From the Richmond Whig, 7/24/1861

PROVIDING FOR THE WOUNDED. - The Committee appointed at the citizens meeting, Monday afternoon, to provide for the comfort of the soldiers wounded in the battle at Manassas, were in session yesterday, ____ing and maturing the necessary arrangements. A large number of citizens came forward and proposed to receive the wounded into their homes, as far as they could, respectively, accommodate them - some, proposing to take fifteen or twenty, and none less than two. This disposition seems universal among the community. On conference, however, with Dr. DeLeon, Surgeon General, of the Confederate Army, it was deemed best to establish a temporary hospital to which the badly wounded could be conveyed and cared for. This arrangement would secure more frequent and regular surgical attendance as it would be impracticable for the surgeons to traverse the city and enter private residences as often as it would be desireable to visit the patients of this class.

Accordingly, a sub-committee was appointed to select a suitable place for the hospital. In discharge of this duty, the committee fixed upon the St. Charles Hotel, now untenanted, and in an interview with the proprietor, Mr. Ro. H. Dickinson, that gentleman, with a generosity worthy of the occasion, tendered the use of the Hotel, for the purpose indicated, without charge. The general committee accepted the offer, with the approval of Dr. DeLeon, who is earnestly co-operating with them - Every convenience for the proper accommodation of the wounded will be, or has already been provided, under their joint auspices.

Another committee was appointed to secure the services of nurses, books, and attendants. Mr. Chas. Bates was appointed Chairman of this committee, and requested that citizens who desire to volunteer their services, or to offer those of servants will report to him, this forenoon, at his place of business at the Second Market, Shockoe Hill. Of course, it is desireable that the most experienced and capable should undertake to this service, and, if necessary, liberal compensation will be allowed to nurses specially employed.

The collecting committee have been quite successful, as we knew they would, notwithstanding the heavy drafts upon the reduced resources of our citizens. There need be no apprehension, however, of collecting or contributing a larger sum than may be required for the specific object, as the surplus, if any, can be handed over to the treasurer of the Soldier's Aid fund.

Go to top