[216] from whose leg nearly all the bones were removed, but who also recovered.
There were, besides, three men sick of fever and dysentery, desperately ill, considered hopeless when sent to the ‘Refuge,’ but who all recovered. This is certainly a remarkable record, and one to be proud of. Among the patients was that noble patriot, Colonel Alcibiades de Blanc, of St. Martin's Parish, Louisiana, of whom Lousianians proudly relate that he refused to be made a brigadier-general, saying he did not feel competent to fill such a position, and was content to serve his country as a private soldier, feeling that no position could be more honorable.
Of Company K, Eighth Louisiana, and Company H, Seventh Louisiana, nearly all the sick and wounded enjoyed, at one time or another during the war, the hospitalities of the ‘Refuge.’ General Hays was a personal friend and honored guest. Henry Weir Baker there recovered from typhoid fever. This gentleman was a member of Washington Artillery, a distinction which is enough of itself, without an added word of praise. He is now residing in New Orleans, a successful journalist, and has been untiring in his patriotic efforts to develop the splendid resources of Louisiana. Fred Washington, of New Orleans, was also saved to his country by the kindly attentions of Mrs. Caldwell. He also is an honored citizen of New Orleans, engaged as a journalist, and is one of the faithful few who do not forget.
He is an active member of the association A. N. Va., always ‘to the fore’ when opportunities occur to honor the dead Confederates or to succor the living.
Of the hundreds who now live to remember with liveliest gratitude the ‘Refuge’ they once found from the horrors and toils and pains of battle, and the gentle hostess who so unweariedly ministered to them, I can gather only
