SANITARY COMMISSION, REPORTS ON THE OPERATIONS OF THE INSPECTORS AND RELIEF AGENTS OP THE SANITARY COMMISSION, AFTER THE BATTLE OF FREDERICKSBURG, DECEMBER 13, 1862, BY J. II. DOUGLAS, M. D.« ASSOCIATE SECRETARY SAN, COM., AMD C. W. BRINE, M. D., INSPECTOR SAN. COM. NEW YORK: WM. C. BRYANT «fc CO., PRINTERS, 41 NASSAU ST., Coo. LIBERTY. 1863. REPORT OF DR. DOUGLAS. F. L. Olmsted, Esq., General Secretary, Sanitary Commission : Sir,—The report of the *« Battle of Fredericksburg," Dec. 13, was brought to us by telegraph the night of the battle. The next morning a propeller was chartered, laden with stores, and with a special relief party, consisting of Dr. II. G. Clark, Dr. S. C. Foster, Dr. Swalm, Dr. Ilomiston, Mr. Elliott, Mr. Abbott, and Mr. Walter, all connected with the Commission, and, with Rev. Mr. Channing, Mr. Page, Mr. Hall, and Mr. Webster, volunteers, I started at evening for the front. The regular force of the Commission stationed with the army of the Potomac at the time of the battle consisted of Drs. Andrew and Smith, Inspectors of the Commission,, with Messrs. Haywood, Peverly, and Clampitt, relief agents ; Dr. Smith having accom- panied it in its march from Harper's Ferry and Warrenton Junction, and Dr. Andrew, the senior Inspector on the Atlantic coast, being in general charge. Our floating depot, the pro- peller Elizabeth, with an efficient crew and well provided with Btorcs. was at the Acquia landing when the battle commenced. The regular party had been reinforced previous to our arrival by our Inspector, Dr. Brink, Mr. H. II. Furness, Mr. W, S. Wood, and Mr. Peck. Mr. W. H. Furness and Mr. Lambdin joined us two days after. As soon as the movement for the crossing of the river was made, Dr. Andrew, Mr. Wood, and Mr. Clampitt proceeded to 4 the front from Acquia, visited the field hospitals on the Fal- mouth side of the river, which had been organized in anticipa- tion of a battle, and distributed several wagon loads of stores. After our forces had gained possession of the city, by the successful crossing of the river on the 11th, these hospitals were abandoned and others established in the churches and dwelling- houses of the town, being nearer to the scene of the expected contest. This came on the 13th, and to these hastily prepared hospitals the wounded of that day's fight were removed. On the following Monday these buildings were, in turn, vacated, the wounded removed to the former field hospitals on the Fal- mouth side of the river. We reached Acquia landing with our extra supplies at day- break on Monday, and all of the party, with the exception of Mr. Abbott, Mr. Murray, and myself were immediately sent forward. They arrived in Fredericksburg to assist in the re- moval of the wounded to the field hospitals. Two wagons which we had brought from Washington were filled with stores and pushed on. Mr. Abbott, Mr. Murray, and myself accompanied them. Owing to the condition of the roads, the entanglement of our Wiigons in an ambulance train, and the overturning of one of them, night found us on the road. We were obliged to bivouac, and did not reach the front till the next morning in the midst of a severe rain-storm. It was dur- ing this stormy night that the army, with a small remaining portion of the wounded, was withdrawn from Fredericksburg. The wounded w.re all placed in tents, and, under the circum- stances, were well cared for. Our camp had been located near the Phillips House by Dr. Andrew as being the most central position, and it was here that I found all of our corps, both those who had come forward the day before and those who had preceded us. Immediately upon my arrival Tuesday morning a thorough 5 inspection of the whole field was undertaken, the labor was divided, and special duty assigned to each individual of the party. By noon all of the hospitals where the wounded were congregated had been visited, and the surgeons informed of our presence and the location of our depot of supplies. Dr. Brink, after visiting the hospitals in the vicinity of General Burnside's headquarters, and those which had been opened in Fredericksburg, and upon consultation with the Surgeon-General and the Medical Director of the Army of the Potomac, telegraphed to Acquia Creek for special supplies, so that we were completely ready to meet the demands of the occasion ; and from that time till the wounded were all removed to general hospitals, the receipt and issues were steady and unintermitting. The scene at our field station was a busy one. Could the contributors to the stores and the treasury of the Commission have heard the fervent expressions of grateful relief; could they have seen the comfort which their bounty afforded our brave wounded; could they realize by actual intercourse with the wounded, the suffering from for instance, cold alleviated by the abundant supply of blankets which their bounty had provided; could they have observed the change produced when the soiled and bloody garments were replaced by clean and warm clothing which they had sent, they would be eager to replenish our storehouses and keep our hands filled with the means to accom- plish these purposes. Early Tuesday morning, the rain subsided, the sun appeared, and the weather became clear and cold. The wounded were for the most part placed in hospital tents, upon a plentiful sup- ply of hay. Blankets had to repair the absence of stoves, which, by some singular mistake, had arrived in a condition not to be used, the necessary stove-pipe not being included in the ship- ment. The supply in the hands of the Purveyor soon became 6 exhausted from the unusual demands made upon him on account of the severity of the weather. Fortunately we were enabled to supplement his stores, and to answer his calls upon us from the reserve of 1,800 blankets, and over 900 quilts which we had sent forward. Many of these were employed in covering the wounded during the period of their transportation by car and steamboat from the field hospitals to the general hospitals at Washington. It is with a deep feeling of gratitude that I have also to re- port that the last sad office could be paid to the dead, with an approach to the ceremonies of civil life, through the stores placed by us at the disposal of the surgeons of the hospitals. The comfort of the wounded, and the result of the treatment of their wounds, were materially affected by the change of cloth- ing provided by us. We had been able to get up to our field station 5,642 woolen shirts, 4,439 pairs woolen drawers, 4,269 pairs socks, and over 2,500 towels, among other articles. These were liberally distributed wherever the surgeons of hospitals indicated that there was a need. Certain articles of hospital furniture of which there was a comparatively greater want than of anything else, were freely obtained by all surgeons at our station. Stimulants, I am happy to say, were in great abun- dance among the Purveyor's stores, so that the calls upon us were few. The same was generally true of food, and positively so of all kinds of medicinal articles which at other battles have been furnished by us. Nothing of the kind was asked for. In the article of food alone, we issued in one week, solely to hospi- tals, 16 barrels of dried fruit, 10 boxes of soda biscuit, 6 barrels of crackers, nearly 1,000 pounds of concentrated milk. The beef-stock we had brought up, was, I am again happy to say, not needed, there being a bountiful provision among the hos- pital stores, and fresh beef at command at all times, and in any quantity. As rapidly as the wounded were attended to, and put in a condition for safo transportation, they were removed from the^ field hospitals to the general hospitala in Washington and Point Lookout. The removal was effected by ambulance or stretcher to the cars, by car to the landing at Acquia Creek, and thence to Washington by steamboat. The principal battle occurred on the 13th December, and on the 25th the last of the wounded were removed. The floors of both cars and boats were well covered with fresh hay, and in addition to this, the severely wounded had mattrasses or bed-sacks. In order to meet whatever demands might arise for the proper sustenance of the wounded while on this trying journey, Mr. Knapp, our special relief agent, was despatched from Washing- ton to Acquia Creek to provide suitable accommodations for fur- nishing food or shelter at tli^t point. A kitchen was impro- vized upon the landing, and the first night meals were provided for <300 wounded brought down by the cars. Mr. Knapp was cordially assisted in this humane work by several members of the Christian Commission who were present at that place. Through the cordial co-operation of the Quartermaster of the Port, Mr. Knapp had a building erected adjoining our portable storehouse, which affords shelter and a good bed to nearly 100 every ni^ht. Our field operations have gradually diminished with the re- moval of the wounded. The details of the number of articles received and issued, the hospital to which they were issued, with the quantity in each case, and the acknowledgment of the suro-eon, together with the account of the stock on hand on the *4th "St., I beg leave to present in the accompanying schedule. Our supplies were brought up from Acquia Creek in every case in charge of a special messenger. By the schedule it will be seen that all the division hospitals were visited and supplies fur- nished to them on requisition. Besides this, supplies were also 8 i issued to a number of brigade hospitals, and to over 50 regimental hospitals previous to my leaving on the 24th December. The issue to regimental and brigade hospitals, was continued by Dr. Andrew after my departure, an account of which will be here- after furnished. I cannot close my report without referring to the organiza- tion of the medical corps of the army during and subsequent to the last battle. The plan proposed by the medical director of the army of the Potomac, in his circular of October 30th7 was first successfully carried into operation at this time. I can give no better idea of this plan, than by quoting from the circular itself. Headquarters Akmy of the Potomac, ^ Med. Director's Office, Oct. 30th, 1862. J In order that the wounded may receive the most prompt and efficient attention during and after an engagement, and that the necessary operations may be performed by the most skilful and responsible surgeons at the earliest moment, the following instructions are issued for the guidance of the Medical Staff of this Army ; and Medical Directors of Corps will see that they are promptly carried into effect: Previous to an engagement there will be established in each Corps a Hospital for each Division, the position of which will be selected by the Medical Director of the Corps. The organization of this Hospital will be as follows: ' 1st. A Surgeon in charge. One Assistant-Surgeon to provide food, shelter, &c. One Assistant Surgeon to keep the records, &c. 2d. Three Medical Officers to perform operations. Three Medical Officers as Assistants to each of these officers. 3d. Additional Medical Officers and Hospital Stewards and Nurses of the Division. 9 The surgeon in charge will have general superintendence, and be responsible to the Surgeon-in-Chief of the Division for the proper administration of the Hospital. The Surgeon-in-Chief of division will detail one Assistant Sur- geon, who will report to, and be under the immediate orders of the surgeon in charge, and whose duties shall be to pitch the hos- pital tents and provide straw, fuel, water, blankets, &c.; and when houses are used, to put them in proper order for the re- ception of wounded. This Assistant Surgeon will, when this shall have been accomplished, at once organize a kitchen, using for this purpose the hospital mess-chest, and the kettle, tins, &c, in the ambulances. The supplies of beef-stock, and bread in the ambulances, and of arrow root, tea, &c, in the hospital wagon, will enable him to prepare quickly a sufficient quantity of palatable and nourishing food. All the cooks, and such of the hospital stewards and nurses as may be necessary, will be placed under his orders for these purposes. He will detail another Assistant Surgeon, whose duty it shall be to keep a complete record of every case brought to the hos- pital, giving the name, rank, company, and regiment, the seat and character of injury, the treatment, the operation if any be performed, and the result; which will be transmitted to the Medical Director of the Corps, and by him sent to this office. This officer will also see to the proper interment of those who die, and that the grave be marked with a head-board, with the name, rank, company, and regiment, legibly inscribed thereon. He will make out two " tabular statements of wounded," which the Surgeon in-Chief of Division will transmit within thirty six hours after a battle ; one to this office, (by a special messenger, if necessary,) and the other to the Medical Director of the Corps to which the hospital belongs. There will be selected from the Division by the Surgeon-in- Chief, under the direction of the Medical Director of the Corps, three medical officers, who will be the operating staff of the hospital, with whom will rest the immediate responsibility of the performance of all important operations. In all doubtful cases they will consult together, and a majority shall decide upon the expediency and character of the operation. These officers will be selected from the division without regard to rank, 10 but solely on account of their known prudence, judgment, and skill. The Surgeon-in-Chief of the division is enjoined to be specially careful in the selection of these officers, choosing only those who have distinguished themselves for surgical skill, sound judgment, and conscientious regard for the highest inter- est of the wounded. There will be detailed three medical officers to act a3 assistants to each one of these officers, who will report to him and act entirely under his direction. It is suggested that one of these assistants be selected to ad- minister the anaesthetic. Each operating surgeon will be pro- vided with an excellent table from the hospital wagon, and; with the present organization for field hospitals, it is hoped that the confusion and the delay in performing the necessary opera- tions so often existing after a battle will be avoided, and all operations hereafter be primary. The remaining medical officers of the division, except one to each regiment, will be ordered to the hospital to act gene- rally as assistants and dressers. Those who follow regiments to the field will establish them- selves, each one at a temporary depot, at such a distance or situation in the rear of his regiment as will insure safety to the wounded, where they will give sueh aid as is immediately required ; and they are here reminded that whilst no personal consideration should interfere with their duty to the wounded, the grave responsibilities resting upon them render any unne- cessary exposure improper. The Surgeon-in-Chief of the Division will exercise general supervision, under the Medical Director of the Corps, over the medical affairs in his division. He will see that the officers are faithful in the performance of their duties in the hospital, and upon the field, and that, by the Ambulance Corps, which has heretofore been so efficient, the wounded are removed from the field carefully and with dispatch. Whenever his duties permit, he will give his professional service at the hospital, and will order to the hospital, as soon as located, all the hospital wagons of the brigades, the hospital tents and furniture, and all the hospital stewards and the nurses. He will notify the captain commanding the Ambulance Corps, or if this be im- 11 practicable, the first lieutenant commanding the division ambu- lances, of the location of the Hospital. No medical officer will leave the position to which he shall have been assigned without permission; and any officer so doing will be reported to the Medical Director of the Corps, who will report the facts to this office. Medical Directors of Corps will apply to their Commanders on the eve of a battle for the necessary guard, and men for fatigue duty. This guard will be particularly careful that no stragglers be allowed about the hospital, using the food, &c, prepared for the wounded. No wounded will be sent away from any of these Hospitals without authority from this office. Previous to an engagement a detail will be made by Medical Directors of Corps, of the proper number of medical officers, who will, should a retreat be found necessary, remain and take care of the wounded. This detail the Medical Directors will request the Corps Commanders to announce in orders. The skilful attention shown by medical officers of this army to the wounded upon the battle-fields of South Mountain, Crampton's Gap, and Antietam, under trying circumstances, gives the assurance that, with this organization, the Medical Staff of the Army of the Potomac can with confidence bo relied upon under all emergencies to take the charge of the wounded entrusted to its care. Jona. Letterman, Surg, and Med. Director. From Dr. Brink's report accompanying this, it will be seen that in every division this plan was the one pursued after the battle of Fredericksburg. Having witnessed the operations of the medical department upon various fields in the East and the West, I cannot but express my admiration of the " prompt and efficient manner" with which the whole arrangement was car- ried out, to the honor of the medical corps, the advancement of science, and the credit of humanity. The Ambulance Corps, as at present organized, has proved a success. Composed entirely of enlisted men, it is subject to the 12 same regulations which govern all soldiers. Already an esprit du corps has arisen among them, and each division vies with the other for the palm of efficiency. It is recorded that a cap- tain and sergeant of the corps attached to General Franklin's Grand Division lost their lives in the discharge of their duty ; that the stretcher bearers pushed forward even to the skirmish- ers, and that their zeal in the performance of their tasks was unparalleled in the history of this war. One great benefit of this thorough organization was particu- larly apparent at the time of the removal of the wounded from the hospitals. Trains of ambulances arrived at the station and departed in order, the wounded were transferred from ambu- lance to car with ease and care, and the whole machinery moved with the regularity of a well-appointed corps. In most instances the wounded were accompanied to Wash- ington by their own surgeons. This was particularly true of the more serious cases. At Acquia Creek Dr. Warren Webster, U. S. A., had charge of the transportation, and everything was done by him to secure the well-being of the wounded. Extra clothing from our storehouse was placed at his disposal to meet any deficiencies. The watchful care, the cautions solicitude of the surgeons, and the general kind attention of nurses and attendants, should not be passed without notice. Individual cases there were, where, from constitutional indifference or inherent slothfulness, the medical officers or the attendants were derelict of duty, but these instances were rare, so infrequent, indeed, as not to affect the general opinion that no battle since the war commenced has found the medical corps so fully prepared for every emergency, or has witnessed such prompt, careful, and judicious performance of the necessary operations, such comparative immunity from suf- fering occasioned by a deficiency or absence of supplies. Too much credit cannot be accorded to Surgeon Letterman for the 13 persistency with which he has inaugurated and carried out the present efficient plan of field division hospitals after a batle. Much has been said of the demoralization of the army. I have seen no evidence of it. It does not exist in the constitu- tion of the men of our climate to be turned back from any under- taking by one check, or to be disheartened even by a series of obstacles. Their temperament as men is not changed by their discipline as soldiers. If signs are to be believed, the Army of the Potomac to-day is, in firmness of purpose, in discipline, in soldierly qualities, stronger than ever, and more determined to merit by its deeds the high trust and confidence reposed in it by the country. The observations upon this subject made by Dr. Brink, whose opportunities and experience in Europe and South America give thcrn peculiar value, so well express my own views, that I shall take the liberty to quote them from his report: " The general health of the troops is good; and with refer- ence to their morale, after the battle, I have the testimony of experienced officers, in corroboration of my own opinion, that the army today is equal to any in the world. In their midst one feels that he is in an army of soldiers. The privations of the camp, the trench, the rapid advance, and the hurried re- treat, and all the hardships of a winter's campaign, have in- creased their powers of endurance, strengthened their courage, and transformed raw recruits into resolute veterans. "The recent terrible conflict has left their courage unshaken, and their confidence in their leaders is firm. Cheerfully per- forming the duties of the soldier, even the new regiments are becoming perfect in discipline. Instead of demoralization, they possess the moral qualifications necessary to ensure speedy and complete victory." Respectfully, J. II. Douglas. M. D. Assoc. Sec San. Com. Washington, Dec. 21*, 1SG2. 14 REPORT OF DR. BRINK. Washington, D. C, Dec. 2 9th, 1862. Feed. Law Olmsted, Esq., Secretary " U. S. Sanitary Commission :" Sir,—On the 13th December, intelligence having been re- ceived of the successful passage of the Rappahannock by the army under General Burnside, I received instructions to pro- ceed to the field, and aid in forwarding the labors of the Com- mission. Accompanied by Mr. II. H. Furness, I left Washington on the morning of the 14th inst., and the following day reached the field before Fredericksburg. The attempt to storm the works of the enemy on the 13th resulted in a repulse, attended by great loss in killed and wounded. On the following Sunday and Monday, the entire army—beaten, but not dispirited—occupied the town, which, lying under the guns of the enemy, was completely at his mercy. An immediate attack was feared; indeed whilst there, whither, accompanied by Mr. Elliott, we had gone to visit the hospitals, the enemy commenced throwing shell into the city. Many of the wounded had been removed to the Falmouth side of the river, in anticipation of the evacuation of Frede- ricksburg by our forces; and those that remained were being hurried away, our reluctant retreat being hastened by these demonstrations of the enemy. Favored during the night of the 15th inst. by a providential storm, the retreat was successfully made without resistance, and 15 without loss of men or property ; and the gallant army, having precipitated itself against the fortified heights in the rear of the city, was hurled back and almost miraculously saved from destruction. Thus has occurred a repetition of defeat, which has again and again arrested the march of our army towards the rebel capital; and thus is written another brief and bloody chapter in the history of the great rebellion. In anticipation of the battle, which, it was hoped, would drive the enemy from his entrenchments, ample preparations were made for the distribution of supplies to tht wounded, upon the field, if necessary ; and in the hospitals. From the depot, in charge of Dr. Andrews, at Acquia. Creek, stores had been sent forward to the front, and on my arrival opposite Fredericksburg, I found the work of relieving the wants of thousands of sufferers already begun. It was not, how- ever, until the arrival, on the following day, of Dr. Douglas, that the operations were organized, and the labor of the corps systematized and made thoroughly efficient. Then began the busy scenes so often re-enacted at the depots of the Commission near battle-fields—the most direct and effi- cient means that have yet been devised for succoring and saving the wounded being vigorously prosecuted, under the direction of Dr. Douglas, by a large corps of earnest operators. The re- cently organized hospitals were visited, and supplied with ne- cessaries not provided by the medical department of the army. Food, clothing—woolen shirts, drawers, and socks—blankets, lint bandages, hospital and kitchen utensils—were liberally dis- pensed, and assistance was otherwise rendered to the wounded. On no previous occasion has the accumulated wealth of the Commission been more liberally and judiciously bestowed for the relief of our brave soldiers: never before has there been so universal a recognition and acknowledgment by the medical 16 department of the purposes of the Commission and of their value. In order to appreciate fully the field of labor and its results, it is necessary to refer to the hospital organizations to which supplies were furnished. The Army of the Potomac, of which Dr. Letterman is Med- ical Director, has three Grand Divisions—the Right, Centre, and Left—under the command respectively of Generals Hooker, Sumner, and Franklin. The Grand Divisions have each two corps, consisting of three divisions : each corps having its medical director, and each divi- sion its own hospital, under his supervision, and in charge of a surgeon. Thus there were, in all, 18 division hospitals, either consoli- dated or independent; and these were all visited and their wants supplied. The following tabular list of Division Hospitals, embracing all in the army, were visited by myself; Dr. Swallm having undertaken to visit and report upon those of General Franklin's: Grand Division.* * In obtaining tlie data included in the following notes, which were for our guidance in the ordering forward and in the distribution of stores, we were obliged to take such information as was at our command. Of course, the reports of the hospitals were not, in all instances, made out at the early date of our application. The reports of the Surgeons of the Division Hospitals, it is right fur us to say, were afterwards completed, and sent in to the Medical Director of the Army of the Potom- ac. The same is true of the estimated casualties of the battle. The figures given in this report are the early estimates, and are not to be considered official. 'Ihev are given here to show the plan pursued by the Inspectors of the Commission in ascertaining the necessities of the hospitals, and the proximate amount and character of stores ruo»t needed. 1). ,fe u. Id Maj. Gen. Burn side, Commanding Army of the Potomac. Dr. Jona. Letterman, Medical Director. Maj. Gen. Franklin, Left Grand Division. Dr. O'Leary, Medical Director. Maj. Gen. Hooker, Centre Grand Division. Dr. Moore, Medical Director. Maj. Gen. Sumner, Right Grand Division. Dr. Dougherty, Medical Director. Gen. Smith's Corps, Dr. O'Leary, Medical Director. Gen. Reynolds' Corps. Dr. Hurd, Medical Director. Gen. Butterfield's Corps. Dr. Cregg, Medical Director. Gen. Stoneman's Corps. Dr. Everts, Medical Director. ' Gen. Couch's Corps. Dr. Taylor, Medical Director. Gen. Wilcox's Corps. Dr. O'Connel, Medical Director. 1st. Division.—Gen. Brocks, 2d. " Gen. Howe. 3d. " Gen. Newton, 1st. Division.—Gen. Doubleday. 2d. " Gen. Gibbons, 3d. " Gen. Meade. 1st. Division.—Gen. Griffin. 2d. " Gen. Sykes. 3d. " Gen. Humphreys, 1st. Division.—Gen. Birney. 2d. " Gen. Whipple. 3d. " Gen. Sickles. 1st. Division.—Gen. Hancock. 2d. " Gen. Howard. 3d. " Gen. French. 1st. Division.—Gen. Burns. 2d. " Gen. Sturgis. 3d. " Gen. Getty. 18 The following six Division Hospitals of Gen. Franklin's Grand Division were visited by me less frequently than those of the other two Grand Divisions. Their reports were less full and they were earliest broken up, their wounded being all re- moved. DIVISION HOSPITALS. Gen. Smith's Corps. First Division Hospital—{Gertl Brooks'.) Dr. Ballou, Division Surgeon and Surgeon in Charge. Situated near the river, 2£ miles (about) from the Phillips House, oppo- site Fredericksburg. Wounded in tents. Was organized December 11th, 1862, by Dr. Ballou, Surgeon in Charge. Medical Corps consists of 3 Operating Surgeons and 9 Assistant Operat- ing Surgeons, 1 Recording Surgeon, 1 Steward. Admitted, Discharged, XT , Died f rePort made Remaining, Supplies from Medical Purveyor, ample. Deficiencies—stores, blankets, clothing. Will send requisitions to Com- mission. All the wounded were sent away on the inst. In this hospital there were also sick. Second Division Hospital—(General Howe's.) Dr. Wateehouse relieved by Dr. Wynkoop, Division Surgeon. Situated near General Franklin's Head-quarters. Organized Dec. 11th, by Dr. Ballou. Medical Corps not fully organized. Admitted, ~\ Died r*6 ' f ^ePorts not ma■ No report. Died, ) Remaining—about 306 wounded. Supplies—not sufficient. Deficient in stimulants; have no wine. Patients are all to be removed. Was recommended to send requisition to the depot of the " Commis- sion." Second Division Hospital—(General Gibbons'.) Dr. Wurdgrist, Division Surgeon in Charge. Situated near the First Division Hospital (in tents.) Organized by Medical Director, Dec. 11th. Medical Corps complete. Admitted, 1 Discharged. \ Not reported. Died, ) Remaining—about 1,000, all wounded. Supplies not sufficient. Will call upon the Commission. 20 Third Division Hospttal—(General Meade's.) Dr. Philips, Division Surgeon in Charge. Situated near the above. Organized by Medical Director, Dec. I lth. Medical corps, Admitted, Discharged, Died, Remaining—500 wounded. Supplies very deficient. Need blankets, woolen clothing, stimulants, dressiug, lint, bandages, urinals, cnps, &c. Will send requisition to the Commission, but the wounded are to be removed as soon as possible. Gen. Butterfield's Corps. First Division Hospital—(General Griffin's.) Dr. Owens, Medical Director. Dr. Churchill, Division Surgeon in Charge. Situated near the Phillips House in a valley, to the right (in tents). Organized on the 13th Dec, first in Fredericksburg, aud removed on the 15th to its present site, by Dr. Little, under instructions of Dr. Cregg, Medical Director of Gen. Butterfield's Corps. Medical Corps. This was full and was organized agreeably to the order °f the Medical Director of the Army of the Potomac. (A list of the names of the Medical Officers was given, but is lost.) Admitted, 336. Discharged, 160. (63 slightly wounded were returned to their regiments.) Died, 20. Remaining, 87. Supplies are more adequate to meet the wants of the wounded than ever before. DeBcient only in stores, blankets, and woolen clothing; there was a large supply offered by the Medical Purveyor. Dr. Churchill received additional supplies, for which he se#>t requisitions to the Commission. Not reported. 21 Second Division Hospital—(Gen. Sykes'.) Dr. Ramsey, Division Surgeon. From this Hospital all the wounded had been removed when I visited it Third Division—(Gen. Humphreys'.) Dr. McKinney, (acting) Medical Director. Dr. Martin, Surgeon in Charge. Situated about 1 mile west of the 9th Army Corps Hospital. Organized 13th Dec, in Fredericksburg, and removed across the river on 15th by the Medical Directors. Medical Corps—complete. The Hospital, 128 wouuded. The 3d Division has another hospital containing 450 sick, in charge of Dr. Cobb. These, and the 1st Division Hospital, (Gen. Griffiu's) are to be consol- idated. The wounded to be immediately removed, Supplies of every kind are said to be sufficient. Will send requisitions to the depot to meet the wants of the sick. Deficient in utensils—such as are usually furnished by the Quartermaster. All the above Division Hospitals are in tents. General Stoneman's Corps. First Division Hospital—(Gen. Birney's.) Dr. Hunkers, Division Surgeon in Charge. Situated at the White House, U- miles back of Falmouth, off the Belle- plaine road. Organized Dec. 9th, (before the battle) by Dr. Hunkers. Medical Corps. There were no regularly appointed operators, but Dr. O'Meagher, surgeon of the 37th N. Y. V., had charge of the operations. 6 22 assistants were appointed. Have had operators from Robinson's Brigade to assist Dr. O'Meagher. Dr. Cummins, Recorder. Mr. Townsend, Steward. Admitted, (about) 1000. Discharged, (about) 800. Died, 15. Remaining, 168. Supplies have been ample from the Medical Purveyor. Deficient only in blankets and warm clothing. Have sent to the depot of the Commission for them. Second Division Hospital.—(Gen. Whipple's.) Dr. Jameson, (acting) Medical Director. Dr. Hayes, Surgeon in Charge. Situation near the R. R., near the station adjoining Dougherty Hospital Organized Dec. 16th, (had hospital organized) in Fredericksburg on the 13th, by Dr. Jameson. Drs. Thompson, 1 Hoop, > Operators. Sane, ) 3 Assistants each. Mr. Hilts, Recorder. Messrs. Hunt and Shaw, Stewards. Admitted, 75. Discharged, 63. Died, 12. Remaining, none. The Hospital is being broken up. (Dec. 19.) Supplies have been am- ple. Reserved hospital stores were on hand in the Brigade Hospital. De- ficiency in woolen clothing and blankets were made up from the stores of the Commission. Medical Corps < 23 Third Division Hospital—(General Sickles'.) Dr. Simes, Medical Director. Dr. Irving, Surgeon in Charge. Situation—The " Fitzhugh House," on the Belleplaine road. Organized (at first only as a depot for wounded) on the 10th Decem- ber, by Dr. Simes. f Drs. Calhoun, } McLane, > Operating Surgeons. Medical Corps •{ Merrow, ) j Nine Assistant Surgeons. (_ Dr. Munroe, Recorder. Admitted, 309 (both sick and wounded): 94 wounded, and only 54 severely. Report of discharged and died not made out. Remaining, 54, to be sent away. Supplies more abundant than usual. Deficient only in blankets and clothing. Have received supplies from Commission. First Division Hospital—(General Hancock's.) Dr. Knight, Division Surgeon. Dr. Houston, Surgeon in Charge. Situated near the Railroad, to the right of the Fhillips House. Organized December 15 th, by Dr. Taylor. ' Drs. Wood, "1 Scolds, f°Perators' Medical Corps ' • • t- Reports not made. Remaining, J l Supplies more full than ever before, yet have drawn freely upon the stores of the Commission for clothing, &c, to increase the comfort of the patients. At this Hospital it was reported that there was great neglect on the part of Assistants, whose duty it was to attend to dressing. There was also great deficiency of hay and straw with which to fill bed-sacks. The Lacy House Hospital. Dr. Dyer, Surgeon in Charge. This is a Branch of the Second Division Hospital. Situated upon the high bank overlookingXhe river, opposite Fredericksburg. Organized December 11th, by Dr. Dyer. f Drs. Hay ward, ) Morton, >■ Operating Surgeons. Medical Corps \ K. R.ize.'\ J 1 • .Nine Assistant burgeons. Dr. Prentice, Recorder. ^ Mr. Barrow, Steward. Admitted, 280. Discharged, 50. Reports not made of deaths or the number remaining. Supplies were very insufficient. Had to wait for three days for neces- sary cooking and other utensils. Stoves, blankets, and clothing very much needed. Requisitions have been sent to the Field Station of the Commission, and filled. 25 Medical Corps < Third Division Hospital—(General French's.) Dr. G. Grant, Medical Director. Dr. T. McEbright, Surgeon in Charge. Situated adjoining the Dougherty Hospital. Organized December 11 th !n Fredericksburg—December 13th in the present site—by Dr. Grant Drs. McEbright, 1 Maul, >• Operators. Lovejoy, ) 3 Assistant Surgeons. Dr. Van Duzen, Recorder. Mr. Bloom, Steward. Admitted, 580. Discharged, 478. Died, 17. Remaining, 85. Supplies abundant; many things for the comfort and convenience of the wounded were appropriated in Fredericksburg. Have sent requisitions to the Commission for clothing and stimulants. The above-named hospitals belonging to General Couch's Second Army Corps, are comprised under the name of Dougherty Hospital, though each is independent. General Wilcox's Corps. First Division Hospital—(General Burns'.) Dr. John E. McDonald, Medical Director. Dr. Prince, Surgeon in Charge. Organized December 10th, by Drs. Dougherty aud Watson. ' Drs. Prince, 1 Luddington, >• Operating Surgeons. Medical Corps < Bonnie, J Each has 2 assistants. Dr. Wood, Recorder. k Mr. J. M. Wood, Steward. Admissions, 245. Discharged, 180. Died, 6. Remaining, 65. Supplies generally are sufficient. Deficient in bandages, lint, blankets and clothing. Have received supplies from the Commission. 26 Second Division Hospital—(General Sturgis'.) Dr. A. T. Watson, Medical Director. Dr. Calvin Cutter, Surgeon in Charge. Organized December 11th, by Dr. Watson. Medical Corps -\ ' Drs. Leonard, Hossack, }• Operators. Webster, 6 Assistant Operators. Mr. Carpenter, Recorder. ---- -------, Steward. Report of admissions, discharges, deaths, and number remaining in hospital not yet made. Supplies abundant. After the 18th day even blankets were plenty. Clothing was furnished with other articles by the " Commission." The above, and other Ninth Army Corps hospitals, are all situated near the Phillips House. Third Division Hospital—(General Getty's.) Dr. Whitcomb, Division Surgeon in Charge. Situated near General Burnside's Headquarters. Organized December 13th, by Dr. O'Connel. ' Drs. White, 1 Medical Corps * Miller, > Operators. Warner, ) 6 Assistant Surgeons. Dr. Cowles, Recorder. ^ Dr. Lee, Steward. Admitted, 283. Discharged, 31. Others have been sent to other Division hospitals. Died, 19. Remaining, 39. Supplies from the Medical Purveyor ample. Need some special stores. Will send to Commission. 27 The foregoing notes relative to the organization of the separate hospitals, were taken at the time of the visits, and comprised all that the records of the hospital would then afford. They are given without addition or emendation. •* All the above division hospitals were visited, some of them repeatedly, and the surgeons in charge solicited to make requisi- tions upon the stores of the " Commission " for whatever was needed for the convenience and comfort of the wounded. In consequence, however, of the provident care of the Medical Department, the Medical Purveyor was more amply supplied than on any previous occasion ; there was, therefore, less press- ing necessity for this form of relief, and less suffering than upon other memorable battle-fields. Having completed this survey it was thought advisable to ex- tend our labors to the regimental hospitals. Accordingly, in- stead of attempting to visit them in detail, I first called upon the Medical Director of the Centre Grand Division; failing to find him, I addressed him a letter, of which the following is a copy: Sir,—Having at the Dep6t of the U. S. Sanitary Commission (near the Ninth Army Corps Hospital) large supplies of hospital stores, clothing, &c, and wishing to apply them to the relief of the sick as well as the wounded of the army, I beg, if that plan be agreeable, that you will communicate our wish to the Di- vision Surgeons, and instruct them to inform the regimental medical officers where the Commission's depot is to be found, and invite them to send in their requisitions. This request was repeated to the chief medical officers of the other corps of the army, and, all having acted upon the sugges- tion, requisitions from regimental surgeons came pouring in, and the labor of issuing greatly increased. From the medical director of the Centre Grand Division I received the following courteous note : 28 Hd. Qrs. C. Gr. Division, | Dec. 22d, 1862. [ Doctor,—For your kind offer of medical comforts for the sick in this Grand Division, in the name of the sick soldiers and medical officers, I thank you sincerely. I will have due notice given to the regimental surgeons, that those who are in want of such stores may avail themselves of your kind offer. Permit me, through you, to thank the munificent Commission which you represent, for the generous offer of their stores and the promptness they have shown in getting them on the ground. Very respectfully, Your ob't s't, Jno. Moore, Surg., Dr. Brink, Med. Director Centre G. Division. Inspector Sanitary Com., near Phillips' House. On the 20th and 21st inst. several regimental hospitals of the Second and Ninth Army Corps were visited, the number of sick and their condition inquired into, and the surgeon advised to make application at the Depot for woolen clothing, blankets, quilts, special hospital stores, farinaceous food, &c. As a scor- butic tendency was beginning to be observable in some of the regiments, dried fruit and pickles were recommended and fur- nished on requisition. On the 24th inst. I also visited the hospital of the First E. I. Cavalry, Col. A. N. Duffie, Commander. This hospital is situ- ated at the Bullet House, near Potomac Creek Station, five miles from Fredericksburg. Dr. W. II. Miller is Surgeon in Charge. As his sick, 16 in number, were not fully supplied with necessary hospital stores, I reminded him that the Com- mission should be applied to for their benefit. The following is a list of casualties, taken from the earliest reports of division commanders. They are the most accurate that could then be obtained, and embrace the losses of the three grand divisions of the army. 29 Gbn. Somner's Right Grand Division. Division. Corps. Killed. Wounded. Missing. Aggregate. 1st Div........... 2d it 189 106 87 1,472 683 921 7 16 841 219 234 96 228 1 296 0 1,895 2d " .......... 885 3d " ...,...... 1,236 7 1st Div........... 9th u u 1 85 12 18 2d " .......... 1,222 3d " .......... 231 480 4,159 855 5,494 Gen. Hooker's Centre Grand Division. Division. Corps. Killed. Wounded. Missing. Aggregate. 3d corps. it « 5 th corps. u a 105 10 19 64 14 112 620 84 91 752 150 771 173 4 18 372 33 152 898 98 3d " .......... 128 ] st " .......... 1,188 2d " .......... 197 3d " .......... 1,035 324 2,468 752 3,544 The above is the loss as far as ascertained up to the 15th inst. (Dec, '62). Gen. Franklin's Left Grand Division. Division. Corps. Killed. Wounded. Missing. Aggregate. 6 th corps. u u 1st corps. si u 23 21 6 34 150 152 124 158 47 119 954 1,957 50 5 10 116 791 624 197 od « .......... 184 63 265 2d '• .......... 1,895 2,135 386 3,359 1,596 4,739 Total loss in killed, wounded, and missing, 13,777. 30 Before closing this report, I would again refer for a moment to the Medical Department of the Array. The most marked improvement is observable in all that pertains to the manage- ment and care of the wounded. Instead of churches, dwellings, barns, and sheds being crowded, and many remaining unsheltered, as was the case at Antietam and elsewhere, after great battles, ample accommoda- tion was provided in tents, blankets, and all essential hospital stores. Medicines and surgical appliances were fully supplied. The ambulance corps is so improved, that it will, I believe, compare favorably even with that of France. The wounded were early removed from the field; the hospitals of Frede- ricksburg were evacuated without confusion, and all the wounded placed under shelter and carefully provided for. But, above all, the organization of the medical corps for field and hospital service, to which reference is made by Dr. Douglas in his report, and which has been practically acted upon, is de- serving of the highest encomium. By this admirable arrange- ment, the suffering, wounds and death, the legitimate results of war, have been alleviated more efficiently and promptly, perhaps than ever before; and for this humane reform, the chief of the medical department and the medical director in the field, merit unlimited praise. It is especially interesting, too, in this connection, to notice the change in the sentiments of medical officers towards the Sanitary Commission. The relation that it holds to the medical department of the army seems now to be fairly understood and acknowledged. The general health of the troops is good, and, with reference to their morale, after the battle, I have the testimony of expe- rienced officers, in corrobaration of my own opinion, that the army to-day is equal to any in the world. In their midst, one feels that he is in an army of soldiers. 31 The privations of the camp, the trench, the rapid advance and the hurried retreat, and all the hardships of a winter campaign, have increased their powers of endurance, strengthened their courage, and transformed raw recruits into resolute veterans. Knowing that final failure would denationalize the American people, the army will not succumb to defeat; and having just passed through a battle which, for severity, and for the heroism displayed, has few parallels in the annals of war, they are ready for still further sacrifice. The recent terrible conflict has left their courage unshaken ; and their confidence in their leaders is firm. Cheerfully per- forming the duties of the soldier, even new regiments are be- coming perfect in discipline. Instead, therefore, of demorali- zation, they possess all the moral qualifications necessary to en- sure speedy and complete victory. Having confidence in the sacredness of our cause, and faith in the justice of God, our army cannot fail. C. W. Brink, M. D., Sanitary Inspector, TJ. S. San'y Com.