Thomas Wentworth Higginson, Harvard Memorial Biographies

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[432] an operation which he endured with heroic fortitude. But what the soul could bear without flinching was too much for the body. Sent to Turner's Lane Hospital, in Philadelphia, it was soon evident that, in the incessant fatigues of the long campaign, he had poured out his vitality drop by drop. His once vigorous system had broken under the surgical operation, and it was only left for him to bear, as he did with the fortitude of a fearless soldier and a Christian gentleman, his last excruciating agonies.

On arriving at the hospital on August 24th, he wrote to one of his brothers in the gallant vein which always marked him, —a letter designed to relieve anxiety. But its painful handwriting bore witness against it.

August 24.

dear brother,—Am well still, and improving. We must hope in the future. Of course something adverse may happen at any time. But I have been singularly favored in former wounds. I hope to be all right in this.

This is a most excellent hospital, and all is done that can be done. Love to all.

Henry.

Six days later, he wrote to Professor Child as follows:—

Your letter gave me great pleasure. We become sometimes almost as weak as children in our exile from home and civilization, and kindly words touch a very weak spot in us.

I thank you for your interest in the much-suffering Twentieth. I almost weep myself when I think of its misfortunes. Almost nothing is left of it. Colonel Macy, originally a First Lieutenant, is the only officer remaining who came out with the regiment; and he, with Curtis and myself, are the only ones remaining of those who went through the Peninsular campaign; and of the men hardly a corporal's guard of old men remain.

You have probably seen by the paper that my left leg is off, above the knee, only an apology of a stump remaining. A miniebullet did the work on the 16th of August at Deep Bottom. I am getting on well, but cannot be moved to Boston yet.

I must cut short my letter. I have to write lying on my back.

Very truly yours,

Henry L. Patten.