The Buchanan County guardian. (Independence, Buchanan County, Iowa) 1858-1864, 1863-10-27
correspondence of the Guardian.


CAMP At CHATTANOOGA, TENN
October 9th, 1863.
FRIEND R1cH After a great battle,
1t Is always an anxious inquiry, How
are our wounded being cared for 2"
From repeated conversations with sur
geons and others connected with our
hospitals, as well as with many of the
wounded themselves, am able to speak
with some confidence concerning the
treatment extended to the latter since
the battle Of Chickamauga Creek.
The first thought that invariably pre-
sents itself to an observer, after battle,
is that the medical corps Of the army is
altogether too limited. 1t seems to have
been established on peace basis. The
we'll being of the wounded depends
largely u1on the promptness Of attention
paid to them, and there is often seeming
neg lect when the surgeons in charge are
in fact strainng every nerve to do their
best. Doubtless many unjust complaints
are uttered, and often find their way to
the public, under such circumstances ;
still, there is sometimes real neglect, as
was the case, to a certain extent, after
the battle of Stone River. Since then
the Medical Department of this army
has been pretty thoroughly purged, and
it is evident that inefficiency is now the
exception and not the rule.
The severely wounded of tie late bat
tie have suffered greatly, owing TO the
fact that the field was left in the hands
of the enemy. Those who were only
slightly wounded got off the field, and
are nov being cared for at hospitals re,
mote from this point. A good proper
ton ofthose OF the first days fight who
were able to bear transportation, were
also sent off the field, and afforded
prompt attention. 1t was not until near.
ly two weeks had passed that Gen. Rose.
Grams was permitted to send ambulances
to the enemy's field hospitals for our
wounded. Every care possible has been
given them since their arrival here. !
have gathered the following facts con-
corning their treatment by the enemy.
As might be expected the rebels first
paid attention TO their own wounded,
and it was sometime before any care was
bestowed upon ours, many of whom
were left lying just where they fell. fol-
four, five and even six days after the
battle. Helpless, and suffering every
conceivable misery from hunger, thirst
and cold, as well as from their wounds,
they were compelled to listen to the dy.
ing groans and prayers of many Of their
companions who might have been saved
with timely attention, and to keep com
pany with dead bodies rapidly passing
through the various offensive stages oil
decay. Who shall attempt to describe
those days and nights of horror? The
only food and water they received was
the little given them by the generous
soldiers of Longstreet's command, who
were themselves on short rations. There
was marked difference in the treatment
received from Longstreet's and Bragg's
soldiers Our wounded uniformly testi
fly, Longstreet's men used us like gen
tlemen Bragg's, like brutes the former
gave us food when they had not half
enough for themselves the latter either
passed US by or cursed US" Finally,
they were taken to the rebel hospitals,
where they received some care, and
where they were found by our ambu-
lances.
All in all, the wounded have been
more fortunate than at Stone River. 1t
now remains for the noble hearted at the
North TO extend them much needed com
forts, through the various Sanitary Com
missions. Every village and hamlet
ought 10 contribute something.
j. l.. LOOMS.