Neville Trueman, the Pioneer Preacher : a tale of the war of 1812Withrow, W. H. (William Henry)
History
Neville Trueman, the Pioneer Preacher : a tale of the war of 1812
Withrow, W. H. (William Henry)
Clergy -- Fiction; United States -- History -- War of 1812 -- Fiction
"We then mounted our horses and set out for the scene of action,
that, if possible, we might afford some assistance as ministers,
and administer consolation to the wounded and dying. When we
reached the Harbour the British had retreated to their shipping,
leaving part of the dead and wounded upon the field of battle.
These, with the others, were brought in from the field; the dead
were stretched side by side in rows, and the wounded on beds and
straw in as comfortable a condition as could be expected. We were
conducted by a friend to the several hospitals, where I saw the
distress of about eighty wounded. I cannot describe my feelings to
hear the groans of the wounded and dying, some pierced through the
body, others through the head, some bruised by the falling of
timbers, others with broken bones, and one whose face was shot
away (save his under jaw) by a grape-shot. He was yet breathing
strong. This was a shocking view. Some were in such pain they
could not be conversed with; others being fatigued and broken of
their rest were asleep, but we conversed with many who manifested
seriousness, whom we pointed to the suffering, bleeding Saviour,
and exhorted them to look to Him for mercy. Here I saw how useful
a faithful and feeling chaplain might be. The best opportunity
would present itself in alleviating the miseries of men in some
degree, by procuring such things as the distressed most needed,
and by comforting them in their afflictions; and here he might be
heard though at another time his counsel might be slighted.
"Having been without bread for a long time, many of the militia
were very hungry. Some wanted coffee, some milk, some bread. We
gave them the biscuits we carried down, but could procure no milk
for them. I really desired to stay with them; my heart thirsted to
do them good.
"On leaving the Harbour, we called on some brethren, who, with
their neighbours, carried down several gallons of milk, and
distributed it among the wounded. We also represented their case
to the congregation at the close of the camp-meeting, when twenty-
five dollars were contributed and put into proper hands, who
purchased coffee, sugar, and other delicacies which they much
needed, and from time to time distributed among them. For this
they were very thankful, and both English and American blessed me
with many good wishes when I again visited the hospital, four
weeks ago.
"Our preachers on the lines have frequent opportunities of
preaching to the soldiers, who are very fond of hearing. We find
it necessary to avoid all political discussions, both in public
and in private.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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