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Daniel Morse Holt, Asst Surgeon, 121st New York
A few days ago, I posted an excerpt from an interesting letter dated May 15, 1863 detailing Holt's capture after Chancellorsville here http://civilwartalk.com/threads/aid-and-comfort-to-the-opposition.120666/page-4#post-1262691
At the time I copied and posted the letter, I was moved by Holt's candid assessment of the situation and his desire to provide care for his charges. It takes a really big man to hold no ill will toward his enemies and I admired Holt's strong character. Evidently, @War Horse felt the same.
Seems like this was not an isolated example of Holt's character. Read on for Holt on the aftermath of the Battle of Crampton's Gap in this letter dated Sept 16, 1862:
“….then knapsacks, canteens, cartrage [sic] boxes, and accoutrements of all kinds strewed the ground. Shortly a rebel with his brains blown out, arms extended, and eyes protruding from their sockets – still on, others in all manner of positions -- some not yet dead but gasping the few remaining breaths away in utter unconsciousness of surrounding circumstances – others mortally wounded calling for water, knowing that eternity was separated only by a hair’s breadth with thoughts of the far distant home in the South on their minds and the loved ones at home clustering around his dying – pillow—did I say, ah no! mother earth to which he soon will be consigned his only pillow now. Let his ears be jarred no more by booming cannon and rattling small arms, but let the heavenly choir as he is about to enter the portals of the tomb, enchant his departing spirit. No more let vengeance follow our misguided brother now he is going where loyal men and Rebels one are alike before a just and loving God. Surely this is no time to think of aught but mercy. Let not my passionate temper lead me to unfeeling hardship toward a fallen foe.”
Daniel Morse Holt was born @1820 in Herkimer County NY. He received his medical training in Cincinnati OH (Class of 1853). He married and settled in Newport, NY where he practiced as a physician, including serving as the doctor for the Herkimer County Poor House. In August 1862, at the age of 42, Holt was appointed Assistant Surgeon of the newly formed 121st New York. He was the oldest member of the staff. He was captured on May 4, 1863 in the Union retreat to Scotts Ford. Holt received permission to care for Union soldiers at the Salem Church.
(See previous post here http://civilwartalk.com/threads/aid-and-comfort-to-the-opposition.120666/page-4#post-1262691 )
Holt served until Oct 17, 1864 when ill health forced him to resign. He returned home and died Oct 15, 1868 at the age of 47/8. Holt is buried in Newport NY.
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