A History of the Army Experience of William A. Canfield Part 2

June 21st ended my term in the field. I was wounded in the left arm, and had it amputated just above the elbow. Now for the hospital. I was carried to City Point on the 23d. Thanks to the Christian and Sanitary Commissions, which greatly relieved us, not only in furnis.h.i.+ng so many good things, but in sending to us those who always had a kind word for us all.

On the 30th, I was carried on board the hospital boat, and arrived at Was.h.i.+ngton, D. C., on the 1st of July, and was carried to Finley Hospital. I was well cared for here, and my arm healed rapidly, while many others sickened and died.

On the 22d of August, I received a furlough for sixty days. I arrived home on the 24th. I cannot attempt to describe my feelings as I crossed the threshold, and placed this good right arm around the aged form of my beloved mother, who tottered to meet me, and throwing her arms around my neck, kissed me again and again. Not less welcome was the fervent "G.o.d bless you, my son," from father. My wife was absent at this time, at the bedside of a sick sister, who died in about two weeks after I got home.

Then she returned to me, and entered into the general rejoicing at my safe arrival.

Soon after I came home the stump of my arm began to trouble me very much.

Gangrene set in, the stump swelled up and turned black. They carried me to my sister's, Mrs. Smith Hanc.o.c.k, in Franklin, where I was attended by Dr.

Knights of that town. For about three weeks my life was despaired of; then I began to gain. Through the kind care of all and the skill of Dr.

Knights,--but more through the providence of G.o.d,--I was spared; for what, I do not know. G.o.d knows, and he doeth all things well.

December 2d, I reported at Concord, and went into the Hospital there. On the 8th, I was sent forward to Was.h.i.+ngton. Arrived there on the 11th, and went into Finley Hospital. I was transferred to Manchester, N. H., on the 10th of January, 1865, and remained there till I received my discharge, on the 29th of May.

My story is told.