Semi-weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1853-18??, 1863-01-09
Raleigh, Jan. 4, 1862.
J. EMM0NS,
State Geologist.

Substance Of the remarks of Mr.. SMITH, Of Macon,
in the Senate on the bin to prouiie for North
Carolina Hospitals at Richmond dc.
Mr.. EE:-North- Carolina has more sick in
Richmond than any other State They have been
spread, heretofore, all over the city. They have
not always been treated with the same kindness and
attention that other soldiers from other States have
BEEN In proof of this cite the facts which occur
red after the fights before Richmond. Four or FIVE
hundred wounded N G. troops were strewed in the
markethouse, without pillow, or blanket or sur
geon, until the wounded from other States were
cared for-lay like sheep in the SHAMELESS. On ac-
count of this neglect it probable that many of our
brave and dear ones died
Sir, this bill proposes to remedy this evil Ac-
cordipg to order Of the Surgeon General, a dis
triSution will be made of the hospitals in Richmond.
OF these, North Carolina will have five. These
will be under Confederate authority, but will be at
the same time under State patronage To these the
people of the State may seno their supplies and hos
pital stores. 1t becomes then a necessity that we
have an agent at Richmond to take charge Of hos
pital depot and that the supplies and stores be
properly distributed. 1t also provides that this
agent shall be empowered to aid our sick and wound
cd in procuring furioughs and discharges; to pro-
vide temporary Home for soldiers when pass
ing Though Richmond
Mr. Speaker the medical aid furnished to our n.
c. regiments in the field is entirely too small. 1t
is not uhfrequent that orr regiments are without
surgeons Tor weeks aye, lOr monLnS, at time
The Confederate authorities, from some cause, have
not promptly filled these vacancies This neglect
has resulted in great suffering, and | fear in the
death Of many who might otherwise have been
saved. On this account daily appeals are made to
the Surgeon General Of this State, for assistance,
but he has been unauthorized and is unable to supply
this deficiency Of medical aid. | understand that
the Confederate Surgeon General has not encouraged
any proposed relief through our own Surgeon
General.
Sir, We propose in this bill to authorize the Gov
ernor to ill such vacancies until the Confederate
authorities shall deem it proper to do so. North
Carolina has plenty Of learned and skiful surgeons
which the authorities at Richmond might appoint
and while they neglect decline to do so, 1t is due
to our sick and wounded sons, that we step forward
prompted by the ties Of affection and sentiments oil
Justice, and furnish them with medical attention.
This bill, Mr.. Speaker provides for wayside hos
pitals This provision is one Of the utmost impor-
lance. Nor can we be too prompt in establishing
them. Small pox is already in our camps, and many
Of our brave soldiers have died, no doubt for the
want of medical aid There is danger of nniver-
sal spread of this dreaded and loathsome disease
Steps should therefore, be taken to prevent this as
far as practicable Some Of our sister States have
already appropriated large sums for this purpose
North Carolina has very large proportion of her
sons in field-in camps-expoSed to the ravages OF
this dreaded scourge. Our homes and little ones
are in danger, and now it becomes us to step for
ward in this noble and humane enterprise