Could you Get me a Raw Onion and some Salt?
Amanda Shelton finds a starving soldier unable to eat until he asks for a raw onion and salt. She obtains both from newly arrived supplies, and he devours the onion greedily. Revived by the simple food, he steadily improves, jokes that onions “did the business,” and is later sent North.
By Annie Wittenmyer · First published 1895 · Genre: Civil War nonfiction, Historical anecdote, Humanitarian memoir · 476 words
First lines
A little company of my best workers were sent to Wilmington, N. C., in charge of my secretary, Mary Shelton, in the spring of 1865, to care for the sick being gathered there, and the half-starved prisoners being sent in for exchange.
The dangers and hardships of the journey were very great; but after many delays they finally reached there and were able to render valuable service.
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Genres
- Civil War nonfiction — The account recounts Union relief work in Wilmington, North Carolina, in spring 1865, caring for sick and starving soldiers and exchanged prisoners near the end of the American Civil War.
- Historical anecdote — It is a brief, self-contained true-life narrative centered on one memorable incident: a starving soldier recovering after receiving a raw onion and salt.
- Humanitarian memoir — The narrator describes the wartime service of her relief workers, emphasizing compassionate nursing, aid distribution, and personal sacrifice.
- War literature — Its setting, conflict, and emotional force arise from the physical deprivation and aftermath of war, particularly the suffering of soldiers and prisoners.
Tags
American Civil War · 1865 · Wilmington, North Carolina · military hospital · Union prisoners of war · starvation · war relief work · women nurses · humanitarian aid · sick soldiers · prisoner exchange · food as medicine
What this Textopian page supports
Could you Get me a Raw Onion and some Salt? is listed on Textopian as a historical account by Annie Wittenmyer, dated 1895 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Historical account
- Author: Annie Wittenmyer
- Date: 1895 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Civil War nonfiction, Historical anecdote, Humanitarian memoir, War literature, Medical history
- Length: 476 words
- Structure: 1 section, 13 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
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- Work identity for Could you Get me a Raw Onion and some Salt? by Annie Wittenmyer
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