From the National Archives, RG 109, Ch. 6, Vol. 364, “Letters Sent &
Received, Medical Director’s Office, 1864-65.” p. 370-371
Robertson
Hospital
June 9, 1864
Dr. Carrington
Sir
I have just received the Copy of your order to close the
Robertson
Hospital
& in justification of myself, must make the following statement.
Dr. Garnett’s endorsement on the
morning report of June 5th “that this Hospital, limited to 19
patients, numbered 44,” was written under a misapprehension of the facts. The
number allowed (by measurement,) was 22, but in consideration of the number of
chambers – it was extended to 25. Dr. Garnett found on examination that
there were occupying beds in the Hospital – at that time but 22
patients. The remainder – entirely with his approbation; sleeping in private
quarters, but fed & tended in this Hospital. Had Dr. Garnett but suggested
that he considered the sick & wounded too much crowded, I certainly would
have had them transferred to other Hospitals, but I was entirely unconscious of
the fact.
If I have ever been guilty “of
violation of orders, or disregard for the safety of the wounded” it has
proceeded entirely from ignorance & not from intention; it being my earnest
wish to do what is right. Dr. Garnett’s numerous engagements have prevented
his giving much of his time & attention to the patients of late –
notwithstanding I think the register of this Hospital will show as great success
in its management of the sick & wounded as any other. Since the 1st
of last June, we have had 337 patients & but 8 deaths. Many of them sent to
us were (by the statement of Dr. Garnett made to myself), the worse cases.
Should this statement of facts
remove your objections to this Hospital, I induce you to withdraw your order –
it shall be my aim to endeavor to conform to all rules, to the best of my
knowledge.
Very Respectfully Yours,
S. L. Tompkins
[on verso]
Miss S. L. Tompkins
Robertson
Hospital
June 9, 1864
Making explanations in regard to Hospital
M. D. O. [Medical Director’s Office] Recd
June 10, 1864
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02/12/2008
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