New-York daily tribune., 1861-08-12
MEDICAL AND SURGICAL REPORT.

ARLINGTON Department n. E.. virginia July 26 1861.
Being chief Of the Medical staff with the Army III the
Department Of n. L. Virginia, have the honor to make
the following report Of much OF tie results OF the
action on the 2lst at Bull Run, as came
within my charge As the officers of the Medical > al
were attached the different regiments and on duiy
with them, deemed il proper TO remain with and
accoInrauy the General Commanding and sta from
the beginning the termination OF the battle, IN order
that | might be present II any were wounded and,
also that might be enabled viit III this way every
part of the field where the killed ana wounded might
be found.
After the action had fairly commenced and the
wounded aud the dead were lying the field III every
direction, L dispatched Assirant-SurgeOn ID. l.. Ma
gruder the rear, with directions 10 prepare church
(which had observed az passed before arriving AT
the sne aclou for the reception of the wounded,
and also TO send the ambulancer forward rapidly
possible TO pick up the wounded aud dead In a very
few nuuIes the ambulances made Their appearance,
and conTved throug0ut the day 10 visit every part OF
the ground which was accessible, so ~ 10 he within
reach of thos paris OF the field where the lighting was
q ing on and wounded were 10 be found IL IA due 10
the ambulance drivers 10 say that they performed Their
duties efficiently, and the result OF their operaiions
also shows how absolutely Necessary these means Of
convey ace the comfort aud relief OF the wounded
IN giving them shelter and wafer when ready TO e-t
with heat and thirst. by means OF the amOulanses
also the men who 60 10 the relief Of their wounded
comrades are separated but short time from teroon-
panies ar having deposited them IN tier ambuAnces
they can then return 10 their proper positions
As the General commanding visited almost every
mart of the ground dunng tie conflict, with view 20
encourage or direct the movements Of the troops. NY
uoston as a member OF his Staif gave me every OF
poruuity OF seeing the results OF the action there
fore embraced the opportunity thus offered 10 give
directions when needed 10 the d1yers of the amtu-
lances where TO find the dead and wounded and also
10 those carrying off the wounded where they could
find the needed conyeyances. lhe siretchers were
found yerv useful and comfortable 10 the wounded,
and were in constant requisition conveying them TO
he M
So far AZ | am informed, the Medical staff belonging
the different volunteer regiments discharged their
duties satisfactorily. observed Acting Asuisanl-Sur-
geon Miles burlly engaged IN dressing wounded men
under the shade Of tree in part OF the field where
the fire from the enemy very hot. lie addressed
me brief inquiry as passed relative TO the safety of
his father and then resumed his occupation.
Surgeon G.. &. keeney OF Col. Hunters DIVISION,
and Assistants Surgeon ID. L. Magruder, attached TO
the Commanding Generals staff, did good service in
the hospital church have mentioned aud also IN two
houses near the church, where the wounded Were
placed after the church had been filled. Ihese officers
remained busy engaged in he discharge Of their duties
till the enemys cavalry made their appearance, aud
but narrowly escaped capture, when they left. Drs
Swift and Winston, attached 70 the New-iork eth
Regiment remained with their sick, sacrificing all
sesh considerations for their safety in order that
the wounded might not be neglected, and are now
prisoners am informed that Acknowledgements Grey
and Steinburg of the Regular Army, and Drs. Hons-
ton aud Swan of the Newly Ork lIh aso preferred 10
remain rather than abandon their charge. The conduct
of these officers is worthy of all commendaiion.
II would be premature in me, in the absence Of suf
icient data-tbe reports Of the regmental Surgeons
not vet being received-to express poriiive opinion
IA 10 the number killed and wounded in the action on
the DIST There were no doubt, many concealed from
observation under OF the woods and bushes but
Judging from the number that saw In various parts
Of the field, and allowing wide margin for those nn-
observed should think that the killed and wounded
on our side did not exceed from $40 TO l,O0O
The impossibilty Of making careful survey OF the
field after the battle had ceased be my apology
for the briefness and want of detail In this report
w s. KING Surgeon and Medical Director, Y. s. A.
Cant J. b. Fly Assistant Adiutant General, u. s. A