Stephen,
This looks like it may be your guy, though obviously the name is different. Perhaps a handwritten note to the National Tribune that got misread.

See http://www.ksgenweb.com/civilwar/Eliphalet_Patee.htm

It says "He was assistant surgeon of the 2nd Kansas Infantry, and later surgeon of the 1st Indian regiment and still later was promoted to brigade surgeon, “Army of the Frontier,” with the rank of major."