Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 34.djvu/44

 36 Southern Historical Society Papers.

ment, within which there was no liberty to voice and no oppor- tunity to show their deep passion of patriotism, they watched the fortunes of the beloved Confederacy with an interest as keen, and an anxiety as intense., as was ever felt by their mothers and sis- ters in the Southland. Imagination itself almost fails to depict the avidity and joy with which they availed themselves of this opportunity to mingle with, and to serve our wounded and to give vent to their long suppressed feelings and sympathy. It was my great pleasure personally to know some of these. There were Mrs. Mary A. Butler, widow of Dr. Bracken Butler, of Smithfield, Virginia; and her sister, Miss Anna Benton, daugh- ters of Col. Benton, formerly of Suffolk, but who many years before the war, removed to New York. There were also Miss Kate Henop and Miss Caroline Granbury, both formerly well known in Norfolk ; Mrs. Algernon Sullivan, Winchester, Va., the wife of the distinguished lawyer of New York, and Mrs. Susan Lees, of Kentucky, who after the war adopted the chil- dren of the gallant cavalryman, Col. Thomas Marshall, who was killed in battle. There were others whose names have es- caped me. If there -ever be erected a monument to the women of the South, the names of these patriotic women of whom I have been speaking, should be inscribed on its shaft.

A Virginian, then living in Brooklyn, whose peculiar cir- cumstances prevented his returning to his native State, Dr. James Madison Minor, made me frequent visits for the happi- ness of giving expression to his feelings. He said it was an in- expressible relief-. His little daughter, wishing to do something for a Confederate soldier, out of the savings from her monthly allowances, bought and gave me a memorial cup which I still have.

Mrs. James Gordon Bennett came to the Island with a co- terie of distinguished friends, among whom was General Dix. She brought a quantity of fine wines for our wounded. She with her friends came to my pavilion, and asked for me. The surgeon in charge, Dr. James Simmons, had referred her to me. When I presented myself, she said: "Adjutant Crocker, I wish to do something for your men. I do not mean mere words." With some pride of independence, I replied, "There is nothing I can ask for my comrades ; " and then I quickly said : "Yes, Mrs.