than an hour, he lost no part of his self-control or good humour.  So by his eloquence and kindness he made more impression upon us than any before.  As Congregationalist he well knew the courts of the temple, but the Holy of Holies he had never seen, and knew nothing of its secrets.  He understood expediency; but is not the man to “lay down his life for my sake.”  He is sincere and seems to think what Major Gould believes cannot be far from right.  After his attempt we remained as firm as ever.  We must expect all means will be tried upon us, and no less persuasion than threats.

AT THE HOSPITAL, 7th. [9th month.]—­Yesterday morning came to us Major Gould again, informing us that he had come to take us out of that dirty place, as he could not see such respectable men lying there, and was going to take us up to the hospital.  We assured him we could not serve there, and asked him if he would not bring us back when we had there declared our purpose.  He would not reply directly; but brought us here and left us.  When the surgeon knew our determination, he was for haling us back at once; what he wanted, he said, was willing men.  We sat on the sward without the hospital tents till nearly noon, for some one to take us back; when we were ordered to move into the tents and quarters assigned us in the mess-room.  The Major must have interposed, demonstrating his kindness by his resolution that we should occupy and enjoy the pleasanter quarters of the hospital, certainly if serving; but none the less so if we declined.  Later in the day L.M.M. and P.D. were sitting without, when he passed them and, laughing heartily, declared they were the strangest prisoners of war he ever saw.  He stopped some time to talk with them and when they came in they declared him a kind and honest man.

If we interpret aright his conduct, this dangerous trial is over, and we have escaped the perplexities that his kindness and determination threw about us.

13th.—­Last night we received a letter from Henry Dickinson, stating that the President, though sympathizing with those in our situation, felt bound by the Conscription Act, and felt liberty, in view of his oath to execute the laws, to do no more than detail us from active service to hospital duty, or to the charge of the coloured refugees.  For more than a week have we lain here, refusing to engage in hospital service; shall we retrace the steps of the past week?  Or shall we go South as overseers of the blacks on the confiscated estates of the rebels, to act under military commanders and to report to such?  What would become of our testimony and our determination to preserve ourselves clear of the guilt of this war?

P.S.  We have written back to Henry Dickinson that we cannot purchase life at cost of peace of soul.

14th.—­We have been exceeding sorrowful since receiving advice—­as we must call it—­from H.D. to enter the hospital service or some similar situation.  We did not look for that from him.  It is not what our Friends sent us out for; nor is it what we came for.  We shall feel desolate and dreary in our position, unless supported and cheered by the words of those who have at heart our best interests more than regard for our personal welfare.  We walk as we feel guided by Best Wisdom.  Oh, may we run and not err in the high path of Holiness.