Topics include having upset Hannah in an earlier letter regarding dangers Rutherford may face, his reassurance to her that a surgeon faces much less danger due to being a doctor, a terrible snow storm in camp, waiting for the weather to clear so the regiment can move to Poolesville, a maple sugar... Show moreTopics include having upset Hannah in an earlier letter regarding dangers Rutherford may face, his reassurance to her that a surgeon faces much less danger due to being a doctor, a terrible snow storm in camp, waiting for the weather to clear so the regiment can move to Poolesville, a maple sugar party given by Col. Henry, the anticipation of getting military pay (due $600 but will only get $400) and the return of Captain Steele to duty and his being reprimanded by Rutherford, Jewett and Henry. Show less
Writes of being at the division hospital, of about to move again, having received two letters from Hannah, having just heard of receiving a commission for the Vt Cavalry.
Topics include a long talk with Governor Smith, meeting and becoming acquainted with Major General Benjamin Henry Grierson (who lead Grierson's Raid ordered by Gen. Grant during the Vicksburg Campaign), and the entertaining manner in which they were introduced.
Dr. Rutherford writes from Camp Washburn about his improved health from the dysentery from which he has suffered, medicine he took, his heavy responsibilities caring for sick soldiers, and anticipation of leaving for Virginia on Friday. He writes of missing home.
Topics include the safe return home of their deceased child’s picture, Lucien's refusal of the hand of peace and friendship from Rutherford, discomforts of camp life but making do as best he can, eating well, description of Rutherford’s current labors in the Division Hospital, and his discontent... Show moreTopics include the safe return home of their deceased child’s picture, Lucien's refusal of the hand of peace and friendship from Rutherford, discomforts of camp life but making do as best he can, eating well, description of Rutherford’s current labors in the Division Hospital, and his discontent for those soldiers pretending to be ill. Show less
From White's Ford, MD topics include Rutherford in charge of hospital while Dr. Willard Augustus Childe returns home to get married, sickness among the men less than in other regiments, a visit from the Inspector General with excellent reports on how he runs his department, expresses his anger... Show moreFrom White's Ford, MD topics include Rutherford in charge of hospital while Dr. Willard Augustus Childe returns home to get married, sickness among the men less than in other regiments, a visit from the Inspector General with excellent reports on how he runs his department, expresses his anger and outrage at the complaining of people back home about having to pay taxes because of the war. Show less
A brief letter from Frederick Junction, Maryland stating he has received a picture of his wife, that he and the troops are preparing to march, and he has been assigned to be the acting surgeon of the Regiment and Medical Director of the Brigade.
A brief letter saying the regiment not being required to move quite yet, glad not to have been marching in foul weather, military pay expected in a day or two, his medical duties of visiting the right and left wings of the regiment.
Topics include reflections upon the beauty of the Blue Ridge countryside, the line of defense maintained, surgeons going to a sheltered area away from gunfire during a battle, preparing a place to treat the wounded, a reference to new born babies, his opinion on another couple's marriage issues,... Show moreTopics include reflections upon the beauty of the Blue Ridge countryside, the line of defense maintained, surgeons going to a sheltered area away from gunfire during a battle, preparing a place to treat the wounded, a reference to new born babies, his opinion on another couple's marriage issues, his sons Jovis and Jacob and the hope that the war will end so Rutherford can return to his family. Show less
Topics include an account of a battle at Opequan Creek (3rd Winchester, Va battle, Sept 19th) lead by General Sheridan, an account of the battle at Fisher's Hill, and description of an included map of the battles.
Writes of correspondence from home, the possibility that all letter writing may be banned by soldiers in the Army, of being restricted from the the battlefield & to stay at the hospital doing work there, and an explanation of the value of a surgeon’s service to the Army.
Topics include receiving postage stamp requested, criticism of a doctor named Patch for his incompetence, the expectation of a big battle but not having it yet, a social visit with Captain Bartlett, his concern for the large number of sick men in the other regiments stationed next to his while... Show moreTopics include receiving postage stamp requested, criticism of a doctor named Patch for his incompetence, the expectation of a big battle but not having it yet, a social visit with Captain Bartlett, his concern for the large number of sick men in the other regiments stationed next to his while his regiment is healthier and of writing a report regarding this concern to the Surgeon in Chief of the Army. Show less
Dr. Rutherford writes of a battle near Leesburgh some 14 miles from the camp near Seneca Creek (Maryland?) the outcome of which is not known, of the filthy condition of some of the soldiers, of an epidemic of Typhoid fever with the loss of over a dozen men to the illness. He writes of his winter... Show moreDr. Rutherford writes of a battle near Leesburgh some 14 miles from the camp near Seneca Creek (Maryland?) the outcome of which is not known, of the filthy condition of some of the soldiers, of an epidemic of Typhoid fever with the loss of over a dozen men to the illness. He writes of his winter living accommodations of which he is very happy and mentions "Mose the Moor", the runaway black slave boy who tends to him. Also writes of a review from the Brigadier General, and the health of Rutherford’s family. Show less
Topics include a retrospective review of the past year of service, the luck Rutherford feels for escaping the dangers of war, the unique recognition he is afforded by being a surgeon, attending a sermon preached in the hospital and watching a patient be baptized in the hospital.
A brief letter from about 4 miles sought of Winchester, Va. about the difficulty of running the division hospital but the enjoyment it brings; had expected a big battle but it resulted in a skirmish, sick patients being sent out.
Topics include being in Baltimore, assisting with errands in the city for fellow officers, guarding the river for 20 miles, not receiving an appointment because some men provided bad accounts of Rutherford to the Governor, taking charge of hospital, references to Col. Jewett and Dr. Willard... Show moreTopics include being in Baltimore, assisting with errands in the city for fellow officers, guarding the river for 20 miles, not receiving an appointment because some men provided bad accounts of Rutherford to the Governor, taking charge of hospital, references to Col. Jewett and Dr. Willard Augustus Childe (surgeon), inquiring after his children and his premonitions regarding their welfare. Show less
Topics include the rainy weather, traveling to Washington to help at the Campbell Hospital, attending the many wounded, their fortitude in their suffering, their injuries and the mens' gratitude for medical attention, having Surgeon's duties but not necessarily the pay to go with it, the honor... Show moreTopics include the rainy weather, traveling to Washington to help at the Campbell Hospital, attending the many wounded, their fortitude in their suffering, their injuries and the mens' gratitude for medical attention, having Surgeon's duties but not necessarily the pay to go with it, the honor associated with any position in the army to make up the difference, and instructions to his wife to secure housing for herself and the children above all else. Show less
Writing from Brattleboro, topics include the inspection of the company by Dr. Phelps, the assignment of positions by various men including that of Dr. Parks as surgeon and assistant surgeon, and another request for a cap with a post note on compliments received on his vest.
