m wards. You had
the best gate I ever see, an my 1st wife stepped of jis so, an
she pade her way I tell you. I like to work, and the boys likes
to work, an I kno you do, so ide like to jine if youv no
objecshuns; an now ive maid so bold to rite sich, but I was
kinder pussed on by my feelins an so I hope youl excuse it and
rite soon. I shant be mad if you say no, but its no hurt to ask
an the boys names are Zebalon, Shadrac and peter, they want to
see you as does your respectful frend wich oes his present
helth to you

"I---- G----."

A few letters for the men are to be written for the afternoon mail.
Twining a wreath of immortelles and laurel, is the last that can be
done for brave Tenny, who died yesterday, and will be buried with
military honors to-day. The little procession, with reversed arms, winds
slowly through the grounds, and at the sound of the bugle four patriots,
each wrapped in the flag he has died for, are borne into the chapel.
Inspired passages are read, "There is rest for the weary" is sung by the
ladies, and prayers are offered for bereaved relatives at a distance.
The chaplain precedes the short train to the cemetery, where the final
portion of the church burial-service is said, and over the newly made
graves resound three sharp volleys of musketry.

There is not much time to-day to read to the group around the fire, but
with evident pride and pleasure they listen to "The Blue Coat of the
Soldier," and "The Empty Sleeve," a touching poem, inscribed to the
noble General Howard. I would gladly tarry longer at the request of the
little audience, but the other wards must be looked after. An awkward
man stands in the first one I enter, and begins a protest against being
put on duty. He says he "'listed to fight," and knows nothing about
"nussing." He hands over the materials for a mustard plaster, as he
professes profound ignorance on the subject, saying that he fears the
men left to his charge will not get very good care. This is the only
instance I remember of a man who did not cheerfully try to do his best
for his sick comrades. Fortunately, he was soon sent to his regiment.

Preparation of stimulants and supper keep me busily occupied until, in
the shadowy twilight, the men from the fifteen wards gather into one,
where the patients are not too ill to listen to a few texts from the
Holy Book, which come with a diviner meaning of consolation than ever