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Description:
[CIVIL WAR SURGEON LETTER] WILLIAM HARRISON GITHENS (1827-1904) Surgeon in the Union army during the American Civil War. At the outset of the war, Githens enlisted as an Orderly Sergeant in the 16th Illinois Infantry. During this enlistment, he was stationed in Missouri, Tennessee and Pennsylvania and saw very little action. Following his re-enlistment in 1863, Githens was promoted to Assistant Surgeon and served with the 78th Regiment, Illinois Volunteers. As a member of the 14th Army Corp . during this second enlistment, he was very active, serving as an assistant surgeon in the Tullahoma operation, Chickamauga, Chattanooga, the Atlanta Campaign, the March to the Sea and the Carolinas' Campaign. Following the war, Githens returned home to Hamilton, Illinois, where he owned a number of pharmacies. ALS. Four pages, 5" x 8". Field Hospital Reverve Corps. Near Chattanooga Tenn. November 5, 1863.William Githens writes to his wife, in part: " ... We expected to be quite busy today having received orders last night to have our wounded ready to move early this morning - So we made a list of all who were able to travel and get them ready but it commenced raining - and no ambulance came ... they were to be sent a few miles down the river and then by boat to Bridgeport -Boats cannot get quite to Chattanooga for the Rebels who are still on Look Out Mountain- We have orders also to move the entire field hospital nearer the River in order to be convenient to supplies and boats it will be quite a task to move the poor fellows who can not be moved in bed without screaming with pain - I can't see how we will do it without causing a great deal of suffering - we think the order a very foolish one... I don't know where the new Hospital will be but I think about two miles from here those men who are left will all have to be carried on litters and with a great deal of care ... there seems to be no prospect of more fighting for the time although there is cannonading every day - I don't know what the Rebs keep up their firing for - they don't hurt or scare anybody ... there is some talk of sending a Medical Officer to the North in charge of wounded paroled prisoners - I hope I will be the lucky one for that ... " Usual folds. Overall Fine.
| Status: For Sale |
Reference#: AM_1373 |
| Condition:
Very Fine |
Year:
1863
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