Meade, George Gordon (1815-1872) to Charles Hale Morgan
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02649.30 Author/Creator: Meade, George Gordon (1815-1872) Place Written: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 16 April 1866 Pagination: 3 p. ; 24.5 x 19.3 cm. Order a Copy
Major General Meade strongly recommends Dr. Thomas A. McParlin to Colonel Morgan for advancement in rank. Discusses details about military actions in the Civil War, and McParlin's role in them as an Army Surgeon and Medical Director of the Army of the Potomac. Notes that the campaign had more battles and heavier casualties (over 50,000) many any similar period during the war. Meade writes, "Surgeon McParlin reported to me as Medical Director of the Army of the Potomac in Jany. 1864, and continued to serve in that position till the army was disbanded in June 1865...the campaign from the Rapidan to the James, the Siege of Petersburgh & the final campaign resulting in Lee's surrender...the whole period...embracing more battles, movements & heavier casualties than any similar period during the war...I think the wounded requiring care & medical treatment amounted in this period of time to over 50,000...Surgeon McParlin, discharged his important duties not only to my satisfaction, but with great...advantage to the Government...your Board will concur with me in the justice & propriety of giving to an officer who has seen the service & distinguished himself in the manner that Surgeon McParlin has, the highest grade given to officers of his Department..." Marked "Copy sent direct."
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