rarely any serious result attending
them. Occasionally a lady would be fortunate enough to evade the loss of
a valuable man by sending him into the city on an errand, or by keeping
him out of sight while an inspection was going on. In this way my chief
of staff, as I used to call a certain German youth, was kept a year in
the hospital. His efficiency and constant interest in the patients made
him a valuable auxiliary in my little department; and I know that his
services were appreciated by others than myself, for one of the chief
surgeons advised me to keep him by all means, even if hiding him in the
ice-chest were necessary.

The regular supplies from the commissary were comparatively plentiful,
but fell short of the demand, both as to quantity and variety. The
Christian and Sanitary Commissions met this want in great measure,
providing good stimulants, dried fruits, butter, and various other
luxuries. But with the utmost delight were received boxes packed by
generous hands at home. I shall ever feel indebted to many Boston
friends for their laborious care and munificent contributions. One of
them, Mrs. James Reed, has now entered upon the full reward of a life
rich in noble impulses and kindly deeds. Her cordial sympathy for those
languishing in distant hospital wards was manifested in sending gifts of
the choicest and most expensive home luxuries.

A gentleman well known in England, as well as our own country, for his
friendly patronage of art, was never forgetful of our warriors in their
dreary days of suffering. Many a cheery message did he send in letters,
and never without liberal "contents." His name was gratefully associated
by the men with bountiful draughts of punch and milk, fruits, ice-cream,
and many other satisfying good things. His request was never to allow a
man to want for anything that money could buy; and though "peanuts and
oranges"--of which he desired the men should have plenty--were not
always the most judicious articles of diet, the spirit of his command
was strictly obeyed.

Mrs. Alexander Randall, who lived near the hospital at Annapolis, was
exceedingly kind in sending in timely delicacies for the men. Fruits and
flowers from her own garden in lavish profusion were the constant
expressions of her thoughtful interest. I remember especially one
morning when a poor boy who was very low could not be persuaded to take
any food; many tempting things had been suggested, but with feeble voice
he