From the National Archives, RG 109, Ch. 6, Vol. 707-709; “Letters Received and
Sent, Chimborazo Hospital. 1861-64.” 3 Vols: Vol. 709, pt. 1, p. 17
Medical Director’s Office,
Richmond, Va. Jany 25th, 1864
Sir,
Yr. Morning reports show 578 sick
& wounded in hospital, divided among 5 Divisions, each of a capacity of 600. For
economy in fuel, subsistence, hos. stores, and labor, you will, without delay,
transfer all these patients to one Division, (the one you consider the best
adapted,) Keeping those from each state together. Hereafter let only 800 cubic
feet be allowed each patient, unless where contagious or malignant diseases
exist, and only the number of wards kept open necessary to accommodate the
number in hospl. When the number of patients increases, open another division,
ward by ward. Let the bedding and other hos. property, not in use, be put
in good order, securely stored, and guarded. Let the attendants not assigned to
the Div kept open all be reported and mess in some one Div, the one you consider
most convenient.
You will discharge all matrons,
ward-matrons, & asst matrons, whose services are not actually required, to whom
such action will not cause personal suffering, from not having other means of
support. Transportation to their homes will be furnished those discharged, and
to such as are willing to remain with their friends, during the closure of the
Divs in which they are employed. [page break]
In future, as Surg. in chg. Of
Chimbo. Hospital see that no matron is engaged in any of the Divs whose services
are not actually needed, and that the good of the service be observed in their
selection. Those not having children, should, ceteris paribus, be
preferred, as the care of children will certainly interfere with their
usefulness as nurses.
Very Res.
Yr. Obt. Svt.
Wm. A. Carrington
Med. Director
Surg. McCaw
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