Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 17.djvu/27

 Confederate Surgeons. 19

careless and indifferent, and his mind needed to be aroused and stimulated.

As a striking proof of the apathy of the soldier when he takes asylum in hospital, it may be stated that on the occasion of a visit by General Lee to the farm, near Petersburg, to which the sick and wounded had been removed, he visited many of the tents. There was not the slightest excitement or enthusiasm manifested — no excla- mation or apparent recognition of their beloved leader by a single individual. Politeness compelled us to occupy a singular r6le, and in every instance to announce the presence of their commander-in- chief and to introduce him to his soldiers.

What a contrast to their reception on every other occasion, as when surrounded by his generals he rode in review ; or when all life and energy and courage they were ready for any enterprise — and meeting the same man in the fore-front of the hottest battle — with a wild cheer of recognition, they would turn his horse aside that he might not encounter the danger which menaced them.

There was no one so uncomplaining as the Confederate soldier. Every surgeon who has seen active service will confirm the truth and accuracy of a picture drawn without exaggeration. In your daily rounds to offer him relief he gazes upon you, but does not complain that you pass him by, asks for nothing, does not bemoan his fate, nor murmur at the insufficiency of either food or attendance. He may lay sick under a broiling sun, in a heated tent ; or wounded, he may languish in the hospital amid the dying and the dead, surrounded by everything to appal even well men

Ubique luctus, ubique pavor, Et pJuritna mortis imago ;
 * ^^*^** crudelis,

yet the mere stripling possessed his soul unterrified, and uttered neither cry nor groan. There was always a courage and a resolution mingled with his apparent indifference, which has extorted our admi- ration and has compelled us involuntarily to recall the noble descrip- tion of the invincible Cato : " The whole world was subdued, save the intrepid soul of Cato.*'

Omne terrarum subacta. Prater atrocem animum Catonis.

In this display of his courage there was an inexorable sternness almost amounting to atrocity.

When the soldier, leaving friends, kindred and home, delivers up