A surgeon at work behind the lines (by Winslow Homer)
The following article in a Seneca Falls, New York newspaper from June 1862 came immediately after the story of the lingering death of Charles Mensch, so I guess the editors were developing a medical theme.
A Merited Compliment
The Chaplain of the 61st Regiment, N.Y.S.V., rev. H.C. Vogel, writing from St. Peter’s Church, 15 miles from Richmond, under date of May 20th, thus speaks of Dr. SAMUEL R. WELLES, of our county:
“As Chaplain I entered the army, but as Assistant Surgeon, I have been obliged to act from necessity, on account of a vacancy in the department, Dr. S.R. Welles, of Waterloo, Sen. Co., is the acting Surgeon of the Regiment. He is an active, efficient and skillful physician, whose services to the sick and afflicted can only be known at the final reckoning. Vigilant and untiring, and prompt in the active duties of his profession, I consider him not excelled by any of the medical staff in the army. Very fortunate was our coming together in the army, and very pleasant has the association been. Similarly situated in regard to position, we share mutually the “rights and benefits,” and thus drive off the shadows, which hang around the path and field of conflict, and look through the darkening gloom – to the rainbow dipped in the sunlight of Faith, Hope, and Charity – the fixed stars in the Masonic galaxy, reflected from the dress of the passing storm.”
This letter sure seems to say something about the war’s effect on the supply and demand of medical resources when a reverend who signs up to be chaplain is forced to take on the role of assistant surgeon.
A Berdan Sharpshooter site has a good overview of Freemasonry in the Civil War.
