Page:The Story of Aunt Becky's Army-Life .djvu/160



shrewd games were played upon us at times, although I was slow to believe that men, wearing the Union blue, would descend to trickery to remain in hospital, and leave their comrades to brave the dangers at the front.

One who had been a sailor, and once before in the service, was playing the crazy soldier. He had received the bounty for which he enlisted, and was anxious to obtain his second discharge. Sometimes when I talked to him he forgot his part, and seemed to understand as readily as any one, and we thought him trying to play upon us, although we could get no proof. He played so adroitly, however, that he was sent to Washington soon, and did obtain his discharge on the ground of insanity.

One old soldier came in almost bent double with rheumatic pains, and seemed to suffer so much that I became enlisted in his behalf, and ministered daily to his wants. He lay for weeks with no change for the better, and every luxury which I could obtain I carried to his ward, and after a time begged permission of the doctor to have him come nearer to my tent, that I could do more for his comfort.