Orleans independent standard. [volume] (Irasburgh, Vt.) 1856-1871, 1862-12-12
From the Tenth Regiment.
o. L. STILES
NEWPORT, VI, Dec. s, 1862


NEWPORT, VI, Dec. s, 1862.
I Mr.. EDIroR-Si: A SANDER concer-
ming Surgeon Rutherford. of the 10Th
Regiment is obtaining quite a circula-
ton, but it seems TO We entirely without
foundation. In justice to him, his friends
are anxious TO have the following letter
published in the Standard. l copy ver-
batim. r. G.
CAMP GROVER, OFFUr's X ROADS, !
MD, Nov. 20, 1862.
r. c., DEAR SIR 81 have just
had communicated to me vile Islander
concerning the sickness and death Of Mr..
Isaac Musk, of Company X, in this Re-
giment, Of which Surgeon j. c. Rutber-
ford is the intended victim; though, as
if to make the falsehood more conspic-
uous, the other surgeons are seemingly
implicated. They are made 10 appear
exceedingly neglected. of Musk during
his sickness, and are said TO employ abu-
siye language even curse him with hor-
rible oaths, and threaten TO send him 10
duty if :hey had the power, but a few
hours before lis death. Finally, they
are denounced as 'inhuman MONSTERS
Now, for the sake of Surgeon Ruthey-
lord's friends-he needs no Justification
hiinself-allow me TO say that this whole
thing is utterly, absolutely and uncondi-
tionally false. On the contrary, Surgeon
Rutherford was kind to Musk as far rs
he had anything TO do with him, and
told him distinctly that his disease was Of
such nature that he could not recover,
aud that he ought not TO have enlisted
and measures were Immediately taken to
procure his discharge from the service ;
and II was actually pending at the time
Of bis death.
Whatever of uukindness Musk receiv-
ed during his sickness, or whatever mat
tention may have been complained of,
none of it came from Surgeon Rather
ford, or either of the other Surgeons
1t is said, however, by one who had eve
ry opportunity of knowing, that he was
neglected by his own brother am not
personally known TO this fact--but | do
know that his brother refused 10 set up
he head board 10 his grave when asked
to do so by me.
l more than suspect that this is the
same man WHO'S the author Of the Sian
Ter, and has taken this method 10 shield
himself from bame. But where both
parties are known in connection with all
The circumstances, trust it will not re-
quire large discrimination TO determine
at what door the sin lieth.'
Allow me TO add, that in my judgment,
no Surgeons could perform their duties
better and to more general satisfaction
Than ours. They are not only abundant
ly qualified, but possess those oitenlimes
rare gentlemarly and social qualities
which SO emiheDtly fit tuem for their po-
sition.
Some allowance must perhaps be
made for NY personal friendship and at
tachment to Surgeon Rutherford: and it
is more on account of his experience and
his professional judgment that / predict
for him a high reputation in the army,
and am confident in saving that however
hatiering, were his prospects OF continued
success at home, he will return no less a
man, as true patriot, and hope every
way better fitted to discharge The remain
Ing professional duties of life, and recip-
rocate The by no means misplaced conf
derce of his numerous friends in spite of
every attemp. Of the slanderer.
Now, sir, have not written this let
ter at the earnest request of Surgeon
Rutherford, as an enemy might naturally
suppose but because / wish 70 do it as
a favor TO lis friends, and a satisfaction,
if they needed any, in view Of HE unjust
attempt to SANDER him, and if in your
Judgment it would answer this purpose
for any of them, you are at liberty to use
it. Yours, truly, &c.
L. NJ. HAYNES,
Chaplain 10 VI Regt.
HE MIN THAT kIrRDrnFD LOVE-