Moreover, it will
work faultlessly one day and stall the next. No reliance can be
placed upon it at any stated time. Thus it was with the army when
ordered into a general engagement, one corps struggled nobly,
whilst the neighboring corps frustrated its efforts by simple
inactivity; and whilst the entire Army might fight desperately one
day, it would fail in action the following day. Stewart's gallant
attack on the 20th was neutralized by Hardee's inertness on the
right; and the failure in the battle of the 22d is to be attributed
also to the effect of the 'timid defensive' policy of this officer,
who, although a brave and gallant soldier, neglected to obey
orders, and swung away, totally independent of the main body of the
Army."
Time softens and alleviates all troubles, and this was no exception.
But the winter was a very gloomy one: my heart was constantly
oppressed by witnessing suffering I could not relieve, needs which
could not be met. The efforts of the foragers, combined with my own
purchases from country wagons (although Dr. Beatty was liberal in his
orders, and I spent every cent I could get), were utterly
insufficient, although the officers of this camp-hospital were
self-denying, and all luxuries were reserved for the sick.
Pages:
238
239
240
241
242
243
244
245
246
247
248
249
250
251
252
253
254
255
256
257
258
259
260
261
262