From the Richmond Enquirer, 6/10/1862
DECEASED SOLDIERS.
Some reliable person should be appointed in each hospital
whose duty it should be to examine the clothing of deceased soldiers, and gather
all moneys and papers belonging to them, which should be handed over to the
Surgeon in charge of the hospital, to be forwarded to the family of the
deceased. We are fully aware that the duties incumbent upon a Surgeon in charge
of a hospital are multitudinous, but still this is a matter which deserves
attention, and we trust will receive it; for with what holy love would any
little token recovered from the body of the dead soldier father, brother, or
son, be cherished by the “dear ones at home.” We are informed that a soldier
named Robert A. Joice, of Henry county, Virginia, a private in company “F,”
16th Virginia Regiment, died a few days ago at Chimborazo Hospital.
Upon hearing of his death, Capt. Robinett enquired at the hospital if some money
had been found on his person. One of the Surgeons replied that the body had been
searched previous to interment, but nothing was found thereon. The captain said
there must have been some mistake made in the search, as he knew the deceased
had money on his person when he entered the hospital. – The Captain then
procured a servant and had the body of the deceased disinterred, when he
succeeded in finding, in the watch pocket of the vest of the deceased, $1,010 in
Confederate notes, and a ten cent piece. The body was again interred and the
money handed over to Surgeon Brown, who gave Captain R. a receipt for the same.
We mention this circumstance in no fault finding spirit, but with the hope that
the Surgeons in the various hospitals will give the matter their serious
consideration, and, if possible, gather all the papers, &c., found on the
bodies of deceased soldiers and carefully preserve them for the families of
those brave men who have made libation of their life-blood for Southern
independence.
Page
last updated on
07/24/2009
|
