June 12, 1863, American Citizen (Canton, Mississippi)
General Hospital, Canton, Miss.}
May 30, 1863. }
Mr. Editor:
Since the evacuation of Jackson and severe marching of the few succeeding days, it has been my misfortune to be confined in Hospital some ten days in this place, where I found the Post Surgeon, Ward Surgeon and Master, and other attendants, very kind and polite, using every effort with their limited means to render comfortable and cheerful the unfortunate sick. ‘Twas during this time, when quite sick, depressed in spirits and almost wearied of life, when my sad heart was cheered by one of those scenes so common among the women of our country.
A carriage halted before the hospital door, when all eyes were eagerly fixed upon the inmates, who called out to one of the clerks, handing a dish of jelly and other little delicacies for the more sick, while they called in person to the convalescing to come forward and receive some refreshments which they dispensed with lavish hands to some thirty or more joyful hearts. ‘Twas both pleasing and amusing to see the grateful beneficiaries as they still clung around the carriage, as if reluctant to leave it, seeking rest on the wheels and elsewhere, while enjoying their unusual delicacy. After the ladies had retired–not amidst shouts and applause heard and known of men, but with the silent prayer of many known and heard only in Heaven, I sent and procured the names of these kind benefactors.
They were Mrs. Ada Latimer and Mrs. George Handy, one of whose face I saw, which was a true index to her character. I am told the refreshments were sent by a “pick nick party” from the country, but all of the contributors, though unknown, will be rewarded above. While noticing such acts of kindness, I would not overlook the kindness of Mrs. Cameron, of this town, to a gentleman whose acquaintance she formed on the first day of his arrival in town, and to whom she sent daily a plate of such food as to please the most fastidious taste. The writer is an entire stranger in Canton, but a close and grateful
Observer.
June 12, 1863