From the Richmond Daily Dispatch January 21, 1863:
Association for the relief of maimed soldiers.
–A meeting was held in the Hall of the House of Delegates on Tuesday night last, having for its object the organization of an Association for the purpose of supplying artificial limbs for those soldiers who have been maimed in our service, and otherwise providing for their wants. After the adoption of a series of resolutions, and the delivery of several appropriate addresses, adjourned to meet again on Tuesday evening next, at the same place.–The following are the resolutions adopted at the meeting, which were offered by the Rev. Dr. Marshall:
Whereas, The citizens of the Confederate States feel themselves to be under lasting obligations of respect and gratitude for the memorable services rendered in the terrible conflict of many battles, and desirous, at the present time, to give some taken of our regard for those who have lost their limbs, as well as to discharge a high duty devolving on us: Therefore,
Resolved, That we will organize an Association, the object of which shall be to supply artificial limbs to those gallant men who have been maimed in the defence of their country, and to furnish such other means of relief as will contribute to the general object proposed.
Resolved, the Association shall be called and known as–(the name not being agreed on, was left to be supplied at an adjourned meeting.)
The Association for the Relief of Maimed Soldiers is discussed in Artificial Parts, Practical Lives: Modern Histories of Prosthetics(edited by Katherine Ott, David Serlin, Stephen Mihm, starting on page 124 in an article by Jennifer Davis McDaid). Robert E. Lee donated $500 to the organization, well over the $10 membership fee. The association estimated that by the time it was organized more than 10,000 Southern soldiers had lost limbs. According to Ms. McDaid’s article, we can add artificial legs and arms to the list of southern shortages.
