Page:The Story of Aunt Becky's Army-Life .djvu/211

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BRINGING IN THE SICK.
171
March 14.

The days come and go, they sometimes seem to drag their heavy length along, then again they fly with the rapidity of the wind. Some time, I know, the swift-flying days will bring this to the end, and I am glad of them, and have no care; although they bring to me wrinkles, gray hairs, and tottering steps, it will all be well at last, after our feet have stepped into the water of the river; there will be no more signs of earthly decay; to bathe therein is to render life perennial.

We have had another death to-day, and it has saddened me inexpressibly. We nurses should be insensible to anything only the performance of our strict duty—should have no heart to enter into the feelings of far-away friends—should stifle all humanity in our souls, and be deaf, and dumb, and blind.

To-night, they are bringing in the sick and wounded from the Division Hospital—they have arrived to the number of three hundred, many of them belonging to the ranks of the enemy.

March 15.

I have been to look upon the new recruits of sick and wounded, and find many quite low, and with fearful wounds. Three from our regiment, but they will recover. They are packing up to make a move at the front. How anxious we shall be now to know when and where, and so fearful that the great battle is soon at hand.

Oh! if I could still these heart-throbs when the