other, but I have been requested to take a different course, and address you on a subject, peaceable in itself, but involving the conduct of war. My text is, 'Inasmuch as in you lies, dwell peaceably with all men.'" He explained peace to be harmonious relations between respective parties, under all circumstances. He contended, it was the only state that could insure happiness and usefulness. He began with the family circle, and rose gradually through national and civil organizations, till he reached the grand climax-the relations between man and his Maker. He then proceeded to demonstrate from nature and revelation, that the only foundation for true peace, was in absolute and unquestioning obedience to law. He ranged through the firmament, and with burning eloquence, showed that every star that twinkled through the immensity of space, and the fiery comet in its erratic course, were subject to God's unalterable law, as well as the springing blade of grass, the swelling bud, the changing leaf, the russet-clad forest, the snow-capped mountain, the bounding rivulet, the deep-rolling river, the fathomless ocean; and thus order prevailed. He showed from history, sacred and profane, that just in proportion to adherence to this principle, were governments happy, useful, prosperous. He drew a graphic and soul-stirring picture, that all present could appreciate, of the fearful devastations and indescribable suffering, that departure from this principle had caused, in this once fair land. Then with the power of a master,' he ap plied the principle to the army; showed how vastly more efficient, glorious, ennobling, was absolute obedience to rule, even if sometimes unwisely administered, than anarchy or rebellion. With a single stroke he sketched the terrific

DOWN WHITE RIVER ON A GUNBOAT.

177

vision of an ungoverned, insubordinate army, consuming its strength in struggles against just rule, instead of subduing

the enemy.

From the breathless attention of the audience, and their deeply thoughtful faces, we inferred the lessons were deeply imprinted in their hearts. At the close of this eloquent discourse, Gen. Fisk led in prayer, that seemed to bear the petition of every heart upward. As was always the case, I noticed the prayer for absent families produced deep emotion on the part of the soldiers. The depth of these brave men's tenderness has never been comprehended nor revealed. After the benediction, the services closed, as quietly as in the sanctuary. We felt that it was good to be there.

But we must leave this military sanctuary, and prepare to record the closing adventure of the White River expedition, which was a trip down the White River, on a gunboat, that was ordered to Vicksburg with dispatches. Our work had drawn to a close in the fleet, as the few sick remaining had been taken from the Ruth to a hospital transport, so situated, that we could not accompany them. I had the opportunity afforded me by Gen. Gorman, to go on the gunboat to Vicksburg, and meet my sons. It was quite a new sensation to be snugly stowed away in one of the steamers that had so long protected us. It belonged to the Mosquito fleet, and might readily be mistaken for a small transport; and being detached from the fleet, made us liable to attacks from guerillas.

The good, brave captain tried my nerves not a little, when he said the spot where I sat had frequently been peppered by miniés, and that the cannonade that I might expect in the morning, to empty the guns, would probably shatter

glasses and crockery. We escaped both, however, and reached the mouth of the river safely, where we were detained by orders from the flag ship, with no hope of a speedy movement. As I pondered on my plans in this emergency, the advance boat of the fleet passed us. In quick succession the steamers came, but at such a distance that we could not hail them. At last the Ruth appeared. Desperate at the prospect of being left behind, I begged that the gig might be lowered. It was, and fully manned. I sprang into it, and the oarsmen pulled as if for life. Still the Ruth gained on us rapidly, but stopped a few minutes to report at the flag-ship. I rose up, waving my handkerchief, which would not have been seen but for a happy circumstance. Gen. Fisk and ladies stood on the hur ricane-deck, the General looking through a fine field-glass. He discovered me, stopped the boat after she had put off, a plank was thrown out, men holding one end on the deck of the vessel, I was hoisted on the other extreme, and while the ladies turned away in fear, I safely walked the plank, and was again on board the Ruth, never before so bewitching

to me.

We found the shortest road to Vicksburg was to return. North and discover where Gen. Grant's army lay. Strange to say, it could not be ascertained below Memphis, as dispatches from Vicksburg were sent to that point. At Helena we parted with Gen. Fisk and his amiable wife with sincere regret. The important post since occupied by Gen. Fisk, and his rapid rise in position and the confidence of the country, were all foreshadowed by his ability, faithfulness, and Christian courage, in this early campaign of the war.

FAITHFULNESS OF ARMY SURGEONS.

179

In the conclusion of the White River expedition we were all desirous to bear testimony to the faithfulness and tenderness of the surgeons in charge of the sick on board the Ruth. They labored from morning till late at night, scarcely allowing themselves time for sleep or refreshment. I felt keenly mortified, and wished that the donors of sanitary supplies could have heard the answer of one of these faithful men, when, fainting from overwork, I offered him a cup of tea with white sugar. "Thank you, madam, I can't take it— 'twould choke me, and help to swell the cry throughout the land that sanitary supplies are devoured by surgeons and nurses." I had nothing to say, but thought could those at home have seen the labors of surgeons, and known that nurses were either convalescent, often half-sick soldiers, or delicate women accustomed to home comforts, they would have sent extra supplies for them, instead of grudging them a share of what had been sent. After months' experience in the army, we can cheerfully testify to the devotion and efficiency of a large number of army surgeons. They were unfortunately, but inevitably, not perfect, but we believe as faithful and laborious as any other class of army officers.

CHAPTER VII.

Suffering of army at Young's Point.—Arrival at Cairo.-Guerrillas and steamboat passengers.-A collection.-The mother of Joseph.— Mothers and wives en route for Memphis.-Hospitals at Memphis. -Soldier's death at Adams Block Hospital.-Visiting the paitents. -Mr. Reynolds in hospital.-Cheers for the Sanitary Commission.Wisconsin Battery-boy.-Mrs. B.'s attention to a wounded soldier.— Gen. John Logan. Gen. McPherson.-Gen. Webster.

THE winter of 1862 and 1863 was a period of general discouragement throughout the country. The state of the roads in the south-west absolutely precluded the movement of the army. The rainy season had been unprecedented in extent and duration. The Mississippi had overflowed its banks, till hundreds of miles of farms on either side had been submerged. As an inevitable result, the low ground on which our army was encamped at Young's Point had become a mud-lake. The Yazoo Pass, in the immediate neighborhood, afforded such clear water for the troops, that they were tempted to prefer it to the turbid water of the Mississippi, although its baleful effects had stamped its name as "The deadly Yazoo." At the encampments, which were at too great a distance to procure water from the river, in the impassable state of the roads, without great labor, barrels were sunk, which were, speedily filled with clear surface-water, that carried death in its combinations.

It was exceedingly difficult for the Government to pro