ite cold, even for this season of the year. Our course
was down this river with no road or trail save the bed of the stream.
Its precipitous and cragged banks necessitating an almost continuous
wading down, across and back for many times. Late in the afternoon we
reached a point near the enemy, but slept on our arms until morning.
A reconnoissance, however, disclosed his impregnable position.
Our skirmish line exchanged some shots with the outposts and some
casualties occurred, but the number I do not recall.

I was brought to think why it all could not have been avoided; but,
then as now, a few men on opposing sides led all the others and war
resulted. We rested on our arms that night in close proximity to
this stronghold, without food, hungry and chilled to the bone and as
uncomfortable as it seemed possible to be. The folly of an assault upon
the enemy's fort was seen and known, hence the return march was taken
up. This was without incident. Many became ill and a number gave up
their lives from the hardships and exposures of this expedition, my own
illness extended over many weeks, during part of which time hope for
a favorable issue almost fled. It was, however, my good fortune to be
taken to a good country home and to be attended by a faithful nurse,
which perhaps prevented a different result.

When I was convalescing, but yet weak, a young soldier, delirious
from pneumonia, who occupied an adjoining room, came to my bedside
during the temporary absence of my nurse and seized a heavy, long
necked bottle of brandy and raised it as if intending an assault, and
apparently was about to bring it down on the head of his prostrate
victim, who expected the blow and its serious results, but could do
nothing to ward it off. Fortunately, before delivering the blow this
crazed man, being consumed with fever, saw through the window an
inviting stream of water that flowed by. Quickly replacing the bottle,
with cat-like swiftness he passed down the stairway and to the stream,
and drank copiously of its waters. He was unabl