"Two weeks!" I exclaimed; "many of those soldiers will die before that
time. I can not leave them for two weeks."

"Then I will tell you what I will do; I will bring the sickest ones
here to this hospital, and put the rest on a boat and take them to
Mound City, to the United States Hospital, and take up No. 2 within
three days."

"That will do," I said; "I am satisfied with Mound City Hospital, and
with this one. If you will do this I will go on to-day with our
supplies for Vicksburg, Mississippi."

"Mrs. Haviland, it shall be done within three days," he replied, and
I left him with a lighter heart.

We went on our way with a number of officers and soldiers on board. As
we were on the boat over Sunday, I asked permission of the captain to
talk to the soldiers. He gave me leave, saying it was a very
unsuitable place for ladies on the rear deck, over cattle, sheep, and
hogs, but they would prepare a place as soon as possible. While
preparation was being made, a young man who had been studying for the
ministry of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, proposed to the
captain to address the soldiers. As he was a minister the captain came
and informed me that he had granted his request. I told him I supposed
we could attend. "Certainly, certainly, if you like, only as I told
you, it is an unpleasant place for ladies." Unpleasant as it was, we
listened to a long sermon, and remained a few minutes longer to give
the boys a mother's advice, as they were leaving their Northern homes,
not to allow themselves to become demoralized by the many dangers and