Fannie A. Beers, Memories: a record of personal exeperience and adventure during four years of war.

‘ [11] that flag,’ ‘Show your colors,’ etc. Carried away by intense excitement, I threw open the blinds, and, waving the newspaper above my head, shouted, ‘Hurrah I Hurrah for Big Bethel! Hurrah for the brave rebels’ A perfect howl of rage arose from below, and greater evil might have befallen but for the timely appearance of the venerable village doctor, who now rode hastily in among the excited men, and, standing up in his buggy, cried out, ‘Friends, she is but a frail, defenceless woman. Be thankful if your morning's work be not her death.’ Slowly and sullenly the crowd dispersed, while the good doctor hastily ascended to my chamber. I lay with fevered cheeks and burning eyes among the pillows where my mother had placed me. The terrible excitement under which I labored forbade all blame or any allusion to my act of imprudence. I was soothed and tenderly cared for until, under the influence of a sedative, I fell asleep.

Early next morning the doctor appeared at my bedside. Meantime a change had come over me. I seemed to have lost the nervous excitability of a girl and to have become a woman, full of courage and hope. Dr.—— regarded me steadily for a moment; then,—‘Ah I better this morning? That's my brave girl.’ Meeting his gaze fully, I replied, ‘I shall try henceforth to be brave, as befits the wife of a soldier.’ A frown appeared upon the doctor's brow. Tenderly placing his hand upon my head, he said, ‘My child, I fear your courage will soon be put to the test. Your own imprudence has greatly incensed the town people. Danger menaces you, and through you, your mother. Fortunately, the friends of your childhood still desire to protect you; but your only safety lies in giving up the rebel flag which it is said you possess. Give it to me, Fannie, and I will destroy it before their eyes, and thus avert the threatened ’