Raynor HCA 2014-04
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/1/2014
A good war-date Union Hospital Steward's letter, 3pp. 8vo., written by William L. Jackson, 3rd Vermont, "Liberty Hall Hospital, near Richmond, Va., June 10, 1862", in part: "…we are building a large fort…our pickets are on one edge of a small piece of woods and the rebels on the other edge…I have more work to do than I can do…I do not like the surgeon in charge. He does not have any system, everything goes hap hazard. The nurses are all green men…I have to be very particular and…tell them over and over…how to give the meds…Dr. C. [Dr. Castleman, 5th Wis.] is very much like Dr. Howell, but is not half as well read…he is 25 years behind the times, used a great deal of calomel [A compound of mercury chloride used to induce vomiting in combating fevers.], more in one day than Dr. J. [Dr. Janes, commander of Camp Letterman] in a year. he will not use any stimulants in the worst stages of fever and looses many cases…Wednesday, June 11, 1862…last night the Dr. told me he was going to have his steward detailed here to help me…Thursday, June 12th 1862 9 1/2 p. m…I have just returned from camp. The division is about 4 1/2 miles from here. The 3rd is one mile from the rest of the division. They are at work on a bridge…the division have thrown up a fort. Every day the rebels send a few shells into our camps. Last night a shell struck in the midst of the 4th [Michigan]. No harm done. McClellan moved his headquarters this p. m. They are not more than 10 rods from our camp. Dr. J. said that I must stay till Dr. C. could spare me…Genl. Burnside was here and had a long talk with Mc. It is said that our pickets meet B's [Burnside's] and that his army is this side of Norfolk…part of McDowell's army have landed at White House…among them are the bucktails…I do not expect to be home [the] 4th of July…it will be some time before the troops can be discharged after the war ends…". VG
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