Today in History:

224 Series I Volume XLVIII-I Serial 101 - Powder River Expedition Part I

Page 224 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. Chapter LX.

beds of my patients, who willingly gave them up to their greater need. Acting Assistant Surgeon Tindall and the hospital steward, Mr. Thomas Whitten, were busy dressing wounds. All here were supplied with coffee and other stimulants. A message from Captain Stevens, Third U. S. Colored Artillery (Heavy), informed me that several men were in his battery (M) who needed help. I went there, but found that he had procured an ambulance and sent them to the Adams Hospital. Returning to the river at the time of the arrival of the ambulance train from the city, I found there Colonel I. G. Kappner, Major Williams, Lieutenants Copeland, Atlee, Helm, Newman, Wyckoff, Wilson, and Yates. There were others, but these I remember distinctly, being brought directly in contact with them. The teams of the quartermasters, Helm and Atlee, were on the ground, but were not needed, except the two ambulance teams. Lieutenant Wyckoff, provost-marshal of the fort, supplied many of these men with breakfast. All officers present were busy in rendering such assistance as was in their power. Seven men remained in the fort at 9 a. m. These I sent in ambulance to the office of Superintendent Irwin, surgeon, U. S. Army. In conclusion permit me to say that, so far as my observation went, all persons connected with this garrison, from the colonel commanding down to the rank and file, were deeply interested in the pitiable condition of these unfortunate men, and that all, to the best of their ability, did their whole duly in ministering to their wants.

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

H. H. HOOD,

Surgeon, Third U. S. Colored Arty. (Heavy), and Senior Surgeon.

[Inclosure Numbers 3.]

FORT PICKERING,

Memphis, Tenn., April 30, 1865.

Captain L. METHUDY,

Acting Assistant Adjutant-General:

CAPTAIN: I have the honor to report that on the morning of the 27th instant I was officer of the day and made my rounds between 3 and 4 o'clock in the morning. As I was going toward Battery A I met a guard, who told me that a steam-boat had blown up and some of the passengers were floating down and were being picked up. I immediately went to Battery A, found some five or six soldiers from the wreck. These men had dry blankets furnished them and were walking around to keep warm while fire was being built. Lieutenants Yates and Wilson had coffee made and given them, and those that were burned taken into quarters and their parts that were burned dressed and flour put on. I then went to Quartermaster Helm and had him send some whisky down for them. The quartermaster's employees, under Mr. Hare, did good service in rescuing the soldiers, who were well taken care of, fordable. All that were rescued near the upper part of the fort were taken to the hospital immediately, where dry clothes and beds were given them. I saw all that were rescued in the fort, and I must say they were exceedingly well taken care of; officers and men were making every exertion to make them comfortable.

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

D. C. MOONEY,

Captain, Third U. S. Colored Artillery (Heavy).


Page 224 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. Chapter LX.