The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1896-01-16
N NIEXX/T-I COM WESTMINSTER
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pine woods, which afforded very slight
protection from the scorching rays OF the
sun. The halt was a long one, and many
were nearly overcome by the heat. At the
earnest request of quite a number OF the
officers Surgeon Wheaton went TO the
headquarters OF General Hunter, the Off
Ger in command. TO inquire the object of
so long halt. Upon making the inquiry
General Hunter replied: "The halt was
made for a purpose, " and that was all the
information that could be obtained. Their
final destination was soon reached, and
just previous to the battle Surgeon Whea-
ton was conversing with Colonel Slocum,
who was lying on his hack on the ground
and very despoudent. He said TO Surgeon
Wheaton that he bad presentment that
he would be killed in the coming battle.
Surgeon Wheaton endeavored TO dispel
such gloomy fore rebodings but without sue
cess. Colonel slocum then took diamond
ring from his finger and handing it to
Surgeon Wheaton said, II wish you
would give this to my daughter as soon
as you reach Providence. Surgeon Whea-
ton said TO him be preferred he would
keep it until after the battle, to
which Colonel Slocum replied that that
would be too late. His prophesy was
realized, as he was fatally shot in the
early part OF the battle. Upon the death
of Colonel Slocum The command OF the
regiment, devolved upon Lieutenant
Colonel Frank Wheaton, son of Surgeon
Wheaton, who also had another son i'm
the same regiment, Lieutenant William
L. Wheaton, who lost his health in the
discharge of bis duties in the service,
and was finally sent home sick, and, after
a long illness, died here. While the bat
tie was progressing. Surgeon Wheaton
established his temporary quarters Cn the
side OF ravine. about halt a mile from
the battle field. General Hunter, who was
quite severly wounded in the neck by
musket ball. was the first one 10 be-
brought to him. Surgeon Wheaton had
him laid upon the ground, in the shade
OF a large tree, and while he was en-
deavoring TO stauuch the fow OF blood
a cannon ball from the Confederates took
off some of the limb OF the tree. and COW
cred them both with branches, leaves and
bark. Surgeon Wheqton remarked to
General Hunter, that it did not seem that
he had selected the better place for the
care OF the wounded, to which General
Hunter replied: "Such is war"
Surgeon Wheaton remained in these
qaurlers, caring for the wounded, up TO
the last and then joined in the general re-
treat. His own ambulance had preceded
him, and as be had loaned his own horse,
was, therefore, compelled to start on
foot. He was overtaken by some Provi-
dence gentlemen IN a buggy, who had
been out to reconnoitro, and was kindly
given a ride portion OF the way. lie then
continued his way on foot, and upon his
arrival at Cub Run, found that his am
bulance had been struck by cannon
bail, and utterly demolished, running al
his hospital stores and implements, the
horse and driver being unnurt. lie
found the bridge at Cub Run destroyed
aud impossible even for foot passengers.
lie was nearly exhausted, but wendeG his
why W Ni' oNiNahf aAiA'' Nv 'NA'N" IAoSt
where he could ford it.
Crossing the stream he found a bank
on the opposite side, high and almost per-
pendicular. Upon reaching the top OF il
he found his hospital steward with his
horse. lie was assisted on 10 his horse
but the harness being adapted to the
wagon the reins were gone, and tho
check rein reached oHly TO the names, 80
the steward led the horse to camp.
Very soon after this the Second Regi-
ment X !. Volunteers, was dispatched
TO the battle field, ana returned with the
bodies OF Colonel slocum, Major Ballou
and Captain Tower, aud they were brought
to Camp Brightwood near the soldiers'
Home, near Washington, Surgeon whes-
ton giving up his tent for them, until ar
rangcment could be made to send them to
Rhode Island. The Second Regiment MAS
attached TO the Army Of the Potomac,
General Mcclellan commanding. Surgeon
wheaton's heaaquaftern were at various
times at Fortress Monroe, Alexandra,
Yorktown, ana ether places in Virginia.
Finally an order was received by him
from the surgeon general for him to call
together the various assistant surgeons