her words of
comfort, "are there any Massachusetts boys in the new arrivals?"

"No, dear; I think not, in this ward." Then she bent lower to catch
the whisper from her patient, and he pointed to the card at the head
of his little bed. She looked, and answered again: "Oh, yes, here is
one: Paul Ashton, 16th Mass., Co. B."

I approached the bed, and saw one of the noblest faces I had ever
beheld, but not that of a Northern boy, I thought; so proud and
dark--no, a true Southern face.

"You from Massachusetts?" I exclaimed.

A wan smile played around his pale lips for a moment. He saw my
surprise, and answered:

"No, from Mississippi; but in that regiment," pointing again to the
little card.

Here was a mystery, and one I could not solve just then. He was too
weak to converse, but I made up my mind to devote myself to Paul
Ashton from that time until he was convalescent, or, if God's will,
relieved from his sufferings. After sitting by his side until the
attendant came to dress his wounds, I bade him good-night, and
promised to see him in the morning.

On my way out I met Dr. B. God bless him! for his kindness to our
boys. No woman ever was more gentle and patient. "Doctor," I
exclaimed, as he was hurrying by, "stop and tell me, how is Ashton
wounded? Is he very ill? Will he die?"

"Ah, Mrs. H., three questions in one breath. Yes, he is very ill.
Three wounds in the right side and shoulder, which are draining his
life away. I fear he must die. Is he one of your boys? Do all you can
for him."

"May I?" I replied.

"Yes, my dear madam; and try to keep up his spirits. I give you leave.
Tell Sister L. He is a noble fellow--I am deeply interested in him."

The next day found me much earlier than usual at the hospital. To my
great pleasure I found that Ashton had rested well, and was much
easier than any one expected he would be. He smiled and put out his
hand when I approached his bed, and motioned me to be seated. After
talking to him a few moments I found him looking at me very intently,
and soon he said:

"Are you from the Bay State?"

I replied: "Oh, no, I am a Southern woman. I am from Virginia."

"I thought you did not look or speak like a Northern or Eastern lady.
Then, why are you interested in our boys? Are you with us in feeling?
Can you be a Union lady?"

"Yes, my boy, I am with you hand and heart. I cannot fight, but I can
feed, comfort and cheer you. Yes, I am a Southern woman and a
slaveholder