In the autumn of 1862 application was made by the authorities in Washington to the Mother Superior of the Sisters of Mercy for nurses to take charge of the wounded soldiers in the Stanton Hospital in Washington City. Accordingly, four Sisters from the mother house in Pittsburg were appointed for the work. They hastily prepared and departed for the scene of duty, arriving in Washington the day before Thanksgiving. Finding that the Stanton, a long row of one-story frame buildings, was not quite ready for occupancy, the Sisters remained for a few days with the Sisters of Mercy, who were in charge of the Douglas Hospital then in operation in Washington. These Sisters were members of the Baltimore Community, founded some years previously3 248 from the house at Pittsburg. In a short time the new hospital was opened, and the Sisters repaired thither5, and began their work by caring for one hundred and thirty wounded soldiers, who had just been carried in from an engagement. On December 8 four more Sisters arrived from Pittsburg, making in all eight, which number constituted the staff of Sisters engaged in the Stanton Hospital. Some of these did not remain until the close of the war, but were relieved as circumstances required by Sisters from home. These changes were not made without necessity, as the health of several of the original volunteers was hopelessly shattered by the severe duties entailed6 upon them. To the bodily fatigue7 incident to the care of so many patients was added much mental anxiety, caused by the responsibility attending the charge of grave cases. The successful issue in many severe surgical8 operations depended almost entirely10 on the vigilance of the nurse.
Too much praise cannot be given to the officials of the Stanton Hospital for their careful supervision11 and attention to the patients, and the unvarying kindness and confidence reposed13 in the Sisters. The surgeon in charge, Dr. John A. Liddell, and his assistant, Dr. Philip Davis, deserve special mention. Abundant supplies of everything needful for the sick were most liberally provided. As far as possible no want of the patients was left ungratified.
This was a source of great satisfaction to the Sisters, and lightened their cares considerably14. What has been said of the work of Sisters in other hospitals might be repeated here. Their labors were arduous15 and unceasing. After every battle numbers of wounded were brought in, and received unwearied attention day and night. As a 249 rule the soldiers appreciated the work of the Sisters, and regarded them as their best friends. Often patients, when convinced that the hope of recovery was gone, confided16 their last wishes to the Sisters. They were frequently called upon to send messages to the loved ones far away, and write letters to absent friends. These and similar acts of kindness, with words of comfort and encouragement, made the day more than full “pressed down and running over” with meritorious17 acts. The Sisters frequently had the consolation18 of witnessing happy deathbed scenes, often of persons who, under less favorable surroundings might not have enjoyed this great blessing19. Entire freedom of conscience was secured to all, each patient being at liberty to summon to his side the spiritual adviser20 of his choice. The Catholics were attended by the Jesuit Fathers, among whom Revs21. Father Wagit, Brady and Roccofort were untiring in their efforts to console the sick and fortify22 the dying with the consolations23 of religion. The Sisters remained at the Stanton until the close of the war, when, their services being no longer required, they returned to Pittsburg, where they resumed their usual avocations24.
The Western Pennsylvania Hospital in Pittsburg was used by the Government for a military hospital at this time, principally for Pennsylvania soldiers. Such men as were able to bear the fatigue of transportation from Washington or other places were sent to this institution in order to make room at the Stanton for cases direct from the field of battle. The Sisters of Mercy were invited to give their services, a request with which they cheerfully complied, early in 1863. In this institution the Sisters experienced the same courtesy from the officers 250 as was extended to them elsewhere. Every arrangement compatible with existing circumstances was made to lighten their duties. In both these hospitals a chapel25 was fitted up and Mass was celebrated26 daily, which such convalescent patients as desired were at liberty to attend. The Sisters continued their work in the Pennsylvania Hospital until May, 1865. In Washington and Pittsburg the members of the Sanitary27 Commission gave very efficient aid towards alleviating28 the conditions of the patients by providing delicacies29 and reading matter. After each visit supplies were left in the hands of the Sisters to be distributed at their discretion30.
The Douglas Hospital in Washington had been erected31 out of three large dwellings32 in the then fashionable part of the Capital City. It was so named from the fact that the most important of these three houses had been the residence of the famous Senator of that name.
Sister M. Collette O’Connor was in charge of this institution, and was revered33 by all who became acquainted with her. She died at the hospital, July 16, 1864, and her remains34 were escorted to Baltimore and buried with military honors.
One day President Lincoln visited the Stanton Hospital in Washington. Those who were fortunate to be present on this remarkable35 occasion received impressions that should remain ever fresh in their minds. None of the Sisters had ever met the Chief Executive, but when a tall, angular man with just the suggestion of a stoop about the shoulders sauntered up the path leading to the main entrance of the hospital they intuitively knew that it was President Lincoln. The homely36, wrinkled face, with its careworn37 appearance, and the patient, almost pathetic 251 eyes appealed at once to the tender sensibilities of the Sisters. They knew little, and were without leisure to inquire, about the merits of either the Northern or Southern side of the bloody38 controversy39 then raging at its height, but they had a keen appreciation40 of human suffering and human sympathy, and their hearts went out at once to this plain man who so uncomplainingly carried the woes41 of the nation upon his shoulders.
GRANT, SHERMAN AND SHERIDAN.
The President went from cot to cot shaking hands with the poor patients and addressing them in the jocular manner he frequently employed to conceal42 the anguish43 caused by the sight of so much suffering. On occasions of this character the very simplicity44 and naturalness of the President only served to bring his greatness into brighter relief. The Sisters had a good opportunity of observing the man who had been called from his modest home in Illinois to become ruler of the Republic at the most serious crisis in its history. They saw in him a person who with a single stroke of the pen was destined45 to liberate46 nearly four millions of slaves. They saw a man who was daily performing the most painful duties under the most trying circumstances, but who did each act “with malice47 toward none; with charity for all.” They saw in him the one distinctively48 grand figure of the war. They realized with others that amid the clash and roar and smoke of battle; amid the perplexities and contentions49 of legislative50 halls, and the difficulties and differences of Cabinets, there arose pre-eminent above all the peaceful, pathetic, powerful personality of Abraham Lincoln.
Mr. Lincoln remained at the hospital for some time. With the trained eye of a man of affairs he observed the 252 cleanliness of the place, and did not fail to notice all that the Sisters were doing for the comfort and relief of the patients. When he departed he cordially shook hands with each of the Sisters, and congratulated them on the work they were performing in the cause of humanity.
Rev4. J. F. Regis Canevin, rector of St. Paul’s Cathedral, Pittsburg, has paid a high tribute to the work of the Sisters of Mercy in the late war.20 A passing reference is made to some of the events already detailed51 in this chapter, but it is such an able presentation of the case that it deserves reproduction in these pages. Father Canevin said in part:
“The Sisters went forth52 from their peaceful convent homes to serve their God and country in the Stanton Military Hospital at Washington and in the Western Pennsylvania Hospital at Pittsburg. The military physicians regarded them as valuable assistants, and oftentimes the nuns53 had the entire charge of the patients, administering of medicines and arranging bandages with deft55 and skillful hands.
“The Sisters had four hundred and fifty wounded men under their care in the Stanton Hospital at one time, and after the second battle of Fredericksburg, December 13, 1862, a number of Confederate wounded were laid side by side with those whom they had wounded.
“‘It was a beautiful sight,’ said one of the Sisters, ‘to see how tenderly the convalescent union soldiers helped to nurse back the health of those whom they had so fiercely fought a short time before. Those who are first in war are also first in peace.’
“‘The bravest are the tenderest,’
“‘The loving are the daring.’”
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“Southern sympathizers in Washington sent large supplies of provisions and delicacies for their Confederate friends. ‘We took all they sent,’ said a veteran Sister, ‘but we saw that the boys in blue fared as well as their foes56.’ This was holy simplicity. At the time the Sisters were engaged in their work of mercy in the hospitals and on the battlefields of the North some of their companions who had left their side a few years before were under the shot and shell which were hurled57 from land and water when Grant besieged58 Vicksburg, and fear and famine stalked the Confederate camp and city. The Sisters followed the ill-fated army through all the hard fortunes of the struggle; nursed the sick, stanched59 the blood, bound up the wounds of those who fell on the battlefield, and spoke60 words of consolation and hope to the dying.
“We can read in military annals how the dying soldier fancied a mother or a sister to be supporting his head as the black-robed nun54 bade him confide12 in the Saviour61 of Calvary, and poured refreshing62 drops on his lips parched63 and quivering in the throes of death. It was loyalty64 to the Divine Master that caused these women to serve on both sides of the line.
“After the war the Vicksburg Community returned to their convent and found their latest golden opportunity in the South in the great yellow fever scourge65 of 1878, which spread sorrow and gloom over the land, until even hope was almost paralyzed. Yes, when fear had dissolved all the ties which hold society together; when succor66 could not be bought with gold; when the strongest natural affections yielded to the love of life, then a band of Sisters of Mercy, led by the same fearless heroines from Pittsburg who fifteen years before had seen duty on the 254 battlefield, were to be found bending over the plague-stricken couch, praying, ever encouraging and holding up to the last before the expiring patient the image of the Cross.
“When the brave men of both armies had fought out the nation’s quarrel, and when the roar of cannon67 died away and the smoke of battle was lifted from the land, the bright sun of peace shone upon a people more united than they had ever been before. Religious bigotry and sectarian hatred68 had received a deadly stroke. There was more Christianity amid the rough scenes of war than there had been in preceding years of peace. The best blood of the Roman Catholic and of the Protestant co-patriot had reddened the same stream and mingled70 on many a well-fought field; side by side they met the charge; side by side they repelled71 the shock; side by side they fell. In the same pit their bodies were deposited. The dew fell from Heaven upon their union in the grave.
“Misfortune had taught them to know and respect and trust and love each other. Those who survived learned to despise the cowards and hypocrites and bigots who at home, in ignorance or malice, had armed man against his brother, and in the name of religion kept us in perpetual conflict. The soldier descendant of the New England Puritan, and of the Papist-hating Orangeman, discovered that his Catholic comrade was a brave, generous-hearted man, and a consistent Christian69; that the Roman Catholic Church was not the sworn enemy of free institutions; that the Sisters of that Church were kind, earnest, hard-working, useful and devoted72 women in the service of that Christ whose doctrine73 is that we should love one another. And thus the Sisters of Mercy returned from 255 war to find the good they and other religious women had done had won the grateful recognition of the whole country. Thoughtful men learned from their deeds that even a Covenanter need not fear to offend the Creator in acknowledging that there rested a holy influence in hearts consecrated74 to God.”
A Sister of Mercy at Charleston, under date of September 23, 1865, thus writes to a friend concerning the destitution75 in that city and State:
“Every phase of life has been so upturned here that the once rich, who were wont76 to assist the poor, are now wretchedly poor themselves, and are grateful for a little of the common necessaries of life when given them. We have called upon the Northern storekeepers here and received some assistance from them, but we cannot call too often. Few of our own people are able to go into business; none can afford to give at present, though the will is good. If, my dear lady, you can do aught in this emergency, you will perform a great act of charity. Could you see these people as we do your heart would ache. Sad eyes swimming in tears; little delicate hands skinned from the wash-tub, and hearts without hope for the future. I saw last week a lady, one of the wealthiest a short time ago, lying on a miserable77 pallet, the room without furniture, where she once had every comfort. The house had been stripped of everything, linen78, plate and wines of all kinds; her limbs were covered with sores, occasioned by anxiety of mind and poverty of blood; the result of almost starvation. Were this an isolated79 case, it could be relieved, but, unfortunately, the city abounds80 in them. The planters for miles around are homeless, and are compelled to take refuge in the city without any means of subsistence.” 256
Sisters DeSales and DeChantel, and some five other Sisters of the Sisters of Mercy arrived in New York in the latter part of 1865 from White Sulphur Springs, Montgomery County, Virginia, where they were engaged attending the sick and wounded soldiers in the hospital for the last four years. They were accompanied by the Rev. Mr. Croghan, of Charleston, who was also engaged during the war as chaplain in the same hospital.
According to the New York News, at the time of Lee’s surrender there were over three hundred sick and wounded at this particular hospital. It adds: “Over sixty of these were Federal soldiers, and not more than two days’ rations9 to meet their wants. The Sisters were among strangers, having neither money nor worldly influence, but, compelled by the spirit of their holy calling, they devised means to procure81 provisions enough to suffice for more than six weeks for the patients and remained with them until all had either convalesced82 or died.
“About the 22d of May they proceeded to Lynchburg. General Gregg received them at this port most courteously83 and offered them every means in his power to prosecute84 their journey to Washington, where they again applied85 to General Hardie for transportation to Charleston. In this they were not successful. General Hardie refused to send them, on the ground that, being non-combatants, no provision had been made by the authorities in Washington for such persons. Finally, through the kindness of some private gentleman in Washington, Father Croghan was enabled to procure transportation to New York, where they found themselves strangers and penniless, and with hardly sufficient wearing apparel to enable them to appear 257 in public. On hearing of their embarrassing circumstances, the Rev. William Quinn, of St. Peter’s, Barclay street, called a few of his parishioners together on Sunday last with a view to raising the necessary funds to enable these good Sisters to return to their homes. The result was that, aided by Judge Andrew Clarke, Esq., and a few other gentlemen, the sum of eleven hundred and forty-eight dollars was collected in a few days. On Saturday last this amount was presented to Sister DeSales, at the Convent of the Sacred Heart, in Seventeenth street, by a committee consisting of the Rev. William Quinn, Dennis Quinn and Andrew Clarke. On receiving the amount Sister DeSales, on behalf of herself and the community she represented, expressed her earnest thanks to the donors86, promising87 that their kindness should never be forgotten by their community.”
The Convent at Charleston belonging to these Sisters was burned to the ground, having caught fire from the shells thrown into the city during the bombardment of the Federal forces.
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labors
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| v.努力争取(for)( labor的第三人称单数 )；苦干；详细分析；（指引擎）缓慢而困难地运转 | |
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bigotry
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| n.偏见，偏执，持偏见的行为[态度]等 | |
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previously
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| adv.以前，先前（地） | |
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rev
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| v.发动机旋转，加快速度 | |
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thither
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| adv.向那里；adj.在那边的，对岸的 | |
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entailed
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| 使…成为必要( entail的过去式和过去分词 )； 需要； 限定继承； 使必需 | |
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fatigue
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| n.疲劳，劳累 | |
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surgical
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| adj.外科的，外科医生的，手术上的 | |
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rations
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| 定量( ration的名词复数 )； 配给量； 正常量； 合理的量 | |
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entirely
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| ad.全部地，完整地；完全地，彻底地 | |
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supervision
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| n.监督，管理 | |
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confide
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| v.向某人吐露秘密 | |
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reposed
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| v.将（手臂等）靠在某人（某物）上( repose的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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considerably
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| adv.极大地；相当大地；在很大程度上 | |
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arduous
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| adj.艰苦的，费力的，陡峭的 | |
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confided
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| v.吐露（秘密，心事等）( confide的过去式和过去分词 )；（向某人）吐露（隐私、秘密等） | |
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meritorious
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| adj.值得赞赏的 | |
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consolation
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| n.安慰，慰问 | |
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blessing
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| n.祈神赐福；祷告；祝福，祝愿 | |
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adviser
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| n.劝告者，顾问 | |
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revs
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| abbr.revolutions （复数）旋转，回转，转数n.发动机的旋转( rev的名词复数 )v.（使）加速( rev的第三人称单数 )；（数量、活动等）激增；（使发动机）快速旋转；（使）活跃起来 | |
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fortify
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| v.强化防御，为…设防；加强，强化 | |
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consolations
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| n.安慰，慰问( consolation的名词复数 )；起安慰作用的人（或事物） | |
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avocations
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| n.业余爱好，嗜好( avocation的名词复数 )；职业 | |
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chapel
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| n.小教堂，殡仪馆 | |
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celebrated
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| adj.有名的，声誉卓著的 | |
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sanitary
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| adj.卫生方面的，卫生的，清洁的，卫生的 | |
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alleviating
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| 减轻，缓解，缓和( alleviate的现在分词 ) | |
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delicacies
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| n.棘手( delicacy的名词复数 )；精致；精美的食物；周到 | |
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discretion
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| n.谨慎；随意处理 | |
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ERECTED
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| adj. 直立的，竖立的，笔直的 vt. 使 ... 直立，建立 | |
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dwellings
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| n.住处，处所( dwelling的名词复数 ) | |
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revered
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| v.崇敬，尊崇，敬畏( revere的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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remains
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| n.剩余物，残留物；遗体，遗迹 | |
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remarkable
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| adj.显著的，异常的，非凡的，值得注意的 | |
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homely
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| adj.家常的，简朴的；不漂亮的 | |
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careworn
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| adj.疲倦的，饱经忧患的 | |
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bloody
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| adj.非常的的；流血的；残忍的；adv.很；vt.血染 | |
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controversy
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| n.争论，辩论，争吵 | |
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appreciation
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| n.评价；欣赏；感谢；领会，理解；价格上涨 | |
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woes
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| 困境( woe的名词复数 )； 悲伤； 我好苦哇； 某人就要倒霉 | |
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conceal
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| v.隐藏，隐瞒，隐蔽 | |
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anguish
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| n.(尤指心灵上的)极度痛苦，烦恼 | |
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simplicity
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| n.简单，简易；朴素；直率，单纯 | |
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destined
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| adj.命中注定的；(for)以…为目的地的 | |
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liberate
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| v.解放，使获得自由，释出，放出；vt.解放，使获自由 | |
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47
malice
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| n.恶意，怨恨，蓄意；[律]预谋 | |
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distinctively
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| adv.特殊地，区别地 | |
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contentions
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| n.竞争( contention的名词复数 )；争夺；争论；论点 | |
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legislative
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| n.立法机构，立法权；adj.立法的，有立法权的 | |
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51
detailed
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| adj.详细的，详尽的，极注意细节的，完全的 | |
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52
forth
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| adv.向前；向外，往外 | |
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nuns
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| n.（通常指基督教的）修女， （佛教的）尼姑( nun的名词复数 ) | |
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nun
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| n.修女，尼姑 | |
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deft
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| adj.灵巧的，熟练的（a deft hand 能手） | |
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56
foes
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| 敌人，仇敌( foe的名词复数 ) | |
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57
hurled
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| v.猛投，用力掷( hurl的过去式和过去分词 )；大声叫骂 | |
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besieged
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| 包围，围困，围攻( besiege的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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59
stanched
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| v.使（伤口）止血( stanch的过去式 )；止（血）；使不漏；使不流失 | |
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60
spoke
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| n.（车轮的）辐条；轮辐；破坏某人的计划；阻挠某人的行动 v.讲，谈（speak的过去式）；说；演说；从某种观点来说 | |
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61
saviour
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| n.拯救者，救星 | |
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62
refreshing
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| adj.使精神振作的，使人清爽的，使人喜欢的 | |
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parched
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| adj.焦干的；极渴的；v.（使）焦干 | |
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loyalty
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| n.忠诚，忠心 | |
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scourge
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| n.灾难，祸害；v.蹂躏 | |
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succor
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| n.援助，帮助；v.给予帮助 | |
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67
cannon
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| n.大炮，火炮；飞机上的机关炮 | |
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hatred
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| n.憎恶，憎恨，仇恨 | |
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Christian
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| adj.基督教徒的；n.基督教徒 | |
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mingled
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| 混合，混入( mingle的过去式和过去分词 )； 混进，与…交往[联系] | |
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71
repelled
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| v.击退( repel的过去式和过去分词 )；使厌恶；排斥；推开 | |
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72
devoted
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| adj.忠诚的，忠实的，热心的，献身于...的 | |
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73
doctrine
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| n.教义；主义；学说 | |
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74
consecrated
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| adj.神圣的，被视为神圣的v.把…奉为神圣，给…祝圣( consecrate的过去式和过去分词 )；奉献 | |
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75
destitution
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| n.穷困，缺乏，贫穷 | |
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76
wont
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| adj.习惯于；v.习惯；n.习惯 | |
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77
miserable
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| adj.悲惨的，痛苦的；可怜的，糟糕的 | |
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78
linen
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| n.亚麻布，亚麻线，亚麻制品；adj.亚麻布制的，亚麻的 | |
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79
isolated
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| adj.与世隔绝的 | |
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80
abounds
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| v.大量存在，充满，富于( abound的第三人称单数 ) | |
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81
procure
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| vt.获得，取得，促成；vi.拉皮条 | |
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82
convalesced
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| v.康复( convalesce的过去式 ) | |
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83
courteously
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| adv.有礼貌地，亲切地 | |
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84
prosecute
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| vt.告发；进行；vi.告发，起诉，作检察官 | |
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85
applied
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| adj.应用的；v.应用，适用 | |
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86
donors
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| n.捐赠者( donor的名词复数 )；献血者；捐血者；器官捐献者 | |
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87
promising
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| adj.有希望的，有前途的 | |
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