Louisa May Alcott 
Hospital Sketches 

This book purports to be a record of the adventures of a spirited maiden, who served her country in the hospital with the same cheerful spirit New England girls are noted for manifesting at home. The sketches are almost a literal reproduction of Louisa May Alcott’s letters to her family and were hastily written, and with little regard to literary execution, but they are fresh and original, and, still more, they are true, and they appeared at just the time the public wanted them. Every heart was longing to hear not only from field and camp, but from the hospitals, where sons and brothers were tenderly cared for. The generous, hopeful spirit with which Miss Alcott entered into the work was recognized as that which animated the brave corps of women who answered so promptly to their country’s call, and every loyal and loving heart vibrated in unison with the strings she touched so skillfully.