purging, and nauseating process pursued in such cases by the surgeons was intended as a punishment, grew ugly and mischievous, seeking revenge by maligning those in authority.  I do not know what abuses may have existed in other hospitals of the Confederacy; I can, however, say with entire truth that I never saw or heard of a more self-sacrificing set of men than the surgeons I met and served under during the war.  With only two exceptions, they were devoted to their patients, and as attentive as in private practice or as the immense number of sick allowed them to be.  These exceptions were both men who were unwilling to get up at night, and if called were fearfully cross.  At one time I had a fierce contest with a surgeon of this kind, and fought it out, coming off victorious.  I was called up one night to see a patient who had required and received the closest attention, but who was, we hoped, improving.  Finding him apparently dying, I sent at once for Doctor ——­, meanwhile trying, with the help of the nurse, every means to bring back warmth to his body, administering stimulants, rubbing the extremities with mustard, and applying mustard-plasters.  The poor fellow was conscious, and evidently very much frightened; he had insisted upon sending for me and seemed to be satisfied that I would do everything in my power.  Doctor ——­ came in, looking black as a thunder-cloud.  “What the devil is all this fuss about? what are you going to do with that mustard-plaster?  Better apply it to that pine table; it would do as much good;” then to the nurse, “Don’t bother that fellow any more; let him die in peace.”  My temper was up, and I rushed at once into battle.  “Sir,” said I, “if you have given the patient up, I have not and will not.  No true physician would show such brutality.”  He was nearly bursting with rage.  “I shall report you, madam.”  “And I, sir, will take care that the whole post shall know of this.”  He went out and I remained with the soldier until he was better (he eventually recovered).  The next morning, bright and early, I made my report to Dr. McAllister, who had already received an account of the affair from the nurses and other patients of the ward.  He reprimanded the surgeon instead of gratifying his desire to humble me.

But to return to my expedition:  Fortunately, I was able to disprove the false tales which had prejudiced the country people.  Their sympathy being thoroughly aroused, they resolved to make up for lost time; and after this ladies rode in town every day, arranging among themselves for different days, and bringing for the convalescents the fresh vegetables which were so valuable as a palliative, and preventive of scurvy; for the sick, chickens, eggs, fresh butter, buttermilk, and sweet milk.  Country wagons also brought in small supplies for sale, but never in proportion to the demand.  Many of the ladies, after one visit to a ward or two, were utterly overcome by the ghastly sight, and wept even at the thought of looking