New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1861-07-31
OFFICIAL REPORT OF THE MEDICAL
DIRECTOR.
ARLNGToS, Department n: L. Virginia,
rrr. DAVIS TO rpf,ImNG IfSe09S.

July 70, 1861,
SIR: Being Chief of the Medicsi staff; serving with
the army III the Department Of n. t. Virginia, asye
the honor to make the following report Of much OF
the results Of the action OH the 2lst at Bull Run as
came within my charge. Az the officers OF the Medical
staff were attached 10 the different regiments, and on
duty with them, deemed 1t proper TO remain with,
and accompany the General Commanding and staff,
from the beginning TO the termination OF The battle III
order that / might be enabled 10 visit IN this way
every part of the field where the killed and wounded
might be found.
After the action had fairly commenced, and the
wounded and dead seen lying on the field Ia
every direction despatched Assistant Surgeon ID. L..
Magrnder TO the rear with directions TO prepare
church, which had observed as we passed before
arriving at the OF action for the reception OF our
wounded and also 10 send the ambplances forward rs
rapidly as possible, to pick up the wounded and the
dead
Appearance, and continued throughout the day to witt
every part Of toe ground which accessible, in
order to be within reach Of those parts OF the field
where the fighting was going on, and wounded were
to be found.
1t is due to the ambulance drivers TO say that they
performed their duties efficiently, and the results of
their operations also show how absolutely necessary
these means Of conveyance to the comfort and
lief Of the wounded in giving them shelter and water,
when ready 10 Perish with heat and thirst.
By means of the ambulance also, the men who 90
10 the relief of their wounded comrades are separated
but short time from their companies, az having de-
10 their proper positions.
As the General Commanding visited almost every
part Of the ground during the conflict, with view 10
encourage or direct the movements OF inc uoOI~, my
posi;on as member Of bis STAFF gave me every oPpor-
unity Of seeing the result Of the action.
therefore embraced the opportunity thus afforded
10 give directions when needed 10 the drivers OF the
ambulances where to find the dead and wounded, and
also to those carrying off the wounded where they
could find the needed conveyance.
The stretehers were found yeIy useful and comfort
able TO the wounded, and were In constant requsion
in conveying them TO the nearest ambulance.
SO far az am informed the medical ttaii belonging
70 the different volunteer regiments discharged their
duties satisfactorily, observed Acrg-SuIgeOn Miles
busily engaged in dressing wounded men under the
shade OF tree, in part of the field where the lire
from the enemy was very hot. lie addressed me In
brief inquiry as passed relative TO the safety Of his
father, and then resumed his occupation
Surgeon G.. {. Kenney, Of Col. Hunters Division,
and Acknowledgment u. l.. Magruder attached to
the Commanding Geperas staff, did good service in
the hospital church have mentioned and also III two
houses near the church, where the wounded were
placed after the church bad been filled. These officers
remained budly engaged in their duties until the
ene.Ays cavalry made Their appearance and but mar
rowly es,sped capture when thev left Drs. Swift and
Winston atta,A1d TO the New-York 9Th, remained
with their ck eaci6sinQ selfish considerations for
their own safety in order thaa their wounded might
moi be neglected and are now pris0ners.
1 am informed that Acknowledgements Grey ahd
SteInsburg of the regular army, and Drs ilonistop
Ind Swim. of the New~forf FSantotuth. also pre-
ferred TO remain rather than ajaDdaE their charge.
The conduct Of these officers Is worthy 81 all com
mentatioa.
IL woall be premature 10 nc IN the "o'eace OF sui