From William A. Carrington CSR (M331): Inspection report, dated 11/20/62, of 2nd Alabama Hospital.

No. 213 Main Street, Richmond, Nov. 20, 1862

Surgeon E. S. Gaillard, Medical Director,
                 Sir:
                          I have the honour to report that I have this day inspected "The 2nd Alabama Hospital" situated at the corner of 25th and Franklin Streets in the 4 storied brick factory of Turpin & Yarborough and rented to the Alabama financial agent for $250 per month. The rent is paid from funds supplied by the State of Alabama through the Legislature, which has appropriated $30,000, $20,000 of which has been spent since April 1st, 1862 on the 3rd Alabama Hospitals principally.

The yard is small, but the Cemetery of the venerable (St. John's) Church is opposite and affords space for the exercise of patients. Gas and water are supplied to the house.

On the first floor is an office, kitchen, Dining room, Store room, Apothecary Shop and a small ward - a large portion being still kept by the proprietors. The whole house consists of a body 4 stories high and a wing two stories high. On the 2nd floor is a large & small ward and a nurses room, Matron's room, Matron's kitchen, store room and bath room. On the 3rd floor is one large ward and the 4th floor is an attic used only as a baggage room.

In the yard is a Laundry, dead house and the privies, these last are very small and insufficient, there is no urinal attached, and they are in a very bad condition.

The capacity of the Hospital is for 157 patients. The Medical Staff consists of Surgeon Paul D. S. Baker and Asst Surgeons G. W. Graves and H. Baer. The attendants reported on the morning report are in accordance with the regulations but there is on Matron and one wardmaster not in the report who are paid by Mrs. Hopkins the financial agents of the State of Alabama. She has paid for much furniture of the Hospital, and much bedding has been contributed by the Citizens of Alabama. The Surgeon in charge has properly prepared requisitions and receipts for supplies - His wards and beds are numbered. Every part of the Hospital [is] visited by himself daily - An officer kept at all hours on duty - The patients divided between himself and his assistant. The Hospital Records neatly and accurately kept, and the reports of the Stewards accounted for daily, and a record kept of them. There are no rules and regulations for the government of the attendants and patients and the command(?) of the sick posted as required in Par 28 Medical Regulations.

The wardmaster has not turned over the effects of deceased soldiers to the receiver. Some are on hand, received prior to the 14th June. The wards, beds, bedding, &c - the Stewards department and apothecaries were in a cleanly condition.

The Hospital fund is exhausted, but $10,000 of the State appropriation still exists.

One Corporal and 6 men compose the guard and are sufficient. There is no guard house. Two Matrons are engaged and give satisfaction - but the Surgeon wishes no more. He has 3 female negroes who he much prefers to white female employees.

There are 8 enlisted men employed at this Hospital and only one of them detailed. Application has been made for their detail and refused. They are all represented as physically disabled for active duty.

The convalescent rule has not been obeyed (Par IX, General Orders Sept 20th). Only two patients are reported as in private quarters.

Very Respectfully
    Your Obedient Servant
         Wm. A. Carrington
            Surgeon & Inspector of Hospitals.

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