ile hurrying from ward to
ward giving general orders about the care of the sick during my
absence in the fight, to see and hear the maimed begging Mrs. Beers
to remain with them, and they could well testify to how well she
acted her part in remaining with them and caring for their many
wants, while the able-bodied men of all grades went to battle for
all they held dear.

"At the same time, all the citizens and officers' wives sought
refuge in some place of safety. After the battle, which resulted in
victory to the Confederates, and the wounded of both armies were
brought to our wards, and the Federal prisoners (about one
thousand) to the town, her attention and kindness was, if possible,
doubly increased, extending help and care as well to the boys in
blue as to those in gray. In her missions of mercy she made no
distinction. There she was daily seen with her servant going into
the prison of the Federal soldiers with bandages and baskets of
provisions to minister to the wants of such as were slightly
wounded or needed some attention. Many a Federal officer and
soldier would doubtless bear willing testimony to these acts of
unselfish kindness.

"While Atlanta was invested and being shelled she, contrary to my
advice and urgent remonstrance, took boxes of provisions to her
husband and comrades in the trenches when the shot and shell fell
almost like hail. While at Fort Valley her courage and patriotism
were put to the severest test in an epidemic of smallpox.

"When all who could left, she remained and nursed the Confederate
soldiers with this loathsome disease. I desire to say she was a
voluntary nurse, and did all her work from patriotism alone, until
it became necessary for her to remain as a permanent _attache_ of
the hospitals that her name should go upon the pay-rolls. After
that she spent her hard earnings in sending boxes to the front and
dispensing charity upon worthy objects immediately under her care.

"She was with me as voluntary nurse, or matron, for more than three
years, and during that time she conducted herself in every respect
so as to command the respect and esteem of all with whom she came
in contact, from the humblest private to the highest in command,
and the citizens of every place where she was stationed gave her a
hearty welcome, and invited her into the best of society.

"Feeling this much was due to one who suffer