CHAPTER VI.

ON TO DONELSON.

Camp-Kindness

On to Donelson-Desolate 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 VictoryThe 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

ness,

แ

strange to us all, the first parting was more felt than any subsequent one. Here, we had all met as stran gers; 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 newall 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 be neath 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

ever, and yearned for one more glimpse of friends ere the battle might close upon them for aye. Couldn't the ladies be permitted this last comforting interview? And then, if friends should fall on the field, or in the hands of a cruel enemy, and die for want of proper care, how could they forgive themselves for not making a desperate effort to be near them? It was for that they came to the field. The feeling became irresistible, uncontrollable, and the commander of the post was sought. Reasoning, tears, and entreaties were used, but all in vain - the orders were imperative: "No ladies permitted up the river." But, with characteristic tact and tenacity, Mrs. Colonel Erwin finally succeeded in removing the old General's obstinacy, and got a pass for her self and any two ladies who might accompany her. All were pleased, for she was greatly beloved; and it was said her husband was in command of a most dangerous position. She hastened to my tent, a mile distant, and now occupied by myself alone, and protected by the valet and the guard, and urged me to go with the chaplain's lady and herself. How bright, and beautiful, and hopeful she looked as she entered with the delightful news on that evening. She was delighted with the prospective happiness, and I could not resist her appeal. Before we parted complete arrangements were made for an early start up the river next morning. How soon the light of that heart was to be dimmed, and that glowing cheek paled! One hour after she bade me a happy good-night, word came that her husband was killed,

and the officers desired me to convey the intelligence to her.

"Colonel Erwin bravely fell in the heat of battle, shot through the heart while at the post of duty." I could not tell her. In my late struggle with death she had been my greatest comforter, and how could I take her this crushing intelligence? I begged of others to be silent till the morning bulletin should confirm the fact, and let the happy family have one night in sweet dreams of the morning journey-a few more hours of oblivion from the cloud of sorrow that was to shadow years. In the early dawn, ere the "reveille" had sounded, I started to the quarters of the late Colonel Erwin. The sun was throwing his soft morning rays in through the fly of the white tent upon the happy group who were preparing for their journey. Two beautiful children clasped their mother's neck in affectionate embrace, and in artless witchery cooed over the pleasures of their trip to "dear papa." She arose to thank me for my early start, and the children clapped their little hands with joy. I could not break the spell, and turned to hide my tears.

Mrs. Colonel Bartleson soon came with the morning paper, and confirmed the worst report. Oh, mamma! mamma! they have killed my poor mamma!" cried little Charley, as he wept over his afflicted young mother.

Poor, noble Mrs. Bartleson! how little did she realize that her illustrious husband, crowned with