ed.

Her services were not of a nature to elicit great applause, or to
attract much attention. They were quietly performed, and at a point
quite aside from battle-fields, or any great center where thousands of
spectators had the opportunity to become cognizant of them. But they
were not, on account of these facts, less beneficent or useful.

Mrs. Marsh often visited the hospitals and made the acquaintance of the
sick and wounded, becoming frequently, deeply interested in individuals.
This was a feeling entirely different from that general interest in the
welfare of every Union soldier which arose as much from the instincts of
a patriotic heart, as from philanthropy.

She never became a hospital nurse, however, for she was fully occupied
in other ways, and her husband, Dr. Marsh did not cordially approve,
save in a few particular instances, of the introduction of women to the
hospitals in that capacity. But living in the immediate vicinity of the
hospitals, her benevolent face was often seen there, and welcomed with
grateful smiles from many a bed of suffering.

A young officer from one of the Northern States and regiments, wounded
at the battle of Olustee, was brought to Beaufort Hospital for treatment
and care. Long previously there had been a compact between him and a
comrade that the one first wounded should be cared for by the other if
possible. The exigencies of the service were at that time such that this
comrade could not without much difficulty obtain leave of absence. He
finally, however, triumphed over all obstacles, and took his place
beside his friend. Mrs. Marsh often saw them together, and listened, at
one time, to a discussion or comparison of views which revealed the
character and motives of both.

The unwounded one was rejoicing that his term of service was nearly
expired. It was at a time when many were re-enlisting, but he
emphatically declared he would not. "I would, then," replied the wounded
man, "if I had the strength to enter upon another term of service, I
would do so. When I did enlist it was because of my country's need, and
that need is not less imminent now. Yes," he added, with a sigh, "if God
would restore me to health, I would remain in the service till the end
of the war. The surgeon tells me I shall not recover, that the next
hemorrhage will probably be the last. But I am not sorry, _I am glad_,
that I have done what I have done, and would do it again, if possible."

That this was