From William A. Carrington CSR (M331): Details of arrangements, dated 10/27/1862, for Louisiana Hospital

213 Main St. Oct 27^th, 1862

Surgeon E. S. Gaillard, Medl Director,
                                                                    I have the honour to report in regard to the Requisition of Surg. Fromente in ch. of Louisiana Hosl for one ambulance & 2 horses for transportation of patients to & from the Hosls, & for use of the Sisters of Charity;
1) That the regulations for the Medical Department require that "Ambulances shall not be used except for the specific purpose for which they are designed, viz: the transportation of the sick & wounded."
2) That patients are conveyed to the Hosls by a corps of Ambulances consisting of 9 belonging to the Government & 6 hired which are all that have ______ or able to be obtained & that it is only owing to the systematic supervision & direction of one head (Capt Peters) that they have been found equal to the occasions - Steps are now being taken to increase their corps so as to be equal to all exigencies.

According to order Sept 20^th, all convalescents who are able to walk shall be sent to Camp Winder & those returned to duty need no ambulances - Those transferred to other Hosls being transferred through this office are transported by the ambulances.

The men furloughed & discharged are those who require most especially transportation to the R.R. Depots & in many of our Hosls the inability to transport them has caused much suffering & considerable expense to them. Knowing the inability of the Q.M. to fill this Requisition with a sane regard to public & general good, I recommend that it be not approved but that the Superintendent of the ambulances furnish temporarily  one to this Hosl when needed for the legitimate business of an ambulance when not required absolutely in more important service.

                                                                Very Respectfully,
                                                                    Your Obedient Servant,
                                                                        Wm. A. Carrington
                                                                            Surgeon & Inspector of Hospitals

Page last updated on 06/14/2008