Reports on the operations of the inspectors and relief agents of the Sanitary Commission after the battle of Fredericksburg, December 13, 1862 / by J.H. Douglas and C.W. Brink.

  • John Hancock Douglas
Date:
1863
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Reports on the operations of the inspectors and relief agents of the Sanitary Commission after the battle of Fredericksburg, December 13, 1862 / by J.H. Douglas and C.W. Brink. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by the National Library of Medicine (U.S.), through the Medical Heritage Library. The original may be consulted at the National Library of Medicine (U.S.)

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    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 30th, 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 Army of the Potomac, ^ Med. Director's Office, Oct. 30th, 1862. \ 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. Thuee Medical Officers as Assistants to ench of these officers. 3d. Additional Medical Officers and Hospital Stewards and Nurses of the Division.