From the Richmond Whig, 5/26/1864, p. 2, c. 1
The Wounded.
According to official
estimates, the number of wounded in this city is between six and seven thousand.
- Daily accessions are made, and when the next great battle between Lee and
Grant occurs, the number will be doubled. In the vast wards of Chimborazo,
Winder, Jackson and Howard’s Grove, we have ample space for all the present and
prospective wounded. We have reason to believe that the organization of these
great hospitals is as nearly perfect as the straitened condition of the
Confederacy will permit. Very painful reports about the criminal negligence and
positive inhumanity of certain hospitals reach us, but we are disinclined to
believe them. For example, we hear of a gallant young soldier, a resident of
this city, who was shot through the lungs, and lay in that condition for two
days at ____ ____ [omitted in original. Ed.], without having his wound dressed
or seeing a white face. Once a day, a negro brought him a bit of fat middling
and a dozen (counted) black-eye peas. The poor fellow was not even permitted to
stop the ambulance on its way to the hospital to notify his relatives of his
arrival, nor would the hospital authorities oblige him so far as to allow a
servant to carry a note to his brother. His only mode of communication was
through the post office.
We are loth to believe this
statement, although it seems well authenticated; still less are we disposed to
join others in charging this and other instances of cruel neglect to the
callousness and conceit of a distinguished official. But, in the very nature of
things, there must be more or less inattention. A badly wounded man requires the
constant presence and unceasing attention of more than one person. A physician,
a nurse and a servant, all three, often find their energies taxed by the needs
of a patient suffering from extensive suppuration. How impossible, then, to
attend properly to six, eight or ten thousand wounded.
Under recent enactments of
Congress, the number of hospital attendants has been reduced to the lowest
possible point. Overworked, made peevish by loss of sleep, and naturally
indifferent to the sufferings of people in whom he feels no interest, the hired
hospital attendant cannot be relied on. The Chief Surgeon, Surgeons and
Assistant Surgeons themselves, worn down by excessive labor, are apt to grow
callous. The Inspector of Hospitals, sympathising with his friends and not
unmindful of the infirmity of human nature, is prone to relax his vigilance at
the very time it is most needed.
Proper food is as important to
the wounded as proper attention; but, unfortunately, proper food is not to be
had by purchase. The Government is lavish with its money for the support of
hospitals, but all the money in the world will not buy when the markets are
empty and closed. Fresh, tender meat is very scarce, and becoming scarcer every
day. Butter, eggs and milk; wines, brandies and cordials, are to be obtained
only in small quantities. Fortunately, there is plenty of ice. Bacon and common
whisky are also abundant; but the juicy and nutritious meats, and the delicate
stimulants, are almost wholly wanting.
Our readers, especially those
who live in the country, will perceive the imperative importance of
contributing, to the full extent of their ability. Milk, butter, eggs, the early
fruits and vegetables, lamb and veal, chickens, the contents of the wine closet
and the preserve pantry - all these will be most acceptable to the wounded and
the convalescent. The duty of towns-people is equally clear: To thin out the
wards as much as possible, by taking wounded men to their houses; to give freely
of their private stores; to prepare delicate dishes; and to lend a helping hand
wherever and whenever they can. Think how much the suffering soldiers have done
for us; remember how impossible it is for the hospital people to give them all
the attention they need; and act accordingly.
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