Dr. Andrus is going
to-day. He says I ought not to think of leaving here yet. But he does not
forbid it, so if I get a chance I shall try it. I have burned my big pile of
letters and discarded every thing my knapsack was stuffed with except what belongs
to Uncle Sam.
3 p. m. Mail in and
a five-dollar bill came in a letter from home. I went right out and bought a
pair of boots with it, which beat the low shoes I have so far worn.
7 p.m. On board the
steamer Louisiana. I had a hard time getting here, making two miles in twenty
minutes with my gun and accoutrements all on. Dr. Andrus went and as soon as
the chance came I sneaked out and started. I was just in time, as the
gang-plank was being pulled aboard when I came to it. Dr. Andrus was on deck
and saw me and had them wait until I was on board. Then he scolded some and
made me get into a berth where he covered me up in blankets and made me drink a
cup of hot stuff which he prepared. I was nearly roasted by this treatment, but
I am away from the hospital and on the way to be with the boys again and so did
not complain.
SOURCE:
Lawrence Van Alstyne, Diary of an Enlisted Man, p. 60
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