I mailed it to my home, writing on the back, “This despatch was just received by a telegraph reporter. It is the first reliable original telegram.”
CHAPTER XIX
LOVE IN CAMP
Miss Annie Bain was still with us, and had become my friend, and my companion, when time permitted. She made a restful change in the monotony of daily incessant hard work when, except for letter writing or in some extreme case when a dying soldier called us out, we remained during the evening in our tents.
Impossible as it seemed for a woman without pass or authority, Miss Bain succeeded, with little difficulty, in reaching City Point. A little tearful entreaty from a beautiful young woman has often moved the heart of the strictest disciplinarian. Upon reporting at City Point to that ogre of the department to all stragglers and irregulars, General Patrick, he gave her protection and permission to remain until her brother should receive his furlough.
Meanwhile Captain Robert Eden, of the 37th Wisconsin Regiment, whose wound was but slight, had returned to his post, and was at the front. There Miss Bain was not allowed to follow. But word soon reached the Captain, and in a day or two after Miss Bain’s arrival he dashed into camp on his fine bay horse, well dusted after his long ride. He was a six-foot, broad-shouldered, ruddy young Englishman, and was brimming over with anticipation and happiness.
MRS. R. C. EDEN
The first meeting, however, betrayed the secret that “Bob” was the lover for whom this courageous girl had braved the perils of the ocean, and the dangers and uncertainties of a country at war. Miss Bain explained that “Bob” was her adopted brother, and she feared that he might die of his wounds if left to strangers, and so she had come hoping to take care of him.
