He was a surgeon and physician, graduating from Louisiana Medical College in 1854. He had worked at Charity Hospital during his schooling, I’m told. Family has always said he worked in a hospital in New Orleans during the war.
The following letter was with his records, “Port Hudson, La. Dec 6/62 - Genrl S. Cooper, Ajt and Inspt Genrl Sir, I have the honor to represent respectfully that for 5 months time out of 9 months service I have not been able to discharge the duties of my office in this branch of the service, without doing violence to my constitution, & that I have been offered the position of Surgeon of a Regiment & being educated a physician & having had ten years practical experience as such I am confident that I can much more efficiently serve my country as surgeon than in the office I now hold. The active duties on foot being less laborious while those of Surgeon are in harmony with my early education & subsequent vocation of life. Therefore I beg leave to tender my immediate & unconditional resignation as Captain of Co. “F” !8th Ark Regt Vols.”
I have a photograph of him in uniform - very nice, like a studio photo. The little hat he has on has crossed rifles - a “2” above and an “E” below. A bit of a white collar almost like priests wear shows above a jacket buttoned up. I was told the 2 stands for 2nd regiment and the E for company. I can find no records for this.
This is the info I have obtained through my feeble attempts at researching his history. As I understand, the regiment was sent to Fort Pillow. In the book, Into the Mouth of the Cannon, it states, Company G and H of the 18th Reg. traveled by rail and steamer. On the couchgenweb.com, “the regiment was literally decimated by measles epidemic…forcing a major reorganization.” I believe the 18th evacuated Fort Pillow 4 June being ordered to Corinth, MS. The siege of Corinth being 29 April to 10 June 1862. The 18th was at Port Hudson.
I understand I probably cannot find out every thing, nevertheless, my questions:
Can I find out how Company F traveled to Fort Pillow? Where would the muster record for July and August be? Should I assume he was still with the 18th? When he was absent would he have gone home or was he with the Regiment which offered him the position of surgeon? Is there any way to find out about the other regiment? Did he go with the regiment to Port Hudson? Any way to find out if he was working at Charity hospital?
I apologize for the long post. I appreciate any help or advice about where to find answers.
Thank you, Janie