LETTER IV.
Lawson Hospital, St. Louis,
February 1, 1863.
I told some of my men to-night, when I was giving
them their supper, that I had more children than the
old woman in the shoe, and they were diverted at the
idea. My life here is unlike anything I ever thought
of. The head surgeon keeps asking me how I like it.
I told him I was getting used to it. . . . . My men
are so pleasant, and they seem to like to have me
among them so much. This evening one poor fellow
was taken quite sick; I did not happen to be in the
ward at the time; and as soon as he was relieved he
sent for me to tell me all about it. He said, it was
good to have a woman about the ward, it made one
think of home. He lay there clasping my hand tight,
while he talked about home. Though I could give him
no bodily comfort, he seemed to feel better for seeing
me. I went to all the beds to see after them,—it
seems hardly possible that a week ago I did not know
one of them. I am so tired I must go to bed. I
am done up and sleepy, and must be up in time to
see that my men have breakfast at seven. If I ever
come back home, I shall sleep for a week.
