Today in History:

144 Series I Volume XI-III Serial 14 - Peninsular Campaign Part III

Page 144 THE PENINSULAR CAMPAIGN,VA. Chapter XXIII.

from the Surgeon-General in relation to the care and transportation of the sick at Yorktown. The Secretary of War directs that the arrangements therein proposed may be carried into effect.

I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

E. D. TOWNSEND,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

[Inclosure.]

SURGEON-GENERAL'S OFFICE, Washington City, April 25, 1862.

Brigadier General LORENZO THOMAS,

Adjutant-General U. S. Army:

GENERAL: I inclose herewith the copy of a letter addressed to the Secretary of War in relation to the care and transportation of the wounded at Yorktown,&c.

The arrangements there proposed have been approved by the Secretary, and I have therefore to request that the necessary orders may be given to the generals commanding the Army of the Potomac and the Department of Virginia to detach 1,000 of the wounded to be transported to New York.

I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

R. C. WOOD,

Acting Surgeon-General.

[Subinclosure.]

SURGEON-GENERAL'S OFFICE, Washington City, April 18, 1862.

Hon. E. M. STANTON,

Secretary of War:

SIR: I have the honor to acknowledge your communication of yesterday, and have to state that it will give me pleasure to

co-operate cordially with the Sanitary Commission in devising and executing an efficient plan of operations for the care and relief of the sick and wounded of the army before Yorktown.

There is a concurrence of views between Dr. Van Buren and myself.

It is proposed to place at the disposal of the Sanitary Commission a steamboat of requisite accommodations, to be furnished with all the necessary conveniences, and to place on her such comforts, bedding,&c., as the commission may have available; all deficiencies to be supplied by the Medical Bureau. The steamboat to proceed to Fort Monroe and await events.

Other steamboats should also be held at Old Point Comfort for the reception and transportation of 2,500 wounded men. Accommodations for the immediate reception of 3,000 wounded men have been made, and the hospitals reported ready. The medical director, Army of the Potomac, has been directed by telegraphy to send the wounded to the following points, to avoid a retransfer:

Washington............................................... 1,500

Georgetown............................................... 400

Alexandria............................................... 400

Baltimore................................................ 700

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Total.................................................... 3,000

In addition to this, accommodations are prepared for 600 at Philadelphia, 400 at Annapolis.


Page 144 THE PENINSULAR CAMPAIGN,VA. Chapter XXIII.