Page:The Story of Aunt Becky's Army-Life .djvu/40



proposed a Thanksgiving dinner, but Dr. Hunt thought we could not get one up for the whole Hospital, but I, being a private myself, was unwilling to assist in cooking dainties for the officers alone, and the matter was given over to me to manage in my own way.

Four days previous to the day, I gave in my requisition for the solid things which should flourish at the feast.

My order was for two pigs, seven turkeys, five chickens, beef, rice for puddings, seasoning for pies and cake, and with bread and vegetables, I thought our table would be well furnished for the occasion.

We had one hundred and eighteen names on our dinner-list, yet some were not able to eat a full supply. Matters began to look doubtful to me, as my order was not filled at the time I wished to prepare them, and the steward, with some of the boys, got permission to go out into the country, and see what they could obtain.

They returned with wild and tame turkeys, and pigs, and chickens, and we were soon on the high road to success.