Diary of Mary Boykin Chesnut: June 3, 1862

Doctor John Cheves is making infernal machines in Charleston to blow the Yankees up; pretty name they have, those machines. My horses, the overseer says, are too poor to send over. There was corn enough on the place for two years, they said, in January; now, in June, they write that it will not last until the new crop comes in. Somebody is having a good time on the plantation, if it be not my poor horses.

Molly will tell me all when she comes back, and more. Mr. Venable has been made an aide to General Robert E. Lee. He is at Vicksburg, and writes, “When the fight is over here, I shall be glad to go to Virginia.” He is in capital spirits. I notice army men all are when they write.

Apropos of calling Major Venable “Mr.” Let it be noted that in social intercourse we are not prone to give handles to the names of those we know well and of our nearest and dearest. A general's wife thinks it bad form to call her husband anything but “Mr.” When she gives him his title, she simply “drops” into it by accident. If I am “mixed” on titles in this diary, let no one blame me.

Telegrams come from Richmond ordering troops from Charleston. Can not be sent, for the Yankees are attacking Charleston, doubtless with the purpose to prevent Lee's receiving reenforcements from there.

Sat down at my window in the beautiful moonlight, and tried hard for pleasant thoughts. A man began to play on the flute, with piano accompaniment, first, “Ever of thee I am fondly dreaming,” and then, “The long, long, weary day.” At first, I found this but a complement to the beautiful scene, and it was soothing to my wrought-up nerves. But Von Weber's “Last Waltz” was too much; I broke down. Heavens, what a bitter cry came forth, with such floods of tears! the wonder is there was any of me left.

I learn that Richmond women go in their carriages for the wounded, carry them home and nurse them. One saw a man too weak to hold his musket. She took it from him, put it on her shoulder, and helped the poor fellow along.

If ever there was a man who could control every expression of emotion, who could play stoic, or an Indian chief, it is James Chesnut. But one day when he came in from the Council he had to own to a break-down. He was awfully ashamed of his weakness. There was a letter from Mrs. Gaillard asking him to help her, and he tried to read it to the Council. She wanted a permit to go on to her son, who lies wounded in Virginia. Colonel Chesnut could not control his voice. There was not a dry eye there, when suddenly one man called out, “God bless the woman.”

Johnston Pettigrew's aide says he left his chief mortally wounded on the battlefield. Just before Johnston Pettigrew went to Italy to take a hand in the war there for freedom, I met him one day at Mrs. Frank Hampton's. A number of people were present. Some one spoke of the engagement of the beautiful Miss to Hugh Rose. Some one else asked: “How do you know they – are engaged?” “Well, I never heard it, but I saw it. In London, a month or so ago, I entered Mrs. –––'s drawing-room, and I saw these two young people seated on a sofa opposite the door.” “Well, that amounted to nothing.” “No, not in itself. But they looked so foolish and so happy. I have noticed newly engaged people always look that way.” And so on. Johnston Pettigrew was white and red in quick succession during this turn of the conversation; he was in a rage of indignation and disgust. “I think this kind of talk is taking a liberty with the young lady's name,” he exclaimed finally, “and that it is an impertinence in us.” I fancy him left dying alone! I wonder what they feel — those who are left to die of their wounds — alone — on the battle-field.

Free schools are not everything, as witness this spelling. Yankee epistles found in camp show how illiterate they can be, with all their boasted schools. Fredericksburg is spelled “Fredrexbirg,” medicine, “metison,” and we read, “To my sweet brother,” etc. For the first time in my life no books can interest me. Life is so real, so utterly earnest, that fiction is flat. Nothing but what is going on in this distracted world of ours can arrest my attention for ten minutes at a time.

SOURCE: Mary Boykin Chesnut, Edited by Isabella D. Martin and Myrta Lockett Avary, A Diary From Dixie, p. 172-4

Diary of Judith W. McGuire: June 2, 1862

The battle continued yesterday near the field of the day before. We gained the day! For this victory we are most thankful. The enemy were repulsed with fearful loss; but our loss was great. The wounded were brought until a late hour last night, and to-day the hospitals have been crowded with ladies, offering their services to nurse, and the streets are filled with servants darting about, with waiters covered with snowy napkins, carrying refreshments of all kinds to the wounded. Many of the sick, wounded, and weary are in private houses. The roar of the cannon has ceased. Can we hope that the enemy will now retire? General Pettigrew is missing — it is thought captured. So many others “missing,” never, never to be found! Oh, Lord, how long! How long are we to be a prey to the most heartless of foes? Thousands are slain, and yet we seem no nearer the end than when we began!!

SOURCE: Judith W. McGuire, Diary of a Southern Refugee, During the War, p. 119

Diary of Salmon P. Chase: Sunday, August 31, 1862

Much busied at Department to-day, although it is Sunday; and spent much time with the President, endeavoring to close appointments under Tax Law.

David Dudley Field called and said we had sustained a serious defeat yesterday, and that the Secretary of War wished to see me. Went to the Department and found that Genl. Pope had, in fact, been defeated partially, and had fallen back to Centreville. Fitz John Porter was not in the battle, nor was Franklin or Sumner, with whose corps the result would have probably been very different. Little fighting to-day. Clerks went out to battle-field as nurses, Mr. Harrington went with them.

SOURCE: Annual Report of the American Historical Association for the Year 1902, Vol. 2, p. 62-3

Diary of Judith W. McGuire: July 18, 1861

During the last ten days we have been visiting among our friends, near Berryville, and in Winchester. The wheat harvest is giving the most abundant yield, and the fields are thick with corn. Berryville is a little village surrounded by the most beautiful country and delightful society. Patriotism burns brightly there, and every one is busy for the country in his or her own way. It is cheering to be among such people; the ladies work, and the gentlemen — the old ones — no young man is at home — give them every facility. But Winchester, what shall I say for Winchester that will do it justice? It is now a hospital. The soldiers from the far South have never had measles, and most unfortunately it has broken out among them, and many of them have died of it, notwithstanding the attention of surgeons and nurses. No one can imagine the degree of self-sacrificing attention the ladies pay them; they attend to their comfort in every respect; their nourishment is prepared at private houses; every lady seems to remember that her son, brother, or husband may be placed in the same situation among strangers, and to be determined to do unto others as she would have others to do unto her.

War still rages. Winchester is fortified, and General Johnston has been reinforced. He now awaits General Patterson, who seems slowly approaching.

While in Winchester, I heard of the death of one who has been for many years as a sister to me — Mrs. L. A. P., of S. H., Hanover County. My heart is sorely stricken by it, particularly when I think of her only child, and the many who seemed dependent on her for happiness. She died on Saturday last. With perfect resignation to the will of God, she yielded up her redeemed spirit, without a doubt of its acceptance. In cœlo quies. There is none for us here.

We have been dreadfully shocked by the defeat at Rich Mountain and the death of General Garnett! It is the first repulse we have had, and we should not complain, as we were overpowered by superior numbers; but we have so much to dread from superior numbers — they are like the sand upon the sea-shore for multitude. Our men say that one Southern man is equal to three Yankees. Poor fellows! I wish that their strength may be equal to their valour. It is hard to give up such a man as General Garnett. He was son of the late Hon. Robert S. Garnett, of Essex County; educated at West Point; accomplished and gallant. His military knowledge and energy will be sadly missed. It was an unfortunate stroke, the whole affair; but we must hope on, and allow nothing to depress us.

I have just returned from a small hospital which has recently been established in a meeting-house near us. The convalescent are sent down to recruit for service, and to recover their strength in the country, and also to relieve the Winchester hospitals. The ladies of the neighbourhood are doing all they can to make them comfortable. They are full of enthusiasm, and seem to be very cheerful, except when they speak of home. They are hundreds of miles from wife, children, and friends. Will they ever see them again? I have been particularly interested in one who is just recovering from typhoid fever. I said to him as I sat fanning him: “Are you married?” His eyes filled with tears as he replied, “Not now; I have been, and my little children, away in Alabama, are always in my mind. At first I thought I could not leave the little motherless things, but then our boys were all coming, and mother said, ‘Go, Jack, the country must have men, and you must bear your part, and I will take care of the children;’ and then I went and ‘listed, and when I went back home for my things, and saw my children, I 'most died like. ‘Mother,’ says I, ‘I am going, and father must take my corn, my hogs, and every thing else he likes, and keep my children; but if I never get back, I know it will be a mighty burden in your old age; but I know you will do your best.’ ‘Jack,’ says she, ‘I will do a mother's part by them; but you must not talk that way. Why should you get killed more than another? You will get back, and then we shall be so happy. God will take care of you, I know He will.’” He then took a wallet from under his pillow, and took two locks of hair: “This is Peter's, he is three years old; and this is Mary's, she is a little more than one, and named after her mother, and was just stepping about when I left home.” At that recollection, tears poured down his bronzed cheeks, and I could not restrain my own. I looked at the warm-hearted soldier, and felt that he was not the less brave for shedding tears at the recollection of his dead wife, his motherless children, and his brave old mother. I find that the best way to nurse them, when they are not too sick to bear it, is to talk to them of home. They then cease to feel to you as a stranger, and finding that you take interest in their “short and simple annals,” their natural reserve gives way, and they at once feel themselves among friends.

SOURCE: Judith W. McGuire, Diary of a Southern Refugee, During the War, p. 37-40

Colonel Thomas Kilby Smith to Elizabeth Budd Smith, March 1, 1863

Headquarters Second Brigade, Second Division,

Fifteenth Army Corps, March 1, 1863.

My Dear Wife:

I am much indebted to the Sisters of St. John for their prayers in my behalf, and you must so tell them from me. Ask them to take good care of our poor wounded soldiers. We have no Sisters in this army. Is not this strange? I have seen some two or three women on the hospital boats, but they are poor concerns. Catholic Sisters would be a mercy in ministering to our hospital. No tongue can tell or mind conceive the anguish and neglect and suffering of the sick and dying soldiers in camp — and their graves! such graves! I fear from your remark of Sergeant White that he reports me as being profane. I trust not. I sometimes do get a little mad, and they say I make the fur fly, and swear the hair off the men's heads, but the recording angel sheds tears so copiously in these sad times that a few must fall on my page of errors.

I can't help being amused when I hear the officers and orderlies ask outside my tent if the old general is in, or how is the old general to-day. I think my heart and feelings are fresh yet, though they are circumscribed.

SOURCE: Walter George Smith, Life and letters of Thomas Kilby Smith, p. 278

Executive Committee Meeting

The Executive Committee of the Soldiers’ Relief Association met last evening at Putnam and Rogers’ office for the purpose of taking steps towards providing hospital accommodations for the sick and wounded, proposed to be sent her from the seat of war in Tennessee.

The dispatch from Ira M. Gifford, (mentioned elsewhere) was laid before the meeting, and the reply stated, which was to send the sick and wounded along.

Mr. Dow moved that Camp McClellan be appropriated for hospital purposes.

Mr. Collins though the committee had no right to do so.

Mr. Collins moved to amend, that a committee of five be selected to select a place for a hospital, provide for fitting it up, and report at a meeting on Tuesday, (this) evening.  Committee – Dow, Davies, Olshausen, Claussen, and Putnam.

The propriety of using Fejervary’s Block for hospital purposes was considered.  Mr. Collins and R. Langer objected, on account of improper ventilation and other inconveniences not easily overcome.

Mt. Ida College, the Main Street Church and other places were spoken of.

Mr. Claussen moved that the sum of ten dollars be appropriated for the relief of August Schulz, a soldier of the 16th regiment at home on furlough, who is in a very needy condition.  Motion. Prevailed.

On motion, G. L. Davenport and J. S. Conner, were appointed to fill the vacancies on the Surgical Committee, occasioned by the absence of Drs. Maxwell and Gamble.

Mr. Olshausen moved that Mr. Center, who is with Mr. Gifford in Tennessee, be allowed $1.00 per day as nurse.  Adopted.

Mr. Dow moved that a committee of five on providing hospital supplies be appointed – the same to be selected from outside of the Ex. Committee.  Carried.

Appointment of committee postponed until to-morrow (this) evening; and Messrs. Dow, Hills, and Lahrmann were appointed to select such committee on supplies.

Adjourned till this (Tuesday) evening at 8 o’clock.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Tuesday Morning, May 20, 1862, p. 1

Brigadier General George G. Meade to Margaretta Sergeant Meade, June 14, 1862

CAMP AT RAILROAD CROSSING OF THE CHICKAHOMINY, June 14, 1862.

After writing my last letter, I was very busy employed in loading up the vessels with my train of wagons and ambulances. We got off in good time, and after a pleasant trip down the Rappahannock, we entered the York River and ascended it and the Pamunky to the celebrated White House, the estate of General Lee's son (Turnbull's old friend). We reached the White House this morning and found great excitement existing, from the fact that the enemy had the audacity to show themselves along the line of the railroad, and finding two of our vessels in the Pamunky River, beyond the reach of any defense, they seized them, murdered the crews and burned them. This foray was accomplished, as far as I can ascertain, by some sixty or seventy mounted men, who made this bold and audacious move, having pretty certain information that being so far to the rear, we were perfectly secure and hence unguarded. The rascals were completely successful in every particular, except their attempt to capture my brigade train, which was on the road, guarded by a company of the Fourth Regiment. The company formed a line and prepared to receive the gentlemen, which caused them to hesitate and finally retire. What they did, however, made a great rumpus, and was terribly magnified by the time it reached our steamer, anchored some ten miles below the White House. As soon as I could find where my command was, I started off with my staff and escort, and the escort of General McCall, which he had left for me to bring on. I reached here about 3 P. M., and found the brigade encamped just before crossing the Chickahominy. Last night it was under orders to move forward, but the raid of the guerillas changed the programme, and Reynolds was ordered back with part of his brigade to guard the depot at the White House, and the railroad leading this way.

I have fortunately joined my command before they have been called into action, which I was a little nervous about. McClellan's headquarters are about four miles from here.

Kuhn saw Alexander Wilcox, who is here on the Sanitary Commission, and is on board a fine steamer, where, as we passed this morning, I saw numerous young ladies, in English hats, etc., very stylish, apparently having a nice time with several men. I was told this was the sanitary ship, and these were volunteer nurses. I thought at first it was a picnic.

It is all quiet in front at this hour, 6 P. M., but no one can tell when the ball may be opened by either side. I think in a day or two we shall go to the front, and then will commence the reality of war.

SOURCE: George Meade, The Life and Letters of George Gordon Meade, Vol. 1, p. 273-4

Pittsburg Landing, May 7 [1862].

MR. E. RUSSELL, Cor. Secretary Scott Co. Relief Association –

ESTEEMED SIR:  I have arrived from Hamburg general hospital.  I consented to be assigned, for the present, to the 8th ward of that institution, after having assisted Dr. Varian, post surgeon, to establish it.  I have 160 of the sick of the 2d cavalry, 5th, 10th, 3d and 17th infantry of Iowa volunteers under my care.  They are doing quite as well as we could hope for under the circumstances – have lost none, have nurses plenty, but need good cooks.  This is the mistake.  Good cooks are what is most needed in our hospitals.  Fruits, potatoes, onions, barley, whisky and lots of peppers are needed too.  Mrs. Harlan and Mrs. Burnell are here somewhere.  I believe Dr. G. is still in the 3d Iowa.  The army is advancing to-day three miles – they must fight or run, I think, this week; are skirmishing now.  The cannon are booming – it’s exciting music, but brings no terror.  The army is in excellent spirits, although much sickness is in it.  See that the good people of Davenport do not turn out promiscuously as a crowd to help here in case of a battle, but send a few working men.  I shall do all I can to keep posted as to the wants of our troops, and relieve them as far as that can be done with my means.

Yours,

A. S. MAXWELL.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Wednesday Morning, May 14, 1862, p. 1

Cairo Items

CAIRO, Feb. 19. – The Chicago Committee and Surgeons have been assigned, some to Mound City and some to Paducah.  There is no great necessity for nurses, and there is as many here now as can profitably be employed.

Another consignment of rebels will reach here to-night or to-morrow.

There is nothing later form Donelson.

The Michigan 3d Cavalry arrived here this evening from St. Louis.

From recent investigations we are enabled to state that the whole number of killed, on the part of the Federals, at the recent battle of Donelson is about [300], and in killed wounded, prisoners and missing, the number will reach 1,000.  This is reliable.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, February 22, 1862, p. 3

From Louisville

LOUISVILLE, April 10.

Telegraphic communication opened between here and Savannah, Tenn., This P. M.

Forty physicians and nurses arrived from Frankfort this evening, and immediately left on the Steamer Autocrat for Fort Donelson and Pittsburg Landing.  Several other boats with similar aid are passing down the river from this city and elsewhere.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Saturday Morning, April 12, 1862, p. 1

State Items

Great swells are reported in all the Iowa rivers.  A number of small bridges, and portions of dams have been carried away, playing mischief with telegraph poles.

A correspondent of the Waterloo Courier says that a number of Tennesseeans have joined the Iowa 12^th regiment at Savannah.

By the recent act passed by the Legislature, the Governor is authorized to appoint one assistant surgeon for each regiment now in service from this State.  The surgeons are also authorized to employ nurses to take care of the wounded.

William Geyer, of Brooklyn, met with a fatal accident in a saw mill at that place on the 1^st inst.  He was caught by the circular saw, mangling his leg frightfully, and cutting through the hip-joint, end entirely destroying about 3 inches of the bone.  He lived about forty-eight hours.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Friday Morning, April 11, 1862, p. 2

The Rush to Cairo

Immediately after the news of the battle at Fort Donelson, it is said that the rush of the humane into Cairo was overwhelming.  A single train carried in over forty cars densely packed, and was six hours behind time!  Many were anxious relatives, but the majority were intent on the relief of the soldiers.  Gen. Cullum said he was more puzzled what to do with the nurses than with the wounded.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Thursday Morning, February 27, 1862, p. 2

Medical View Of The Condition Of The Iowa Troops At St. Louis

(By D. L. McGugin, M. D., Surgeon and Medical Inspector, Benton Barracks.)

( Concluded. )

The mumps came among the men to assert their right to inflict pain and suffering and as if to cap the climax of eruptive diseases, there have been a number of cases of small pox and varioloid. From this last the regiments from Iowa have escaped thus far, and as they have all been vaccinated it is hoped they are fully protected.

It is a subject of wonder to me that so many aft attained to their majority without having contracted the measles. It is curious to observe that an equal proportion of each regiment have taken the disease, which leads me to the conclusion that vital statistics would show a certain per cent, greater than is supposed, who have never suffered from the disease, in every community.

In my desire to afford all the satisfaction in my power, I have been compelled to resort to some medical terms, the better to convey the information so much desired on the part of the people of the State. Almost every intelligent individual is, or ought to be informed in some degree of the anatomy and physiology of the lungs and of respiration and therefore will pardon me if I may not have expressed myself as plainly as I could have done. In looking over what I have written I do not see that I could have resorted to simpler terms that would have been as expressive on the conditions, with all the particular circumstances.

Such then were the chief agents in the production of so much disease and death among the soldiers, and which has startled and surprised the friends, relatives and neighbors of those who have enlisted and are now in the service. If you will but obtain a record of the sick and then compare the mortality, the latter will not appear so startling after all. For instance, in the 3d Michigan there are in quarters in one day reported to me 265 sick and in Hospital 50, and that regiment has averaged 250 in all during the past month. I have not at hand the statistics, but when they come to be examined it will be found that the result will not prove so startling after all.

And yet it is sad to witness even the amount we have had and I am free to believe that it could not be averted. The regimental hospitals, some of which are in private dwellings which were the property, in some instances, of rebel sympathizers and aiders and abettors of treason, were not calculated for hospitals, although large and fine residences. They could not be regulated very well, and it was very difficult to get the nurses to understand their duty and to perform it even when they knew it. Men nurses are not as neat nor as thoughtful as the females, either in keeping the apartments or apparel clean, or in preparing food properly for the patients. And yet, after much care and instruction they are now in such a condition as to call forth the highest encomiums from the President of the Sanitary Commission of St. Louis as regards their condition.

I have enumerated some of the diseases which in their several forms have seized upon the soldiers and have carried many of them to their silent tombs. I have seen a number stricken down with disease and die, who had fought bravely upon the battle field and escaped the balls and shot of the enemy. I witnessed a touching spectacle in which the hospital of the 7th Iowa Infantry, (Col. Lauman’s,) which had covered itself all over with the glory in the bloody struggle of Belmont. Two brave young men had languished for some weeks with pneumonia, and upon my daily visits I was particularly interested in them. They appeared to be about twenty years of age, but their countenances, although changed by disease, still wore an expression of intelligence and refinement. One day I left them without hope of recovery for them, although Surgeon Witter had exerted every effort in their behalf. Their youthful vigor had made a strong stand against disease, but they were drawn down lower and lower, until finally the great conqueror Death triumphed. Upon my visit next morning I found they had both died within an hour of each other, and their comrades were performing the sad duty of preparing them for their place in the silent sand. There they lay; their lungs had ceased to breath – the heart to propel the vital current, and all was still and death quiet and stony stillness marked their finely moulded forms: for despite their lingering illness, they still preserved more or less of the fineness of outline and symmetry of proportion which characterizes the form of youth in healthful vigor. I thought, as I looked with admiration upon their lifeless forms, what retribution was in reservation for those who had caused the necessity for such multiplied and great sacrifices. Poor fellows; I thought, too, of their mothers, sisters and friends; what great sacrifices they had made for their country, in giving these youths that our country and its institutions may be restored and perpetuated.

“They now sleep their last sleep – they have fought their last battle. No sound can awake them to glory again.”

From the spirit of the synopsis of the lecture of the reverend Gentleman, I was led to the inference that he thought a reformation was needed among the officers in the matter of caring for the men. In this I may be in error; but, if not, I deem it my duty to say that our officers displayed a most commendable interest in the well being of the men, from the lowest to the highest in command. But it was impossible for them to avoid the silent and intangible agents, which have been so potent and active in predisposing and exciting disease. – My opportunities for observation are equal to those of any other in the cantonment; and I cannot now see when I look back how these silent agencies for mischief could have been thwarted, unless the commanders of regiments had disobeyed orders, and taken their men upon some knoll, and there pitched their tents, and thus to suffer a violation of general orders making them liable to be put under arrest and tried by a court martial. Those that were sent from these barracks to the field, and the parts of regiments that had leave to erect their tents and take their quarters in them, have comparatively escaped disease, proving clearly and conclusively the correctness of my opinion, some time since embodied in a report to headquarters. Men in time of war must obey their superior officers. The Colonel has his power; the Brigadier General controls and commands him; the Major General holds the reins upon him again; while he again is subject to supreme command. It is a little despotism from beginning to end, and it is necessary that it should be so, otherwise all would be commanders and all would be leaders.

Another fact must be observed and considered, and that is, that this government has done more in the same space of time to raise, equip, and supply an army of its immense size than any nation has ever done; and that, too, under the most embarrassing circumstances. The magnitude of this work would not allow it to provide such comforts and accommodations as the majority of the men who compose it find at home. I am proud to know that the government has been able to accomplish so much, and carry out so grand a scheme. Where its management had to be entrusted to men inexperienced in military matters and the wants of the soldiers, it could not be very reasonably expected that every part would be perfect, or that every defect would be foreseen by those who are wanting in experience, for by this we learn facts which cannot be gained by any other means.

I therefore think it unfair for those who have little to do in the labor, toil, and responsibilities of so great an undertaking, to find fault when they themselves do not suffer any of the discomforts, and speak disparagingly of the conduct of others, when they know so little of the circumstances by which they are surrounded and the difficulties which they encounter. Persons enjoying the comforts of a happy home, with every blessing around them, a blazing cheerful fire in the winter’s cold to defend against the howling blasts which are provoked into “angry soughs” because they are not permitted to enter in; who sleep upon soft beds or couches of ease; who have every delicacy, and enjoy the liberty of going and coming at all hours without interruption, whose actions are free and untrammeled; who are enjoying the security purchased and preserved by the sacrifices of those in the service of their country; it is quite an easy matter for these to find fault, exaggerate, and misrepresent. – Look at the soldier! He is out early in the morning whether it rains or shines, whether it is calm or stormy, whether it is wet or dry, he must be abroad, and whatever betide he must endure it. He tramps, tramps, tramps, whether the mud be knee deep, whether it be frozen and therefore rough – whether it be a glare of sleet or ice, he must endure it until the hour comes when he is allowed to prepare his dinner, without the show of silver plate, china, fine steel knives and three pronged silver forks with napkins and their rings to boot. Tin cups and tin plates, pot-metal knives and forks, accompanied with iron spoons are refinements in the army. The sound of the bugle or the roll of the drum calls them out again, and it is drill again. The night may be passed on guard, and no matter how pitiless the storm, they must endure it, because the sleepless guardians of the night. At nine the “taps” put out the few lights, and they retire to sleep upon their hard bunks, or if in tents, upon the ground, to rise again at dawn of day to partake of their crude food, and then to drill or parade again. And yet these men complain less than those at home, and find less fault, because they know more about everything and readily understand the whole ponderous machinery.

Some of the papers in our state have belched forth invectives against the officers connected with the regiments, and in a particular manner the medical officers. I do not deny that there as some medical men in the service who dishonor it and their profession. The reason is, that they are very often selected by men who are not always competent to judge of medical acquirements. But in the main, the medical men in this cantonment will compare favorably with those in any department of the service; and most certainly they have been attentive faithful and laborious in their application to duty. I have had opportunities afforded me with their efforts, their constancy and fidelity to the trusts imposed upon them. The people should know that the surgeon of a regiment, if he [does] his duty faithfully and well, has the heaviest responsibility imposed upon him of all the officers in the army. The commander may lead his men into battle and win a victory, and have his name inscribed high in the lists of fame, yet not a word is said of the surgeon who has dressed the wounds and saved the flickering spark of life as it was fast oozing out of some torn artery or large vein. These mangled limbs, these mutilated forms have purchased the victory and paid the highest price ever paid for the fame and renown of their leader; and yet he who saves to life, the world, and their families, these precious materials, although maimed and deformed, rests from his labors and his name is not even mentioned. – “The Surgeons were busy with the wounded” is the alpha and omega of all that is said of them. They are a class of men desirable only from necessity. Officers high in command, will here their suggestions and adopt what their own limited conception of the sanitary laws may appear to them as necessary. And yet the secular world are too prone to reflect upon those who, on the one hand has to contend against a secret, and intangible enemy, who only shows that he is abroad by the number of victims shown by the way, and on the other, their hands are tied while making the attempt.

To defend the commanding officers and surgeons, and to show what causes existed for so much sickness and mortality, that the people may know and understand; have been the motives which have dictated this communication, which I regret is quite too long. I have been sure that the people did not comprehend the reason because they had been taught to know that these barracks have cost such large sums of money, and per consequence the comforts were in proportion. This should have and might have been, and yet not one officer in all these barracks had a finger in their construction.

I trust your lecturer has recounted these facts, and if he have not, because it was not in the immediate sphere of his duties, you will please give this to the people through your columns, and you will satisfy those who may confide in the views and the conclusions, and oblige.

Yours very respectfully,

D. L. McGUGIN

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Friday Morning, February 14, 1862, p. 2

NOTE: This is the second of a two part article. For its first part, please click HERE.

More Nurses Wanted

Dr. Hughes, Superintendent of the Hospital request us to state that several more good male nurses are needed for permanent employment in the Hospital. Apply at once to Dr. Hughes. – Gate City.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, May 3, 1862, p. 1

Letter From The Aid Commission

SAVANNAH, Tenn., April 17, 1862.

TO J. L. DAVIS –
Treas. Scott Co. S. A. Society:

The undersigned, surgeons and representatives of your society, in order to accomplish the objects of their mission, require four metallic cases, in which to return the bodies of the following persons killed at the battle of the 6th and 7th inst., at Pittsburg Heights, Tenn. It is too warm to remove them without such cases.

LIEUT. COMPTON, of LeClaire.
JOHN BUCKMAN, of LeClaire.
GEORGE CROOKS, of LeClaire.
Mr. MILTON, Hickory Grove.

All the sick and wounded of Iowa, that we can find, are doing well and are well taken care of. We hope to get most of them off towards home this week. Some were removed before our arrival here.

Direct as follows:

Drs. MAXWELL & GAMBLE,
Pittsburg, Tenn.
Care of Dr. Douglass.

Any communication to the same care will reach us if sent immediately.

Lindsay, Coats and Bowling, of Davenport, are here wounded, and doing well. Everything indicates an advance of our troops soon. Immense forces are on the move towards the enemy. Should another battle occur, humanity requires that Iowa should send the largest steamers here for her own citizens. The States that have done so, have done immense good. When the wounded are once on the boat, they have everything to make them comfortable. From the battle to the boat is where they suffer most.

There should be a surgeon here and at Pittsburg, to act in the name of the State as State agent, to see to the State troops and furnish them such comforts as are not provided by the General Government. A few surgeons and a large force of nurses is what is most needed in the region of a battle. A surgeon can, in one hour, teach twenty nurses how to dress gun shot wounds, and in this manner he can watch the progress of the wounds, and have time to detect the first stages of such affections as follow the injuries. One female nurse to every ten male nurses would facilitate their operations very much.

Your committee have been offered the best of positions in their possession, provided we would agree to be detailed to special duties on boats and the field; but they have repeatedly declined all such offers, being determined to fulfill our obligations to Scott county and the State at large, before entering into any contracts that might interfere with opportunities that occur to benefit Iowa troops.

We do sincerely hope, that the friends of humanity will continue to exert themselves in providing for such emergencies as we firmly believe are close at hand, and that they will heed the suggestions herein contained.

It is now raining, and I am writing under difficulties which you cannot appreciate. We are in good health. Burwell we left at Pittsburg to see to our arrangements there. – Brown is here with us.

A. S. MAXWELL,
JAS. GAMBLE.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Friday Morning, April 25, 1862, p. 1

Hospital Life In Winchester, Va.

Still there are some Union ladies even in Winchester. God bless those dear ladies! They have done everything for us they were able. Although the country around here has been fairly skinned, yet with a noble generosity, twice a day have they come around bringing baskets of provisions, coffee, tea, and other delicacies which they thought we might relish. Quite a number of them are Quakers. I have fallen in love with one elderly lady with the most beautiful silver hair, whose presence here is perfectly refreshing. She is a gay body and loves fun. Already she calls me “Cousin David” from fancied resemblance to a relation – I hope he is good looking, she says he is “clever” – and I call her “Anne Brown” I “thee” it and “thou” it much to her amusement. Yes, and we do have young lady callers too. What is still better, or just as well – some of them are by no means destitute of personal attractions. You know I have intended for some time to marry in Ohio. I am not sure but it’s a good thing for me that as soon as I get well enough to travel I am going to have a furlough for a couple of months, and am going back to the Buckeye State.

I must not forget to record the generosity of the colored people of this city, who have contributed liberally of their store for the relief of the wounded. What they have brought have usually been well timed and acceptable. This war is fast converting soldiers into Abolitionists. Everywhere we have been we have found friends in the negroes. Two colored girls have just come on and are in the room while I am writing, having brought with them custards and other nice edibles. If they wanted a passage on the Underground Railroad I am sure no Fugitive Slave Law would prevent me from aiding them. I have for years been a sort of quasi Abolitionist. Since I came to Virginia I have become a full fledged one. – This tramping around, lying in the mud, sleeping in the open air, crossing ice cold streams in the early morning and above all having a half ounce ball in my leg, is by no means favorable to conservatism. I have become a thorough radical. –{Cor. Cleveland Herald.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, April 26, 1862, p. 2