Part 8 (1/2)
”I have much pleasure in bearing testimony to Mrs.
Seacole's kindness and attention to the sick of the Railway Labourers' Army Works Corps and Land Transport Corps during the winters of 1854 and 1855.
”She not only, from the knowledge she had acquired in the West Indies, was enabled to administer appropriate remedies for their ailments, but, what was of as much or more importance, she charitably furnished them with proper nourishment, which they had no means of obtaining except in the hospital, and most of that cla.s.s had an objection to go into hospital, particularly the railway labourers and the men of the Army Works Corps.
”John Hall,
”Inspector-General of Hospitals.”
I hope that Mr. P----, of the Army Works Corps, will pardon my laying the following letter before the public:--
”Dear Mrs. Seacole,--It is with feelings of great pleasure that I hear you are safely arrived in England, upon which I beg to congratulate you, and return you many thanks for your kindness whilst in the Crimea.
”The bitter sherry you kindly made up for me was in truth a great blessing to both myself and my son, and as I expect to go to Bombay shortly, I would feel grateful to you if you would favour me with the receipt for making it, as it appears to be so very grateful a beverage for weakness and bowel complaints in a warm climate. With many kind regards, believe me, dear madam, your obliged servant,
”Samuel P----,
”Late Superintendent Army Works Corps.”
Here is a certificate from one of the Army Works' men, to whose case I devoted no little time and trouble:--
”I certify that I was labouring under a severe attack of diarrhoea last August, and that I was restored to health through the instrumentality and kindness of Mrs.
Seacole.
”I also certify that my fingers were severely jammed whilst at work at Frenchman's Hill, and Mrs. Seacole cured me after three doctors had fruitlessly attempted to cure them.
”And I cannot leave the Crimea without testifying to the kindness and skill of Mrs. Seacole, and may G.o.d reward her for it.
”James Wallen,
”5th Division Army Works Corps.”
Here are three more letters--and the last I shall print--from a sailor, a soldier, and a civilian:--
”This is to certify that Wm. Adams, caulker, of H.M.S.
'Wasp,' and belonging to the Royal Naval Brigade, had a severe attack of cholera, and was cured in a few hours by Mrs. Seacole.”
”I certify that I was troubled by a severe inflammation of the chest, caused by exposure in the trenches, for about four months, and that Mrs. Seacole's medicine completely cured me in one month, and may G.o.d reward her.
”Charles Flinn, Sergt. 3rd Co. R.S.M.”
”Upper Clapton, Middles.e.x, March 2, 1856.
”Dear Madam,--Having been informed by my son, Mr. Edward Gill, of St. George's Store, Crimea, of his recent illness (jaundice), and of your kind attention and advice to him during that illness, and up to the time he was, by the blessing of G.o.d and your a.s.sistance, restored to health, permit me, on behalf of myself, my wife, and my family, to return you our most grateful thanks, trusting you may be spared for many years to come, in health of body and vigour of mind, to carry out your benevolent intention. Believe me, my dear madam, yours most gratefully,
”Edward Gill.”