Page:The Story of Aunt Becky's Army-Life .djvu/140

104 was—would brighten up many a poor soldier's face, and help him to forget the heavy dull pain of throbbing wounds.

Some of our wounded were to be removed to Washington to make room for the scores of freshly mutilated men which the bloody thirtieth had furnished. One of the men had given me his money to keep while ill, and was ordered on board the transport, State of Maine, before I was aware of it. I knew, in the city, he would want many things which were not included in hospital furnishing, and went to the landing, to see him if possible, and return the money.

The surgeon in charge stood by the plank which rested on both boat and shore, and with no ceremony I stepped upon the narrow way, and was about to pass up, when he stopped me with the information that no person could be allowed to go on board the boat without special orders.

I stated my errand, and he said, "Give me the money, I will find your soldier."

I replied, that small as the sum was it went into no hands but the owner's from mine, and turned away as if giving up the contest. But my will was going to be obeyed, and while the Doctor was busy with some person aside, I passed the guard, went on to the tower-deck, found the soldier, and gave him the money, returning safely.

As I passed the surgeon I could not resist the inclination to let him know that a woman had set his authority at naught, and thanking him for his kindness. I added that the boys looked very comfortable.