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CHAPTER XV.

LEAVE OP ABSENCE VISIT TO THE WILLIAMSBURG HOSPITALS—EFFECTIVE PREACHING YORKTOWN REVISITED—LONGINGS—"WHITE HOUSE LANDING TIRED OF IDLENESS—PREPARATIONS TO RETURN TO DUTY STUARt's CAVALRY RAID A TRAIN FIRED INTO FAIR OAKS GROVE THE STRENGTH OF THE ENEMY TRYING TIMES ON THE PENINSULA THE ENDURANCE OF OUR SOLDIERS LABORS OF MR. ALVORD.

WHILE preparations were going on for the great battle in front of Riclimond, I obtained leave of absence for a week, and recruited my shattered health, lame side and arm. Mr. and Mrs. B. were both gone home on furlough, and Nellie was at the Williamsburg Hospital. I thought I should like to visit the different hospitals, while I was thus riding round from place to place in search of something of interest. I visited Williamsburg Hospitals, both Union and rebel, and found many things amusing and interesting.

Nellie was delighted to see me, and told me much of her experience since the battle of Williamsburg. Her hand was still in a sling, which reminded me of my first shot at a rebel female. She was a most faithful nurse, and had endeared herself to all the boys by her kindness and patience toward them. She introduced me to several of