Publisher's Synopsis
This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1870 edition. Excerpt: ... CHAPTER XIV. WEKTCHED CONDITION OP OUR HOSPITAL--A REBEL FAMILY-- HOME DUTIES--ARRIVAL OF THE WOUNDED--SAD SCENES AND INCIDENTS--BATTLEFIELD OF DEC. 18rH, 1862-- TENT HOSPITALS--MR. WATERS--PAPER MILL HOSPITAL-- THE CITY EVACUATED--THE SLAUGHTER ESTATE--MRS. WASHINGTON'S MONUMENT--NINTH CORPS BURYING GROUND --FAREWELL TO THE BLOODY CITY. Monday, IQth. Early this morning I started out, accompanied by one of the "boys" detailed to assist us, for an old four story factory, situated in the outskirts of the city, with beef-soup, crackers, and pillows. Another revolting scene, one from which the mind instinctively turns, was there witnessed. I found the wounded, as in other hospitals, lying upon the hard floor, some with but many without even a blanket. Everything in the shape of knapsacks, haversacks, canteens, and even boots, are used for pillows. For one to stand and look in upon them in all their destitution and suffering, and to hear the begging for pillows upon which to rest aching heads, wounded limbs, and broken bones, and to see the empty cups held up for a little soup--"just a little, please,"--would be a soul-sickening sight! A mere spectator could not live here; not if he had a heart to feel for others' woes. There must be something to stimulate; and the hope of being able, though in a small degree, to alleviate the suffering seen on every hand nerves one for the work and enables him to labor on week after week composedly, it may be, amid scenes the most revolting, with ghastly death staring him in the face at every turn. This is no place for idlers or the faint-hearted. Strong nerves, brave hearts, and willing hands are needed. My next visit was to the hospitals on the Heights, where I found a large number who have, to-day, ...
