Page:The Story of Aunt Becky's Army-Life .djvu/12

iv That "Aunt Becky" was well beloved by the soldiers of the Ninth Corps, numerous and unobjectionable testimonials have been received. Said one soldier, who served three years in his regiment, "I never knew a woman so much thought of as she was by the boys—she never showed any partiality—we all got the same attention—officers no more than privates."

Said another, when asked if he ever knew a matron called "Aunt Becky," in the Army Hospital; "Know her—I guess I did—she saved my life;" and forthwith all business was dropped for the time, while he hastened to find her home.

With no thought of publishing her hospital life, it was suggested to her that she should do so, as a duty to herself, that through its sale some provision might be made for her future comfort.

With health broken by exposure, and spirit saddened by the many scenes of death which she witnessed, and the constant sight of painful wounds, she returned home, weary and worn, feeling, as she expressed it, "As though she had not had sleep enough for years." Not even allowing herself a week for rest, she went to hard and unremitting toil again.

It was talked of amongst the members of the One Hundred and Ninth Regiment, that a memorial should be presented to Congress, stating what her services had been, and asking an appropriation of