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CHAPTER VI

ON TO DONELSON.

On to Donelson-Desolate Camp-Kindness of Mrs. Colonel Erwin-Her intended Trip "up the Cumberland"-Colonel Erwin's Death-Adieu to the Point-Trip to Donelson-Beautiful Cumberland - The Sound of Cannon -The Contest-The Victory — The Wounded and Dying-Night upon the Field - General Grant on the Field-Trophy Gathering-Moss-Covered Well- My Wild Flowers-Dr. Stearns-Governor Wood-Governor Matteson-Dr. Turner and Lady-Dr. Aigner, of New York-Miss Hadley Return to Paducah.

"ON TO DONELSON " was now the watch-word, and the entire country turned again to General Grant for the next great victory. Sad hearts committed to his care their loved ones, and with hopeful trust awaited the result. Reinforcements were called for, and whole encampments folded their tents, drew out their artillery, seized their arms, and pressed forward to the battle-field.

It is astonishing with what vigor and speed this can all be done under military orders; a few hours, and sometimes even minutes, sufficing for thous ands with mess-chest, tent, and musket to desert a camp-ground, and leave it as silent and barren as though years had elapsed since mortal foot had passed there.

In the present case, where conflicting incidents had occurred, and when life in the army was new and

strange to us all, the first parting was more felt than any subsequent one. Here, we had all met as strangers; had become friends, and some of us deeply attached; the next time we met, it might be in eternity, even though a few days or hours only had intervened. Hitherto, since leaving home, the soldiers had been either marching or fighting, and this was their first protracted rest. Hence, for its very newness, all felt, and deeply, the breaking up of our first field encampment. "Coatsworth, if there is any surgery to be done in this or any other battle, remember you are to do it," said Colonel Wallace, ere he left for Fort Henry, as he came for the third time and bade my husband a tearful adieu. It was their last meeting! Friends now, as then, clasped hands for the last time, and hastened on to the foe. The salute for departure was fired, the transports moved rapidly away, and our camp became desolate indeed.

The prints of myriad hoofs alone told of the gay steeds that had so long animated the grounds by their beautiful drill. The martial music that played beneath our windows morning, noon, and night, was silent as the "Harp in Tara's Hall." The eloquent voices of officers, that had lately rung through those grounds, and fired every heart with marvelous patriotism and zeal, were gone to cheer those men into the very face of death. The old Bird House, deserted, seemed only fit habitation for bats and owls. Those who were left to guard "The Point" wandered about the grounds, restless, and anxious to meet the

foe. No danger of the post was feared, and no one ate, or slept, or talked, or existed, except amid fearful apprehensions of the coming battle.

My husband was detached from his regiment, forwarded to the next surgical post, and placed in command of it, to take charge of the wounded to be from the near-approaching battles. Those left behind, from inability, felt each day to be more irksome than the last. None but those who have lived it, can comprehend the anxiety of waiting ones whose friends have gone forth to certain battle, and to uncertain wounds and death. Ladies would cluster together, and with hopeless faces try to give each other hope. Sisters and friends would nightly moisten the pillow with tears. Children would sing the warsongs of their parents, and all night long lisp out their little prayers for "dear papa's safe return." Mrs. Colonel Erwin, with her two sweet babes, was my near neighbor in camp; and "Little Charlie," in miniature uniform, daily fought the battles at home which his soldierly father was fighting on the field.

The guard before my door kept up his tramp, tramp, tramp, day and night, as though his mission to the field required each day twenty-four hours' hard labor.

But, amid all the ennui and anxiety consequent upon such times, news came at last that the battle had opened. Joyful tidings, though terrible as well, it was at least the beginning of the end.

The battle had opened! Portentous words! Fond hearts were now more anxious and troubled than

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