THE SOLDIER'S FRIEND. released perhaps from punishment, but thrown upon the world penniless, and with the hand of crime upon them. He determined to aid and improve them. He accepted the help of a volunteer, a friend of Madame Fliedner, and the good work was begun in the summer of 1833. Before the year ended he had received nine penitents ; and three years later a hospital was established in the manu- factory which had first attracted the small flock of Protestants to Iiaiserwerth, and which was then vacant. The beginning of this Institution that was destined, through the Divine blessing, to be of so much benefit, was but small; one patient, one nurse, and a cook. In the first year seven nurses volun- teered to give their services, and they were submitted to a trial for six months ; during this year sixty patients were taken care of, and the women were thus trained in the treatment of various maladies by experience." From Germany Miss Nightingale returned to the happiness of home, the love of her parents and sis- ter, and to the fresh, free air of Derbyshire and Hampshire, in order to recruit her health. But her sympathy and energy were speedily enlisted on be- half of the Hospital for Sick Governesses, established in Harley Street, London, which was languishing for want of proper management, and judicious support. She was appealed to for aid. Most young and wealthy ladies in such a case would have given a handsome donation to assist the institution. With 11
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