUy todAiecidedlyr^Oiloirtl,^ mu^t decline signing this pnapei;'' - - "s *. *^ , it i- ;j ;* v iC ii. it-- .••%;•-- *.;- •(■.•■;V- . jV '-' ^i'^y'T!^' iJ!a»!".. JW?'.- li.uMi jujnj'!' WW» ■ ■ ' ' ^i ^ 'r ■■•■ •-.';"'• .T t if.' J^a^iftg J^^^,mg^o,v«r.ib«^5i^ plrvtbft J«!Pi?% PS^e^e :ft^;4tf?i.#^ ^ ton, Georgetown and Al«;cai\dyrifi, and,,yano))s pthe^ pli^fes of inter.est , ■ L.^as^ooouius^ioned with.numero had any amount^ ol.mes- .saces to deliver foe officers and others; as. many pf our men Jilll^ere in the diS^ent .hos|ut^^in those cities, and 1. was expected tp find them and, deli verl^^ters, Pf^H^fM:- r :; , :..;^i- :, - . :■., „-,_, = ,,• ;. ^ ..The inUitafy di^lay.made^in, Washington is .certainly as!tpnlshing,^esp«ci- ,8yy.t9ith9se who are g^jcustpmed.to si§e Major-Generals gOjaround in_^^oucbed hats..,{ui^^fatiKue coats, wjithout eyen.a stau- to^designate their r^k... But co^^.|knd plumed ha^ scarlet-lined riding cloaks, swords and, sf^shes, high hoots and. Spanish, spurs', immeiisc epaulets, glittering stars^^aryj gavLj-cai^r- isoned. horses, are to be. seen by the hundreds tu-ound Willard's Hotel and .other,|Jac.earof re^rt..,, .. , .. _ .,-,;;. ..•:■•. -kx.. I noticcxi that some in particular wore painfully-tight uniforms and yery spi^U cap^^kept.pn by some, pew. Jaw of gra^dtation, as one portion rested on -^tiie bg^p of ,st^,este^, ,flind..the other on the.bridge of the nose. ."Mjas^Peri- ^ wsmkk"^ys of .this cla^ of .militfury. herpes;,, "^^^V \p^ hkJe, sJufi^-^wJs, i^l^yi^?i(i^i9S if tlJBs^f^t;^ of ^9,ISfa[tiojj d.epei^.e^;.uppnthei^ speed aJfl^e/j.; . ?i^iip*^^^ i»f%t.Q*ii»Vw?i»^yiy .d.effn4^;^hemwitiieiic|ty of ,epsi^^ in.^as^h- ix.^l*P^ W^^erji «'^RPrt^ iflihe city l^oiffi(^s...;Fpur^hly, t^e^^^ .•A jpuultude pf .^L^geqnik. ea^ly mistaken ; for army _pfficers,.. ,as: they w.^.uni- ', forms,. *Ad^ to -thesf the convalescent officers just able to m^ve abciut, and - yoii have -hundreds necessarily in Washington. And of course the display of epaulets ^is\ great*. ^ Notyitbistanding^be "trpublpus times," there are generally gay times at thq .Capitalr . I«1es I visited the Seaate^ Cbieuiiber. It was unbcci^iied, except 1)y a fe# specimens of yoUnfAnaerKa, %lk) vrerc jAayinglttiffi4ni[xri'« theseats ahd desks. I leisurely surveyed every item of ijiiteiest; sat ih StEtdser's ch^ur, andrecalled the scene enacted ihite a'f ew years previous, «md m iiaaifina- tioD th^hedCrdbks until he Was a fit'subject for a hospitsU, then ;fil^jt''}>i'n a farewell coup de pied, I betook iue to th^ picture srallcries. • -'"" • ■■^■- >■ After admiring Pocaliontas sufBcicnUy, and gazing at expiring heroes, who all "appeared to be quitting their earthly tabernacles in con- vuljions," ruffled shirts, and a tremwidous shower of bombshells, until my head ached, I then turned for relief to the noble form- of "The Father of his Country," which looked out from the canvas in all the princely majesty which characterized that great and good man. I stood in rapt and profound reverence, when a friend drew my attention to two paintings which I had not noticed before. They, represented the surrender of Lord Go^nwallis and Gen. Burgoyne. I felt a wafhi current of blood rush, to my face as I contem- plated the humiliating scene; the spirit of Johnrv Bull triumphed over my Yankee predilections, and I left the building with feelings of humiliation and disgust :■ -' ■-■-:.:..;"■ .■■-' -^ :"•..' -.'^ Next in order, I visited the "Soldiers' Free Librarj'," in 5th street, under the superintendence of John A. Fowle, Esq. He has accumulated over 2,300 volumes of well selected historical, bioj^raphical and reKgiouS works. The soldier's in the different hosiata]s hisive the free use of the library, wiuch is v^>en daily. The. room is mcely furnished, and the pfetUres l^uiginig (^ tHe trails give it a cheerful home-lopk, and the $oldi6rs cpnie there by the Score. It d; an excellent arrangement. Thanks to the benevolent hearts and handithiatMve provided siiqh a lijxury for the Soldiw-, ' ; ; ^ : [■■: . ■' '. •",• '^: *; .^\r An hour's walk through the cpn^biind camp was amusing And iii^tr»cliysether, and whether, their adngsTwere ot heavenor of hoecakes, they were equally inspiring:. : * . , *' , " ' ^ •I found a young lady therje from' the I^erth; ,wfap had dcwae toIWashiJictdB with the intoiUon of nursing the ^k sohjiers, htit h«r sympathi^ bi^'^di^- . iS-i :« >W^V^ dedbetweeo sick America and dowiitroiideti Afrida, i^e decfiled to ieiiS6h flie cbnirabaads instead. She seemed ddifhttid #ith^lMtf emplbyi^il, ttP t^ little bladt faces were beaming w^hJ03^ is thejr Katittrld ai'ot^d iuat ioticetrt instFUctioha. "" "' ^ ' "'' ' '' ' '' "' ''''' '' '' '■' TV One colored man stood listoiinK to the questions ^hkh were being asked JBod answered, and looked as if he would like to give in his testimony. I turned to him, and asked: ''How is it with you? Do you think you can take care of yourself, now that you have no miaster to look after you?" "Gosh a-mi{hty, suessl cttii! ' Ben taking car' of self and massa too for dia 15 year. Guess I can take car' of dis nig all alone now." V While at one of the hospitals in Alexandria, the head steward told me the following touching incident, which occurred in that hospital. Said he: ' "A ybiing man had been placed uhder our ca^e, who had a severe wound in thte thigh. The ball passed Cotnpletely through, ^d amputation was neces^ sary. The limb was cut up close to the body, the ai-teries taken up, and ha seemed to be doing well. Subsequently, one of the small arteries sloughed ojBT. An incision was made, and it was taken up. 'It is wdl it was not the main artery,' said the Surgeon, as he performed the operation. 'He might have bled to death before it could have been taken up.' But the patient, (Gharley, as we always spoke of him,) got on finely for a time, and was a faybfite with us ^ "I iiras paj^hg through the ward' one t^ght, About niidmghi^ whoi sud- di^iy, -as 1 was' pasing (dharleyV W/^he sp^ke to me: 'H— ^, my^ leg >* bieec^g again.^ Ith^ew'back tj^js heddoues^ apd the.bkipd s^ted in ^e a&. Tit4 m]&in!iBU't«y had sle^ - „ "Folrtu^ately, 'l li:new just what to^do; ai^d In ai^ instMti I had pr.:eaMd jay. thumb oa; the place^ wd stofi^^^t^^ blee^gl liwjss ^ cifm to. th^^bqdy that there, w^s barely room for my thumbs pjAt 1 succeedecl in keeiping .it^t^4 and arousii^^ one of the convalescents, i|fjit.lbdin foi the Swgopn, who came^ on a run. "'I am so thankful,' said he, as he saw me, 'that you were up, and knew what to do, for otherwise he must have bled to death before I could have got here.' "But on ex«nination of the case, he looked exceedingly serious, and sent for othCT Surgeons. All came who were within reach, and a consultation was held o^er the poor fellow. One conclusi(Mi was reached by alL There wasAo place to work, save the spot wh&K my thumb was placed; they could not work under my thumb, and if I removed it he would bleed to death before the artery, could be taken up. There was no way to save his life. . . . . , . ^ , "Poor Charley! He was very calm when they toM him, and he requested that his brother, who was in the same hospital, mig^t be caHed up. He ca^fl and s^ downby the^be^de, and Jor ^iree l^Hit^ Istoq^ fwdaJjyM^ir^lPSuj^j of my.tliumblf;^)! iv the li{eotClipl4^r> ^^^ ^^^f^^!"*^^^ ^'^I'^'^M^i!' ^eraatjonon wiL It waa^aftra^g^pof^^f^^^ ^f^tf»fttt bdd ilikm^attmmmoiiif^iam^)^^ ataJBgcryrt to ftwl tM an act -■n'vV-' 'f..^''> ■ :- ri ■■;:,: -' '■. 'yVi \.,!v« ■-';>;; . * ADVENTURES OF A WC|IAN JJS^ UOTON SOLDIER *17 ol m^e mus| c^^use that lU&toijd<^8^,. JU>,ig[ng the pc)prifll.^^^ absent ones, who little dreamed how near their loved one stood to. ^.-grajw. The tears filled my eyes more tiian once as I luttened to those parting words. The last good-by was spoken; thrai turning to me, he said: 'Now, H— --, I guess you had better remove your thumb ' 'Oh, Chu-ley! how can I,' said I. 'But it must be done, you know,' he replied. 'I thank you very much jfor your kindness, and now, good-by.' He turned away his head. I raised my thumb, once more the life-curfrait gushed forth, and in three minutes he was dead." Havihg heard and se«i considerable on my little pleasure trip, and my leave of absence having nearly expired, 1 prepared to return once more to duty, and . on my way to the boat 1 was fortunate enough to meet with some of the Christi«i Commission delegates, who were going to Harrison's Landing on the same* boat, and had quite a supply of good things for our sick and wounded. May God bless the Christian Commission; it is d<^g a noble work, not only for the sick and wounded, but for our sokiiers genn-ally. Gen. Howard, of Maine, that noble Chfistitui patriot of whom I have spc^en in a previous chapter, was one of the ^eakers at the great meeting in Philadel- phia, Jan. 2^, the second ahi^versary of the U^mted States Chri^iahC^ siqh, H^ delivered a most toucfaihg and ap^prit^ address oil tHiai .occa^Q,n, and as it expressed my own sehtimoi^^ both Iri^ ^^'■f d to Ihe Cl^ifftum Commissioh and the religion of Christ generally* I will quote a jpprUc^oif |u£s sijeech, for the benefit of my readers who may iiot hlave r«ad it else^ho^: ''I may 1)e'i^k)wed to; sp^ frd^y to the f noids who are here iokn^h^ . L^ me teil you 6ne thlAg V^hiiih Ineed ^ot suppress if I cpul^ juid iQiat^is, ;tha|l fe^f in my ht!»rt a deep and abicffiig interest in the cauae of my ttedeeiner,' I know that this ts also the cauae df the Christian Commission, an^ fhex^ore, t love it, and identify myself with it; and I doubt not tiiat you love it, «id will do everything to sustain it, for a like reason. And now I aric you, as I am to go back to the field to take up my cross anew, and to stand np night and day, evening and morning, for the cause of Him I love, that yofur earnest^ impor- tunate prayers may follow me, and that God would bless the soldiers, that evil may be repressed among them, and that when they go into battle they may go wiUibiit a fear, because they know in whom they have betieved. "I assert that the highest type of courage is Cl^ristian courage. When your spirit yearns up to God in prayer, 'Oh, Lord, be my protector, and in this peril let me nm undo- the shadow of thy wing,' tiien you will fear no evil, though you wtdk throtigh tiie valley and the shadow of death. My frioids, these things are realities with me. By tiie bhsising of God, by His qtirit, he has fldui^iedtdwHo Ikve^ii^bar'ein^ sitovHA hi^ takenie away I shaUgo to tiw^Himf )^bee^2^I^iMl<^>^^.^^^ * Saii^, ai (#stiidlnj^1^t&,1^is Me%> s^v/even itie clielfpf wmva. »'••■>,, •auflwvi!'"."^ ■ ^^'^f>\"'»'"w'f''}' ■• .1 >■■ 118. : -NURSE AND SPY,: :: UBto.ihfe uijn^t. -,'T\m^ore, I atn at>le to say^that I can go into the battle fearioK lio. evili , A^nd ^ovlnd I ^p^iajt them freely ai)d frankly, as I ani en(;oiu'aged to do oh this auspicious occasioii. ; ' •;, ■,<.' "It may sewi to son»e that it is expressing one's feelings too publicly; but I thuik' itweil for me to beaf such testimony in a work like yours, which con- tenipllitestiiiis.iirreftt and all-important result, the promotion of heart religion an4 ^ n^lyiktign of ^ouls. And e^pe^ially dq I feel this i|i these times of ex- citement ta .Newport News— Suspicious, Quartfrs — Searcbing 'the?-. Houqe and. Finding Rebel Soldiers— Thanks to the Army— Our Arriyal v at Aquia Creek :- .^to j;.r. v.; ,>-r5.v ■; ■.••.•.... ■■..,,--i-[ %. ^„ *■ While we rwnained at Harri^n's IjandingI ^pel6ngt|«iblu<^^ fjur^ ^ . and dismals of =any pec5on I evo- met. When we went to. a hospital aqd fqi^ ,L the nivses looking tired and anxious and the patients gloomy and sad, it never anably left the men m a more cheerful mood, evidoitly boiefited by n^mur^. am invarial a little respite from that depressing melancholy so prevaleai among the^l and so often indulged by nurses. \ lA otfr o'imiiosiMtal we ^^erally nianag^ td so' assort anVi aarraftse'the patients as to have all of the same temperament and disease together, so that we knew just what; to do and wb^^t to say to suit each diepaiftnfent. We had^ur patients divided into three classes: one was our Working department, anotha" our pleasure department, and a third our pathetic deparfanent. One we visited with bandages, plasters and pins; another with books and flowers; and tiie third with beef tea, currant wine, and general consolation. Sometimes Nellie would sit and fan the patients for hours in the latter department, and sing some soothing pieces in her soft, sweet strains, until she would have them all asleep, or quiet as babies. I think the soldiers may truly say of the gentle Ndlie: Her soothing tones with peace beguile The weary hours of pain, And make the lonely sufferer smile And joy to come again. • Still let me often hear thy voice, Which gently whispers peace, ■ ' And let niy troubled heart rejofce, t c • 7 .; T And strains of sadness cease; :^^ . /•; ; < - otill speak to rne of pleasant things— " \' ' ' ..' ^ .. .^ OJF faith, and hope, apd Joy; ,,^' V , • *rh'en shall I rise on lightsome wings Where pains no oipre.. annoy. I used to watch with ihuch- interest the 'countenances of those men as they lay fast asleep, and 1 often thought thai I could read their characters better when asleep than when awake. Some facies would grow stern and grim — they were evidently dreaming of war, and living over again those terrible battles in which they had so recently participated; some groaned over their wounds, and cursed the rebels vigorously; others grew sad, and would talk in flic most pathetic tones, as if the pain borne so silently through the day revenged itself now by betraying what the man's pride concealed so well while awake. Often the roughest grew young and pleasant When' sleep smoothed away the hard lines from the brow, letting the real nature assert itself . Many times I would be quite disappointed, for the faces which looked merry and pleasing when awake would suddenly grow dark and hideous, as if communing with some dark spirits of another world. One poor fellow, whose brain was injured more than his body, would wear himself out more in an hour when asleep tlian in a whole day when aw^ke. ■fiisl'imaigihat.Sn Would conlurc up tlic wildest fancies; ^onc niom&it ^e was ifehecring ofi his men; ttie itexl he'wj^ hiirrymg'^lhetri back agiiiniHhA ciiunfcng the dead around him, while an incessant stream of shouts; whispered warnings and broken lamentations would escape from l)is lies. . ; \c d had been so fortunate as to get on board of one of the transports which had bpen sent for th'e.wpimdcd, £ina were now OHnfbrtably installed in a hoj^pital in Washington. He also wrote ,that he had givm my horse in charge (rf one ef the Quartermasters of Gen. G 's brigade, a piece of information which \ wa^ exceedingly glad to hear; for my colt was well-nigh spoiled on the reke&t, and if it had not been, was not fit to ride much, or indeed at all, to. do it justice, f(?f it proved lo be riot quite two years old, ,But uji^B.fin^g th^ (^uarlpriiias^cr I wjis jMUtoly^mfprnjed .^lai he had b^ght agdpaidjfpr the.^or^ft and.of ^pur^ I coi^ i^t h^v^it. I ^d ooj^^izig. IJ.-. -%■> H " >-■ • f ; " U. ;i ' -• . I; •■?r; ■»T- V -o- ■'■4 '£■ \- T f. •<■ n )t n fi. ;'<■■ ■> -$ IW KUESE AND SPY. but went to Gen. M ^'s Heulquarters, stated the case, and procured an order ^f ][ucj^ jbffoiujjht .j^e||«^^^^^ dgu^e^jj^ck tip,^^^Aiiiji n^ tl^pk? tg^ this Qjiai^tpr- : . ^vpil^hpasa§!^p-w^, apd ev«r;?tl}in({,£ei]g«^9ed.fQ[r us we,did^not know'.it then, or. probably there would have been more swearing and liess weeping among the soldiers. -So (ar as I was persdhally concerned', Ihad a very pleasant time during that march. Mr. and Mrs. B , Dr. E — — , .Nellie and myself made up a sn^all ; party, independent (rf military discipline, and rode fasj orslow. just as it suited our fancy, called at the farmhouses, and had a goodf time generally. J NelUe rode my confiscated colt, and prohoujjced'it a perfect gem. -D/. E-7-- play- fully sidd that he suppidised she adiinired it because it was'a rebel, audi su£' gested that he too must be a rebel, from tilie same premises, Time passed away pleasantly until we drew near to Yorktown, wheire apid maDQodes interrupted the animated conversation. 5fellie was near her former home, with all its pleasant and sad associiations. We visited tl^~e grave of Lieut. V-^: Icould .Ha had been sav - \ 1 ' I N I: .jis i - ■■'•^■€t?^>■rr^^■■■:- :' :'^/'.-'f:.'' :■ '^^: ADVENTURES OF A WOMAN AS A UNION SOLDIER. tftJ remained some time there, some of the party gathering the riirli, rijiiB frtiit which hung in abundance from the peach trees around lis. Before le&vinf , D^^ all bowed around thegrave ol our fridid. Chajptaan B-^^^-" offefWup an ardent prayer that we might all be faithfu), and follov th« exaia'fk'Qt our departed loved ope, as he had followed Christ, and meet him whwe war and strife would be heard no more. , -i • ■ 5 know thou art gone to a diine of light, / ■ ■ • To a world of joy and love, . Bey • In the shadowle^ above. •• «'- '-' - - •' * . * • And I will rejoice in thy smiles again, ?v " > And hap' ly thy whisper: hear; ' ' '■ ' Dispelling ihe gkxun ol sorrow and pain, ■'^ '■'' •' • ■■' Whoi the twilight (rfsjeftth is near. . • /' We stopped at a farmhouse one evening during our march, aad encag^kl lodgings for the night. The house was very large, and afforded tktHfia |m> commodations. It was the first one on the PeninteiU at whicK MJad'Sbid a strong, lieallhy-lob king mail attending to his fahn as if th^e watilio^uel^-tittttg as war in the land. The lady of the hous^ wits ail' active, buai^(iiSialk<^ 4io^of VKomaUi and Wemt to work ta'm^e us camtoitiiAii. '■ But tii^re ^k^ e^dfeiir^^ someflting in or about that -house which was itot' just rijj^lii^aal^'.lii/el^:^ been there Idiig when I detected suspicious niotemaiti^ Mid drevf^thfc^ a^MEJtbSo of Dr. E— — to the fact. The man secaned very undasj^ ahd lr^t£i!^'*'g6i^ from one rooin to ahc^er, shifting the '4oord4ri:ryi:ar^uHy«b^iM^vl4^ ing parcels upstairs ina half -frightened "wj^yj yhibh iricteaied <># afcd^plffliilf^ ^ I proposed to our little party that they ^uld retttam-n^le I rode h^Acl^te^libc army for a detachment of the P^ovost-guanL ' -My proposal was agrMd to^'ahd I stdrted back in the direction of the main eolvtmh. : ^ r rf ,- r "* y \ . The family seemed fdarmod, and i^e^l & great many, quwtkms.eoii^^ B}y. daparturet to which I re^ed: *I iftm onlV'gOMic'a'aliO'rt d^y^^ probably be back by the time supper is ready." •■^i.i '"<" :' :* v':* • -iVi / - Lm&de all haste af ttf I d>s«4)peaf fld from view of &'e house,'aQd in' an hour Was on my way badcag^n, havinjg: succeeded in finding the I^voat^Marih^ and getting a Corporal and'six men to go with me. - They'aitc|r^'^ hdlAe WkUy and told theinmates^that'tb«y|uMl beaaii^9(9>cd'th*tth^r^^^ concealed in the house, and they had come for the purpose of searcluiigi^it; adding; ^at 'they would not disturb anytiuitjt,^ tf their^suspicions were un- ^ founded/ • ■ ' . . .^ ■,. ; .^ ; .■ ' .\. , • .'-/■;■ ' '. The lady said that she had some sk^ p«s(»^ ihem (disturbed, 'assunntith^:that:Iiiff*fan^ wwe-ah tinioBists Md-'i^t^ would nothvbor-aay/rebds.whatever.. Butidl.hte^^'exi»DS did not detff the guard from accomplishing their (Ajeck •■V;- ./ i v_ I t 3-;t -r mi \'----'^ ^ kuksi: AND Ip^ So marching upstairs, th«r sw<|hed eyj^ry jwjj.. . to pne jc^ ^.were t<^^ . four re]^l abldiers, or jEuerrilus, ijl of w^ioi]ip/etcg^^(Ba^|e^3^^ E^. E^-r^. was called to examine the p^tientB,' an^ psrpn<^un(^ ^^ as w|U A^ vas^ J^l anoiher'.roooi were two ojfecers; fbey mjade,Qo fOECji^.at all, •but.sald that ffaiey . were the landlord'^ sons; had beoi In the rebel service, and wae now home o|i^ furlough. They said they had bem home ever since Stuart's' cavalry raid at. White House, and were waiting for another such dash in order to get back again. The Prpvost-guard marched them all bac^ to HeadqvMrtefs, which was "in the saddle," imd our little party thought proper to take shelter that night.under the wing of the main column, instead of at a fannhouse where we were not sure but what our lives would pay for that piece of informatics givm, before mom* ing. The army marched on until it reached the transports. .Some embarked ^at Yorktown, some at Newport News, and others at Fortress Monroe. The troo^js were literally worn out and discouraged, caring Init little where they wait or what tbey did. They were huddled on board of transports, and were landed at Aquia Creek. Gen. McClellan finding his army, as he had anticipated, much deiuressed rd deliver us." . We did not remain long at Aquia Creek, but were ordered to embark immedi- ately for Alexandria, Va. When we arrived there. Pope's army was in danger of annihilation; and, ctmseqqently, as fast as the Army of the Potomac arrived, it was ordered to Pope's assistance; one portion in one direction, and anoth^ in another direction, until it was cut up into sections, and Gen. McClellan was left at Washington, without an army or anything to command excq>t his stafL ■ ■. . ' ' ■ ■ ,:. . ,,. CK AFTER XX. Pope's Army— A General's Bequest— Again a Gmfa-aband— Enierin|f ttfe ^' Bebd lines as a Spy^-My Esoape Io the Federal linesMn Peril-=^K6ardy Kill«id-*CrawI|ng 'Through the .Woods— BuriSl rf a Picket— LoAing for-a ^ Generd^Mr. IJegative-^McClellani and Pop*— the Battle «f Antietam-^ ' Touehing Death-Scen»-»An Interestisqg Fatitnt— B^al bi a^emtiA S6l- "■' dieri. .. .■. .;.. v- • .:■ ^^^ ' > <^ i.' ■ ■•'• ■"■ ■ ''^'^ '' ''' ■' Imiirediately aft^arrivihg at AlexahdHa, t started for t^e b&ttlBfi«ld, irhpre . a portion of MiGlellan's army hadigone id rdiiforce Pdpe. E^^jiJto^ srthmid ^ to be m a confused state. Th^e was no definite information with Vegard to th« force (A the enemy in'that direction, and it seemed impossible to obtain any from reliable sources. McClellwi's troops were ordo-ed to Uie front, under new com- muiders, just as they came of! the transports in which they arrived from the Peninsula, without any rest, or a propn: supply (rf clothing, shoes, or blankets; all of which they much needed, after such a marcih as they had just acctMn- plished. • ■ ■ ■ -^y -r^---- ''--■■■ :<.p-v--^ '■'-' 'X-'y -■'.':] ^- While the battle raged and the roar of caimon was reverberat^g over the National Capital, McClellan sent the followmg request to Gen. Halleck: *I can not express to you the pain and mortification I have experioiced to-day, in listming to the distant firing of my men. As I can be cf no further use here, I respectfully ask that,' if there is a probalnlity of the cohffict b^g reaefwed tb- mdnbw.lmily^ p^rnfittett toigoV) the ^bene bfbat^e ^th mf st^, Wely'jo ; befwifc iisiy dwii'mfli, if ndihirq; B^orc^. iTbty w^ll ighj ndhe f^e |rorae % riiy ' bdn^withibem. If it is'not d<^id tiestHo intriiist'mti^wiih the (bm&add '' ■-■S • 'f.- ■!■ 'X' < "V >■ • J-. ■(' -^ > A ■ »> ■ '- *■ 4 *•' ■■■*■' '--• "V---. ,^,«, 135- :^M ) y NtFRSE AND S^Y. : ■ ^ * •vMi ef ray OwTt army, T simply Ask to be pcrraittdd to share thdr fate (m Iho field of battle." I ' ^ ^ . ^ The troops under Pope were several days in Ihe vicinity of the Sh<»naMdo&h ■ Valliey, with no rations but those they found in the fields, such as fruit, greert com, and vegetables. They ctrteinly were in a poor condition to fight, and there was e^^dently a lack of that cheerful, enthusiastic ^irit which had characterized them on the Peninsula. I was ordered by Gen. H to pess the rebel lines, and return as soon as possible. I took the train at Warren ton Junction, went to Washington, pro^ cured a disguise— that of a female contraband, end returned the seme night. I passed through the enemy's lines in company with nine contrabands, men, ' wdnien, and chitdrcny who preferred to live in bandage with their friends, rather- than to be free without them. I hiad no difficulty whatever in getting along, for I, with several othefs, was ordered to Headquarters to cook rations enough, the rebels said, to last them until they re&6h'ed Waishington. The officers generally talked in low tones, butVould sometimes become excited, forget that there were darkies around,^ and would speak their minds freely. When I had been there'a few hours, I had obtained the very information wli^ich 1 had. been sent for. . I. had heard the plan .of the mqrrow discussed, the number of troops at several important points, and the number expected to arrive ' during the night; and-this, too, from the lips of the Commanding General and. his ^afl. ' , The rebel lines were guarded so strongly and so faithfully, that I did not dare to'return ih{n nighty but waited anxiously for the dawn'of the morrow. Early on the following morning, while assisting the cook to carry in break- fast, I remQTed a coot from a can\p-stool which stood in my way, and a number of pa|)ers fell from its pockets, which I instantly transferred to my own. I then < hurriied my arratigem^itsln the tent, lest the doctunents should be missed be^ fore I could make my escape. Breakfast was cmnounced, and I suddenly dis- appeared. Going toward the picket-line nearest the Federals, and seeing an old house in the dbtance, I went and hid myself in the cellar. Soon, firing commenced in diCFerent directions, and grew hotter and hotter, until the shot and shell began ^ to shake the old house in which I had taken refuge, and by and by it came tumbling down around me. A part of the floor was broken down, but still I ronained unharmed, and did not attempt to leave the ruins. I remembered ; that good old Elijah remained in the cave during the tempest, the earthquake and the fire, and afterward came the still small voice. So I waited patiently for the still small ydce, and felt secure; knowing that the Lord was a surd refuge, and could protect me tho'e as well as in a drawing-room in the quiet city. >. y. ; i ' : ■ ■ ' ■! , It was not long before deliverance came, and the rebels 'were obliged to fall ■ back and'takeanew positimi. ' When the, firing ceeised, I was safely withih the Federal lines. I went unmedlately tp Headquarters, and reported mysdf w 'm'i m:t m mt m^. »3 ».?:•< '^k& W^'f S3S--i Mm^ m ?»*^ ^4'?fr« ^'U ?«''? rj ? I -^^^''^VV^"- ADVENTURES OF A WOMA^ AS^A «J?WON SOLDIEE. 127^;; la-v^ilig ju«.t.*et\toied jfjQm<«eb«Witmif^a^ifc Sfhnfi r4l^^Wiof nsy .expBdfliWft;«ddv •: elivered the documents which I had brought from rebel headquartet8»H.'Tbe9Kv raved ,ta.b9v«rdtsrs intended lot iheidiQgteti^€9rfs^€ommpsxde'E$ii:m^ IwrtiRKr Itions how and when to m6\e, so as to act in cdncert with theentire pIa|l(of-'tlM^'' mexQlaniations. of joy whoi theyxlispov^redwho hcwas; lor^;: one-armed Qen<^aJ was known throughout, both armies :foriiisrbr*vei|y mvi'j'" brilliant career, and the name of Kearny had become a word of toror lo %ou- rebels -o, in ' ■..■■U .n.^r -s / ■ ii. ;:, O' v - |vsi'-,-^ ■■9.- -se "L 'i? ■ ^i^f- ^ When I learned -who was their* victim, 1 4'egcetied thatiit )ia4iB<^ l^cni -»«% inst^ of hipi^^hom ihey he^ tiiscoveBed «n(||)shf>t< .Tl.,wouki ^tiUt^ly {wre died 4t^jsa^suck a-General-io the Union army. -jB^ihe/wati taka:^ winlel, pibOT.«' insigiiificant creature, was lefi; bu4lefimtk aheart^tdmukaftlul^ deTD|ed :^ to th^ Union cdUse as Kearny's was; (»ily ladciog the abiltiy to aeconp)^h;r' the same results. , • I lost no time in making good my ^cape while the attention of the pickets. ' wece.dr^wn in another direction. When I came to our lines, I found-.it -^niost as difficult to get through as I had found ft on the other side. > The-night was SO' d^rk I could not make any sign by which the pickets could recognize me, and ^ was. in the depths of the forest, where the rustling of the leaves «ndUie craclj[lipg of dry branches under my feet betrayed my footsteps as I went akmg. .• However, af teir crawling up pretty close to the line, and getting behind a tree to > screen mefrom the bullets, if they should fire, I managed- to make myself under-r stood. • Xhe picket said, "All r^ht," and I passed through in safety. Coming within the lines, 1 saw a group of men kneeling on the ground digging . . a gc^ve with the.it).ba^on$ts,, wit^ the leasipossij^ldncnse; fqrthe i»ckot-liBes'; were within half musket shot of each other. One of their comrades had beeit;! killed, f^id ^bes w«re. thus preparmg hi^ k^t ijBstkig'i^ace. .9. vj : :-:i .>? (\ 1, -^ • -v .. They buriea him' darkly at dead of lughL \ ' ' .- * ^^^^ ^^Ktiu^Wit^^ei^ayo^tM^'' '■''-■ ^ ''""^ ^*^^*" ' f •■ ■i--?:-^-* ^r f^f-V^'^' .•*.-yv»*f^l*r ADVENTURES OF A WOMA^ AS-jAflNION SOIJJIEE. 127 delivered the documents which I hsA brought from rebel headquartef&. Hkst praved.lOcb^rQrders intended ior :the.'dif[eretH'e9ips»€omm^dei$,(^.i|rii^.ilHrtiacr tioiur how and when to m6ve, so as to act in concert with the.entire.|da|iiof -tiM^ mqr^ow^ .and insure the capture of Wekshington. During 4hQse battles and skirmishes of Pope's memorable campaig^n, I.Tisited the rebel Generals three times at their own campfires, within a peridd i)f 10 days, and.'Came away with^aluable.information, unsuspected and unmolested. - ^' Whilerthe-second^battle of Bull Run was in progress, I was tt partof th«)trae with th&Confeder^ktes^ and then beu;k. again to the Federals, having, made my. escap^-wjbile the battle raged most fiercely by concealing mysdf ijk a ravine^ and watching, until the rebels diarged upon a battoyi While: (hoy were engagedri]} ahand-fb-hand fight I escaped imobserved by friend or foe. The la$jtot theses visits, was made the night before the battle of Chaatmy,.in which the brave Kearny w^ killed. I was within a.few rods of him when he fell,,and was in the act of returning to the Union ccunp under cover oC the ez- treodt?. darkness of that never-to-be-forgotten nightT I saw him jride^upi tO'the. line, but supposed him to be a rebel officer until the pickets fired, at bxin, OQd evenr^then li thought they had fired .at me, until I saw. him fall fr^m! his horse,' and heard, their>exQlanfations.-of joy when tbeyidispoveredvwhe Im-wio; I(M^4m' one-armed Oen<^al-was;knowB throughout, both armies ior Jiisrlnrsvei^ fmi.' brilliant career, and the name of Kearny had become a wJaK<^5uc]ia^aitral-to the Unioti army. • iBiithe/waft taken) wfailed^pbor insignificant creature, wa» left; but left witl a heartandsotd asiltdl^ deiio|ed to thfc Uni(m <^il^ as^Keamy's^was; only lacking the ability lo'.aeocHnpiish. the same results. I lost no time in making good my escape while the attention of the pi^ets. wec«.dr^wn in another direction. When I came to our lines, I fouiid-.it -almost as difficult to get through as I had found It on the other ade. . Tbe-night was so-d^k I could not make any sign by which the pickets could recognise me, and ^ was. in the depths of the forest, where this rustling of the leaves «nd the craclj;li|ig of dry branches under my feet betrayed my footsteps as I went akmg. Howeyer, af t^ crawling up pretty close to the line, and getting behind a tree to screen me-f rom the bullets, if they should fire, I managed-to make myself under^ stood. ' ...Xhe picket said, "All right," and I passed through in safety. Coming within the lines, I saw a group of mea kneeling on the ground digging a gruye snth Uie;ir>.ba3f(m«Ls„.wit^ t^e least. pos^leoMse; fq^tbe-jMcket-IiBflB' were within half musket shot of each other. One of thor comrades had beeir, killev(, «nd ^he-j w«re.thqs preparing hie last rjesttng^^ace. They buried him' darklv at de^d of nighl The tUrf with their bayonets turmivt. ( A "5 »!■•-. 123 . NURSE AND SPY. i v . ' h But there were no "struggling moonbeams" or glimmering stars to shpd a jajr of light ui)on the midnight gloom of that solitary funerals-naught 9a ve the rind flashes of lurid flaine .vhicli the lijghthittg cast upon the sad scene, light- ing .up for a moment the Surrounding forest, and then dyin^ away, leaving the darkness more intolerable. We may well say of such as die at their post: ■ ] S'ftreet be the death of thoSe Who for their country die; * Sleep OH her bosom for repose. And triumph where they lie. ■' After reaching Headquarter^and donning another costume, I was dis- patched to Washington with ofiocial documents to McClellan, who was now in command of the defenses of the Capital, and had control of all the troops who came streaming in from the disastrpus battlefield. I arrived in the city just as the morning light was breaking, drenched from head to foot, and looking as if mud was my native element. Making my way to where I supposed Headquarters to be, I saw an important- looking individual nearby, whom I addressed, and inquired if he could tell me where Gen. McClellan was to be found? "No, I can not." Could he tell me when he was expect^ at Headquarters? "No." Was there any person there of whom I could inquire? "Not a person." Did he know of any place where the necessary information could be obtain^? "Not a place." Could he make finy suggestion, or throw the least ray of light upon the subject, which might lead to the whereabouts of the General? "Not the slightest." Turning away in disgust, I said to the man, "Well, good-by, M-u Negative. I hope the effort which ybu have made to assist me will not injure you mentally or physically^" and so saying I rode awaj*, feeling that if I was as big as. he imagined himself, and as strong as he was indifferent, I would give him a vigorous shaking before leaving him. I went next to Gen. H 's Headquarters. No one Uiere could tell me any- tliing more definite than that the General had been gone all night, carr>ang out Gen. Halleck's orders and making the best possible disposition of the troops as fast as they came in, for the whole army was now in full retreat. After two hours' search I found him, delivered the dispatches, and returned to Wash- ington, where I remained until the next day, being completely tired out, not having had a night's sleep for five nights previous. On the 1st of September, Gen. McClellan had an interview with the President, who requested him to use all his influence with the Army of the Potomac to insure its hearty co-operation with Gen. Pope's army. In compliance with the ' President's request McClellan sent the following dispatch to Gen. Porter: . "I ask of you, for my sake, that of the country, and the old Army pf the Poto- mac, that you and all my friends will lend the fullest and iuost cordiil co*opcra- ' » 7f Mm ^&7? ^■^ ADTIfJfTURES OF A WOMAN AS A UNION SOLDIEE. 1S9 - ■- -"• ' :^' ■ ■N.r:/:. . ^- .y.: ■ , . tion to Gep. Pope in all the operations now going on.» The destinies of our country, the honor of our arms are at stake, and all depends upon the cheerful co-operation t>f al} in the field. This week is the crisis of our fate. Say the same thing to my friends in the ^rmy of the Potomac, and thai the last request I have to make of them is that, for their country's sake, they will extmd to Gen. Pope the same support they ever have to me." Immediately after this followed the brilliant and triumphant victories at South Mount(Mn Qnd Antietam, which more than counterbalanced thedis* astrous campaign of Pope, and which sent a thrill of joy throughout the North. But in this, as in most other instances of earthly bliss, the joy was not un- mixed with sorrow — sorrow for the noble dead and wounded upon those bloody fields. At the memorable battle of Antietam there were nearly 200,000 men and 500 pieces of artillery engaged diuing a period of 14 hours without cessa- tion; and at its termination 2,700 of the enemy's dead lay upon the field. The report of the Federal General in command says: "Thirteen guns, 39 colors, upwards of 15,000 stand of, small arms, and more than 6,000 prisoners, were the trophies which attest the success of our army in the battles of Sout^ Mountainj Crampton's Gap, and Antietam. Not a singl* gun or color was lost by our army during these battles." At the close of the battle I stood by the side of a dying officer of one of the Massachusetts regiments, who had passed through the thickest of the fight unhurt, but just at the close of the battle he wets struck by a randcHn shot which wounded him mortally. As he lay there, conscious of approaching death, the musicians of the regiment happened to pass by. He requested that they might be asked to play the "Star Spangled Banner." They cheerfi^Uy complied with the dying man's request, and while they i played the grand old tune his countenance beamed with joy. He inquired tho ■ result of the battle, and ADVENTURES OF A WOMAN AS A UNION SOLDIER. 131 .-■■.,' - ^ * , ■ --■ , No Io%'ing friends are near to weep ' Or plant bright flowers there; > But birdlings chant a requiem sweet, And strangers breattie a prayer. She sleeps in peace; yes, sweetly sleeps, Her sorrows all are o'er; ■ With her iJie storms of life are past; She's found the heavenly shore. • CHAPTER XXI. After Antietam — Surgeons on the Field — The Hospitals — Lieut.-Col. Dwight Mortally Wounded — A Brutal Surgeon — A Wounded Captain — Agony from Thirst — Christian Soldiers — Praying and Fighting — Fops on the Field — A Rebel Program— Pennsylvauia to be Stripped — Camp Life — Daily Uoutine — Burial Services. ' ■ After the battle of Antietam, one of the Chaplains wljp was on the field paid a fating tribute to the Colonel commanding the regiment to which he belonged, and \ividly described many scenes- that came under my owti observation on that day. He says: "How faithfully many a Surgeon labored! Our own Assistant Surgeon was ' a hero; regardless of bullets, in the hottest fire, he kept coolly on in his work, while near by Dr. Kendall, of the 12th Mass., was killed. "The nearest hospital, that of our own corps, was necessarily in range of the enemy's shell, which every now and then fell around and beyond. Nearby were five other hospitals, all for one wing. Here were Generals and privates brouglit together. GJen. Mansfield I saw dying, and a few feet off, an unknown private; Gen. Hartsuff badly wounded, and by his side a throng of others now on the same level. There is no distinction «is to what body or soul needs then. "Our own regiment helped to fill these hospitals. Our gallant dead are re- membered with all the other dead of Massachusetts. But one we lost, hard to replace; our brilliant, brave, generous, kind-hearted Lieut. -Col. Wilder Dwight, shot n\prtally, but living two da> s. Of wonderful promise at home, cheerful, resigned, strong in faith and trust, ready to die; his only wish being to see his father and mother. "While lying in the garden, moved only on a stretcher, he sent our own Sur- geon to relieve the wounded who were lying all around, the Surgeons being occupied in amputating limbs of men in the hospitals; and again and again sent water orovided for himself to the poor fellows calling for it V . .'^HkY- 132 , KURSE AND SPY. , ,; \ ■ -\ "Yet Col. Dwight was not free from brutal insolence. While waiting there in the niglit for an ambulance in which to place him, only for shelter, suddenly a harsh voice insisted on turning him out with all our men. "I found a pompous little Surgeon angry and furious. I informed him why the men were tlicre, assured him of their good behavior and requested permission for them to remain, as we were momentarily expecting the ambulance. It was all in vain. Col. Dwight himself was treated most harshly, although of higher rank than the brute himself; and notwithstanding I told the Surgeon he was mortally wounded, he ordered the guard to turn them out at the point of the bayonet, and to prevent their return even to remove Col. Dwight; refusing to tell his rank and even his name, until I obtained it of another party. The men were driven away while actually giving water to the wounded who had been calling in vain for help. "I assured him I would take care that his conduct was made known, knowing from several scenes I Iiad witnessed that day that he was, from brutality, pomposity and harslmcss, utterly unfit to be ih charge of wounded men, and, from gross disrespect to an officer higher in rank, unfit to be in the army. This fellow was a Medical Director in Gen. Reynolds's Corps, Pa. Reserves," and the writer adds, "too good a corps to have such a fellow among them." . The ordinary scene which presents itself after the strife of arms has ceased is familiar to every one. Heaps of slain, Avhcre friend and foe lie side by side, mangled bodies, shrieks' and groans of the wounded and dying, are things which we always associate with the victories and defeats of war. But we sel- dom expect or hear of songs of praise and sliouts of triumph from dying lips on the dreadful battlefield. The following account was received from the lips of a brave and pious Captain in one of the AA'estcrn regiments, as some friends were conveying him to a hos- pital from the battlefield: l "The man had been shot through both thighs with a rifle bullet; it was a woinid from wliich he could not recover. While lying on the field he suffered intense agony from tliirst. lie supported his head upon his hand, and the rain from heaven was falling around him. In a short time a little pool of water col- lected near his elbow, and he thouglit if he fould reach that spot he might allay his raging thirst. He tried to get into a position which would enable him to obtain a mouthful of the muddy water, but in vain; and he must suffer the torture of seeing the means of relief v, itliin sight, while all his efforts were unavailing. "Never,' said he, 'did I feel so much the loss of any earthly blessing. By and by the shades of night fell around us, and the stars shone out clear and beauti- ful above the dark field, where so many others lay wounded, writhing in pain or faint from loss of blood. Thus situated, I began to think of the great God who had given His Son to die a death of agony for me, and that He was in the heavens to which my eyes were turned; that He was there above that scene of -uffcring and above those glorious stars; and I felt that I was hastening home ■.r,i^'^,;.^ il -^m- I : ADVENTURES OF A WOMAN AS A UNION SOLDJEE. 133 to meet Him, and praise Him there. I f elf that I ought to praise Him then, even wounded as I was, on the battlefield. I could not help singing that beautifal hymn: • "'When I can read my title clear >- ' . To mansions in the skies, ' '' ' • I'll laid farewell to every fear, , . ; ' And wipe my weeping eyes ' Vv . "'And though I was not awai'e of it till then,' he continued, 'it proved th«« was a Christian brother in the thicket near me. I could not see him, but was near enough to hear him. He took up the strain from me, and bej^CHid him another, and another, caught the words, and made them resound far a»d wide over the terrible battlefield. There was a peculiar echo in the place, and that added to the effect, as we made the night vocal with our hymns of praise to God." The presence of such men in the army, animated by faith in God, and con-sci- ous of serving Him in serving their country, added materially to its elements of strength and success. The religious element has always been acknowledged as a great power in military success. The more intelligent that principle is, the more efficient it must be in securing this result. There is every reiason, natural as well as rational, why those who hold their ■ * lives in their hand should acknowledge the God of battle, and pray for thcai- selves and their country in the midst of danger. The simplest expression <(f tlie relations of praying and fighting was, perhaps, the blunt order of the Puri- tan Chief: "Put your trust in God, and keep your powder dry." Cromwell and his praying Puritans were dangerous men to meet in battle. "The sword of the Lord and of Gideon was exceeding sharp, tempered as it was by hourly prayers." Who can but admire the sublime spectacle which Gustavus Adolphus and h& vast army presented on the eye of the battle of Lutzen, in wliich the King fell praying on bended knees, and then chanting: Be of good cheer; your cause belongs ,; To Him who can avenge your wrongs; . Leave it to Him our Lord. ' The King fell, but the battle was gloriously won. "And so," says a writer upon this subject, "unless we are untrue to our better nature, it must ever be. Before going into battle, the foolish, wicked oath is silent. With the bracing of the nerves for the shock of battle, there goes up^ silent prayer for strength and valor and deliverance. The wounded pray to be saved from death; the dying recall the Avords of old petitions learned in chiid- hco 1, and in those broken accents commit their souls to God." The only amusing incident after a battle is the crowd of spectators from Wash- ington and other places. If they are in carriages, their vehicles are sure to get smashed, and then the trouble arises, what are they to do with their baggage?, iK^ ^t NURSE AND SPY. A- Carry It, of course, or leave it behind. V.xaw the wounded soldiers cannot help laughing at their"%.)rry plight, gesticulations, and absurd questions. Among all thi.s tlass of individual.s there are none to be compared with Goveriuuent derUs ftir importance and aksurdity. On one of these occasions 1 remember of a number of those pompous creatures being distressed beycnd measure because the\ could not return to Washington on a train^that was crowdt^-d beyond description with the wounded. After the cars moved off there they stood gazing after it in the most disconsolate manner. Said t»ne: "1 came out here by invitation of the Secretary of War, and now I must return on foot, or remain here." One of the soldiers contemptuously surveyed him from head to foot, as he stood there with kid gloves, white bosom, standing collar, etc., in all the glory and Jinery of a brainless fop, starched up for display. "Well," said the soldier, "we don't know any such individual as the Secretary of War out here, but I guess we can find you something to do; perhaps you would take a fanc\- to one of the^e muskets," laying his hand on a pile beside him. The clerk turned away in disgust, and disdaining to reply to the soldier, he inquired: "But where shall 1 sleep to-night?" • ' The soldier replied. "Just where you please, chummy^ there is lots of roqm all around here," pointing to a spot of ground which was not occupied by the wounded. A Chaplain stepped up \a him, and^aid: "If you wish to sleep, there is some hay you can have"; and went on to give him a brief lecture upon the impro- priety of a young man, in perfect health, just fresli from the city, talking about comfortable lodgings, and a place to sleep, when ;>o many wounded and dying lay all around him. He was horrified, and disappeared immediately. Before t'.ie rebels attempted tq cross into Maryland in force, the Richmond papers were full of editorials, of which the following is a specimen: "Let not ti blade of grass, or a stalk of corn, or a barrel of flour, or a bushel of meal, or a sack of salt, or a horse, or a cow, or a hog, or a sheep, be left wherever the Confederate troops iflove along. Let vengeance be taken for all that has been done, until retribution itself shall stand aghast. This is the country of the would-be-gentleman, McClellan. He has caused a loss to us, in Virginia, of at least 30,00U negroes, the most valuable property that a Virginian can own. They have no negroes in Pennsylvania. Retaliation, therefore, must fall upon something else. A Dutch farmer has no negroes, but he has horses, that can be seized, grain that can be confiscated, cattle that can be killed, and houses that can be burned." But when they really attempted to accomplish these feats, and found with whom they had to contend, they were very glad to recross the Potomac, without confiscating property or burning houses, and to escape, leaving their dead and wounded on the field. -;♦*:_ DVENTURES OF A WOMAN AS A UNION SOLDIER. 135 X : : After the bafiTe of Antietam, the army was not in a condition to follow up'the rebels; but as soon as the Capital was safe, and the rebels were driven from Maryland and Pennsylvania, a igorous efforts were made to recruit, clothe, and reorganise the army. Harper's Ferry was again occupied, every weak point strengthened, and all the fords were strongly guarded. While the array tlrus remained inactive for a few weeks, camp duties and discipline were again strictly enforced and attended to. I would not havcfny readers think that camp life in the array is so yery un- pleasant, after all I do not think so, for I have spent some of the pleasantest, happiest hours of my life in camp, and I think thousands can give the same testimony. One of our' good Chaplains from the North said that even the City of New York itself can bear no favorable comparison to military life in the Army of the Potomac. "After all,'' he says, "New York is a humbug compared with the army. It is tattoo, as I write; what music it is, compared with the nuisance noises of those city streets! Our candles are not brilliant; but the sight of the lighta of the camps all around is more pleasant than the glare of the city gas. TJie air is the pure air of heaven, not the choky stuff of the metropolis. The men are doing something noble, not dawdling away these glorious days in selling tape and ribbons. The soldier lives to some purpose, and if he dies it is a hero's death. The silks of that wealthy mart may be coveted by some; but what are the whole to our bullet-riddled old flag, which passed from the stiffen^ ing hands of one color bearer to another in the days-of many a battle?" To give my reader a more definite idea of the routine of camp life, I will enter into a detail of it more fully. At sunrise reveille beats, drum echoing to drum until the entire encampment is astir and busy as a beehive. Roll-call immedi- ately follows, which brings every man to his place in the ranks to answer to hia iiame. An' hour later breakfast call is sounded by fife and drum, and the com- pany cooks, who are detailed ior that purpose, deal out the rations to the men as they sit or stand around tlie cook's quarters. , At 7:30 o'clock sick call announces to Surgeons and patients that they are expected to appear at the dispensing tent — if able to go there. Then comes a general examination at tongues and pulses, and a liberal distribution of quinine and bluepills, and sometimes a little eau de vie, to wash down the bittfer drugs. Guard mounting at 8, which is an imposing affait in itself. The band marches to the usual place of dress parade and strikes up some appropriate piece, wlxich is the signal for the regimental details to march to the place of in- spection. The line is formed, arms inspected, and general appearance noted. Then the m«n are marched in review, and divided into three reUefs — ^one of V.'hich is marched to the post of each sentinel, where, after vai'ious importauit conferences, the old sentinel is relieved and the new one takes his place* and so en around the whole camp. The old guard is then marched to their quarters and formally dismissed, having been on duty two.hours«ut of every six during the last 7 24 >bouri9, .'T'^: /, j i » ; : rf.'-V' ;..*.'.-',T»; rJl^j-, 198 KURSE AND SPY. At 9 o'clock the miisic sounds for company drill, which drill lasts an hour and a half. The bugle announces dinner at 1 o'clock. At 3 in the afternoon battalion drill commences, which occupies an hour. At 4:30 is heard the first call for evening parade, and at 5 o'clock comes off the great display of the day — dress parade. Supper at 6, tattoo at 8:30, and roll-call again at 9; immediately after which comes "taps" on the drum, which means "lights out." Between all these calls, drills and pareides were more interesting services and duties. Away in one corner of the camp v/as our canva3 or log meeting-house, and besides our regular preaching we had conference and prayer meetings, debating clubs, military lectures, and numerous musical entertainments. Then came visiting the sick in diffprent hospitals, distribution of reading matter and delicacies, and the blessed privilege of religious conversation; and often the solemn services in connection with burying the dead. I will here give a brief description of this service: The burial of a soldier in camp is a most solemn scene. A suitable escort is formed in two ranks opposite the tent of the deceased, with shouldered arms and bayonets unfixed. On the appearance of the coffin the soldiers present arms. The procession then forms— on each side of the coffin are the pall-bearers without muskets — and the escort moves forward with arms reversed, viz, musket under the left arm, barrel downward, and steadied behind the back with the right hand. The band marches in front; with slow and measured tread and muffled drum they move, pouring out their melancholy wailings for the dead — a sadder dirge than which never fell upon mortal ear. On reaching the place of interment the coffin is lowered into.the grave, the sol- diers leaning upon their muskets, muzzle downward, the hands clasped upon the butt of their guns, with heads uncovered and reverently bowed upon their hands. The Chaplain, who has walked in the rear of the procession, conducts the burial service, at the end of which three volleys are fired over the g,rave, the trench is filled up, and the soldiers return to duty. '■ . Warrior, rest! thy toils are ended; ' % Life's last fearful strife is o'er; ^ . Clarion calls, with rfeath-notes blended. Shall disturb thine ear no more! .' Peaceful is thy dreamless slumber; Peaceful, but how cold and stern! Thou hast joined that silent number ... In the land whence none return! ... . Warrior, rest! thy banner o'er thee , Hangs in many a drooping fold; Many a manly cheek before thee , ^tain'd.with teartkops we behold! 'r- ■ ■J'' . .-aiLy-t.-' i..t »"* ii.>5= ADVENTUEES OF A WOMAN AS A UNION SOLDIER. IST ■ V. Thine was not a hand to falter '":■'" '■ When thy sword should leave its sheath; Thine was not a cheek ito alter, Though thy duty led to death! Warrior, restl a dirge is knelling Solemnly from shore to shore; 'Tis a nation's tribute, telling That a p&triot is no more! And thy young bride weeps in sorrow That no more she hears thy tread; That the night which knows no morrow Darkly vails thy laurel'd head' Warrior, rest! we smooth thy pillow, For thy last, long earthly sleep; And beneath yon verdant willow Storms unheard will o^er thee sweep! There, 't is done! thy couch awaits theel Softly down thy hefid we lay: Here repose, till God translates thee "*- From the dust to endless day J ■»i „. . - CHAPTER XXII. . '. • A Military Execution— The Preparations— The Death— Harper's Ferry— Old John Brown — Contrast — Advance Into Virginia — Condition of the Army. A Dreary Ride — A Green Guard — Seeking Shelter— A Guerrilla Fight — My Horse Killed — Playing Possum— My Pockets Picked — A Narrow Escape.- Return to Camp — An Interesting Meeting. About this time one of those horrible and soul-revolting sights; a "military execution," took place; in other words, a soldier was shot in cold blood by his comrades. I did not witness the execution, although it occurred within a short distance of camp, and Igive the particulars relating to*it from the record of the Chaplain who attended the unhappy man to the place of execution: "A pfiinful episode, the first of the kind I have witnessed, took place leist Friday. It was a military execution. The person thus punished belonged to the 3d Md., which is in out division. On Tuesday last his sentence was formally read to him. He 'was to be fehot to 'death with nrusketry on the next Friday, between the hours of noon' and foiu in the afternoon. He had learned the decision on the Sunday before. r - . ' ' "^"i V i-C-^ 13a NURSE AND SPY!. .. .-...• - " 4 ■■-•- '•■ ^ ■:• >■■ "The day of his execution was wet and gloomy. That morning, in- the midst of the Prov6st Guard, he weis sitting on a bag of grain, leaning against a tjee, while a sentry with fixed bayonet stood behind, never turning away from him, save as another took his place. Useless seemed the « watch, for arms and feet had been secured, though not painfully, since theiSintence was read. "The Captain of the guard had humanely done all he could, and it was partly * by his request that I was there. A Chaplain could minister where others would not be allowed. The rain fell silently on him; the hours of his life were " numbered, even his miruites. He was to meet death, not in the shock and excitement of battle, not as a martyr for his country; not in disease, but in full health, and as a criminal. "I have seen many a man die, and have tried to perform the sacifed duties of my station.* I never had so painful a task as this, because of theiSe circum- stances. Willingly, gladly, he conversed, heard and answered. While such a work is painful, yet it has its bright side, because of the 'exceeding great and precious promises' it is one's privilege to tell. **Wh«n the time came for removal to the place of execution, he .entered an ambulance, the Chaplain accompanying him. Next, in another ambulance, was the coffin; before, behind, and on either side a guard. . Half -a mile of this sad journey brought him within a short distance of the spot. Then leaving the ambulance, he walke and then examined my pockets. Fortunately, i had no official documents with me, and very little money — not more than five dollars. ^ After tt^nsferring the contents of my pockets to his^iwn, he remounted his t.- ■ ■ •-■, .... .j 142 NURSE AND SPY. . * J horse and rode away, without ever suspecting that the object befo^ hira was \ playing 'possum. "\ Not long after the departure of the guerrillas, our party returned with rein- forcements and pursued the rebel band. One of the men returned to camp with , » me, letting me ride his horse, and walking all the way himself. The guerrillas \ were captured that day, and, after searching them, my pocket-book was found ; upon one of them, and was returned to me with its contents undisturbed. It lies before me while 1 write, reminding me of that narrow escape, and of the laercy of God in sparing my unprofitable life. , , ^, .A Sov'reigif Protector I have,. ;; .• >• - Unseen, yet forever at hand; ' ' ' Unchangeably faithful to save, — Almighty to rule and command. ^ ■ . ' . After returning to camp, I found that I had sustained more injury by my fall - . from the horse than 1 had realized at the time. But a broken limb would have '. been borne cheerfulh', if 1 could only have had my pet horse again. . That .. evening we held our weekly prayer-meeting, notwithstanding we were on a : inarch. Chaplain and Mrs. B , Nellie, and Dr. E were present, and joined heartily in singing the following hymn: . •' • \ - \ ■ ■ '■"* ' And are we yet alive, And see each other's face? ■ , \ ';, Glory and praise to Jesus givv.. For His redeeming grace. Preserved by power divine To full salvation here, Again in Jesus' praise we join, » . And in his sight appear. • ' r * What troubles have we seen! ^ What conflicts have we past! i Fightings without, and fears within, . Since we assembled last! ; • But out of all the Lord ■ - . - » Hath brought us by His love; » . And still he dotlf his help afford, And hides oqr Ufe above. .'■ ' \ - ^ \ .\- 1 After reaching Warren ton the array encamped in that vicinity for a few days, during which Father Abraham took the favorable opportunity of relieving the idol of the Army of the Potomac from his command, and ordered him' to report at Trenton, N. J., just as he was entering upon another campaign, with kis Army in splendid conditioa -■>...>.•: >■■ v^ •J^-^ „#/■*•*■-■-■.■ M t-«w rei*''4 ?('■■% i^:jm ,;S^ i ^« m. m *!iiJiiA mi m ^iM. ADVENTURES OF A WOMAN AS A UNION SOLDIER. 143 After a brief address and an aflecting farewell to officers and men, he hast- .cned to comply with the order. • • The new commander marched the army immediately to Falmouth, opposite Fredericksburg. Of the incidents of that march I know nothing, for I went to Washington, and from thence to Aquia Creek by water. I went ff6iii Washington to Aquia Creek by steamer, and from thence to Falmouth on horseback. I found the army encamped in the mud for miles along the Rappahannock River. It was now December, and the weather was extremely cold, yet the constant rains kept the roads in the most terrible state imaginable. On riding along the brink of the river we could see distinctly the rebel bat- teries frowning on the bights beyond the city of Fredericksburg, and the rebel sentinels walking their rounds within talking distance of our own pickets. The bridges were soon completed, and troops marched over and took posses- sion of the city, Headquarters were established in the principal building, and a church and other large buildings were appropriated for hospital purposes. Of course, it is not for me to say whose fault it was in sacrificing those thou- sands of noble lives which fell upon that disastrous field, or in charging again and again upon those terrible stone walls and fortifications, after being re- pulsed every time with more than half their number lying on the ground. The brave men, nothing daunted by their thinned ranks, advanced more fiercely- on the foe. :• But when it was proved to a demonstration that it was morally impossible to take and retain those bights, in consequence of the natural advantage of position which the rebels occupied, and still would occupy if they should Jail back — whose fault was it that the attempt was made time after time, until the field was literally piled with dead and ran red with blood? A council of war was held by our Generals, and the conclusion arrived at that the enterprise should be abandoned, and that the army should recross the Rappahannock under cover of darkness. Everything was conducted in the most quiet manner; so quiet, indeed, that the enemy never suspectetl the move- ment, and the retreat was accomplished, and the bridges partially removed, before the fact was discovered. After the battle of Fredericksburg the weather was very cold, and the wound- ed suffered exceedingly — even after they were sent to Aquia Creek, and other places — for they could nOt all be provided for and made comfortable imme- diately. Our troops returned to their old camps in the mud. and remained stationary for several weeks, notwithstanding our daily orders were to be ready to march at a moment's notice. The unnecessary slaughter of our men at Fredericlisburg had a sad effect upon our tjoops, and the tone of the Northern press was truly digressing.' ' . • <> ; . ^ ;' v i ; r " ?• > '> The Winter'^oi'e' away, and a sore Winter I thought it was; for in riding a distance of twt) miles,' iii two instances, I had my feet frozen. Gen. Hooker was put in command of the Army of the Potomac,, and Bunt- ^■i(.:iJyjiL\s^.. tvr'-i^i,-..^ .I..J ■■ji:-'.^ ■' 'S^'^' y^. \ '^..'^^l .-■:^': ■ .'• i!.--,--*.ik„(l'. 144 NURSE AND gPY. . "./-'.r":; side, with the Ninth Corps, ordered to the Western Department. Beitig desirous of leaving the Army of the Potomac, I now applied for pcrmiteioh td go with the Ninth Corps, which wjis granted. On the arrival of the troops at Louisville they were sent in detachments to different plfices — some to Bardstown, some to Lebanon, and others to guard different portions of the railroad. .' ! I took the cars and went to Lebanon — dressed in arebel prisoner's dolhes — and made another trip to rebeldom. My business purpocted te be buying up butter and eggs, at the farmhouses, for the rebel army. I passed through the lines somewhere, without knowing it; for on coming to a httle village, toward evening, I found it occupied by a strong force of rebel cavalry. The first house I went to was filled with officers and citizens. 1 had stumbled upon a wedding- party unawares. Capt. Logan, a recruiting officer, had been married that afternoon to a brilliant young widow whose husband had bfcen kiUcci in the rebel army a few months before. She had discovered that widow's weeds were not becoming to her style of beauty, so had decided to appear once more in bridal costume, for a change. I was questioned pretty sharply by the handsome Captain in regard to the nature of my business in that locality, but finding me an innocent, straight- forward Kentuckian, he came to the conclusion that I was all right. But lie also arrived at the conclusion that I was old enough to be in the army, and bantered me considerably upon my want of patriotism. • " ,' The rebel soldier's clothes which I wore did not indicate anything more thaa that I was a Kentuckian — for theiV cavalry did not dress in any particular uniform, for scarcely two of them dressed alike — the only uniformity being that Ihey most generally dressed in butternut color. I tried to make my escape from that village as soon as possible, but jiist as I was beginning to congratulate myself upon my god fortune, who should con- front me but Capt. Logan. Said he; "See here, my lad; I think the best thing you can do is to join a Cdmpany that is just forming here in the village, and will leave in the morning. We are giving a bounty to all who freely enlist, and are conscripting those who refuse. Which do you propose to do, enlist and get the bounty, or refuse, and be obliged to go without anything." I replied, "I think I shall wait a few days before I decide." "But we can't wait for you to decide," said the Captain; "the Yankee^ may be upon us any moment, for we are not far from their lines, and we will leave here either to-night or in the morning early. I will give you two hours to decide this question, and in the meantime you must be put under guard." So saying, he marched me back, with him, and gave me in charge of the guards. In two or three hours he c^Cme for my decision, and I told hiih that I had concluded to wait until 1 was conscripted. "Well," said he, "you iHU not have long to wait for that, so you may consider yourself a soldier of the Con- loderacy from this hour, and subject to military discipline." ADVENTURES OF A WOMAN AS A UNION SOLDIER. U5 This seem^ to me like pretty serious business, especially sis I would be re- quired to take the oath of allegiance to the Confederate Government. I was glad to find that it was a company of cavalry that was being organized, for if I could once get on a good horse there would be some hope of my escape. There was no time to be lost, as the Captain remarked, for the Yankees might make a dash upon us at any moment; consequently, a horse and saddle was furnished me, and everything was made ready for a start immediately. Ten o'clock came, and we had liot yet started. The Captain finally concluded that, as everything seemed quiet, we would not start until daylight ■ t: We had traveled about half an hour, when we suddenly encountered a recon- noitering party of the Federals, cavalry in advance and infantry in the tear. A contest soon commenced; we were ordered to advance in line, which we did, until we came within a few yards of the Yankees. ;'- , The company advanced, but my horse suddenly became unmanageable, and it required a second or two to bring him right again; and before I could overtake the company and get in line the contending parties had met in a hand-to-hand fight. All were engaged, so that when I, by accident, ^ot on the Federal side of the line, none observed me for several minutes, except the Federal oflScer, who had recognized me and signed to me to fall in next to him. That brought me face to face with my rebel Captain. I discharged the contents of my pistol in his face. This act made me the center of attraction. Every rebel seemed determined to have the pleasure of killing me first, and a simultaneous dash was made toward me, and numerous saber-strokes aimed at my head. Our men with one accord rushed between me and the enemy, and warded off the blows with their sabers, and attacked them with such fury that they were driven back several rods. The infantry now came up and deployed as skirmishers, and succeeded in getting a position where they had a complete cross-fire on the rebels, and poured in volley after volley until nearly half their number lay upon the ground. Find- ing it useless to fight longer at such a disadvantage, they turned and fled, leav- ing behind them 11 killed, 29 wounded, and 17 prisoners. The Confederate Captain was wounded badly, but not mortally. Our men suffered considerable loss before the infantry came up, but afterward scarcely lost a man. I escaped without receiving a scratch. s 'cUjriA;^s!, ----i-r,; . i^s.: - ^ 1.1 - ■ ■ f [V- 146 KURSE AND SPY. . \ ...... ^ - ... .. .-. ■- • ■■ ■: fr.-.'i> . '' ■" .. -CHAPTER XXV. •/ v ;.' : V- ...:.<■ ' Appointed Detective — I Visit Louisville^— Secesh Acquaintances — Seeking Employment — Peddling — Rebel Spies— Acting as Clerk— Trapping Spies. Start for Vicksburg — Pro-Slaverv Troops — Cruelty to Negroes — Visiting Hospitals — Touching Scenes — An ArmleisS Soldier— Patient Suffer- ing — Triumphant Death — Rally 'Round the Flag— Western Chaplains. Soldiers' Testimony— Effect of Prayer in Battle— Carrying the Wounded. Being prohibited from further explorations in that region outside of our iines, I was appointed to act as detective inside of the Unes, as there were many spies in our midst who were daily gi^'ing information to the enemy, and had baffled all attempts at discovery. I forthwith dressed in citizen's clothes and proceeded to Louisville, and there mingled freely with the citizens, visited the different places of pubUc resort, and made many secesh acquaintances. At length I found a merchant who was the most bitter in his denunciations of the Yankees that it has ever been my lot to meet, and I thought he would be a pretty good person to assist me in my undertakings. Stepping into his stote one morning I inquired if he was in need of a clerk. He repUed that he would require help in a few days, as one of his clerks was going to leave. Then came the interrogatory process. Who was I, where did I come from, and what had brought me to that city? Well, I was a foreigner, and wishing to see & little of this great American War, I had come "down South;" and now that I was here, fmding myself scarce of money, I would like to fmd sonie etn- ployment. This was literally true. I was a foreigner, and very often scarce of money, and really wished him to empby ma He finally told me that I might come in the course of a week; but that did not suit my purpose, so I told him I would rather come at once, as I would be learn- ing considerable before the other clerk went away; adding that he might give me just whatever he pleased for the first week's work. That seemed to suit him, and I was at once set to work. '' After I had been there several days, I was asked how I would Uke to go out to the nearest camp and sell some small articles to the soldiers. I would like it much; so was sent accordingly witli an assortment of pocket knives, combs and suspietiders. By the middle of the afternoon I had sold out my stock in trade, returned to the store, and gave a good account of myself and of the goods entrusted to my care. j My employer W£is pleased with my success aiid seemed interested in ine, and each day brought some new proof of his confidence. Things went oft thlfe way for two weeks, in which time I h&d succeeded, by the good nierchan-fs &s^t- KDCt, in finding a clueto three rebel spies then Within our Hu6& - ' ' ' '^ :>■■ ■ . ADVENTtTRES OP A WOMAN AS A UNION SOLDIER. 147 I was often questioned by my employer with regard to my political senti- ments, but of course I did not know anything about poUtics— in fact I hardly knew how to apply the terms Federal and Confederate, and often misapplied them when talking in the store, and was frequmtly told that I must not call the d— d Yankees Confederates, and all due pains were taken to instruct me, and give me a proper insight into the true state of affairs, as seen by Southehr secessionists. At last I expressed a desire to enter the Confederate service, and asked the merchant how I should manage to get through the Yankee lines if I should decide to take such a step. After a long conversation, and much planning, we at last decided that I should go through our fines the next night with a person who was considered by our troops a thorough Union maxx, as he had taken the oath of all^iance to the Federal Government— but who was in reality a rebel spy. • That afternoon I wa^ sent out again to dispose of slome goods to the soldiers, and while I was gone took tl!e"favorable opportunity of informipg: the Provost- Marshal of my intended escape the following night together with my brothM: spy. . After telling him that I might not be able to leave the store.again with any more definite inforpiation without incurring suspicion, and that he had better send. some one to the store at a certain hour the next day to purchase some irifie, so that I might inclose in ^he parcel the necessary information, I went back to the store, emd my clever employer told me that. I had better not trouble myself any more about anything, but get ready for my journey. Having but little preparation to make, however, I soon returned to the store. . . N*t k>ng after a gentleman came iiv, to whom I was introduced, and was told that this was the person who proposed to conduct me through the lines. He was not announced in his true character, but I ui^de^stood at ohce that this gentlemanly personage was no less than the spy before referred to. He ques- tioned me pretty sharply, but I being "slow of speech," referred liim to the merchant, whose eloquence. had convinced, me of juy duty tp>.;tbe Southern -Confederacy. ;■ ;.-' .-' , .■ =,-...'/■■.•- .■■.: -■^^'-^i^Sr-V _;;■..':. ; . ^■^i'.ij* :,.»>?';.:" f. -My employer stood beside me and gave him a brief history of our^u^uaint- ance and of his confidence in me; also of his own peculiar faculty of impressing the truth upon unprejudiced minds. : The spy evidoitly took me for a poor gf een .boy .whom the merchant had flattered into the idea of becoming a soldier, but who did not realize the re- sponsibiUty of my position, and I confirmed. him in that opinion by saying, "Well, I suppose if I don't like soldiering they will let me go home again?" The Provost-Marshal himself came in during the day, an^ I. had my. docu- ment ready, informing him what tim^ we would start .and what direction we were to take. The night came, and we started about 9. o.' clock. . As we walked along to- ward the rebel lines the spy seemed to think that I was a true patriot in th« ■>•; ■ ■' ■. •>■ -.^A^ '.■- ■ ■•'■'- ■-■■ '- T \ /*•'. pr •■ ...^, 148 NtJRSE AND SPY. : ' ^^ * rebel cause, for he entertained me with a long conversation concerning His exploits in the secret service; and of the other two who t^rere still in camp, he said one of them w«is a sutler, and the other sold photographs of our Gm«rals. We were pursuing our way in the darkness, talking in a low, confidfflitial tone, when suddenly a number of cavalry dashed upon us and toqV: us both prisoners. As soon as we were captured we were searched, and documents % found on my companion which condemned him as a spy. We were then march- ed back to Louisville and put under guard. The next morning he wa9 taken care of, and I was sent to Gen. M 's Headquarters. . i ' *' The next thing to be done was to find the other two spies. The sutler was found and put under arrest, and his goods confiscated, but the dealer in photo- graphs had made his escape. I never dared go back to Louisville again, for I had ample reason to believe that my life would pay the penalty if I did. About this time the Ninth Corps was ordered to Vicksmirg, where G«o. Grant had already commenced his siege. While th» troops waited at the depot for transportation a little incident occurred which illustrates the spbit of the Kentucky soldiers on the slave question. Two of our Kentucky regiments were stationed as guards at the depot, and on this occasion were amusing themselves by throwing stones at every poor negro who had occasion to pass withm a stone's throw of them. ni A Michigan regiment marched into the depot on its way to Vickshurg , and along with it some smart, saucy darkies, in the capacity of servants. ; The- native soldiers began the same game with them, by throwing stones at and' abusing them; but the Michigan mm informed them that "if they did not st(^'. that kind of business immediately they would find more work on hand than they could attend to," as they considered their servants anecessary part ofthw regiment, and would not permit them to be abused or insulted any mwe than>it they were white men. . c r • v This gave rise to a warm discussion between the troops, and ended in tiie ' Kcntiickians forbidding and prohibiting the different regiments from taking a negro with them from the State under any circumstances. Of' course, this incensed our patriotic troops, and in five minutes they were in line of battle-' arrayed against their pro-slavery brethren in arms. But brfore blood was- shed the commander of the post was informed, and hastened to the spot to prevent further mischief. When the case was fully made known to him he could not settle the matter, for he was a Kmtuckian by birth, and his sytn-' pathies were with the native troops; yet he knew if he should decide in their favor that a bloody fight would be the consequence, as the troops still remained in hne of battle awaiting the decision of the commander. He finally told ihtm that they must Remain there until he telegraphed to the Headquarters of the Department and received an answer. Consequently the troops were detained two days, waiting for the dispatch that would decide the contest. The moi became tired of the fun and marched back to cam^k ; t. ^ ■-.... -!■ ■ .:£ ^m. ADVEKlrtlBES OP A WOMAN AS A TTNIOIT SOLDIEB. 14» In consequence of this aSaii {he poor negroes fared worse than ever, and the troops had no sooner gone betck to camp than the Kentuckians swore they vtoxM hang every "nigger" that came into their camp. During^e day I was passing tiirough thedepot, and saw a little black urchin selling cakes and pies, who had no sooner made his appearance than the guards took his ba^et away from him. The boy commenced to cry, when four of the soldiers took hold of him, each one t^ing hold of a hand or foot, and pulled him almost limb from limh— just as I have seen cruel schoolboys torture frogs. When they tiitew him on the ground he could neither speak, cry, nor walk, but there he lay a little quivering, convulsive heap of pain and misery. :; f:- The tel^ram came at last, and the troops w^e permitted to depart in peao^ taking with them their colored friends, to the chagrin of the Kentucky guards. Before reaching Vicksburg I visited several hospitals where the wounded had be«i Iwought from those terrible battles preceding the siege of Vicksburg, where thousands lay, with all conceivable sorts of wounds. Several t saw without either arms or leg^, having been tornand mangled by shell so that it was impossible to save even a single limb— and yet they lived, and wouW probably recover. : - ;';rti^, ■• ?f;: • One handsome young man lay on one of the hospital boats, who had loist both arms — a most noble specimen of the patient, cheerful, suffering soldier. Of this young man the Rev. Mr. Savage writes: "There he lay upon his cot, armless, and knowing that this must be his condition through Uf e; but yet with a cheerful, happy countenance, and not a single word of complaint. I minister cd to his wants, and as I cut up fruit in mouthfuls* and put them in his mouth, he would say, 'Well, now, how good that is! Ho^ kind of ^ou! The Lord will bless you for it I dcoi't see why ywi ^e so kind to me. « As if any one could be too kind to a man who had suffered such a loss in defense of his country. His soul i5ce:nc J to be resting peacefully up ' " ' • :>•■-'- > .,,:.,^^., ,-..^' ,^. ■.■,.; ■• ;.^. •:.;'■ .r^. '■;;, -x :■;■ But- he's gone to rest in heaven abov«h .. '; ^ To sing bis Saviour's praisd. "V: s..;. MO NUESE AND SPY. One of the military agciits at Nashville relates a most thrilling incident, which he witnessed in a hospital at that place. He says: "Last evening, when passing by the Post Hospital, my attention was arrested by the singing, in rather a loud voice, of 'Rally round the flag, boys', by one of the patients inside. While listening to the beautiful music of that popular song, I observed to a nurse standing in the doorway, that the person singing must be in a very merry mood, and could not be very sick. 'You are mis- taken,' said he; 'the pcor fellow engaged in singing that good old A>ng is now grappling with death — has been dying all day. I am his nurse,' he continued, 'and the scene so affected me that I was obliged to leave the room. He is just about breathing his last.' "I stepped into the ward, and, true enough, the brave man wps near his end. His eyes were .already fixed in death. He was struggling with all his remain- ing strength against the grim monster, while at the sjimp time there gushed forth from his patriotic soul incoherently the words: 'Rally round the flag, boys,' which liad so often cheered him through his wes^ry march, and braced , him up when entering the field of blood in defense of his country. Finally he sank away into his death-slumber, and joined his Maker's com- mand, that is marching onward to that far-off, better land. The last audible sound that escaped his lips was, 'Rally, boys, rally once again!' As his eyes were closing, some dozen of his comrades joined in a solemn, yet beautiful hsmin, appropriate to the occasion. Take it altogether, this was one of the most affecting scenes I have ever witnessed in a hospital. It drew tears copi- ously from near lOu of us. It occurred in the large ward which occupies the entire body of the church on Cherry street. The deceased was an lUinoisan, and had been wQunded in one of the recent skirmishes." I noticed in the Western Department that the Chaplains were much more faithful to their trust, and attentive to the sick and wounded, than the Chaplains in the Army of the Potomac — taking them as a class. j.^ ' ., - One man in speaking of his Chaplain said: "He is one of the best men in the world; he has a temperance meeting once a week, a prayer meeting twice a -week, and other meetings as he is able to hold them; and i\i' • ' ' ?'- V'f * ^ ^ '" Farmers come to the hospitals with loads of provisitms, > tuid the women come wi|h fruits, wines, iellies, etcs and cheerfully submit to the lieirdships and fatigue of hospital labor without the slightest femunnation. Said he: - "The women down South are the best recruiting officers, for they absolutely rdfuse to tolerate, or admit to their society, any yoimg man who rafuses to ;^.:,. .----• ■■ -^-^-^--v^-- , •'■■/!> Z' 1S8 NURSE AND SPY. V enlist; and very often send their lovers, who have not enlisted, skirts and crino- line, ^vith a note attached, suggesting the appropriateness of such a costiune unless they donned the Confederate uniform at once." I have often thought of this trait of the Southern ladies' character, and con- trasted it with the flattering receptions so lavishly bestowed upon our able- bodied home guards by the New England fair ones who profess to love the old flag and despise its enemies. And I have wondered if an extensive donation of "crinoline" wouldnot be more effectual in filling up our ranks, than graceful bows and bewitching smiles. And I would mildly suggest that each pewjkage of crinoline be accompanied by the following appropriate lines: Now, while our soldiers are fighting our battles, Each at his post to do all that he can, Down among rebels and contraband chattels^ What are you doing, my sweet little man? All the brave boys under canvas are sleeping, ^ • , All of them pressing to march with the van. Far fronr their homes where their sweethearts are weeping; What are jou waiting for, sweet little man? Yon, with the terrible warlike mustaches, • • Fit for a Colonel or chief of a clan, ■'^ You with the waist made for sword-belts and sashes, Wiiere are your shoulder-straps, sweet little man? We send you thd buttonless garm^ts of women! . Cover >our face lost it freckle or tan; ■ Muster tlie apron-string guards on the common - ' That is the corps for the sweet little man. AH the fair maidens about him shall cluster, > x: Pkuk the white feathers from bonnet and fan, ' Make him a plume like a turkey-wing duster — ' That is the crest for the sweet little man. . . Give liim for escort a file of young misses, / ' Each of them armed with a deadly rattan. They shall defend him from laughter and hisses * . -'] . Aimed by low boys at the sweet little man. ' And now, while I am contrasting the conduct of the North and South, I may as well give another testimony in favor of the Confederate system. The following testimony comes from one who has served in the rebel army 1 ^ - ' \" '^ ' - ADVENTURES OP A WOMAN AS A UNION SOLDIER. 153 in the capacity of Surgeon. He says: "The Confederate military authorities have complete control of the press, so that nothing is ever allowed to appear in print which can in iiny way give information t6 the North or prove a clue to Southern movements. In this it appears to me that they have an unspeaka- ble advantage over the North, with its numberless papers and hundreds of correspondents in the loyal army. With what the correspondents tell and surmise, and what the Confederates find out through, spies and informers of various kinds, they are able to see through many of the plans of the Union forces before they are put into execution. No more common remarks did I hear than this as officers were reading the Northern papers: 'See what d — d fools those Yankees are. Gen. A has left B for C . We will cut him off. Why the Northern Generals or the Secretary of War tolerate this freedom of news we cannot imagine.'" And he further adds: "Every daily paper I have read since I came North has contained information, either by direct statement or implication, by v.'hich the enemy can profit. If we meant to play into the hands of tlic rebels, we could hardly do it more successfully than our papers arc doin^ i! daily. Sure am I that if a Southern paj^er contained .such information of Uu i- movements as do the Northern of ours, the'cditor's neck would not be sate an hour. But some will say: 'We often see iurormation quoted from the Southern papers of their movements.' Never, until the movement has been carried ou t. It is always safe to conclude, if you see irta Southern paper any staten\ent with re- gard to the movement of troops, or tliat the army is about to do a certain thing, that it will not be done, but something different." Freedom of opinion and of the press is certainly a precious boon, but wlien it endangers the lives of pur soldiers and frustrates the plans of our Govern- ment, surely it is time to aiiopt measures to control it, just as much as it is necessary to arrest the spies who come within our lines. Another relates the following toucliing incident of the Southern style of increasing their army and punishing offenders: ''When the rebels were raising a force in eastern Tennessee, two brothers by the name of Rowland volun- teered. A younger brother was a Union man. and refusing to enlist, was seized and forced into the army. He constantly protested against his impressment, but without avail. He then warned them that he would desert the first oppor- tunity, as he would not fight against the cause of right and good government. They were inexorable, and he was torn from his family and* hurried to the field: , '"At the battle of Fort Donelson Rowland escaped from the rebels in the second day's fight, and immediately jouied the loyal army. Though now to fight against his own brothers, he felt that he was in a righteous cause, and con- tending for a \T0. thy end. In the battle of Pittsburg Landing be was taken prisoner by the very regiment to which he had' formerly belonged. This scaled his fate. Ou liis way 1» Corinth several of his old comrades, among them his two brothers, attempted to kill him, one of them nearly rumiing him tluough ISl NURSE AND SPY. with a bayonet. He was, howevw, rescued by the guard, Mid brought to camp. - "Three days after the retreating army had reached Corinth, ..-.' Reader, has your heart ever been taken by storm, in cohsequenc'e of the mere intonations of a voice, ere you beheki th^ individual who gave them utterance? 11 t'-J'S m ADVENTUKES OP A WOMAN AS A UNION SOLDIER. 185 On this occasion, I turned and saw "one of God's images cut in ebony." Time had wrinkled his face, and the frosts of four-score Winters iiad whitened his woolly locks, palsied his lirnbs, and dimmed his vision. He had been a slave all his life", and now, at the 11th hour, when "the silver cord was almost loosed, and Uie golden bowl well nigh broken," he was liberated from bondage, and was rejoicing in freedom from slavery, and in that freedom wherewith Christ mskes His .children free. By some invisible attraction, a large crowd gathered around this old, de- crepid slave, and every eye was fixed upon his sable, withered face, as he g&jn a brief and touching history of his ^lave life. When he had finished the ^Idiers eagerly began to ask questi(His, but stt^ denly the old colored man turned querist, and raising himself up, and leaning forward toward the crowd, he asked, in a voice strangely thrilling andsoledhi, "Are any of you soldiers of the Lord Jestis Christ?* One looked at arK>ther with evident embarrassment; but at length some one stammered out: "We don't know exaxitly; that js a hard question, Unde.* "Oh, no," said he, "dat is not a hard jquestion; if you be soldiers of Christ you know it, you must know it; de Lord does not do His work so poorly dat His people don't know when it's done. Now jes' let me say a word more: Dear soldiers, before eber you lebe dis boat, before eber you go into iuioder battle, enlist for Je^us; become soldiers ob de blessed Redeemer, and you are safe; safe when de battle rages, safe .when de chills ob death come, safe when de world's on fire." , One of the men, desirous of chfuigingthe conversation, said: "Uncle, are you blind?" He replied: "Oh, no, bless de Lord, I am not blind to de tings ob de spirit. I see by an eye ob faith my blessed Saviour sitting at de right hand ob G(Ki, and I'll soon see Him more clearly, for Jesus loves dis old blind darky, and will soon take- him home." ' Now, when we talk of moral sublimity we are apt to point to Alexander con- quering the world, to Hannibal surmounting the Alps, to C{p.sar crossing the Rubicon, or to Lawrence wrapping himself m the American ^ag and crying "Don't give up the shipl" But in my opinion here was a specimen of moral sublimity equal to anything that evet graced the pages of history or was ever exhibited upon a battlefield, a poor old, blind, palsied slave, resting upon the "Rock of -Ages," while the waves of affliction dashed like mountains at hia feet; yet, looking up to heayen, and trusting in the great Mid precious promises, he gave glory to Gocl, and triumphed over pain and "■^ • -V , ■ : ■ ;■ ;;■•::' -' • ' ; : ' • ' "'■ '■ - ; " ■-':■'■*. \ • ^ ■ '• ''-i '■ '• ■. --v ^ -" ■"■. V - . '\. ,- •■" ■. 'vU :'■ /i-afc ■■•'■■*.' '■ . <^-:.- ■■•.-:■:.■■■■■' ( . Ml NflESE Am> BPY. An' we ob jubilee. De Lord dat heap de Red Sea waves, He jes' as strong as den; He say de word — we las' night slaves, To-day de Lord's free men. Chorus — De yam will grow, de .cotton blow, , ' We'll hab de rice an' com, nebber you fear if nebber you hear De driber blow his horn. , • Ole massa on his trabbles gone, «. He lebe de land behind; De Lord's breff blow him furder on. Like corn-shuck in de wind. ' ' We own de hoe, we own de plow, We own de hands dat hold; We sell de pig, we sell de cow, But neber chile be sold. Chorus— De yam will grow, etc. We know de promise nebber fall, , -; • - An' nebber lie de Word; , - . \ , - So, ^Uke de 'postles in de jail, t-. , We waited for de Lord. , ] ^ An' now He open ebery doot, • ; An' trow away de key, He tink we lub Him so before^ ^ We lub Him better free. ' C/?o^s— De yam will grow, etc. , Then a collection was taken up among the soldiers and presented to the old blind colored man, who wept with delight as he received it, for said he: "I hab no home, no money, an' no friend, but de Lord Jesus." ■ . * ;■ i .s « V ■ '*' ■; • .-'; • '■-•■■^'->f":--^^ ADVENTURES OF A WOMAN AS A UNION SOLDIER. 167 CHAPTER XXVn. Arrival at Vicksburg — Its Surroundings — Grant's Army*— Assault on the Rebel Works— The Seven Color-Bearers— Pemberton's Harangue— In the Trenches — Sufferings of [the Wounded — Pemberton's Proposed Capitula- tion — Grant's Reply — Terms of Surrraider — Occupation of .the City — Loss of the Enemy — Complimentary Letter — Grant's Success— Att«u;hment of His Soldiers— "Fighting Dick"— Gold Lace— Rebel Sufferings— Sights in Vicksburg — Incid^its of the Si^e— Cave Life. Our troops at length joined Gen. Grant's army near Vicksburg, where those veterans had bem digging and fighting so many weeks. The city of Vicksburg is nestled among numerous terraced hills, and would under other circumstances present a magnificent and romantic appearance; but I could not at that time realize its beauty, for the knowledge of the suffer- ings and distress of thousands within its walls detracted materially from its outward grandeur. <^ The enemy's works haA consisted of a series of redoubts extending from Haines' Bluff to the Warrraiton road, a distance of some 10 miles. It was a plateau, upon which a multitude of little hills seemed to have been sown broadcast, giving the enemy a [position from which it could sweep every neigh- boring crest and enfilade every approach. But the rebels had already been driven from this positicm after a severe struggle. On the 22d of May, at 2 o'clock in the morning, heavy guns were opened upon the rebel works, an(J continued until 10 o'clqpk, when a desperate assault was made by three corps moving simultaneously. After a severe engage- ment and heavy loss, the flag of the 7th Mo. was planted on one of the rebel parapets, after seven color-bearers had been shot dQwn. After this contest the rebel General, Pemberton, addressed his men as fol- ' lows: "You have heard that I was incompetent and a traitor, and that it was my intention to sell Vicksburg. Follow me, and you will see the cost at which I will sell Vicksburg. When the last pound of beef, bacon and flour, the last grain of com, ihe last cow and hog, horse and dog shall have been consumed, and the last man shall have perished in the trenches, then, and not till then, will I sell Vicksburg." It became evident jthat the works could not be carried by assault, and that nothing but a regular iriege could reduce the fortifications. While the siege was in progress our soldiers endured hardships, privaticHis and sufferings which words can but inadequately express. Our men were ' closely packed in the trenches, often in water to the knees, and not daring to lift their heads above the brow of the rifle-pits, as the rebel sharpshooters lost ,irj ''■■fiii'i •! '' vLiL^ -■ ■ ' ;,. •,','.^ .' '' \:« A. ^•;-^ '.'<;-.: A'i."LV:;.':;..ix \\ ■ ;. ■ i'^•^Si>^ 118 - NURSE AND SPY. no time in saluting every unfortunate head which made its appearance above ground. The sufferings of the wounded were extreme. Those who were wounded during the day in the trenches nearest the city, could not be removed until the curtain of night fell upon the scene, and screened them from the vigilant eye of the enemy. Gen. Grant steadily approached the doomed city by means of saps and mines, and continued to blow up their defenses, until it was evident that another day's work would complete the capture of the city. • "' , f Such was the position of affairs on the 3d of July, when Gen. Pemberton proposed an armistice and capitulation. Maj.-Gen. Bowen, of the Confederate army, was the bearer of a dispatch to Gen. Grant, under a flag of truce, proposing the surrender of the city, which was as follows: Headquarters, Vicksburg, July 3, 1863. Maj.-Gen. Grant, commanding United States forces. General: I have the honor to propose to you an armistice for hours with a view of arranging terms for the capitulation of Vicksburg. To this end, if agreeable to you, I will appoint three conunissioners to meet a like num- ber to be named by yourself, at such place andf hour to-day as you may find , convenient. I make this proposi ion to save the further effusion of blood, which must otherwise be shed to a frightful extent, feeling myself fully able to maintain my position for a yet indefinite period. This communication will be handed to you, under flag of truce, by Mai.-Gen. James Bowen. \ Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. C. Pemberton. .. » " 'r ' To which Gen. Grent replied: -•,■.- Headquarters, Department of Tennessee, In the Field near Vicksburg July 3, 1863. Lieut. -Gen. J. C. Pemberton, commanding Confederate forces, etc. General: Your note of this date, just received, proposes an arniistice of several hours for the purpose of arranging terms of capitulation, through rx)ramissioners to be appointed, etc. The effusion of blood you propose stop- ping by this course can be ended at any time you may choose by an uncon- ditional surrender of the city and garrison. Men who have shown so much endurance and courage as those now in Vicksburg, will always challenge the respect of an adversary, and, I can assure you, will be treated with all the respect ru3 them as prisoners of war. I do not favor the proposition of appoint- ing coiimiissioners to arrange .terms of capitulation, because I have no other terms than those indicated 'above. ; I am, General, very respectfully, your obedieat serVant, * • . i-. i •;.;■. ! •■ 1 ':■■ '« •" ^ / "■' > , U. "S. .GRANT. < ADVENTURES OF A WOMAN AS A UNION SOLDIER. 159 • -•"'■,.■ .■"'.■- .Tli^n the iollqwing document was maidc put by Gen. Grant, and submitted for acceptance: General: In conformity with the agreement of this aftemooh, I wiD submit the following proposition for the surrender of the city of Vicksburg, public stores, etc. On your accepting the terms proposed, T will march in one division, as a guard, and take passession at 8 o'clock to-morrow morning. As soon as paroles can be made out and signed by the officers and men, you will be allowed to march out of our lines, the officers taking with them their regimental clothing,. and staff, field and cavalry officers one horse each. The rank and file will be allowed all their clothing, but no other property. If thesa conditions are accepted, any amount of rations you may deem necessary c«m be taken from the stores you now liave, and also the necessary cooking utensib for preparing them; JW wagons, also, counting two two-horse or mule' teams as one. You will be allowed to transport such articles as cannot be carried along. The same conditions will be allowed to all sick and wounded officers and privates as fast as they become able to travel. The paroles for these latter must be signed, however, whilst officers are present authorized to sigii the roll of prisoners. " ' After some further correispondeiice on both sides this proposition was ac- cepted, and on the 4th of July the Federals took possession of the city of Vicks- ^^^' . -. -' ^ . . ■. - '-'■■ s. '-" , ■' ^•■ A paragraph from Gen. Grant's official dispktch will best explain the result of his campaign, together with the surrender of Vicksburg: "The defeat of the enelmy in five battles outside of Vicksburg, the occupation of Jackson, the Capital of the State of Mississippi, and the capture of Vicksburg and its garrison and munitions of war, a loss to the enemy of 37,000 prisoneris, among whom were 15 general officers, at least 10,000 killed and wounded, and among the killed Gens.Tracy, Tilghman and Green, and hundreds, perhaps thousands, of stragglers, who can never be collected and. organized. Arms and munitions of war for an army gf 60,000 have fallen into our hands, besides a large arriount of other public property, consisting of railroads, locomotives, cars, steam- boats, cotton, etc., and much was destroyed to prevent our capturing if ' ■ Oh the 13th of July the President sent an autograph letter to Gen. Grant, of which the following is a o^y: >■- - . ■ ■ ■■•••%-" ■-•■•i'-^. Executive Mansion, Washington, July 13, 1863. -= To Mai.-Geii. Gr.VNT. My Dear General: I do not remember that you and I ever met person- ally. I write this now as a grateful acknowledgment for the almost ines- timable service you have done the country, I wish to say a word further. When you first reached the vicinity 'of Vicksburg^ I thought you should do what you finally did— march the troops across the neck, run the batteries •' with the transports,, and thus:.go below; tmd I never had any faith, -except a Sen^ral hope that ^ou knew better than I, that the Yazoo Pass expedition f : M-' :"'-■ J 160 NUESE AND SPY. * ■ . ■" ' i " - . - - ■ • and the like could succeed. When you got below and took Port Gibson, Graifd Gulf and vicinity, I thought you should go down the river and join Banks, and when you turned northward, east of the Big Black, I feared it was a mis- take. I now wish to make a personal acknowledgment that you were right and I was wrong. Yours very truly, A. Lincoln. It b stated on good authority Uiat at the time the news of Grant's success rea<;hed the President, there were several gentlemen present, some of whom had just been informing Mr. Lincoln that there were great complaints against .Gen. Grant with regard to his intemperate habits. After reading the tele- gram announcing the fall of Vicksburg, the President turned to his anxious friends of the temperance question and said: "So I understand Grant drinks whisky to excess?" "Yes," was the reply. - . "What whisky does he drink?" "What whisky?" doubtfully queried his hearers. ; " • . "Yes. Is it Bourbon or Monongahela?" v i "Why do you ask, Mr. President?" "Because if it makes him win victories hke that' at Vicksburg, I will send a demijohn of the same kind to every General in the army." It is also stated on the same authority that Gen. Grant is strictly tempeKate. His men are almost as much attached to him as are the Army of the Poto- mac to Gen. McClellan. He is a true soldier, and shares all the hardships with his men, sleeping on the ground in the open air, and eating hard bread and salt pork with as good a grace as any private soldier. He seldom wears a sword, except when absolutely necessary, and frequently wears a semi-military coat and low-crowned hat. The mistakes which people used to make, when coming to Headquarters to see the General, often reminded me of a genuine anecdote which is told of Gen. Richardson, or "Fighting Dick," as we familiarly called hi.m. It occurred when the troops were encamped near Washington, and was as follows: The General was sauntering along toward a fort, which was in course of erection not far from Headquarters, dressed in his usual uniform for fatigue, • namely, citizen's pants, undress coat, and an old straw hat which had oiice been white, but was now two or three shades nearer the General's own com- plexion. I - Along came one of those dashing city staff officers, in white .gloves, and trimmed oil with gold lace to the very extreme of military regulations. He was in search of Gen. Richardson, but did not know him personally. Rein- ing up his horse some little distance fiom the General, he shouted: "Hallo, old fcUowI can you tell me where Gen. Richardson's Headquarters are?" The General pointed out the tent to him, and the young officer went dashing along, without ever saying "thank you." The General then turned on hi» ' - » ADVENTURES OF Jl WOMAN AS A UNION SOLDIER. 161 heel and went back to his tent, where he found the officer making a fuss because there was no orderly to hold his horse. Turning to Gen. R , as he came up, he said: "Won't j^u hold my horse while I find Gen. R ?" "Oh, yes, certainly," said he. * After hitching the horse to a post nearby for that purpose, the General walked into the tent, and, confronting young pomposity, he said in his peculiar twang, "Well, sir, what will you have?" When the Federal troops marched into Vicksburg, what a heart-sickening sight it presented; the half-famished inhabitants had crawled from their dens and caves in the earth, to find their houses demolished by shell, and all their pleasant places laid waste. But the appearance of the soldiers as they came from the intrenchments covered with mud, and bespattered with the blood of their comrade^ who had been killed or wounded, would have touched a heeu't of stone, v I '. ,"K- The poor horses, and mules, too, were a sad sight, for they had fared even worse than the soldiers, for there wafe no place of safety for them, not even intrenchments, and they had scarcely anything at all to eat for weeks, except mulberry leaves. . " " ./ One man, in speaking of the state of affairs in the city, during the siege, said: "The terror of the women and children, their constant screams and wailings over the dead bodies of their friends, mingled as they were with the shrieks of bursting shell, and the pitiful groans of the dying, was enough to appall the stroutest heart." And others said it was a strange feu;t that the women could not venture out of their caves a moment without either being killed or wounded, while the men and officers walked or irode about with but little loss of life, comparatively. ;> A lady says: "Sitting in ray cave, one evening, I heard the most heart-rend- ing shrieks and groans, and upon making inquiry, I was told that a mother had taken her child into a cave about a hundred yards from us, and having laid it on its little bed, as the poor women thought, in sdfety, she took her seat near the entrance of the cave. A mortar-shell came rushing through the air, and fell ujion the cave, and bursting in the ground entered the cave; a frag- ment of the shell mashed the head of the little sleeper, crushing out the young life, and leaving tlie distracted mother to pierce the heavois with her cries of agony." How blightingly the hand of war lay upon that once-flourishing city! The closed and desolate houses, the gardens with open gates, and the poor, starv- ing mules, standing amid the flowers, picking off every green leafj.to : ■' 162 , NURSE AND SPy. . ,,..,., out. As the rocking and trembling of the earth was distinctly felt, and the explosions alarmingly near, I stood within the mouth of the cave ready to make my escape, should one chance to fall above our domicile. "In my anxiety I was startled by the shouts of. the servants, and a most fear- ful jar and rocking of the earth, followed by a deafening explosion, such as I had never heard before. The cave filled instantly with srrioke and duist. I stood there, with a tingling, prickling sensation in my head, hands and feet, and with confu.sed brain. Yet alivel was the first glad thought that came to me — child, servants, all here, and saved! "I stepped out and found a group of persons before my cave, looking anxi- ously for me, and lying all around were freshly-torn rose bushes, arbor vitae trees, large clods of earth, splinters, and pieces of plank. "A mortar-shcU had struck the corner of the cave; fortunately, so near the bi-qw of the hill that it had gone obliquely into the earth, exploding as it went, breaking large m.asses from the side o| the hill, tearing away the fence, the shrubbery and flowers, sweeping all like an avalanche down near the entrance of riiy poor refuge. "On another occ^lsion I sat reading in safety, I imagined, when the unnjis- takable whirring of Parrdtt shells told us that the battery we so much dreaded had opened from the intrenchments. I ran to the entrance to call the servants in. Immediately after they entered a shell struck the earth a few feet from the entrance, burying itself without exploding. . "A man came in, much f rigntened, and asked permission to remain until the danger was over. He had been there but a short time when a Parrott- shell Game wliirnng in at the entrance and fell in the centc^ of the cave before us,, anjd lay there, the fuse still smoking. "Our eyes were fastened upon that terrible missile of death as by the fascina- tion of a serpent, while we expected ever}- irioment that the terrific explosion would take place. I pressed my cliild closer to rriy heart and drew nearer the wall. Our fate seemed certain, our doom was sealed. "Just at this dreadful moment, George, a negro boy, rushed forward, seized the shell, and threw it into the street, then ran swiftly in the opposite direction. "Fortunately the fuse became extinguished suid the shell fell harmless to the ground, and is still looked upon as a monument ol terror.** "> •;• .■.-;-' CI i, I ADVENTURES OF A WOMAN AS A UNION SOLDIER. 163 CHAPTER XXVIII. ' Western Gibraltar— The "Lead Miners"— The Palmetto Exchanged for the Stars and Stripes— Enthusiasm of Troops — Sufferings Forgotten— I am Attacked by Fever— Unfit for Duty— "Vicksburg is Ours"— Spirit Yearn- ings— "Rock Me to Sleep, Mother" — Imposition of Steamboat Officers. Grant's Care for His Men — Bursting of a Shell in Camp — Consequences. Speechless Agony— I am Released from Duty — My Trip to Cairo— Miss Mary Safford — Arrival at Washington. . It was a proud day for the Union army when Gen. U. S. Grant marched his victorious troops into the rebel Sebastopol, or "the Western Gibraltar," as the rebels were pleased to term it. The troops marched in trimnphantly, the 45th 111., the "lead miners," leading the van, and as they halted in front of the fine white marble Court- house, and flung out the National banner to the breeze, and planted the battle- worn flags bearing the dear old Stars and Stripes where the "palmetto" had so recently floated; then went up tremendous shouts of triumpliant and en- thusiastic cheers, which were caught up and re-echoed by the advancing troops until all was dn» wild scene of joy; and the devastated city and its miserable inhabitants were forgotten" in the triumph of the hour. This excitement proved too muQh foi; me, as I had been suffering from fever for several days previous, and had risen from my cot and mounted my horse for the purpose of witnessing the crowning act of the campaign. Now it was over, and I was exhausted and weak as p/child. I was urged to go to a hospital, but reiused; yet at length I was obliged to report myself unfit for duty, but still persisted in sitting up most of the time. Oh, what dreary days and nights I passed in that dilapidated city! A slow fever had fastened itself upon me, and in spite of all my fortitude and deter- mination to shake it off, I was each day becoming more surely its victim. I could not bear the shouts of the men, or their songs of triumph which rung out upon every breeze, one of which I can never forget, as I heard it sung until my poor brain was distracted, and in my hours of delirium I kept repeating "Vicksburg is ours," "Vicksburg is ours," in a manner more amusmg than musical. I will here quote a few verses, which I thmk arc the same: ■ * Hark! home upon the Southern breeze, As whispers breathed above the trees, Or as the swell from off the seas, • In Summer showers, •' '*"' . Fall softly on the ears of men .-■ v.■;-s.:.:^.^::-.:■-:■■^.- .; -^--^i^;-^/- ■:;--• --^^ 164 NUESE AND SPY. t Strains sweetly indistinct, and then — [■ ' Hist! listen! catch the sound again^ [ "Vicksburg is ours!" O'er sea- waves beating on the shore, 'Bove the thunder-storm and tempest o'er, O'er cataracts in headlong roar, High, high it towers. O'er all the breastworks and the moats The Starry Flag in triumph floats. And heroes thunder from their throats "Vicksburg is ours'" Spread all your banners in the sky, The sword of victory gleams on high, Our conquering eagles upward fly, And kiss the stars; For Liberty the Gods awake,\ And hurl the shattered foes a wreck, ii!. The Northern arms make strong to break The Southern bars. • All honor to the brave and true Who fought the bloody battles througn, And from the ramparts victory drew Where Vicksburg cowers; And o'er trenches, o'er the slain. Through iron hail and leaden rain, ■ * . .■'■'•{ Still plunging onward, might and main, Made V^icksburg ours. " > I think I realized, in those hours of feverish restlessness and pain, the heart- •:i yearning for the touch of a mother's cool hand upon my brow, which I had so J often heard the poor sick and wounded soldiers speak of. Oh how I longed ' for one gentle caress from her loving hand! and when I would sometimes fall :■ into a quiet slumber, and forget my surroundings, I would often wake up and •, imagine my mother sat beside me, and would only realize my sad mistake , when, looking in the direction I supposed her to be, there would be seen soine ; great bearded soldier, wrapped up in an overcoat, smoking his pipe. The following lines in some measure express my spirit-longipgs' for the ■': presence of my mothei in those nights of torturing fever and days of languor '': and despondency: ' „1: • ,- ■ ■ ■" V "■ ' ■. •■ -■'--' ■■•- "'"■■ ADVENTURES. OF A WOMAN AS A UNION SOLDIER. 165 Backward; turn backward, Time, in your flight; Make me a child again, just for to-night! Mother, come from the far-distant , shore, , . ^ ^ Take me again to your heart as of yore; Over my slumbers your loving watch keep — Eock me to sleep, mother, Jock me to sleep. * it if if * if * , I Backward, flow backward, tide of the years! I am so weary of toils and of tears, Toil without recompense — tears all in vain — / Take them, and give me my childhood again. , I have grown weary of warfare and strife, . ' Weary of bartering my health and my life, ; , Weary of sowing for others to reap — " Rock me to sleep, mother, rock me to sleep. After the fall of Vicksburg a large proportion of the soldiers in that vicinity, who had fought so bravely, endured so many hardships, and lain in the in- trenchments so many weary weeks during the siege, were permitted to visit their homes on furlough. In view of this Gen. Grant issued a special order forbidding steamboat officers to charge more than $5 to enlisted men, and $7 to officers, as fare between Vicks- burg and Cairo. Notwithstanding this order the Captains of steamers were in the habit of charging from $15 to $30 apiece. On one occasion one of those steamers had on board an unusually large number of soldiers, said to be over 1,000 enlisted men, and nearly 250 officers, oi route for home on leave of absence; and all had paid from $20 to $25 each. But just as the boat was about to push off from the wharf an order came from Gen. Grtmt requiring the money to be refunded to men and officers over and above the stipulated sum mentioned in a previous order, or the Captain to have his boat confiscated and submit hhnself to imprisonment for disobedience of orders. Of course the Captain handed over the money, and amid cheers for Gen. Grant, sarcastic smiles, and many amusing and insinuating speeches, and doubtful compliments to the Captmn, the men pocketed the recovered "greenbacks," and went on their way rejoicing. When the General was told of the imposition practiced by the boatmen on his soldiers, he replied: "I will teach them, if they need the lesson, that the men who have periled their lives to open the Mississippi for their benefit can- not be imposed upon with impunity." A noble trait in the character of this brave General is that he looks after the wellfare of his men as one who has to give an account of his stewardship, or of those intrusted to his care. I remamel in my tent for several days, not being able to walk, about, or scarcely able to sit ud. I was startled one day> from my usual quietude by ICG NURSE AND SPY. ^. ' ,^ the bursting of a shell which had lain in front of my tent, and from which no danjer was apprehended; yet it burst at a moment when a number of soldiers were gathered round it, and oh, what sad havoc it made of those cheerful, happy boys of a moment previous! Two of them were killed instantly, and f .-.ur were wounded seriously, and the ttnt where I lay was cut in several places with fragments of shell, the tent poles knocked out of their places, and the tent Idled with dust and smoke. One poor colored boy had one of his hands lorn off at the v/rist; and olf all the wounded that 1 have ever seen, I never heard such unearthly yells and unceasing lamentations as that boy poured forth night suid d?iy; ether and chloroform v/^rc alike unavailing in hushing the cries of the poor sufferer. At length the voice began to grow weaker, and soon afterwards ceased alto- gether; and upon making inquiry I found he had died groaning and crying until his voice was hushed in death. The mother and sister of one of the soldiers v/ho was killed bj- the explosicin of the shell arrived a sliort time after the accident occurred, and it was truly a most pitiful sight to see the speechless grief of those stricken ones as they sat beside the senseless clay of that beloved son and brother. All m\- soldier qualities seemed to have fied, and I was again a poor, cow- ardly, nervous, whining woman; 'an(^ as if ti make up for lost time, and io give vent to my long-pent-up feelings, I could do nothing but weep hour after hour, until it would seem that my head was literally a fountain of tears, and my heart one great burden of sorrow. All the horrid scenes that -I had wit- nessed during the past two years seepied now before me with vi.vid distinct- ness, and I could Uiink of nothing else. It was under these circumstances that I made up my mind to leave the army; and when once my mind is made up oi^ any subject I am very apt to act at once upon that decision. So it was ii; this case. I sent for the Surgeon and told him I was not able to remain long;ef[ that I would certainly die if I did not . leave immediately. The good old Surgeon concurred in ray opinion, and made out a certificate of disability, and I was forthwith released from further duty as "Nurse and Spy" in the Federal army. The very next day I embarked for Cairo, and on my arrival there I procured female attire, and laid aside forever (perhaps) my military, uniform; but I had become so accustomed to it that I parted with it with much reluctance. While in Cairo I had the pleasure of seeing the celebrated Miss Mary Safford, of whom so much has been said and written. One writer gives the following a<^count of her, which is correct with regard to personal appearance, and I have no doubt is correct throughout: "I cannot close this letter without a passing word in regard to one whose name is mentioned by thousands of our soldiers with gratitude and blcsssmg. "Miss Mary SafiFord is a resident of this town, whose life, since the b^imuBf of this war, has been devoted to the amelioration of the soldier's lot and ^ ootnfort in tke hospital i ■' '■■:\ ., .:.f..;'-v.?,.^:. ADVENTURES OF A WOMAN AS A UNION SOLDIER. 107 "She is a young lady, petite in figure, unpretending, but highly cultivsiled, by no means officious, and so wholly unconscious of her excellencies and the great work that she is aichieting, that I fear this public allusion to' her may pain her modest - nature. ■ ^ ■ . "Her sweet young face, full of benevolence, her pleasant voice and winning manner, install her in every one's heart directly, and the more one sees of her the more they admire her great soul and noble nature. - "Not a day elapses but she is found in the hospitals, unless indeed she is absent on an errand of mercy up the Tennessee, or to the hospitals in Kentucky. "Every sick and wounded soldier in Cairo knows and loves her, and, as she enters the ward, every pale face brightens at her approach. As she passes ak>ng she inquires of eskch one how he had passed the night, if he is well sup- plied with books and tracts, and if there is anything she can do for him. All tell her their story frankly — the old man old enough to be her father, and the boy in his teens, all ccmfide in hier. - "For one she must write a letter to his friend at home; ^he must sit down and read at the cot of another; must procure, if the Surgeon %ill allow it, this or that article of food for a third; must soothe and encourage a fourth who desponds and is ready t6 give up his hold on life; must pray for a fifth, who is afraid to die, and wrestle for him till light shines through the dark valley; and so on, Vari«d ias may be the personal or spiritual wants of the suffCTers. "Surgeons, nurses, medical directors and army officers are all her tme friends, and so judicious and trustworthy is she that the Chicago Sanitary Commission h&ve given her carle blnnche to draw on their stores at Ca^o for anything she may need in her eitands of mercy ivt tb* hospitals. "She is performing a noble wbrk, and that too in the riiost quiet and unassiHU- ing manner." From Cairo I went to Washington, where I sperit several- weeks, until Ire- covcrcd from mV fever, and was able lo Endure the fatigue of traveling. Then, after visiting the hospitals once more, and bidding farewell to old scenes and associations, I returned to my friends to recruit my shattered health. ■ ■•- .■:, ihr:.. .t. .:/ :.l' t if. - r. -l . i: U' ■ •C . ■ - ■>-!.: f- -i-. ^■ ■ < ..I' .yj i' Z- r ■*' >. • i.. ^ i 1.1-^ .:'.. - .^' - ;■ ■ ■ -i. .U.-. J> ' ■ ? -' ■ IV. . ,. : < •'■ ^ .- '■ _\ ., :. ; 1. •■ ; l--\^ ■: Mourn for the traitor — mom When honor is forsworn ( - • - . f;: ■' V ■• '.' '■ .'j.i's^'-j^-i:. '.'.I '"^"- 170 / NURSE A.ND SPY. 1 .. ■• : -.y. - When the base wretch sells hrs land for gold. Stands up unblushingly ' . » And boasts his perfidy, ' •o; • ^ Then, then, pwitriots! let your grief be told* . But when God's soldier yieldeth up his breath, . ; O mourn ve not for him! it is not death! Another qutstion is frequently asked me: "Are not the private soldiers cruelly treated by the ofTicers?" I never knew but a very few instantances of it, and then it was invariably by mean, cowardly officers, who were not fit to be in command of so many mules. I have always noticed that the bravest and the best fighting officers are the kindest and most forbearing toward their men. . An interesting anecdote is told of the late brave Gen. Sedgwick, wbiclj illustrates this fact: . • ■ ■ • •; I "One day, while on a march, one of our best soldiers had fallen exhausted by fatigue and illness, and lay helpless in the road, when an officer came dash- ing along in evident .haste to join his staff in advance. *it was pitiable to see the effort the poor boy made to drag his unwilling limbs out of the road. He struggled up only to^ sink back with, a look thftt asked only the privilege of lying there undisturbed to' die. "^Itt an instant he found his -head pillowed on an arm as gentle a94ii*! far- atvay mother's might have been, and aface bent over him expressive of the deepest pity. . ' . ' ^ "It is characteristic of our brave boys that they say but little. The uncom* ■ plaining words of the soldier in this instance were few, but understood. "The officer raised him in his arms and placed him in his own saddle, sup- porting the limp and swaying figure by one firm arm, while with the other he curbed the step of his impatient horse to a gentler pace. "For two miles, without a gesture of impatience, he traveled in this tedious way, until he reached an ambulance train and placed the sick man in one of the ambulances. "This was our noble Sedgwick, our brave General of the Sixth Corps, pressed with great anxieties and knowing the preciousness of every moment. His men used to say: 'We all know that great things aire to bfj done^ and well done, when we see that earnest figure in its rough blouse hurrying past, and never have we been disappointed in him. He works incessantly, is unostenta- tious, and when he appears among us all eyes follow him with outspoken blessings.'" / \ have often been asked: "Have you evet been on a battlefield before the dead and wounded were remdved? How did it appee^? Please describe one. / • • I have been on many a battlefield, and have often tried to describe the horri- ble scenes which I there witnessed, but have never yet been able to find langu :■!«?; ADVENTURES OF. A WOMAN AS A UNION SOLDIER. 171 ' age to express half the horrors of such sights as I have seen on those terrible fields.. . :',■"■■ ' ■ .-: ;■^^4V;:^.;;•^ ■:■._;- ,''ij::; The Rev. Mr. Alvord has furnished us with a vivid description of a. battle- field, which I will give for the benefit of those who wish a true and horrifying description of those bloody fields: "To-day I have witnessed more horrible scenes than ever before since I have been in tlie army. Hundreds of wounded have lain since the battle, among rebels, intermingled with • heaps of slain, hungering, thirstiiig. and with wounds inflaming and festering. Many had died simply from want of care. Their last battles and windro'tps — I mean literally! friend and foe, black and white, witb distorted features, among mangled and dead horses, trampled in mud, and thrown in all conceivable sorts of places. You can distinctly hear, over the whole field, the hum and iiis^ing of decomposition. Of coarse, you can imagine shattered muskets, ■ bayonets, cannonballs, fragments of shell, broken artillery, etc. I went over it all just before evening, and after a couple of hours turned away in sickening horror from the drejadful sight. I write in the midst of the dead, buried €^nd unburied; in the midst of hospitals full of dying, suffering men, and weary, '' • shattered regiments." / ' This is a very mild illustration of some battlefields, and yet it presents an awful picture. ■ ••. -, God! this land grows rich in loyal blood ; * Poured out upon it to its utmost length! n The incense of a people's sacrifice — The; wrested offering of a people's strength. • It is the costliest land beneath the sun! 'Tis purchaselessi and scarce a rood ' , .- But hath its title written clear, and signed In some slain hero's consecrated blood ', ~ :^ > ' '., \ ■- • '''■■'''.'"' '-" '' ^ *: \.. '^ .','-- ..f;.r*4*V, . / ^ 172 NITRSE AND SPY. And not a flower that gems its mellowing soil -• But thriveth well beneath the holy dew / , . ' Of tears, that ease a Nation's straining heart, When the Lord of Battles smites it through and through. Now a word about female nurses who go from the North to take care of the soldiers in hospitals. I have said but little upon this point, but could say much, as I have had ample opportunity for observation. Many of the noble women who have gone from the New England'and other loyal States have done, and are still doing, a work which will engrave their names upon the hearts of the soldiers, as the name, of Florence Nightingale is engraved upon the hearts of her countrymen. It is a strange fact that the more highly cultivated and refined the ladies are, they make all the better nurses. They are sure to submit to inconvenienca and privations with a much better gra^e than those of the lower classes. It is true we have some sentimental young ladies who go down there and expect to find everything in drawing-room style, with nothing to do but sit and fan handsome young mustached heroes in shoulder-straps, and read poetry, etc.; and on finding the real somewhat different from the ideal, which their ardent imaginations had created, they become homesick at once, and declare that they "cannot endure such work as washing private soldiers' dirty faces and combing tangled, matted hair; and, what is more, won't do it." So, after making considerable fuss, and trailing round in very long silk skirts for several days, until everybody becomes disgusted, they are politely invited by the Surgeon in charge to migrate to some more congenial atmosphere. But the patriotic, whole-souled, educated woman twists up her hair in a "cleared-for-action" sort of style, rolls up the sleeves of her plain cotton dress, and goes to work washing dirty fa<;es, hands and feet, as if she knew just what to do and how to do it. And when she gets through with that part of the pro- gram, she is just as willing to enter upon some new duty, whether it is writing letters for the boys or reading for them, administering medicine or helping to dress wounds. And everything is done so cheerfully that one would think it was really a pleasure instead of a disagreeable task. But the Medical* Department is unquestionably the greatest institution in the whole army. I will not attempt to answer all the questions I have been asked concerning it, but will say that'tliere are many true stories, and some false ones, circvilated with regard to that indispensable fraternity. I think I may freely say that there is a shadow of truth in that old story of "whisky" and "incompetency" which we have so often heard applied to in- di\'iduals in the Medical Department, who are intrusted with the treatment, and often the lives, of our soldiers. ■>• .' - There is a vast difference in Surgeons; some are harsh and cruel; whether it is from habit or insensibility I am not prepared to say, but I know the men would face a rebel battery with less foreboding than they do somebf oxir worthy Surgeons. . ^ ' - .V 7','-- ADVENTURES OP A WOMAN AS A UNION SOLDIER 173 There is a class who seem to.act upon the principle of "no smart no cure," if we may be allowed to judge from the manner in which they twitch off band- ages and the scientific twists and jerks given to shattered limbs. ^^ Others again are very gentle and tender with the men, and seem to study how to perform the necessary operations with the least possible pain to the patients. But the young Surgeons, fresh from the dissecting-room^ when operating in conjunction wiih our old Western practitioners? forcibly reminded me of the anecdote of the young collegian tesiching his grandmother to suck an egg: "We make an incision at the apex and an aperture at the base; then making a vacuum with the tongue and palate, we suffer the contained matter to be protruded into the mouth byl}.tmospheric pressure." "La! how strange!" said his grandmother; "in my day we just made a hole in each, end, and then sucked it without half that trouble." I once saw a young Surgeon amputate a limb, and I could think of nothing else than of a Kennebec Yankee whom I once saw carve a Thanksgiving tur- key; it was his first attempt at carxing, and the way in which he disjointed those limbs I shall never forget. CHAPTER XXX. Closing Incidents — Prof. Lowe's Balloon — Fitz John Porter's Adventure. His Upward Flight— Reconnoitering from a Dangerous Position — Cool Courage — Enthusiastic Greeting — An Earnest Inquirer — A Baptism in the Army— Preaching by MoonUght — A Magnificent Scene— A Wedding in Camp— Gay Times — A Contrast — Hospital in Winchester — Spirit of Revenge — Sable Heroine— A White Darky— Colored Soldiers — Conclusion. In looking back over the events of the two years which I spent in the army, I see so much worthy of record I scarcely know where to stop. A most thrilling incident occurs to my mind at this moment in connection with Prof,. Lowe and his balloon, which I must relate before closing. It took place while McCleUan's army was in front of Yorktown. Gen. Fitz John Porter having been in the habit of malting frequent ascen- sions in company with Prof. Lowe, learned to go aloft alone. One morning he stepped into the car and ordered the cable to be let out with all speed. We saw with surprise that the flurried assistants were sending up the great straining canvas with a single rope attached. The enormous bag was OEly partially inflatc|4, and the loose folds opened and shut with a sharp report like that of a pistol, . - ■ ■ ^ ;:■ Ik 174 NURSE AND SPY. Noisily, fitfully, the greet yellow mass rose toward the sky, the basket rock- ing like a fcr.ther in the breeze. Presently a sound came from overhead like the explosicn of a shell; the cable hail snapped a.s'.:nder, end the balloon \y,:is adrift. . ■ •■ ,.. All eyes were turned towcrd the recedin^g car, where (jcn. Porter sat in hi.s aerial castle, being borne heavenward as fast £is if on eagle wings, without the power either to check or guide his upwar.d flight. The whole army was agitated bytliis unwonted occurrence, and the rebel army evidenth parte ok in the general excitement. "Op.}r. lljc valvcl . Clim!> to- -the- netting— and— reach— the' valve rope!" "The valve— the valve!" repeated a multitude of voices, but all in vain, for it was impossible to make him hear. Soon the Signal Corps began to operate, and at last the General was made to understand by signals when it was impossible to reach him by the human voice. . . He apper.rcl directly over Uie edge of the car, and then clambered up the nettin.;; and reat bed for the cord, but he was so far al)ovc us then, he looked no bigger than a great black spider. It was a weiril spectacle; that frail, fading object floating in the azure sk>-, with the muliature Boat swinging silently beneath, looking no bigger than a humming bird's nest; and a hundred thousand brave hearts beneath bcatii>;j with tiie wildest e.xciicment and v/armcst sympathy, yet powerless to render the lejst assistance to their cx^ilU'd brother-in arijis. "Had t!ie General been I'octin;^ down the rapitls of Niagara he could not have Icen farther from human assistance." We at length saw him descend from the netting and reappear over the edgp of the basket,, and he seemed to be motioning to the breathless crowd below the story of his failure. Soon after the balloon began slowly to descend, and when we next saw lum it was with a spyglass in hand, reconnoitering the rebel works. Shouts- of joy and laughter went up from tiie long lines of spectators as this cool pro- cedure was observed. For a moment it seemed doubtful in which direction the balloon woidd float; it faltered like an irresolute being, and at length moved reluctantly toward Fortress Monroe. Bursting cheers, half uttered, quivered on every lip. All eyes glistened, and man\- v.ere dim with tears. IJut the wayward canvas now turned due west, and was blown rapidl\- toward the Confederate works. Its course wa^ fitfullj- direct, and the wind seemed to veer often, as if con- trary currents, con."vcious of the opportunity, were struggling for the possession of the daring navigator. The south wind held the mastery for awhile, and the balloon passed the Federal front amid groan.s of despair from the i;oldiers. It kept right on, over sharpshooters, ritle pits, etc., until it stood dirtrtly over the rebel fortilicatioua -^ ^ ADVENTURES OF A WOMAN AS A UNION SOLDIER. JL75 \ at Yorktown. The cool courage,' either of heroism or despair, seemed to seize the General, for turning his tremendous glass upon the ramparts and masked batteries below, he viewed the remote camps, the beleaguered town, the guns of Gloucester Point, and distant Norfolk. Had he been reconnoitering from a secure perch on the top of the moon he could not have been more ngilant; and the Confederates probably thought this some Yankee device to peer into their sanctum in spite of ball or shell. None of their large guns could be brought to bear upon the balloon, but there were some discharges of mus- ketry, which seemed to have no effect whatever, and finally even these demonstrations cetised. Both armies were gazing aloft in breathless suspense, while the deliberate General continued to spy out the land. Suddenly another change of position, and the air craft plunged and tacked about, and steered rapidly for the Federal lines again. Making a desperate effort to catch the valve-rope, the General at length succeeded, and ginng it a jerk, the balloon came suddenly to the ground; fortunately, however, it struck a tent as it descended, which perhaps saved the General from any serious' in- juries from the fall. By the time the crowd had reached the spot, Porter had disentangled hfm- sclf from the folds of oiled canvas, and was ready to greet his anxious friends; and amid hearty congratula,tions and vociferous cheers,- he was escorted to his quariers. As this chapter is devoted to incidents in camp, I will try to illustrate the variety of interesting events with which oiir camps abound. After one of the most severe battles ever fought in Virginia, and while our troops were still rejoicing over their victory, a young soldier sought the Chaplain for the purpose of religious conversation. Said the Chaplain: "The tears were in his eyes, and his lips trembled with emotion. I knew thai he was in earnest. We knelt down together and 1 prayed with him, and he praj^ for himself. In this manner we spent several hours, pleading with God in his behalf, uiitil light broke through the darkness, and he arose from his knees praising God." Wishing to manifest by some outward sign his consecration to God and His service, he requested the Chaplain to baptize him by immersion. The next day being Sabbath, his request was complied with, in the presence of thousands of his comrades. '"*"* ' ; 7 "' / - ; ' \' The scene was a most solemn one, and after the ordinance was administered there was scarcely a dry eye in the company to which he belonged. In the evening one of the delegates of the Christian Commission preached( to an immense congregation of grim warriors seated on the ground— a littl« pine grove for a church, the great blue dome of heaven for galleries, and tha clear, bright rhooh f6r A chandelier. ' The ^erie w^ rf magriific^iit one. A little to tiie right lay a cloUd of White •ian^as tenis stinlng^in the moonlight;' and just i)eIow,' in plain sigh^^ Were ., /"-• ■& > ',,..i'j!,' pfXi-'^'f:'iio}si\}\ fitfully, the great.yellow mass rose- to w.ar4 tljc skj'j the baslcep j;^5' ^-^jipg like a fegthcr 'in the breeze. Presently a «|und ciraejf^Qm-oywhei^ ^li^/r: the explosion of a shell; the cable had snapped asunder, and thd. balloon i i? .li'i''' ~ .;'■'■'■. ' '■ ■.■•', ■ •' ■. - * ■■.■-■. ."sV- » ■ •. -^^iv-fTh6Ayhole army was,agitatod by this unwonted occurrence,, anii the .r |fi.T^^^^*rn»y evidently partcok in the 'general exciteracntr •, ;. ^\'"-:,'\;',^rl^ "^ if ;il:^ "Opju— the— valve! ; .. Cllmbh--t(>— thcT-netting— and^"each^thej-n:i A.5!,>il rope. ■' •■ , ,. , ••.1;,, : ...... 1. ■ ■ ■ i 'i f^>:'\V'v^' '**^^° valvo-^thc valve!" repeatcd.amuljitude of -voices, but pU.in vain, ^i||'v<'.itVas impossible to'makelhim hear: :' ■ ^'•''?;':';;;,'|;^^";;;^v,':';\;;^.j;,i^^ ^^HC>^^>39on'the Signal Corps began to operate, and at last'thc General was ni 1^:'' r to understand by signals when it was impossilale to reach him by. the hw voice. y^'^'^'^/v.He appeared directly oyer l^ic "edge of the car, and then clanibered, up ,'With the piniaturc boat swinging silently beneath. IpokiniS no. bigger, t.lu |^^|f huniming'bifd s nest; apd a hundred thoui5and.br^,ve«)ie£^ts l)cn.C!iih,J>ea1 ?^^'^^',^- wi,th the wildest excUcmcpt and warmest synipatjiy, yet powerlcjss to., ror '#^;^Vi the lewt iassistaucc. tb their exalted brother-in at^is. •' , ,' -',". ^l^ <■. ;^.t*; S,>'Cr5'V . "Had the General been fioctins down the rapids of Niagara he could' Mf^'^ "have been -farther ffom-liumaii assistance." ^i ■''v'''^-.iZ/'^''-'-'^:'r-'''^^^ii^-C', H^'^- > We at lengthsaw him descend fi;oin the netting and reappear over the; f ^||fj'cvpf the basket,, and he seemed to be motiouiiig tp t^ brqathlos^ (i;K;|\vd,b^ |^%:,y:--the stwiy.'of his faikirc. V'- "•;*-"■•■ •■^•''•'^^v^;'^■:;'■^:■•■^"''%^■^^^ ?4'* '4.' * . Soon after the balloon '.began slowly lo descend, and when we next sdw J ik;j^ i-i: j itvWaSiWith a^spyglasS in hiand, reconnditerinij the rebel worlis. Shout: ^l^^tvif^f' joy and laughter went Op from the long lines of, spectators as tliis.coql.i i^^';V^7> cedure;.was- obserytd:..-- v.^ -^ ...- '= :'' •• );, " ■ •• ^-Viv v'A,;; :%y5 v"'.:>:i-^rT^^*;;j; >^^ "fv; ^^^'^ * jnoment it seemed doubtful in wliich direction the balloqn would fl< '^i|;i'l^r faltered like an irresolute being, and at. length mo\;^ed reluctaiitly ,t6\» ^^lyi^i:! Fortress Monroe. .Bursting cheers, half utt,OTed, quivered on' evjciry lip'' j .^t^^^f >/"; ' «yes glistened, and many' v/ore dim with tears, 'ijut, the wayward. 9an "^i-^?^ 'i ^9^ tunied due west^ and was blown rapidly toward the Coiifederate woi . Its course was fitfully direct, and thcwind seemed to veer of ten,, a-'? jtc Ct^' K ^;;/;=?• B'^MM Me (T(en<^al;'f6r. turni^is Msi trintiendoos glioss upon the ramparts an^ masked '; llSjittwes'below, %e Vie^^ the beleaguered town, the guiis. ^{Gloucester Poin^ and distant Norfolk. Had he been reconnoitering from. !a$QCure perch on thp^p of the moon he could hot have been more vigilant; puid the^Cbiiiedc^^J^ probably thought this some Yankee device to peer in to^ . ltt\eir sanctum in spite of ball or shell/ ^' None of their large guns could" be ' • : ibfoughi' to (tear UfMn the bkllpbn/ b^^ there were some discharges of inus- !ketry, which seemed to have ho effect whatever, and finally even these v demoi^st^aUoiis ceased. , ' |^'_. Both armies were gazing aloft in breathless suspense, while the deliberate . ^Generisd coiqitinued to s^y out the land. - , . * - !, Suddenly another change of position, and the air craft plunged and tacked [about, and steered rapi^y f or .the Federal lines again. Making a desperate \. ^effort to catch the valve-rop^ tiie General at length succeeded, and ginng it a , ' \}«k, the balloon came suddeiUy to the ground; fortunately, however, it struck ' [ftieat as it descended, which perhaps saved the General from any serious in- { juries fron^th(9 fall r"'. ; ; * ' ■ ^^i ;iBy the time,ihe crowd had reached the spot, Porter had disentangled hun-;' ^$elf ^rbni the folds of.Oiled canvas, and was ready to greet his anxious frimds; 'v; ^fiiid amid' hearty^ congratuls^tions and vociferous che^S;h6~ was escorted to '- mjio^ivk;^^^^ .' ■- ■■ '- -^i^^ ; ■■ _ /;• j.r^:'' WAS' lldis chapi^'isdevotM' to 'incidents in camp; I will 'vry to illustrate'th% ^variety of 'intaestimfieveats 'with which 6ilr camps ibouhd. , '-' ''% l^fAfteron^pf "the 'most severe battles ever fought iri^Virginla, and while'our |ir(X)p8 were sUU rejoicing over then: victory, & young soldier sought the Chaplain P^ -the'^'puipOsS of' 'teligibiis'* conversation. Said' the ChiiJiaiii; The' tears |Wer(l4n'ti^''ey^'isaid'^'H trembled with emotion/ I kni^ that he wia$ in ^eeumest,. We knelt down'together and 1 prayed with fiirh, and he praj'ed Tor ° IliiinseU. In this maimer %e spent several hours, pleaduig with God in his . f,V\intil Ught broke through the darkness, and he arose from hils knees ^jpraa^g ' God."^>; ' ■•'•■^ ;i^ .^^^^ Wishing to manifest by some outward sign his consecration to God and His jservice, hie 'requ($sted the Chaplain to baptize him by immersion. The /next £(iay being Sabbiabi^li', liis request was compUed with, in the presence of thousands r his cwnrades. '. ■ ,v-, -'The sca)(Bira^ainost solemiione, siad after the ordinance was administered ^there was scarcely a''dry eye in the company to wliich he belonged. ' lifln the evening one of the delegates of the Christian Commission preak;hed( l^to aaimmoise congregation of grim warrioirs seated on the ground— a littld tvine grove for a ehurch, the great blue dome of heaven for gallciries,' and thei pTlw»')fcttiJ^9^tf ^dagM^ mffle fo tbe righi la^ ■>' ■'.* '^::. ,y a'tjioud cJ/ Wflitd •hi/ aiid j^t beWi'in i)lain sigh^ Werlf ':t 176 NUKSE AND SPY. r ' •. the transports dotting ^hc water, with their gleaming lights and star spangleJ banners floating in the evening breeze. All coiv.bined to inake the scene beau- tiful and interesting. The discourse was excellent and well rliosen, and the men listened with profound attention, and I have no doubt witli nuich profit. Then was sung Lord, dismiss us with thy blcssin^, and the benediction being pronounced, the vast assembly marched to their quarters as solemnly as if going from a funeral. Next came a wedding! Yes; a real wedding in camp. You must Imow that when military necessity prevents our youn^: heroes from golnj ho:ne J to fuirUl their engagements to their devoted fair ones, it is the privilege of the ' waiting damsels, in war times, to remove all unnecessary obstaclen, and facilitate matters by declaring themselves in favor of the union, and claiming their lovers on the field. « This wedding was a grand affair, and took place in a camp which was very ^ prettily decorated, being picturesquely arranged among pine trees — just the most romantic place imaginable for such an event r ; ii A little before noon the guests began to arrive in large numbers. Among them were Gens. Hooker, Sickles, Carr, Mott, Hobart, Ward, Revere, Bartlett, Birney, and Berry. . The troops, looking their very best, formed a hollow square, in the center -, of which a canopy was erected, and an altar formed of drums. The Generals marched into the square. Gen. Hooker leading the van, and grouped themselves on each side of the altar, the band struck up "Hail to the, ,1 Chief," and on the appearance of the bridal party the "Wedding March" was.-<; played. ■ ,; The day was cold and wlhdy, with a few snowflakes interspersed, ; which j;i^ made the ladies in attendance look very much like "blue noses"; but the blush- '''< ing bride bore the cold and the admiring glances of the .soldiers like a martyr, and retained her dignity and self-possession tliroughout the ceremony wortliy of a heroine, as she was. To add to the dramatic effect of the scene, a line of battle was formed by i the remaining troops in that section, a short distance from camp, to repel an expected attack of the enemy. The ceremony having been performed, dinner was announced," and all par- took of the good things provided for the occasion. ' -;■ " After dinner, came numerous toasts, speeches, songs, and music from the bands, and, to close up the day in good style, a regular military ball was held and fireworks exhibited in the evening, "and on the whole," a newspaper cor- respondent says, "it entirely echpsed an opera at the Academy of Music." I have before alluded to: the vindictive spirit manifested by the wonnpn of j Virginia toward our soldiers. I will illustra^ this fact by an incident whi({li % took place in one of the hospitals just after a severe battle^ ' >; ' •. z*.;*^' --^.fr**^ ADVENTURES OP A WOMAN AS A UNION SOLDIER. 177 t ■•- Many wounded soldiers, both Union and Confederate, were brougiit into the town of Wincliester, and placed in the churches and courthouse side by side. - < :" The ladies (bcj pardon, ladies, I mean females) of tliat place brought into the hospitals many things to nourish and tempt t'^c appetites of the sufferers, but they gave all these delicacies to the Confederate sjliicrs; our mon were passed by as unworthy of notice or sympathy. t One day a lad>', who had been a constant Aii-.tir, brouf^ht in a* supply of fragrant tea. She went from one c )t to another of Iisr frlcn Is. but had no eye or heart of pity for others. One of our woi:nded men, who lay near his cnL l.r.i ;cd for a cup of tiis tea as he saw it handed to those around hlin, an I re uieSiSJ the^ Chaplain, who stood by his side, to ask tlic lady for a Utile of tlio tc.i. He did so in a very polite manner, at the same time telHn ; her liow ill the man was, and that it was tlic soldier himself who wished him to make the re- quest. "No," said she, and her fare flushed with anger; "not a drop of it; this tea is all for our suffering martyrs." The Chaplain replied: "iladam, I looked for no'othcr answer. I bej pard .n for having seemed for a moment to expect a different one." A few moments afterwards, as the poor disappointed man lay there seeing the delicious tea passed on all sides of him and could not procure a drop of it, an old lame nejro v.'oman came limping up the aisle with a large basket on each arm. Coming up to where the Chaplain stood, she laid down the baskets and adr dressed him thus: "Massa, Ise a slave, my husban' and chil'en is slaves. Will you 'cept desc tings for de poor men?" Thentaldnguparollof stockings, she said: "Bern I knit wid ray own hands for de coldiers, when all sleep in my cabin. We know'd dis war wfis comin' long 'fore you Yankees did. Vfc see it 'proaching, an' we began to prep:ire for it." Then taking packagesof tea, cans of fruit, pears and peaches, hnt, linen for bandages, and pocket-handkerchiefs, she said: "Massa, permit me to give you dcse for de poor men. I have not stole 'em. My own hands have earned 'em over dc washtub. I wish to do something for de Union soldiers, Lord bless 'em I" "As she talked," says the Chaplain, "she grew more earnest, and lool#ing around on the mutilated men, the tears rolled down her black face, and fell on her hands, as she lifted the treasures out of the baskets and handed them to me." Our sidf men looked with wonder and admiration on the old colored woman, and soon a hundred voices cried out "God bless you, aunty I You are the only white woman we have seen since we came to Winchester." . — Ir .« ^■^ "^l^e transpprts dottinjfthiBvWaterV with their gleaming lightis and StarsspinfflKJj ibahhtes floftUns in the cvcnmg breeze. • AH cdiiibin^d ta^ali'tfthft sfpn&W ifei'>''i>-' "■ J-" • r ■ !• ■ .' '"'."■ ■..'•'■.''* .•••7 •'■•■- ■,• ^„";>V,*'''';'h.v-'i'v €•//'■''■> V.virfjil '^ytiful^iai^intqrestmj. ;;-_^^'.; ^r 'vv ■^- •■:;....•;•;.•■■.■;' '■, "^>v •^'.■v^ '^1^;-''\i^-^^";?f^ IjTnef discourse was exceiient'aiid well chosen^ and- th? njeii listened :!^ith ^quart^s as solemnly . as if going from a funeral ^C^-N§xtjcamc a wedding! Yes; a real wedding in camp. You must Jmow^ Ppc that When' mihtairy, necessity prevents our youaj heroes from going h63it}*i| ^;' to fiilfill their engagements to their devoted faiir ones, it is the pri:rilcge.of the -fj ^^waiting'" damsels, in war limes,, to remove all uixneccssnry obstacles, and:: i- ^f facilitate matters by declaring themselves in favor of th6 union, and claiming-;yi| ^heir lovera on the'lield:;/ ■'..;.■,: ;'.^ "".■,/■•■■:■- ' • i;.^/::X;;.;/:]vij| ite?//;tThi» wedding was a grand aflair, and took place in a camp which waS tery' ':?$| > them were Gens. Hooker, Sickles, Carr.Mptt, Hobart, W^d, Revere, Bartlctt,.' ^;Biniey,(and' Berry/;. .^ :..V;v; V'^'-'^'c^ ^C ' ''' --•-■•^-•■^%' 'v'-^^-J^'^S^ ^|lt- The troops, looking their very, best, formed a hollow squaxe.afl-thclcqnt^ri ;*^| ||?^:J of which a canopy was erected, and an altar formcddf drums. r^-;-;vt.'::i7:/.^V3 i^-i' The Generals marched into the square. Gen. Hooker leading the van, ajidil/.t* ^iThe dajT was cold and wihdy, with a few snowflakes intersperi^^dj^t.wluch'fe^ l^jnade the ladies in attendanci^ look very much like ''blue noses"; but, tb^b^yshfi:'!^ I^^g bride bore the cold and the admiring glances of the soldiers likeA' martyriif :^ f/ahdretainedb?!: dignity and ^elf-possession ihroujgh,b1it'theV^empriy;wp^^ ^;pf"a heroin^ as she was.'' ; , . , .^ ■ " ''^ '' ■.. ^""' ■'^|,?'tij^.'v'^i^l^ ^gl>To add to the dramatic effect of the sc6ne, a line of battle' was ^formed -by >|^ ^ihe remaining troops in that section, a short distance from cainp,' to repel ah > 'J ^^pected:attack:of tha^enemy.;^ •\:; '.'. Z^'; •; ''' ^:;': ■'■V':;■':^0.^^•1.^/?^;{J?p ^^^}The ceremony having been perfprmed, dinner was aiinounced/ and «J1 par-v^^!^^ |*topk pf the good things provided for the occasion. ' y ' ; ':Citi'4^^*^>^'i^0:-:)'- '%P-;m i^^Alter.dirmer, came numerous toasts, speeches, songs, and' music frpin'the'':^^^^^ p; btmds, iand, to close up the day in good style, a reguDso' military ball Was held i^M ||. and fireworks exliibited in the evening, "and on the whole," a nevrspaper cor- ': ■ . j™ ■;Vrespondent says, "it entirely eclipsed an opera at the Aca' for having sccmtod for a moment to e.xpcct a dlllcrent one." ^ ^>)?^ "^ A few moments afterwards, as the poor disappointed man lay there seeing. - .-j. it '. ^ |/ the deUdous tea passed on all sides of him and could not procure a drop of it, ' . ' \ ' / ., }:.' ah 6ld lame ^e▼ro woman came Umping up the aisle with a largo basket on '--J-jy '^} ■ each arm. ;■;'■'. :>ii...:.. ■hi'.":"':-, • ^:v,-- ., '•• ..■.*• ■• ..'•■ :: .■.-. '. uj\- ^-.f:-]^^ Iv^ Coming up to where the Chapdain stood, she laid down the baskets and ad? xr' .v >; |-,:dr^ed- hSmvthus:t;/:4^-, , ■■.:,■ .:.\Z^^^)0l §y',, ,i"Massa, I'se a slave, my husban' and chil'en is slaves. Will you 'cept deso ■e4''''>^:^:^l |(,.,'tmgs for^dc poormcnT'V^^v.'^^^^^^y^^ -V :,-■.- ^,.^ ■ ^ ^>/ ;-..., ,.^;■' :^/y,':['^'^-\^^, ^■.A.; r / Then taking up a roll bflstockings, she said: "Dem I knit wid my own hands ^ -, '^ y^i >fj\ for de soldiers, when alj^-sleep in my cabin. We know'd dis war was comin) ^ ;^\^;1;>,^ ^, long 'for© you Yankeies did; Vyc s^ it 'proacliing, an' we began to prepjire^ 'V^H^ l':\ for it.-.- 1.;^: ■:^:^i^l i'^^'l^y-: > --.^ . •: _ ; ■ . / V ■^■- ■ -: ,.. :V',^'''' ;;-[•■;:■ Then taJdng packiE^ges'9f tea, cans of fruit, pears and peaches, lint," lineii ^^.. foir bandages, and pocket-handkerchiefs, she said: ,"Massa, permit me to - vjv'j give you dcse for de poor men. I have not stole 'em. My own hands have - eaim'ed 'em over de washtub. I wish to do something for de Union soldiers, . } Vfi Lord bless 'em!" ' ' • ' ' ...;/..; f f As she talked,'' says the Chaplain, "she grew more earnest, and looWng '.'•!•:■ /^ 1;^;*^ around .on the mutilated men, the tears rolled down her black face, and fell ;-;.j\^ ;\ * i I i • on h« hands, as she lifted the treasures out of the baskets and handed them './'^^ .• •-; ^: to- .me.T ■■ • ■■.; ....:^A^-::..-:..-.:-; ' :> V, _ • y ^:-. ■;:;■; :^-;:^h, p;, ' Our sick mfcn looked with wonder and admiration on the old colored woman,' f •- ,.^ * - V : and soonii'hundred^voices cried out "God bless you, aunty l- You are the only ' - '•.■■•.:' ^ .*, ? - -I ■-- ^V3ri'j*>rait- ■/ ,.r. '■: 4 ,r ■ ^ K-i ,' ; , « - - . ■ . . * ' V , . ' ,* • ■ • I ■ .-. » t ■ I, -■ - .- » I - {^i:^^: ■¥; 178 NURSE AND SPY. Some people assert that colored people h&ve no souls. Which, think you, acted most as if lacking soul — the black or the white Woman in the hospital at, Winchester? The devotion of the negro woman, as manifested in the hospital, is a perfect sample of the devotion of the contrabands, male and female, to the Union cause. And now that the time has come when the colored men are permitted, by the laws of the land, to assume the privileges of rational beings, and to go forth as American soldiers to meet their cruel oppressors on the bloody field, there is evidently as great, if not greater, enthusiasm and true patriotism manifested by them as by any troops in the United States army. And still furtfier — it has been proved satisfactorily within the last 12 months that the colored troops endure fatigue as cheerfully, and fight as well (and get less pay) as any of the white troops. Thank God, this is one great point gained for the poor down-trodden descendants of Africa. I imagine I see them, with their great shiny eyes and grinning faces, as they march to the field singing: ' We are goin' out of slavery; we are bound for freedom's light;*' - Oh! we're de bully soldiers of de "First of Arkansas," We are fightin' for de Union, we are fightin' for de law, We can hit a rebel furder dan a white man eber saw, ! As we go marchin' on. Glory, glory, hallelujah, etc ■ t See dar! above de center, where de flag is wavin' bright; We are goin' out of slavery; we are bound for freedom's light; We mean to show Jeff Da\1s how de Africans can fightl Glory, glory, hallelujah, - • Glory, glory, hallelujah, Glory, glory, hallelujah, As we go marching on. > /■ And now, what shall I say in conclusion? The war still continues — our soldiers are daily falling in battle, and thousands are languishing in hospitals or in Southern prisons; and I for montlis past have not given even a cup of cold water to the sufferers. I am ashamed to acknowledge it! But when I look around and see the streets crowded with strong, healtlrj' young men who ought to be. foremost in the ranks of their country's defenders, I am not only ashamed, but I am indignant! To prove to my friends that I am not ambitious of gaining the reputation of that venerable gentleman (Halleck) whose "pen is mightier than his sword," I am about to return to the army to offer my services in any capacity which will best promote the interests of the Federal cause — no matter how perilous, the position -may be. " m ' '- "..^ "'■■■ ,'■ . ». ■-.■,.* > 'V,. V ^ ADVENTURES OF A WOMAN AS A UNION SOLDIER. 179 A . , -': . .,,-.. . . ' ' J .'"""= ^ - . - - * ■ '^ . ' ■ \ * And now I lay aside my pen, hoping that after "this cruel war is over," and pea:e shall have once more shed her sweet influence over our land, I may be permitted to resume it again to record the annihilation of rebellion, and the final triumph of Truth, Right, and Liberty. L.ird of Peace, who art Lord of Righteousness, > Constrain the anguished worlds from sin and grief, Pierce them with conscience, purge thera with redress, ' , And give us peace which is no counterfeit! [the exd,] i'i / y -' . \ .' , 1 ■•■•■•■•■•■•■•■•■•■•■•■•■•■•■•i«a*Miiii«iii«i ■ • DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE -□F- e © m reat War Books. 1 H ■ O PUBUSHED BY | ; THE NATIONAL TRIBUNE, WASHINGTON, D. C. © This is the most important list of war books M published. Their contents are accttrate his- I torically, and, at the same time, as entertaining • as romances of the Middle Ages. In these £ volumes, as in no others, are described the bearing and courage of our own people while engaged in the greatest war of modem times. 't'hese books are all copyrighted. They are very substantially and attractively bound in leatherette — a material that wears better than cloth. They are not "cheap" books, except in price. , , SI KLECC B Bis Transformation from a Raw Recruit to a Veteran. Most Enlertftlnng Book Evar Printed. Large Type; 320 Pages; Leatlierette Cover. Proftiasly Illustrated > by the Inl]n:.ii1)le CoOln, 'vhoss Pictures Vividly Portray Every Cliaii;ias Scene of ths Text. HE TRANSFORMATION OF MORE THAN 2,000,000 young, brave, enthusiastic, but wholly undisciplined, American bojs into hardy, aca- soneecoming a rcil soldier better than he could do it himself. They revived a tbonsand fadinij memories of the camp, the drill-gronnd, the march and the battlefield. They took him through every changing experience, from the feelings with which he signed his name to the enli^^tment roll and started from -his dear old home, to his tribnlations in learning the drill and regulations, in .nccnRtoming himself to the Government rations and slumbering on the soft «ide of a rail, to the fatigues of the march and the awful strain of battle. These sketches have been laughed at and cried over in 10,000 homes of veterans, in Post rooms, at carapfires, and wherever the survivors of the war Lave gathered-together by twos or threes or by hundreds. Price, pof^tpaid to any address, 35 cents. Addi-ess THE NATIONAL TRIBUNE. Wasliington, D. C. ORKI-Aitn. FURTHER MfSttAPS BY JOHN McELROy. - ^ ' ■ *. - " . ■ '■■ y > - _ ■ ■ "^^— ■' 111 ' -.■.,> Illustrated with Hundreds pf Illustrar tions by Klemroth. 448 Pages ; Leatherette Cover. ORPORAL SI KLEGb ANS^HIS COM- rade Shorty have become historic characters. They are the embotliment of. the patriotic Union soldier who went into the army in 1861 and fought through the wa^.to: the finish. Their experiences form those of the, raw recruit, and, in the co;arse of time the seasoned veteraq. They pass through the ¥icissit|^b8 of .the/; un- welcome discipline incident to l^e.iliraosrorii^ tion of a country boy into a soldier. ; . fe They encounter the dangers of the bkittlefi^ and the wearinesss of the tiyesolme njarclj.' Under all these circumstances these boys (Si* their part manfully, hiavipg, their nps aSd downs, their hard times and their ^ood times, with a succession of comical blunders, brilliant achieveinents and stirring adventures which make up the panorama o! a soldier's daily lijfe. Several new characters are introduced in this volume. ^ Ameng them may be mentioned tlia Jew Spy and Deacon Klegg, Si's "pap," who visits the arrny to see the boys, and falls into many trying places, from all which, however, the old man's hard sense and good fortune com- bined extricate him, and he goes back full oJE experiences to relate to *' mother and the girls.". This book will be keenly appreciated by those who received a previous volume treating of the early military career of our heroes, under the title of " Si Klegg>'? This record is simply the continuation of the same story, although it treats of a different period of the war. ,. Alexander Dumas or Charles Lever never wrote a more interesting booj^ descriptive of a soldier's life than is here presented by the author of " Tha f'arther Mishaps to Si and Shorty." . PHc«, postjpiai4 to 4|nf^ s^ddress, S5S ceMts. • ^i< r* ■Address THE NATIONAL TRIBUNE, WasMogton, D. C. ' Si's " Pap " on the Way TO THE FEONT. Ji 1 >V_ A THE BOY SPY IN DIXIE. Service Under tlie Shado^w of the Scaffold. SURHEnOEItl By J. O. KE RBEY. Fully lllustre^ted by the Surpassing Skill of Cofflhf Large Type; 384 Pages; Leatherette Cover. HE MYSTERY WHICH ENSHROUDS the life of a spy is one of tiie nevei> fading charms of the stories of war. Tlie experiences of the men who take their lives in their hands when they enter the contest of snbterfage, risking death in the battle of wit and deceit, fall upon ears that never tire. Stories of sach adventares have the same fasci- nation which attend the exploits of free- booters, the daring of navigators in nit- knowu seas and the doings of banters in nntroddeu wilds. \ Sach .1 narrative is the one told by the Boy Spy in Dixie. It is a relation of stirring episodes* among enemies, In the face of the gibbet, ' The author, while .1 mere yooth, was sent by the great War Secretary into the heart oi the Confederacy. * ' Herein the midst of constant peril he watched the doings of Jeff Davis and his Cabiuet and the Confederate Con- gress, and by means of a correspondence in cypher sent forward day by day tp the Government at "SVa.shington the report? of his observations. His'ex- periences were varied and trying. At times he was in the confidencie of those high in authority in the Confederacy, and again an object of suspicion. Finally, by stress of circumstances, he wjis compelled to enlist and beco.iio a Confederate artilleryman; and, being ordered with the command to Cum- berland (Jap, deserted fi-om the rebel army and esc:>ped into Kentucky, finding his way dnce more to tlw protection of the Union flag. No sooner bad he reported at "Washington, however, than he was again sent on a perilous expedition within the Confederate lines at Fredericksburg, and oqce more found himself in Richmond. Every day added to his jeopardy. He was not only a Union spy, but a relel deserter. In the midst of all his perils, however, our author found time for pas- sages of gallantry among the Southern belles, aud incidentally we are given vivid glimpses of social life at Richmond and Fredericksburg that might well grace the pa23s of a novel dealing in the arts of Igve rather than the cruelties of war. 1 laving es<'aped all these desperate chances and saved his neck, the "Boy Spy" now, a generation after the scenes have past, gives to us a thrilling story rich with detail, wherein he tells w'.iat he saw and how he escaped the fate which he dared day after day. ' • ' -■' . Price, postpaid to any address, 25 cents. Address THE NATIONAL TRIBUifE. WasMngton D. a "THE CANNONEER." ,•^ t BY AUGUSTUS BUELL. Story of a Private Soldier. Fully and Graphically Illustrated; 384 Pages) Leather- ette Cover. HE CANNONEER IS A WONDERFUL book, sach as very rarely appears in litera- tare. It is one that appeals directly to tb« popular heart — to all who love and ad-mire courage, loyalty, and devoted service. The author Avas a volunteer, but early in his service was transferred' to one of the finest batteries in the Regular Army, and which did some of the very hardest fighting in the War of the Rebellion. From Aatietam to Appomattox it was constantly engaged, and nearly always in the very forefront ot battle. Its terrible fighting- at Antietam, Oettysburg, and Betliesda Chnrch was nn- precedented in the history of light artillery. The attention is caught at the very first and held to the end. "rhe men — Generals, battery; officers and private? — whom ha describes are pictured so admirably that they become personal acquaintances and friends, and the reader ^ets bi^at^lessly interested in theiu. The scenes of camp and march are wonder- fully irne to lit6, and call up a flood of memories in the breast of every old soldier. 'Hie features of the Ixxjk are: 1. Tlie real iife and experiences of a private soldier in a fighting battery. 2. Wonderfully fresh and vivid descriptions of the battles of Antietam, Gettysburg, the Wilderness, Spottsylva'nia; the terrible fighting from there to the James River; the short-range duel with a rebel battery, which was destroyed; the assaults on the rebel lines at Petersburg; the months of fight- ing and dijrgiii^ in front of that stronghold; the battles of Opequan and Cedar Creek, in the Shenandoah Valley; the decisive little battle at Five B^orks, which forced Lee out of liis vorks: the relentless pursuit of the rebel army, and the surrender at AppDmattox. All this is clearly told. _ 3. Carefiilly-dra\vn dia.iF-;.;.- . THE American Conflict Practically a Complete History of Our Country as well as of the Great Rebellionr BY HORACE GREELEY Large 8vo.; Two Volumes; 1,430 Pages; 144 Steel Portraits ' and 80 Views, Maps and Plans of Battles. ISING FROM TiJE HUMBLER WALKS OF LIFE, Horace Greeley for mora than Sd ycai-s, by the forct of his intellect, led popular thought in this country, While still in thq prime of his powers he was enabled to look back ever the most stormy period in oui ,car2er as a people, and as the result of his observatior anfl cxiieiience has left this priceless coutribulion t< ths annals of the Nation. This historyjs without £ peer in our literature. ., ^ . - Mr. Greeley's history is not only the Juost faithful Vand fascinating chronicle of the War of IhejEcSfelliQi €\'tant, but it embraces likewise a complete history o tlie connlry, tracinp; its <^ru\vth from the begiuuinj^, through all its political vicissiliules, up to the- firing upon Fort Sumter, which heralded the opening of the most desijcrate struggle of modern times. .To the writing of this history Mr. Greeley brought the ripe scholarship oi maturo yeara^is a rciiilt of the study of popular questious Iroiu the stand- point of an editor, S[ie:iker, and membsr of Cougress. He w;is the intel- lactnal giant of his generation. The leatherette biiiiling we use is of a sujierior quality, and will outwear ordinary cloth, and will permanently retain its beauty aud finish. Th3 original t3x; is complots and unabridged, ex.-^ctly as in tha bigh-prlced e:lition3, word for word. . ; - ;« Th2 oriiinal illustrations, maps and plans of battlefields are repro- duced exactly. Thjre are 141 portraits on steel, and 80 ether illustrations, mdadin^ ™''I>S( and plausi^or battlefields. ■ , L&Aj:- ...v,..d: i%i' ^ d:::scription op American oonfltct— coxttkukd. As a GIFT theser Greeley volumes are most acceptable. This is one of the verj few historical works- that is as (uscinating as a novel. The young who read it wili euUivate a taste for good books. Without self-glorificatiou we confess to a sense of pride, in our. accom- plishment in being thus able to offer this great work upon- terms which bring it within ihe reach of all who have heretofore failed to secure it \)n account of its exorbitant price, which ranged from $9 to $13, according to the binding. . No American who desires to talk intelligently of the history of his country, either as a public speaker or in private conversation, should lull to Kad and study these volumes. Price for (iie two Tolumes, postpaid, $3. ^ • ^aoress THE NATIONAL ISIIBUNE. Washington, D. C. » . •-«' -t-r.ilVjk-'t^fi-'^. ■*„- »-'':_:**l»^- -"i ^•-■.-■i' fc ' ;^,",_ "■■■1 Profusely Illustrated with Portraits and Battle ScenQS. . ' BY J. T. HEADLEY, •Author of Napoleon and his Marshals; Washington and his Generals, etc. Tiro Tolames; large 8¥o.; dear type; 1,122 pages; liCatherette coirers. ERETOFORE THIS WORK HAS SOLD BY SUB- scription at $7 for the set We have the exclnsive right to offer it in a popular edition. The text of the anthor is complete and nnahridged, and the only snhstantial difference is that it is in leatherette binding instead of boards. Mr. Headley's treatment of the great subject takes np the preliminary conspiracy by which the authors of the rebellion sought to take the Southern . States out of the Union ; the struggles in Con- gress OTer the extension of slavery and the admis- sion of Kansas as a free State, and finally passes on to the firing on Fort Sumter and the tremendous events which followed. All the campaigns of the war are carefully explained and the battles described. Every one of our readers who served in the war for the Union will find depicted scenes and incidents in which he i>ersonally participated. The work has the merit of being a logical history without being abstruse. It is written- in that masterful style for which Mr. Headley is famous. The first volume povers the preliminaries vad 18 months of the war. The second takes up the narrative beginning with the opemtioBs of the Army of the Potomac in the Summer of 1862, and carries the story forward until the surrender of Lee at Appomattox and the capitulation of Johnston put an end fo the fighting. It is a standard work which should be in every American library. Price for tile iw« Toliutegi, po^paid to any address, tfO cents, _-.' ■„-* ;.rii ■:.l A - HURSE Alfll SPY.^ e fty Miss S. Emma Edmonds (Mrs. Sttelye.) ' - * Bound in Leatherette; 12mo.; 256 pases; illustrated. HIS is one of the great books ol the war period. It has had a tre-, mendous sale at $2,50 and upward per volume. Miss Edmunds .^yeni' into the army as a field nurse. All through the early campaign in Vir* ginia she was at the front. Final- ly, she assumed the guise of a boy, volunteering to take the place of a Union spy who had been captured and shot in Richmond. Disguised as a negro, an Irish pedler, and as a Confederate soldier she passed back and forth repeat- edly between the lines. She was with the Army of the Potomac, then with Burnside at Knoxville, then with Grant at Vicksburg, thus covering the entire field of military operations. She became an orderly on the staff,, of Gert. Poe, under the name of Franklin Thompson. 'In* this book she retails her, experiences asjariurse, spj', ahd as a soldier, and she tells her story well.; She receiver an honorable discharge ^nd becanie an' hbnoied member of the Grand Army of the Republic. : J ^ I :. J ^| Price, postpaiid to any a. ■■'V^•^^'^l *3j'!- END TITl