Jewels from Jane - March 2
MARCH 2
March 2, 1899
Dear Rev. Mother [Agatha Guthrie]:
It does not seem possible we have been here in Matanzas two months. The time has passed so rapidly. By April we will hardly know where March is gone, too. Since my last letter to you the hospital ship came in the Bay and took on board about 14 of our sickest patients. Sickness among the soldiers seems to be increasing, but thank God, no deaths so far, and I hope our record will not be broken. Did I tell you since we came in service we have not lost a case we have cared for? So our dear Lord is good to us in more ways than one. Yesterday one battalion of the 12th New York went to Cordenis (?). The soldiers felt badly to break up the regiment, but the order came and they had to obey. The men say they will be the last volunteers on the island and they are all anxious to return home. Father Bader is still with the other two battalions that are here. The 8th Mass., the 160th Indiana and the 3rd Kentucky are expecting their discharge this week. All our sick men come from the 160 Indiana and the 3rd Kentucky. Very few sick from the 12th New York or the 8th Mass. The poor New Yorkers are detailed for every duty. All the hospital corps are putting in their application to go home. Some obtained it, others have not. They say they have enough of Cuba and want to go home and get to work. A Father Sullivan, S.J., called on us yesterday. He and the Archbishop came from Havana. The Archbishop did not have time to call to see us until he visits Matanzas again. The Sisters are all pretty well. Sr. Rudolph [Meyers] is complaining of not feeling well. She has no fever. Her pulse is good so I hope she will be all right in a few days. The two boxes sent by Express were received yesterday. The cake was lovely; all had a grand feast. Major, Doctors, Stewards, Wardmaster and ourselves had plenty. Everything was in good condition, and we all thank you a thousand times. The habit fitted Sr. Rudolph nicely. We have inspection every day lately, consequently we are busy trying to have things in good shape. We have had a visit from Mrs. Captain Lee and children, a sister of Sr. Domenica of Kansas City, last Sunday. She is with her husband in Havana. All the head Generals of the United States have been to see our hospital. You may be sure we will be well known in the country. The lady nurses at Santa Clara have also been sent home. I have not heard the reason why their contract has been annulled but I presume the same as the nurses here--making too freely with the soldiers and officers. Hope Mother Gonzaga is better. Love to all and each of the dear Sisters.
Your ever devoted child,
Sr. Liguori [McNamara]
Spanish-American War correspondence
