Hospitals

[johnnydef47]

hello everyone, new to the forum and have a question. I have been a long time reenactor who sort of fell out of the hobby but has since reentered, anyway was wondering if anyone had any interesting stories about civil war hospitals or doctors. I started reenacting at age 10 so I was a medical steward and have long had an idea for a short story but was looking for some interesting anecdotes if anyone has any.
thanks

 

[major bill]

Welcome to the forum Johnnydef47. I am a docent at the State of Michigan Historical Museum who sometimes assist in giving Civil War medicine programs for visiting school groups. The Museum has purchased a medical steward costume for me to wear when I give Civil War classes. I don't tell the children many anecdotes and have to sort of follow a script.

 

[Northern Light]

Welcome from Canada

 

[bankerpapaw]

Welcome from Arkansas.

 

[James B White]

Well, one thing to consider is that medical stewards needed to be 18 to 35 and educated in pharmaceuticals, so it wasn't generally a beginner's position, unlike a nurse, who could be a detailed private with no medical background. Stewards carried a rank similar to sergeant. The US Hospital Stewards Manual is online and can be found by a search like the following, which will also bring up some early information and reminiscences about Civil War hospital stewards (and a few postwar things too, which can be ignored):

http://www.google.com/search?q=hosp...r:1,cd_min:1/1/1861,cd_max:12/31/1885&tbm=bks

 

[reading48]

Hello and Greetings from Penna.

 

[Frederick14Va]

The Hospital Steward role and position is one of great importance... As mentioned the subject most times had experience in the medical field as a pharmacist/apothecary... medical student... or assistant... In his duties and responsibilities he was a hospital administrator... record keeper... store keeper... purveyor... supervisor... medical assistant... surgical assistant... pharmacist... just to name a few of his possible assigned duties.... Not an easy portrayal to do authentically and correctly.... there is a great deal of information and know-how the person would need to be very well versed in... Unfortunately in the reenactment ranks its a common habit to place the brand new beginner attached to a medical detachment the position.... everyone else desiring to display rank and claim to be a surgeon....

I generally suggest that folks desiring to venture into this portrayal to read and learn as much as possible first.... both regs and first hand accounts... which tends to be more important in developing the role... tag along and apprentice with an assortment of other medical folks.... not all impressions or portrayals are created equal... some are well versed... others not... learn what you can.. develop your own respective portrayal.... Learn it, own it... do it better than others you have witnessed.... very few out there that seriously know the role and portray it correctly.... lead by example... good luck with it...

 

[ErnieMac]

Rules and Regulations for General Hospital #22 - Richmond, VA
http://www.mdgorman.com/Hospitals/gh22_rules_and_regulations.htm
I recommend the entire site, Civil War Richmond, for lots of good info.
http://www.mdgorman.com/index.html

"Steward"
is responsible for the cleanliness of the wards and kitchen, patients, and attendants, and all articles in use. He will ascertain who are present at sunrise and sunset and tattoo, and(underline) report absentees. Cooks and nurses are subject to his orders. He will draw rations and see that they are properly cooked, distributed and issued with economy; will adjust the duties of the various employees, supervise the most perfect cleanliness in the various departments, and apportion to each employee his or her particular duty and strictly observe that such duties be punctually to see that every patient has sufficient, will keep his provision return and other accounts daily "posted up."

 

[chellers]

Welcome from East Texas.

 

[dlofting]

Welcome to CWT from the left coast of Canada.

I can't remember if this video had very much on hospital stewards, but it was interesting nonetheless.

 

[7th Mississippi Infantry]

Welcome from South Mississippi.