McParlin, Thomas A., 1825-1897 [Report of Service as Medical Director of the Army of Virginia during the summer of 1862]

The report sent to General William A. Hammond on 2 May 1863 (see GLC02649.02). Written mostly in a narrative form the report, with some charts, maps and other media included, provides a detailed and dramatic history of medical procedures and services during the Civil War in the summer of 1862. Discusses medical organization, logistics, supplies, depots, and hospitals. Provides lists of men injured by category (deserter, discharged, returned to duty, on furlough, remaining, died) and charts with types of injuries (of eye, of ear, dysentery, etc.). There is one map, apparently drawn by McParlin, of Manassas on p.41. The log was sent to General William A. Hammond on 2 May 1863 (see GLC02649.02). Pages numbered 1-6, 6.5 (1), 6.5 (2), 7, 7.5 (1), 7.5 (2), 8-17, and 31-49. McParlin writes: "..The interval between Genl McClellan's evacuation on James River, and arrival before Washington...was the golden opportunity for the attacking Washington and separating more widely for defeat the Armies of the Potomac and of the Virginia...To the Administrative staff Department thus was left but one depot proper or practicable - in Alexandria otherwise an immense amount of material, supplies, and protective guards would fall into the possession of the enemy...During the evening and through the night the wounded continued to arrive at Culpepper...Hooker's Division lately joined had been engaged with Ewell near Bristol Station....As far as the darkness made possible the wounded were sought out and brought to the field depot. In the morning this duty was continued, and new hospitals established in buildings at Bristol Station for our own and the Confederate wounded who were left...lanterns moveing [sic] about and candles glimmering on the ground at the side of the wounded... A severe action ensued. The wounded from Gibbons and Doubleday's brigade's were brought to Manassas...All day on the 30th Ambulances were conveying wounded to the General Hospital Depot behind Bull Run...The battle became more general and fierce, hour by hour, especially in the center and near the turnpike...Shot and shell were now flying near the ambulances..."