The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1863-03-17
OF OUR SURGEONS BY
THE FEDERALS.
From the Richmond Dispatch

We we're called upon by Drs. Haldeman, Donel-
son, aud Goodiet, Surgeons of our army who were
left in charge of our wounded after the battle Of
Murfreesboro', Tenn. In total disregard of the
provisions of the carte! in favor of Surgeons these
gentlemen were taken prisoners, aud treated with
the grossest indignity. Everything that they pos
sessed was taken from them by the brutal inspec-
tors who are appointed to do the dirty work of the
Lincoln Administration. They were entirely d.
vested of their money, surgical instruments, blan-
kets; &c. In one instance, the gloves worn by
one of these Surgeons was taken from his hands.
After their capture at Murfrcesboro' they were
taken to Nashville, thence to Louisville, and from
there sent to Cincinnati, and afterwards to Ba1ti-
more, and from the latter city to Richmond, via
Fortress Monroe Little liberty was allowed them
in any Of these cities; but still they had some op
portunity of ascertainiDg the sentiment nnw pre-
vailing In Nashville and Louisville they were cal
led upon by ladies and citizens, who were bold in
their expressions of their contempt for the misera-
Bile dynasty which has SO long held them in chains,
and from whose rule they cherish hope Of final
deliverance. The term "rebol," which is taunt
ingly applied as an epithet by the Yankees is es-
tcemed an honor, rather than a reproach, by the
ladies of these two cities.
In Cincinnati the authorities were less rigid in
the exercise Of their rule over our prisoners, and
they we're allowed to visit one or of the news
paper Offices Of that city During their stay there
:hey were called upon by several ladies, who were
accompanied by Colonel Boon, of Ohio. Notrith-
standing the presence of Colonel Boon, the con-
duct of the Northern Government was freely dis
cussed, and severely criticised ly our Surgeons
and their lady visitors.
Tn the Northwestern States, these gentlemen
state, the opposition to the Administration is
spreading rapidly and increasing in bitterness
The people everywhere fearlessly denounce Lin
coins negro policy, and in some instances declare
their determination to resist its execution. AT
Kingstown, Ind :, short time ago, collision oc-
cured between the citizens and the military, which
resulted in the arrest of $50 citizens, who we're
carried to Louisville in chains. Among the Ohio
troops there is scarcely man who is not in favor
of Vallandighan, who is candidate for Governor
of that State.
The revolution in public sentiment in the
Northwest our informants think, is much greater
than we have any idea Of here, and must eveptual-
l. lead to some important result.
In Baltimore our Surgeons were not allowed to
wear their uniforms, or to have any communca-
ton with the people of the city.
Below will be found letter addressed to the
Secretary of War, setting forth the harsh treat
ment to which they were subjected:
RICHMOND, March, 1868.
Hon James A. Seddon, Secretary of War, C.S.A.:
Sir-We, the undersigned Surgeons and Assis-
tant Surgeons c. S A., Of Department No 2, Ar
my of the West, hthing been ordered to remain
behind with the wounded captured at PcrryvIlle,
Murfreesboro', and Fort Donelson, do most respect
fully represent to the Medical Department of the
Confederate States Army our treatment while in
side the Federal lines We enter into detailed
statement, hoping that the Government which We
serve will enter protest against u repetition of
the same, it being n violation of General Orders
issued by the United States and Confederate Gov
ernments in June and July last, whereby Sur
geons were declared non -combatants, and were not
to be considered as prisoners of war, but en-
titled to kind treatment and freedom while per-
forming rAe duties of their sacred calling.
After fulfilling our duties with our respeetEe