62; and subsequently in the General
Hospital, at Jefferson Barracks, in 1863. In both these hospitals
she was employed in the wards under my care, and subject to my
immediate orders and observation. In both, she was uniformly the
same industrious, indefatigable, attentive, kind, and sympathizing
nurse and friend of the sick and wounded soldier. She prepared
delicacies and cordials, and often obtained them to prepare from
her friends abroad, in addition to such as were furnished by the
Sanitary Commission. She administered them with her own hands in
such a manner as only a sympathizing and loving woman can; and thus
won the heartfelt gratitude and affection of every soldier to whom
it was her duty and her delight to administer. No female nurse in
either of the hospitals above named, and there was a large number
in each of them, was more universally beloved and respected, than
was Mrs. Colfax. I had not the opportunity to witness her services
and privations, and vexations on hospital steamers, or elsewhere
than in the two places named above; but I know that they were
considerable; and that everywhere and under all circumstances, she
was alike active and honored."

In Dr. Paddock, Mrs. Colfax truly found a friend, and she was able to
accomplish a greater amount of good under his kind directions. The Ward
was crowded. The wounded arrived from Fort Donelson in a miserable
condition. From exposure, many were dangerously ill with pneumonia, and
died very soon; few recovered, but the wounded did much better than the
sick, and were so patient and cheerful, that even those suffering from
the worst wounds, or amputations, would hardly have been known not to be
well, save by their pale faces and weak voices. Many would not give way
till the last moment, but with strong courage, and brave cheerfulness,
would close their eyes on things of earth, and pass silently into the
unseen world.

In the spring, Mrs. Colfax, finding herself much worn by severe work and
frequent colds, gladly availed herself of the change offered by a trip
on the Hospital-boat, Louisiana, then just fitted up by the Sanitary
Commission.

At Cairo, they received orders to proceed to Island No. 10, and there
unexpectedly found themselves in the well-known battle which took place
at that point on the 16th, 17th, and 18th of March, 1862.

The Batteries of the enemy, on the b