The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1896-01-16

from the neighboring camps and learn
the precise number they each had OF sick
and wounded, and also what stores they
had. Having obtained this information
Surgeon Wheaton then obtained all the
vehicles of every description that he could
and which included almost the largest
possible variety, and then in accordance
with the orders received by him all the
sick and wounded and all medical stores,
etc., were at once started for Yorktown,
where two large ocean steamers we're or
| dered to be in readiness for him. Into
one Of the steamers Surgeon Wheaton had
as many soldiers transferred, with some
stores, and assistant surgeons, as could be
comfortably arranged for, and the steamer
sailed. On the following day Surgeon
Wheaton started in the other steamer
with all the remaining men, stores, ETC.,
the destination of each being Ports
mouth Grove, X. l. The full compile
ment OF both steamers was about 2300
men, II assistant surgeons, IL Confeder-
ate prisoners and about 800 contraban
| Shortly after their arrival at Portsmouth
Grove. an officer from the surgeon general
arrived and had long conferences with
Surgeon Wheaton, and to whom Surgeon
Wheaton fully explained his plans for
hospital and other buildings. Shortly
after this officers departure Surgeon
Wheaton received orders authorizing him
to build the hospital and other buildings,
and also TO introduce water from a neigh
boring pond, as suggested by him. Sur
geon Wheaton remained in sole charge OF
Portsmouth Grove for a long time, and
upon being relieved, he returned to Provi
dence, and resumed his practice both as a
physician and surgeon, each OF which
were soon extensive and successful. In
iricaIe cases OF surgery, either mis- own or
of the late DR.. Lewis Miller, received the
attention OF each, and they were often
called for consultation and practice in
many OF her cases elsewhere.
lie became a member OF the infantry
Jaly 20, 1925. Was elected surgeon in
1885, and then again in 1913 and from
then annually until 1858, when he de-
clined. He was. elected surgeon of our
veteran association at its organization.
He was elected assistant surgeon general
Rhode Island Militia in 1853. and Surgeon
General in 1855. and from then until he
went into active service in the war of 1861,
and served under the. administration of
Governors Hoppin, Dyer, Turner, and
Sprague.
BE became member OF the Providence
Medical Society In 1882 but as nearly every
| other memb Der was so many years his SEN
ior and as grey hairs were so absolutely
essential, he was not honored with any
prominent official position. lie was, how
ever, elected librarian, and was informed
| they believed they had one volume
somew here, where they could not at that
moment say, hut il was his duty to find
| it and care for IT, At the time OF his
| death he was the oldest member OF the
Medical Society. and next to the oldest
member OF the Infantry. Aug. 2, 1927,
| Surgeon Wheaton married Amelia :. Bur
! rii, only daughter of Colonel Charles II.
Burrill OF this city. She died March 13.
| 1850. There were four children by this
marriage, but Brigadier General Frank
Wheaton, u. 3. A., long stationed in
| Texas. bat recently ordered TO Denver,
lOl., Is the only one 10 survive nlms Inc
| widow OF his son, Lieutenant William l..
! Wheaton, with her son, have long beer
members OF Surgeon Wneaton's family,
! and her unremitting care for him, antici-
| pating his wants, ever ready at bis call,
made him unmindful OF much Of his
suffering and materially prolonged his
! days. Shortly after ne first commenced
/ housekeeping the services of housekeep-
| tr were obtained, who remained with him
| up TO the time of his death, faithful to
| the enc, aud she was for many, many
| years in sole charge OF household matters.
Surgeon Wheaton's great number OF
! years weighed upon him extremely light.
| Although physically so incapacItated by
/ xaricose YGinA- and Ihnumaism as 10 have
been confined TO his house for nearly
/ seven years, rendering him helpless to
great extent, yet his mental powers were
az keen and as bright as ever.
Through the daily papers he thoroughly
posted himself on ali the current events
OF the day, and was interested In them.
Any stranger to look at him or converse