One can find a little comfort, too, in the thought
that there is no worse place possible for us to be sent to, and when
once there we can look forward to better things sometime in the
future. I do not mind the move as much as the unpleasant experiences
connected with it.
But I shall miss the kind friends, the grand hunts and delightful
rides, and shall long for dear old John, who has carried me safely so
many, many miles.
Lieutenant Baldwin is still ill and very depressed, and Doctor Wilder
is becoming anxious about him. It is so dreadful for such a powerful
man as he has been to be so really broken in pieces. He insists upon
being up and around, which is bad, very bad, for the many broken
bones.
I will write whenever I find an opportunity.
OLD FORT ZARAH, KANSAS,
April, 1872.
OUR camp to-night is near the ruins of a very old fort, and ever since
we got here, the men have been hunting rattlesnakes that have
undoubtedly been holding possession of the tumble-down buildings, many
snake generations. Dozens and dozens have been killed, of all sizes,
some of them being very large. The old quarters were evidently made of
sods and dirt, and must have been dreadful places to live in even when
new.
I must tell you at once that I have the little greyhound. I simply
took matters in my own hands and got him! We came only five miles our
first day out, and after the tents had been pitched that night and the
various dinners commenced, it was discovered that many little things
had been left behind, so General Phillips decided to send an ambulance
and two or three men back to the post for them, and to get the mail at
the same time. It so happened that Burt, our own striker, was one of
the men detailed to go, and hen I heard this I at once thought of the
puppy I wanted so much. I managed to see Burt before he started, and
when asked if he could bring the little dog to me he answered so
heartily, "That I can, mum," I felt that the battle was half won, for
I knew that if I could once get the dog in camp he would take care of
him, even if I could not.
Burt brought him and kept him in his tent that night, and the little
fellow seemed to know that he should be good, for Burt told me that he
did not whimper once, notwithstanding it was his first night from his
mother and little companions.
